Chapter 318: Conspiracy in the Frozen Snow

Jiang Mingyu was about to deal with the prisoners when a soldier rushed up to report: "The scouts have returned! They're waiting outside for an audience." Jiang Mingyu's eyes flickered with excitement; he nodded and ordered, "Bring him in at once." He remembered sending numerous scouts forward to probe the Western Xia's weaknesses.

Moments later, a scout clad in a thick down jacket hurried forward, panting, and knelt to report: "Your Majesty, as ordered, I reconnoitered over three hundred li ahead—barely any people, just a few villagers. After winter set in, the Western Xia populace rarely ventures out, hoarding grain to survive the hardship."

The down jacket, in fact, had been "invented" by Liu Yi for the army's campaign against Western Xia.

With this gear, the Da Jiang soldiers, whose limbs stayed nimble, had no fear of the frozen, stiffened Western Xia troops.

Jiang Mingyu, a modern man who had crossed over, couldn't help feeling a quiet pang of shame.

Jiang Mingyu waved for him to rise and asked curiously, "With winter's cold, have the Western Xia troops also ceased operations, slackening their training?"

The scout replied respectfully: "Precisely so. Except at border fortresses, all cities are lightly defended. The extreme cold keeps everyone indoors, unwilling to suffer the outdoors."

Jiang Mingyu understood at once and turned to Tukesiluo with a smile: "Doesn't this count as heaven aiding us? Western Xia is utterly careless—perfect for a surprise strike."

Tukesiluo clenched his fist fiercely: "Brother, you're right! The weather cuts like knives against Western Xia but favors our Da Jiang. Let's spur our horses and strike straight for Yingyuan!"

Jiang Mingyu ordered the scout to withdraw, then turned serious to his generals: "Western Xia's complacency is clear—but we must not grow careless. We must advance with vigilance."

Jiang Mingyu nodded approvingly and immediately ordered messengers to urge the army to hasten its march. At that moment, the logistics officer Yang Wu stepped forward, worried, and asked cautiously: "Your Majesty, with this blizzard and bitter cold, the soldiers struggle to advance—could we not rest briefly?"

Jiang Mingyu patted his shoulder understandingly and spoke earnestly: "I understand your concern, but the situation is critical—this battle determines life or death. Our first condition for victory is high morale and unwavering steps. Even in this harsh environment, you must rally them—make our army as fierce as wolves and tigers."

Yang Wu bowed urgently. Other generals soon echoed their resolve, vowing loyalty and unwavering duty. The camp surged with Rexue; morale soared. The army pressed westward through the snowstorm.

As they reached a mountain ridge, Jiang Mingyu rode to inspect his ranks when he glimpsed a shadow flicker behind the trees. His expression darkened; he spurred his horse toward it at once, the cavalry following close behind. But when they arrived, only a frozen woodcutter lay on the ground, his axe still embedded beside a stump.

Deputy Officer Yang Wu exhaled in relief: "It's just a poor woodcutter who perished—Your Majesty's vigilance is truly remarkable." But Jiang Mingyu still frowned, his face tense with unease. He suddenly noticed a slip of paper on the woodcutter's body, bearing a few characters: "Western Xia Royal Decree: Da Jiang forces have arrived. Prepare for battle." Jiang Mingyu's heart jolted—had Western Xia already learned of their movement? How was it leaked? He swiftly concealed the note and whispered to Yang Wu: "Something's wrong. We must return to camp immediately—alert everyone. There may be an ambush." Yang Wu was startled too and nodded quickly. They mounted up and raced back to the main force. Unbeknownst to them, the shadow behind the trees was a Western Xia spy—who had slipped away unnoticed, racing to warn the main Western Xia army…

Several days later, Tukesiluo strode into the tent and found Jiang Mingyu intently studying a map. Without turning, Jiang Mingyu asked coolly: "What is it?"

Tukesiluo hurried to report: "Your Majesty, several scouts have returned, exhausted. They report no Western Xia troops ahead for days—vanished, as if erased from the earth." He stepped closer, arms crossed, eyes wary, as if gauging Jiang Mingyu's thoughts.

Jiang Mingyu turned, eyebrows slightly furrowed, a cold smile curling his lips. He did not believe the Western Xia would be so cowardly—there must be a trap. He remained expressionless, testing Tukesiluo's insight.

Jiang Mingyu frowned: "This is highly suspicious. What do you think?"

Tukesiluo thought carefully, then slowly analyzed: "I believe two reasons: first, the bitter cold forces Western Xia to hunker down and stockpile. Second, after our consecutive victories, they've suffered heavy losses and need time to restore morale." His reasoning was sound, revealing both loyalty and intelligence.

Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly: "And how does this affect our campaign—advantage or danger?" He watched coldly, waiting for Tukesiluo's response.

Tukesiluo scratched his head, uneasy: "It's advantageous, yes—but if Western Xia stays hidden, assaulting their cities will be harder." After pondering, he shook his head and asked earnestly: "Your Majesty, what do you think is the true reason?" He admired Jiang Mingyu deeply and longed to hear his wisdom.

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, then spoke seriously: "We've penetrated deep into their territory—never underestimate the enemy. What is the most vital thing for victory? Do you know?"

Tukesiluo froze, then his eyes lit up: "Of course—supply lines! They determine our survival!" He suddenly understood—Jiang Mingyu had already seen Western Xia's weakness. He felt profound admiration.

Tukesiluo blurted out: "Simple! Spread rumors to lure them into raiding our supplies—then draw them into battle and crush them!"

Jiang Mingyu laughed warmly and clapped his shoulder: "Exactly! My only worry is they won't leave their homes!"

Tukesiluo grinned confidently: "Leave it to me!" He hurried off to make arrangements.

At that moment, Deputy Officer Yang Wu arrived to report. Jiang Mingyu asked: "Are our supply lines obstructed?" Yang Wu quickly denied it; Jiang Mingyu relaxed. He had already devised his plan—waiting only for Western Xia to take the bait and be annihilated.

That night, Jiang Mingyu stood alone on a high cliff, gazing at distant thousands of lanterns glowing through swirling snow. The scene was serene, reminding him of days in Shangmu, chatting with Liu Yi and old friends. How long would this war last? Could he truly claim all of Western Xia's vast lands?

Ten days later, Tukesiluo arrived breathlessly before Jiang Mingyu and exclaimed: "Brother, our army will soon reach Yingyuan's gates! But from Shangmu to here—over two or three thousand li—bitter cold and ice have made supply transport unbearable!"

Jiang Mingyu frowned: "What's the exact situation? Are supplies nearly gone?"

Tukesiluo nodded heavily, describing anxiously: "Your Majesty, the supply trains have endured long, grueling journeys. Not counting losses en route, even if six-tenths of the grain reaches camp, it's a miracle. If this continues, the consequences will be catastrophic!"

Fang Hang chimed in urgently: "Your Majesty, we fear supplies will become our greatest weakness—we must act swiftly!"

Jiang Mingyu fell silent, then looked at the two: "You're right. So tell me—how should we respond in this crisis? I wish to hear your thoughts."

Tukesiluo answered first: "I believe we must seize Western Xia's grain supplies immediately—it will ease our crisis and boost morale."

Fang Hang agreed eagerly: "Precisely! Our main force is strong, but logistics are our fatal weakness. This plan would turn their grain into ours—two benefits at once!"

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, then shifted tone: "Your ideas are sound—but my ultimate goal is to capture Western Xia's Emperor Yi. Revealing our strength is a cardinal sin in warfare!"

The generals all looked enlightened. Jiang Mingyu continued: "Now, Western Xia is on full alert—we cannot defeat them directly. So the best strategy is to lure the snake from its hole…"

Tukesiluo gasped: "Are you suggesting we let enemy forces raid our supplies? But we must be prepared!" Jiang Mingyu smiled without replying; the others nodded knowingly. The secret plan was set—the army immediately prepared to advance westward, waiting for Western Xia to take the bait.