Chapter 348: Tu Tu Kesiluo's Big Son

Half a shichen later, at the Wang Fu of the Guardian of the State.

Looking at the sleeping infant before him, Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes grew wet with emotion. This man, always gloomy and taciturn, now trembled with joy like a child, his hands shaking uncontrollably.

"Big Brother, look quickly! I have a son! You also have a great-nephew!" Tu Tu Kesiluo happily grabbed Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hand, his voice trembling slightly from excitement.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded with a smile. Upon closer inspection, the infant was very cute, with a head of short, thick black hair, rosy chubby cheeks, and a peaceful sleeping posture.

"Congratulations. The nephew truly looks like a combination of you and Zhang Zhang Jiani."

"Thank you, Big Brother, for your auspicious words. I, this useless younger brother, have finally added a brick to the Jiang family!" Tu Tu Kesiluo smiled so widely his mouth wouldn't close.

At this moment, Zhang Zhang Jiani, still in her confinement period, walked over with a flushed face.

"Wife, you have worked hard!" Tu Tu Kesiluo hurried over to support her. "During this time while I was away on campaign, I made you suffer staying home alone to recover your body."

"You have not found it easy either, quelling the wars abroad. That you and the child are all well is my greatest wish," Zhang Zhang Jiani said gently.

Watching this affectionate couple, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but think of his beloved wife, Liu Liu Yifei, far away at the frontier. He, who was always decisive and resolute, now felt a surge of heartache and worry in his heart.

"Liu Yifei, we are separated by distance, missing each other day and night... I wonder if you are well?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought silently.

"Big Brother, what are you thinking? Why did you suddenly space out?" Tu Tu Kesiluo's voice pulled Jiang Jiang Mingyu's thoughts back.

"Nothing, just recalling some past events," Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head and put on a smile again. "I was just pondering deeply and have decided to enfeoff my nephew as 'Marquis An Yuan' to inherit the Jiang family lineage!"

"Thank you, Big Brother!" Zhang Zhang Jiani was overjoyed.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was also extremely excited: "Big Brother, I guarantee the Jiang family foundation will remain forever solid. When the nephew grows up, he will surely live up to expectations!"

"Good! With you excellent young people shouldering the Jiang family banner, I, an old horse in the stable, will have no regrets," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said, his joy showing on his face.

As the three were chatting and laughing happily, a Retainer suddenly ran in quickly, dust still on his body, obviously having rushed here in a hurry.

"Reporting to the King, news from the Southern Frontier: the Southern Frontier army has assembled; the situation is critical!"

"What!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face changed instantly. "I will immediately head to the Southern Frontier! Ensure the boats, carriages, and provisions are ready; set off at once!"

The Retainer responded with a sound and busily went out to make preparations.

Seeing this, Zhang Zhang Jiani hurried over to comfort him: "Big Brother, do not worry. I will send a Physician immediately to attend to her; we will surely save Sister's life."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu calmed his impatient mood slightly and said in a deep voice: "Thank you, Zhang Jiani. I will head south early tomorrow morning. You two should rest assured and recover your bodies in the Imperial Palace."

"Big Brother, I will go with you!" Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke up. "We are brothers, originally inseparable. Moreover, I am also very worried about Sister's safety."

"Then I will trouble you to accompany me," Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded. "But you have just become a father; do you mean to leave your wife and child unattended?"

"I will make proper arrangements," Tu Tu Kesiluo said with determination in his voice.

Zhang Zhang Jiani stepped forward and placed her hand on Tu Tu Kesiluo's: "Go with Big Brother. I will take good care of myself and the child. You can set off with peace of mind."

"Zhang Jiani, I owe you so, so much..." Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes were full of apology.

"What do you mean by owing or not owing," Zhang Zhang Jiani said. "I understand in my heart that no one in this world will love me like you do. Go, complete this mission successfully, and then return to me safely. That is my greatest wish."

Tu Tu Kesiluo excitedly embraced Zhang Zhang Jiani, only letting go after a long while.

Zhang Zhang Jiani turned to Jiang Jiang Mingyu again: "Big Brother, I will make all preparations ready; I will see you off tomorrow morning."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gratefully nodded: "You have worked hard, Zhang Jiani. With you here, I can set off on campaign with peace of mind."

The three parted ways, each with their own thoughts. Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked out the window at the blue sky, and Liu Liu Yifei's figure rose once more in his mind. He was not a man prone to showing tenderness, but at this moment, his heart was filled with unprecedented unease and worry...

At the Jincheng Camp, with golden spears and iron horses, a hundred thousand mighty troops radiated a chilling killing intent. Jiang Jiang Mingyu, clad in silver chainmail and holding the family heirloom Wang Sword, stood tall and dignified.

"King, the hundred thousand troops have completed assembly and await the order to march, to execute the military order of aiding the Three Continents and destroying the Southern Frontier!" Commander Zhang Lingchen reported respectfully.

"Good!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes burned brightly, his voice loud and clear. "This King will personally lead the army and surely trample the Southern Frontier!"

Having spoken, he swung onto his horse and slowly walked to the very front of the military formation. A hundred thousand pairs of eyes fixed their gaze on this majestic monarch; in an instant, the scene was silent as a grave.

"Soldiers!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu began. "You are the sharpest blade of the continent, and the vanguard army realizing our dream of unification!"

"The King is wise!" Boiling cheers rose and fell.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised his hand to stop them and continued speaking slowly: "For this southern expedition, this King personally leads the elite of the world to directly strike the vital points of the Southern Frontier. We all face death without fear, swearing to destroy the Southern Frontier and complete the great cause of continental unification!"

"Only by leveling this last Southern Frontier barrier will we be the true meritorious officials of the founding!"

For a moment, the air was filled with solemnity and Master Jiang.

"King, we subjects will certainly exert our utmost effort; even if we are shattered to dust, we will complete the King's sacred trust!" The Iron Cavalry Camp clenched their fists and shouted excitedly, their voices loud.

"Yes! We would rather fight a desperate battle, only seeking success in the fierce fight. At that time, the fine wine of Jingcheng will reward us with infinite glory!"

"Long live the King! Long live! Ten thousand years!"

A sense of grandeur surged in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart; he knew that the blood and enthusiasm of these soldiers before him were the strongest backing for the continental hegemony.

"Brothers, today this King wants to see your heroic and passionate bearing!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu shouted loudly!

Amidst a chorus of shouts, Li Goudan stepped forward and knelt, saying: "King, we swear to achieve your hegemony, to be recorded in history forever!"

"Goudan, we have been comrades for a long time; this King trusts you greatly! For this battle, you will lead the rear guard; the heavy responsibility of cutting off the rear is entrusted to you!"

"I will not disgrace your command; I swear to guard the rear area safely with my life!" Li Goudan respectfully accepted the order.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked into the distance again and saw Tu Tu Kesiluo, clad in silver armor, riding his horse at full speed towards him.

"Big Brother, the vanguard army is already fully prepared! Please issue the order for the southern expedition!" Tu Tu Kesiluo, having arrived close, shouted bravely.

"Good! In this battle, our main force will make a surprise attack on the Southern Frontier's interior, directly capturing the enemy's capital. You will serve as the vanguard; do you dare to undertake this heavy responsibility?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked proudly.

"Big Brother, the unavenged hatred of this life can only be repaid by trampling on the Southern Frontier King's head! Please give your orders with confidence!" Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes were extremely firm.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was greatly pleased and slapped his shoulder heavily: "Good brother, in this battle we should achieve fame and success!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo leaped from his horse, wielding his sharp sword, and let out a long, whistling shout: "Hundred thousand mighty troops, hear the signal and set off, straight down to the enemy's capital!"

"Set off! Set off! Kill the enemy and serve the country..."

The vast iron cavalry sped south towards the Southern Frontier. Letting the stationed Zhu Ge Yu watch with melancholy, all that could be seen was dust flying and dense forest armor.

In the years to come, will there be frequent reports of victory? Will we return in glory? Only fighting bravely and killing the enemy is the best strategy!

Zhang Zhang Jiani had arrived early at the city tower to see them off. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo rode their horses out of the city and galloped away. Letting Zhang Zhang Jiani's shouts behind them fade into the distance, a thought in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mind had already flown to Liu Liu Yifei, a thousand li away.

"Liu Yifei, I am coming... Please you must hold on! When I arrive, we will never be separated again..."

The vast army marched along the road, Jiang Jiang Mingyu frequently looking back to ensure the troops maintained strict discipline. This was already the third day of the expedition.

"Your Majesty, barring any changes, we shall enter Yizhou by tomorrow evening." Governor Shen Yantian attended at his side.

"Very good." Jiang Jiang Mingyu was in high spirits. "Our army has ample provisions; continue advancing at this speed."

"Once we arrive in Yizhou tomorrow, summon all civil and military officials to a meeting, make grand promises to boost morale, then immediately dispatch troops to strike straight at Guizhou!"

"As you command! Your Majesty is wise!" Shen Yantian clasped his hands and replied.

The next day, the hundred-thousand-strong army took up residence in the mansions scattered throughout Yizhou. Jiang Jiang Mingyu changed into court robes, a smile on his face, and paced into the assembly hall. All civil and military officials were already in place, the scene magnificent and solemn.

"Ministers, is there anything urgent to report recently?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked straight to the point.

"Your Majesty, we have strived to coordinate the hearts of the people and the army, ensuring the logistical supply for the great army. Everything is properly prepared and ready!" Imperial Censor Du Guangyuan stepped forward from the crowd and respectfully reported.

"Excellent." Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt deeply gratified. He glanced around, his eyes burning bright. "All you brave ones, we all harbor the long-cherished wish to unify the realm. Today is the perfect time to achieve this great cause!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" All civil and military officials chanted incessantly.

At this moment, a burly giant stepped forward; it was Lu Chudao, the messenger who had previously gone to Jizhou to deliver military orders.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the defender of Guizhou is indeed my trusted subordinate Song An, and the defense is well-managed." Shi Jiao respectfully reported, "Mu Mu Feihang has fallen into the trap and advanced deep beneath the walls of Guizhou City, currently wasting provisions in provocation."

"Very good." Jiang Jiang Mingyu showed a look of relief. "I am greatly reassured. Shi Jiao, immediately order the spies to inform General Song that reinforcements will arrive soon. He must defend Guizhou to the death and continue to lure the enemy."

"Yes! Your humble subject obeys!" Shi Jiao responded and withdrew.

Tu Tu Kesiluo leaned close to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and whispered, "Big Brother, should we split our forces into two columns to attack from both sides? I will lead the army east to support Fu Fu Xingjian, while you lead the army south to join forces?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head and rejected the idea: "No need. We will still take the hundred-thousand strong army straight for Guizhou to help Song An annihilate the Southern Border Army in one stroke. Fu Fu Xingjian will naturally attack from the southern route."

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded in understanding and immediately issued loud orders to form the ranks. Soon, the army filing out of the city, led by Jiang Jiang Mingyu, drove straight into the heart of Guizhou.