Chapter 325: Thickening Mists

On the way to the Inspector’s mansion, Jiang Mingyu asked, watching soldiers posting notices to pacify the people.

“Did you arrange all this?”

Tukesiluo wiped the blood on his face and smiled again.

“After following Brother for so long, I’ve picked up a bit.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled, clearly satisfied with his progress.

About the time of a meal later, inside the Tanchou Inspector’s mansion.

Looking at the group of Xi Xia soldiers kneeling before him, heads bowed, Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat.

“I ask only once—give me the answer I want, and you’ll keep your lives.”

“Your lives are precious; don’t waste them lightly.”

His words struck like a warning, pressing against the Xi Xia soldiers’ hearts, trying to pry open their mouths.

He didn’t wait for their reaction, speaking directly.

“Tell me—how did Situ Hesong know I was launching a night raid on Tanchou?”

Thinking of the nearly two hundred thousand corpses outside, one Xi Xia soldier crawled forward two steps.

“Great Emperor of Dajiang, I’ll speak—don’t kill me.”

His voice trembled, terrified that Jiang Mingyu’s displeasure would cost him his head.

After all, no one wants to die.

Jiang Mingyu nodded.

“Good. You’re clever—I prefer the clever. Speak.”

Seeing his life spared, the Xi Xia soldier exhaled deeply, swallowed, and spoke.

“I only know that after the Commandant received a messenger from Emperor Taibao, he ordered us to prepare for night raids.”

“I’m just a common soldier, like you Dajiang call them—I know nothing else.”

Taibao’s messenger?

Jiang Mingyu’s furrowed brow tightened further.

How could this stranger, Taibao, know his battle style? Xi Xia had long been isolated—this made no sense.

Could Taibao have some sage advising him?

But what kind of sage could know his habits so intimately? Jiang Mingyu was even more confused.

After long silence, he turned to the other Xi Xia ambush troops.

“Is what he said true?”

The remaining dozens nodded frantically.

“Yes, we’ve all heard it.”

The remaining dozens nodded frantically.

“Yes, we’ve all heard it.”

It was indeed true. Jiang Mingyu paced back and forth, hands behind his back, yet still found no answer.

Long moments passed before he waved to Tukesiluo.

“Take these men away. Guard them closely—no mistakes.”

Watching the ambush troops led away, Tukesiluo’s thin eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Brother, why keep these damned Xi Xia beasts? Kill them all—avenge our fallen brothers.”

Jiang Mingyu shook his head thoughtfully.

“No. I have deeper plans for these men.”

Plans?

Tukesiluo asked at once.

“What plans?”

Seeing his confusion, Jiang Mingyu set aside his own doubts and explained.

“We’ve already seized half of Xi Xia’s six provinces—these lands are now Dajiang territory.”

“If we can govern Xi Xia’s civilians with Dajiang law, why not show mercy to these soldiers?”

His words, framed as a question, stirred Tukesiluo’s curiosity, urging him to understand the intent.

“Mercy?”

Tukesiluo repeated, puzzled.

“I know your hatred for Xi Xia runs deep, but nearly half a million Xi Xia soldiers lie dead—your vengeance is complete.”

Seeing Tukesiluo nod slightly, Jiang Mingyu shifted tone.

“Tell me—why, in today’s battle, did we lose fifty thousand men?”

Tukesiluo didn’t hesitate.

“Because the Xi Xia fought to the death, and our brothers charged forward bravely—that’s why we suffered heavy losses.”

Jiang Mingyu said nothing, only asked further.

“And why, beyond defending their homeland, did the Xi Xia fight so desperately?”

This…

A large question mark formed on Tukesiluo’s soft face.

“I can’t say.”

Jiang Mingyu smiled.

“The main reason is—they know Meng Pu and Yingyuan’s Xi Xia forces were annihilated by us.”

“And besides fighting us to the death, their only fate is death.”

“That’s why even cornered beasts fight—this is why we suffered such heavy losses.”

Seeing Tukesiluo nod slowly, grasping his meaning, Jiang Mingyu continued.

“But suppose, under our overwhelming advantage, we told the Xi Xia soldiers: surrender and live—what would happen?”

He added,

“Just like before.”

Tukesiluo was baffled, unable to grasp Jiang Mingyu’s intent.

Jiang Mingyu smiled silently, leading him to the dungeon, standing before the Xi Xia captives. Their faces were ashen, eyes filled with terror, heads bowed, lips pale, bodies trembling slightly.

“Look up!” Jiang Mingyu ordered. The Xi Xia soldiers flinched, raising their heads in panic—eyes brimming with despair and fear.

Jiang Mingyu scanned them, his face softening into a fatherly smile: “I believe you all love your homeland. Today, I give you a chance—join my army, fight for me across the land, earn glory and redeem yourselves. I will make you Dajiang war generals—your names will echo far, your families revered!”

The Xi Xia soldiers exchanged glances, silent. Jiang Mingyu stepped forward to a young soldier—slim, spotty, a fresh bloodstain on his forehead: “You—will you serve me?”

The young soldier swallowed hard, legs trembling, stammering: “Em—Emperor, I will!” Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, waving his hand: “Good! I appoint you Dajiang Brave General—command a thousand men!” The soldier’s eyes filled with tears; he knelt and bowed deeply. The other Xi Xia soldiers shouted in unison: they would die for Dajiang!

Jiang Mingyu turned to Tukesiluo, satisfied: “See? With these men, the conquest of Xi Xia is near. If they’re willing to fight for me, how could I betray them?”

Tukesiluo finally understood, praising the strategy repeatedly. All the Xi Xia soldiers were integrated into Dajiang’s ranks; three hundred cavalry were placed under Tukesiluo’s command. Jiang Mingyu personally provided each man with armor and weapons, and held a grand induction ceremony. The new troops were brimming with morale, swearing to die for Dajiang.

Yet Taibao’s unseen sage still haunted Jiang Mingyu. He walked alone to the watchtower, gazing at Tanchou’s shattered walls—the setting sun turned the ruins to tattered cloth, evoking a deep sorrow...