Chapter 348

Half an hour later, the State Pacifying Prince’s Mansion.

Looking at the infant sleeping before him, Tukesulu’s eyes grew moist with emotion. This usually gloomy and silent man now trembled with joy, his hands shaking like a child’s.

“Big brother, look! I have a son! You have a nephew now!” Tukesulu seized Jiang Mingyu’s hand, his voice trembling with excitement.

Jiang Mingyu nodded with a smile, gazing closely—the baby was adorable, with thick black short hair, rosy cheeks, and a peaceful expression in sleep.

“Congratulations! Your nephew looks just like a blend of you and Jiani.”

“Thank you, big brother’s good words. This useless younger brother has finally added a brick to the Jiang family!” Tukesulu grinned broadly.

At that moment, Zhang Jiani, still in confinement after childbirth, walked over, her face flushed.

“My dear, you’ve endured so much!” Tukesulu hurried to support her. “While I was away on campaign, you bore the burden of healing alone.”

“You faced chaos on the frontier—it was no easier for you. As long as you and the child are well, that is my greatest wish,” Zhang Jiani said gently.

Watching the loving couple, Jiang Mingyu thought of his own wife, Liu Yifei, far away on the border. Even this decisive, resolute man felt a pang of worry and longing.

“Yifei, we are separated by distance, missing each other day and night... How are you?” Jiang Mingyu thought silently.

“Big brother, what are you thinking about? You suddenly went quiet,” Tukesulu’s voice pulled Jiang Mingyu back.

“Nothing. Just some memories.” Jiang Mingyu shook his head, forcing a smile. “I’ve been pondering deeply—I’ve decided to grant our nephew the title of ‘Anyuan Marquis,’ to carry on the Jiang family lineage!”

“Thank you, big brother!” Zhang Jiani beamed with joy.

Tukesulu was overwhelmed: “Big brother, I swear I will ensure the Jiang family’s foundation endures forever. My son will never disappoint your expectations!”

“Good! With outstanding young people like you carrying the Jiang banner, this old steed resting in its stall has no regrets,” Jiang Mingyu said, beaming.

As the three laughed and chatted, a retainer rushed in, still dusty from travel, clearly having ridden hard.

“Your Highness, news from the Southern Frontier—the Southern Army has assembled. The situation is critical!”

“What!” Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened. “I depart for the Southern Frontier at once! Prepare the carriage, funds, and supplies—set out immediately!”

The retainer bowed and hurried out to make preparations.

Seeing this, Zhang Jiani quickly stepped forward to comfort him: “Big brother, don’t panic—I’ll send physicians immediately. I’ll ensure your sister’s life is saved.”

Jiang Mingyu calmed his agitation slightly and said gravely: “Thank you, Jiani. I leave for the south at dawn tomorrow. You two stay and rest in the palace.”

“I’m going with you, big brother!” Tukesulu spoke up. “We’ve always been inseparable brothers. And I’m deeply worried about my sister’s safety.”

“Then I’ll rely on your company,” Jiang Mingyu nodded. “But you’ve just become a father—will you abandon your wife and child?”

“I’ll make proper arrangements,” Tukesulu said firmly.

Zhang Jiani stepped forward and took Tukesulu’s hand. “Go with big brother. I’ll take care of myself and the child. Just go, and don’t worry.”

“Jiani, I owe you so much...” Tukesulu’s eyes filled with guilt.

“Don’t speak of owing,” Zhang Jiani said. “I know no one in this world loves me as you do. Go—fulfill this mission, then return to me safely. That is my only wish.”

Tukesulu embraced Zhang Jiani tightly, holding her for a long moment before letting go.

Zhang Jiani turned to Jiang Mingyu: “Big brother, I’ll prepare everything. I’ll see you off tomorrow morning.”

Jiang Mingyu nodded gratefully: “Thank you, Jiani. With you here, I can march with peace of mind.”

The three parted, each lost in thought. Jiang Mingyu gazed out the window at the blue sky—Liu Yifei’s image rose again in his heart. He was never a man who showed softness, yet now his heart ached with unprecedented unease and longing...

In Jincheng’s encampment, weapons gleamed, horses neighed, and a hundred thousand troops radiated fierce, chilling martial energy. Jiang Mingyu wore a silver chainmail armor, gripping his ancestral royal sword, standing tall and majestic.

“Your Highness, the hundred-thousand-strong army is fully assembled and awaits your decree to launch the campaign to aid the Three Provinces and destroy the Southern Frontier!” General Zhang Lingchen reported with utmost respect.

“Good!” Jiang Mingyu’s eyes blazed, his voice thunderous. “I shall lead this army personally—I will crush the Southern Frontier!”

He mounted his horse and rode slowly to the front of the formation. One hundred thousand pairs of eyes fixed on this mighty monarch—suddenly, the entire field fell silent.

“Soldiers!” Jiang Mingyu called out. “You are the sharpest blades on this continent—and the vanguard of our dream of unification!”

“Your Highness is wise!” Roars of acclaim rose in waves.

Jiang Mingyu raised his hand to silence them, then continued calmly: “This southern campaign, I lead the finest troops under heaven to strike directly at the Southern Frontier’s vital points. We all face death without fear—we swear to annihilate the Southern Frontier and complete the unification of the continent!”

“Only by leveling this final Southern Frontier barrier shall we truly be the founding heroes of this empire!”

A solemn, electrifying energy filled the air.

“Your Highness, we swear to give our all—even if we must shatter our bodies—to fulfill your sacred command!” The Iron Cavalry clenched fists and roared in fervor.

“Yes! We’d rather fight with our backs to the wall than fail. When we win, let the capital’s wine flow and our glory be endless!”

“Your Highness, ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand, ten thousand years!”

Jiang Mingyu felt a surge of grandeur—he knew these soldiers’ blood and zeal were the strongest foundation of the continent’s dominion.

“Brothers! Today, I want to see your heroic spirit blaze!” Jiang Mingyu shouted.

Amid the roaring cheers, Li Goudan stepped forward and knelt: “Your Highness, we swear to build your dominion and etch our names in history!”

“Goudan, we’ve fought side by side for years—I trust you completely. This battle, you command the rear guard. The responsibility of holding the rear falls to you!”

“I shall not fail. I swear to defend the rear at all costs!” Li Goudan bowed deeply.

Jiang Mingyu gazed into the distance and saw Tukesulu galloping toward him, clad in silver armor.

“Big brother, the vanguard is fully armed and ready! Give the order for the southern campaign!” Tukesulu reined in his horse and shouted fiercely.

“Good! Our main force will strike deep into the Southern Frontier’s heartland, targeting their capital. You lead the vanguard—dare you take this responsibility?” Jiang Mingyu asked boldly.

“Big brother, the grudge I’ll never forgive can only be repaid by crushing the Southern King beneath my boots! Give the order!” Tukesulu’s gaze was unwavering.

Jiang Mingyu beamed and clapped him hard on the shoulder: “Good brother! This battle shall make us legendary!”

Tukesulu spurred his horse forward, brandishing his sword, and roared: “One hundred thousand warriors, heed the call—march straight to the enemy capital!”

“March! March! Kill the enemy, serve the nation...”

The vast iron cavalry surged southward. Behind them, Zhuge Yu watched with sorrow—dust rose, forests blurred, all he could see was the fading trail.

Would victory come swiftly? Would they return home in glory? Only by fighting bravely was there any hope.

Zhang Jiani arrived early at the city wall to see them off. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu rode out of the city, galloping swiftly away. As Zhang Jiani’s cries faded behind them, Jiang Mingyu’s thoughts flew a thousand miles to Liu Yifei.

“Yifei, I’m coming... Please hold on. When I arrive, we’ll never be parted again...”

The vast army marched onward. Jiang Mingyu kept glancing back, ensuring discipline. It was the third day of the campaign.

“Your Majesty, barring changes, we’ll enter Yizhou by tomorrow evening,” General Shen Yantian reported beside him.

“Good.” Jiang Mingyu’s spirits lifted. “Our supplies are ample—maintain this pace.”

“Once we reach Yizhou, summon all civil and military officials for a meeting. Deliver a stirring speech to boost morale—then immediately march on Guizhou!”

“Yes, Your Highness! Your wisdom is unmatched!” Shen Yantian bowed.

The next day, the hundred-thousand-strong army occupied Yizhou’s grand mansions. Jiang Mingyu donned his court robes, smiling as he walked into the hall. All civil and military officials were in place—the scene was grand and solemn.

“My ministers, any urgent matters to report?” Jiang Mingyu asked bluntly.

“Your Majesty, we’ve worked to harmonize public and military morale, ensuring full logistical support—all is prepared!” Minister Du Guangyuan stepped forward and reported respectfully.

“Excellent.” Jiang Mingyu felt satisfied. He scanned the room, eyes blazing. “All of you brave souls, we all carry the dream of unifying the world. Today is the moment to fulfill this great endeavor!”

“Your Highness is wise!” The officials chanted in unison.

At that moment, a burly man strode forward—it was Lu Chudao, the messenger who had previously delivered orders to Jizhou.

“Your Majesty, the commander of Guizhou is my trusted officer, Song An—he defends skillfully,” Lu Chudao reported. “Mu Feihang has fallen into our trap, advancing deep beneath Guizhou’s walls, wasting supplies and provoking us.”

“Good.” Jiang Mingyu smiled with relief. “Lu Chudao, immediately send spies to inform General Song—the reinforcements are coming. Hold Guizhou at all costs, continue luring the enemy.”

“Yes, Your Majesty! I shall obey without delay!” Lu Chudao bowed and withdrew.

Tukesulu leaned close to Jiang Mingyu and whispered: “Big brother, should we split our forces for a pincer attack? I lead troops east to support Fuxing Sword, while you lead south to link up?”

Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “No. We advance as one hundred thousand, strike directly at Guizhou, and help Song An annihilate the Southern Army. Fuxing Sword will strike from the south on its own.”

Tukesulu nodded in understanding, then shouted orders to reorganize the ranks. Soon, the army marched out in orderly columns, following Jiang Mingyu straight into Guizhou’s heartland.