Chapter 359: Helplessly Repeating the Same Tactic

Although they had just experienced an unpleasant interlude, the shattered morale of the army finally coalesced once more. That was enough.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook the rain from his body but showed no intention of changing clothes. He climbed straight onto his horseback and shouted to the surroundings: "March on Jiangzhou! Move out!"

At his single roar, the 150,000-strong army, trampling through muddy water, immediately surged southward toward the south gate in a mighty procession. The rain did not cease; the army struggled forward along the official road, which was impassable with mud. Jiang Jiang Mingyu led from the front, wading at the very head. Tens of thousands of troops followed behind, the clattering of horse hooves mingling with soft whispers, echoing far beyond the walls of the city under surveillance.

The oil-paper umbrellas, already soaked through, gradually lost their ability to provide shelter, as cold rain pattered down on the soldiers. Yet whether armor, tiger tally, or long spear, all were washed by the rain curtain into a look of weathered majesty. This elite force, tempered through years of arduous campaigns, advanced with unyielding steps toward final victory.

Due to marching all day in the torrential rain, by evening the army had barely covered seventy-eight li, setting up camp in a clearing within a forest. The soldiers quickly erected tents and lit Xiong Xiongliehuo. The camp was thick with the smoke of fires, warming this small corner of the world. The soldiers retrieved their wind-and-frost-worn armor and clothing, letting steam slowly rise from them beside the bonfires.

Night had deepened, and the rain had begun to subside. Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained in his tent, studying the map and planning the next day's route. That night, the 150,000-strong army slept soundly. They no longer discussed the so-called "Heaven's Punishment"; all their thoughts were fixed on the great cause of the southern expedition. At dawn the next day, the sleepy camp would stir once more, every face filled with determination and expectation—this army of a hundred battles, led by a wise ruler, advanced with unstoppable force toward their ultimate goal.

The sky grew dimmer, within the main camp.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, holding a cup of hot tea and sneezing repeatedly, frowned as he stared at the map before him. The map marked their current position and the Jiangzhou ahead, still five days' journey away.

"If the heavens do not clear up, at this pace, it will probably take at least five days to reach Jiangzhou," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said, and then let out an earth-shattering, loud sneeze, splashing tea all over the table.

Standing behind him, Tu Tu Kesiluo sighed helplessly and handed him a handkerchief. This sudden autumn rain had hindered their march and also made him worry about the situation on the front lines.

"Big Brother, I know you are worried about Ke Xin's situation, but with autumn approaching and rain pouring down, there is nothing we can do," Tu Tu Kesiluo comforted him.

"But then again, if we are suffering, Ke Bin's side must surely be in a similar mess," Tu Tu Kesiluo said, looking out the window at the driving rain. The sparse rain threads struck the oil-paper umbrella, making a "da da" sound.

As he spoke, he suddenly pointed at the map, his little finger landing on the location of Jiangzhou. "Moreover, Big Brother, look: Jiangzhou is low-lying. If the heavy rain continues for a few more days, it will probably become a vast expanse of water. Setting aside other matters, once the military grain in Jiangzhou city molds and the weapons rot, even if Ke Bin has a million troops, he will find it hard to exert power."

Tu Tu Kesiluo paused here and smiled faintly again. "The biggest problem now is how to pry open the gates of Jiangzhou?" He looked at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, waiting for his decision.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu held the tea, still steaming, and looked up pitifully at the outside, where the heavy rain was falling even harder. Even the tent was swaying precariously in the wild wind. He sighed heavily, rubbed his red nose, and began studying the map again with teary eyes.

The location of Jiangzhou on the map was marked with a red highlight and circled, with a large X drawn in pencil. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face grew even more grim; he coughed forcefully twice, wishing he could cough out the entire lump of air choking his heart.

"With this rain, we probably cannot enter the city within five days," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said, looking up at the silent Tu Tu Kesiluo behind him. "Liu Liu Yifei's days in the city probably will not be easy; I truly cannot rest easy."

Tu Tu Kesiluo scratched his head and sighed too. He stepped forward two paces, squatted beside Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and pointed at the location of Jiangzhou city on the map. "Your eldest sister-in-law has a fiery temper; she will not easily yield. Besides, the city relies on water, and the granary reserves are sufficient, so it can hold out for now."

"Our two armies are facing each other; Ke Bin's side must be suffering too. This rain is equally bitter for both sides; perhaps it will even force him to retreat," Tu Tu Kesiluo tried to cheer up Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu forced a smile and began studying the river distribution on the map again. "There is a Dahe river circling the city here. If we can divert the water to flood the city..." He gestured over the map, suddenly remembered something, and sighed heavily again. "But Liu Liu Yifei is still in the city. If we flood her too, wouldn't that be..."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. Outside, wind and rain raged, knocking the tent "kuang kuang." Jiang Jiang Mingyu blew his nose heavily again, but his mind had already begun planning various countermeasures.

Early the next morning, the rain had lessened slightly but showed no sign of stopping. Jiang Jiang Mingyu had woken up several times during the night; his limbs, already sore and weak from the cold, throbbed faintly in the damp cold. Yet he still insisted on sounding the order for the army to march. Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his face pale, coughed repeatedly, forced his spirit up, climbed onto his warhorse, and led the army northward again.

On the fourth day of their journey, at dusk, piercing through layers of rain curtain, they finally caught a faint glimpse of the distant city outline—that was their target, Jiangzhou. The journey had been unusually calm; Ke Bin and the city's defenders seemed to have gone quiet. Jiang Jiang Mingyu blew his nose hard, a sense of ominous foreboding rising in his heart.

"Big Brother, that over there should be Jiangzhou City, right?" Tu Tu Kesiluo asked, pointing to the city silhouette faintly visible in the rain. Jiang Jiang Mingyu coughed twice with effort, finally recovering some voice: "Correct, that is Jiangzhou City."

Rushing past them was the surging river. Jiang Jiang Mingyu wiped the rain from his face and squinted at the Dahe river beside the city. "Feng Xiwéi, you judge the best location for the water attack." Feng Xiwéi nodded silently and surveyed the terrain. After a long while, he pointed to a high river embankment: "Your Majesty, this spot is closest to Jiangzhou; breaking through here is most suitable."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked up at the sky, where dark clouds were thick, showing no sign of stopping. Turning his head, he saw the Dahe river displaying rare ferocity even in the storm. It seemed the time had arrived; it was time to implement this cruel plan.

"Very well, then let us act!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu ordered in a deep voice. Immediately, Li Goudan led over a hundred sappers and began digging a breach in the embankment. Shovels fell in unison, mud flew, and soon a gap was carved out in the dam. The river water roared in, destroying ditches along the way and spreading toward the outskirts of Jiangzhou.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was gloomy; he silently murmured, "Liu Yifei, forgive me." He knew Liu Liu Yifei was definitely in Jiangzhou city; once the river water flooded the city, it would inevitably put her in danger. But at this moment, only this could quickly capture the city and free her from Ke Bin's clutches. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart was cut like a knife, yet he had no other option. The soldiers behind him showed hesitation but could only follow silently, waiting for the flood to submerge the city.

Shortly after, the roar of the embankment collapsing echoed through the clouds. The surging river water, like a fierce tiger leaving the mountain, roared toward Jiangzhou city.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu furrowed his brows, staring tightly at the rapidly rising flood. A trace of worry crossed his face; whether this sudden heavy rain could truly turn the tide of battle was yet unknown. A wild wind swept across the grassland, whipping his cloak and making it "lie lie" sound. Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but shiver; this biting cold wind seemed to warn of some ominous omen approaching.

"If the heavy rain does not stop, even if Ke Bin has a million troops, they will all be wiped out," Tu Tu Kesiluo said with a cold smile, though there was no trace of a smile in his eyes. His tense face seemed to be trying hard to conceal inner unease; only his slightly pale lips betrayed his true emotions.

At this moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could already see the Southern Border soldiers in the city fleeing wildly in the great flood, their desperate wails mixing with the sound of rain. Some desperately clung to broken walls and ruins; others floated lifelessly in the surging waves, ultimately all meeting a tragic end. This cruel scene did not make Jiang Jiang Mingyu feel the slightest pity; he watched this human tragedy with cold eyes, feeling only that he had finally taken revenge and settled the score.

"Your Majesty, what do we do next?" Li Goudan forced a few movements of his mouth corners, trying to conceal the ruthlessness in his eyes. His fingers curled involuntarily, as if still retaining the sensation of having just choked an enemy's throat. This slaughter was far from enough for him; he longed to extinguish more lives until this thirst for blood was satisfied.

"Wait," Jiang Jiang Mingyu tightened his rain cape and said coldly: "Order the army to set up camp, send scouts to closely monitor Jiangzhou's movements, and only act once Ke Bin's entire army is wiped out." He urged the groom, galloping across the grassland to find a high ground. Jiang Jiang Mingyu had to personally supervise this slaughter, ensuring every enemy was left without a trace. He would not leave any Southern Border base scoundrel a chance to escape. In this battle, he would definitely wash the Southern Border in blood and completely eradicate the enemy's roots.

The scouts rushed toward Jiangzhou like flying birds, while Jiang Jiang Mingyu's One Da Jiang soldiers gradually set up their main camp on the heights. Countless eyes were fixed on this lone city, waiting for the final bloody conclusion. Flags snapped in the wind, the cold wind "hu hu," as if the black wings of death were covering the land above. This battle of Jiangzhou, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought silently, the outcome was already decided; what remained was merely the time to settle the final account.

About one shichen later, the dispatched scouts returned. They ran into the main tent in three steps taking two, splashing water from their wet rain capes behind them. Jiang Jiang Mingyu was carefully sipping a bowl of hot medicinal soup; seeing their wretched appearance, he could not help but frown.

"Your Majesty, the great flood has already entered the city; it won't take long before the entire Jiangzhou is submerged!" the scout panted heavily, his speech so fast as if he were rushing on a journey. "When I turned back from outside the city, the soldiers inside were rushing everywhere trying to block the flood, but with little effect. Everywhere in the city are wails and cries for help; many have already died from the flood disaster!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hand trembled slightly, nearly spilling the medicinal soup. He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the unease in his heart. Tu Tu Kesiluo, however, sneered beside him, his eyes revealing a predator-like excitement. "Big Brother, this water flow probably will not last another shichen before Ke Bin can no longer hold out. If our army arrives at the city gates early tomorrow morning, we will surely win easily!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not reply, downed the medicine in one gulp, and then signaled the scout to withdraw. His numb gaze faintly revealed worry, yet he had already made his decision. At this very moment, the only thing he cared about was the safety of his Lady. Jiang Jiang Mingyu decisively ordered the army to prepare for attack, swearing to strike straight into Jiangzhou at the first dawn to rescue his beloved.

Tu Tu Kesiluo looked at his lord in disbelief; he had originally thought Jiang Jiang Mingyu would be more cautious, after all, the sudden flood yesterday was truly unpredictable. He tentatively said, "Big Brother, this flood is fierce; Ke Bin might choose to abandon the city and break out. Why not wait and see how things develop, to prevent him from rising again?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, gave a cold smile. "My Lady is still in Jiangzhou city; whether Ke Bin escapes or not has nothing to do with me. I only seek to rescue my beloved as soon as possible." As he spoke, he coughed heavily again, as if scalded by the medicinal soup. Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand to dismiss Tu Tu Kesiluo and ordered him to immediately transmit the military order to attack tomorrow.

Outside the tent came the orderly footsteps of soldiers and their powerful, ringing shouts, yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu already felt weak all over. He leaned crookedly against a stool, his mind full of his beautiful and dignified Lady. Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew tomorrow would be a life-or-death battle; they would face not only the enemy's blades and spears but also this unpredictable flood. Yet to rescue his beloved, even if it meant nine deaths and one life, Jiang Jiang Mingyu would not hesitate. He gently touched the jade pendant on his chest, the token given to him by his beloved Lady. Just thinking of her being in the midst of fire and water now made Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart ache like a knife cut.

This long, despair-inducing night finally passed.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was awakened by the noisy clatter of horse hooves outside the military tent. He suddenly opened his eyes and saw the tent door wide open; Feng Xiwéi and Li Goudan were rushing in with great haste.

"Report! Your Majesty, another scout has returned!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu scrambled up in three or five quick steps, his heart tightening. He could not wait to know the latest situation in Jiangzhou; the moment he opened his mouth, he found his voice hoarse and could only clear his throat to signal the scout to enter the tent.

A dripping-wet figure stumbled in, his military uniform and hat dripping water. He was in a wretched state, his whole body radiating a wet, muddy smell.

"Reporting... reporting to Your Majesty, Ke Bin has abandoned the city and fled!" he said, out of breath.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hot tea suddenly spilled. He widened his eyes in disbelief, not even daring to trust his own ears. Just then, Tu Tu Kesiluo also rushed into the tent, grabbed the scout's collar by the neck, and demanded: "Are you sure Ke Bin really abandoned the city? What if this is a trap he set to lure us..."

"I saw it with my own eyes!" the scout firmly interrupted Tu Tu Kesiluo's doubt. "Ke Bin led seventy-eight thousand troops out through the west gate, seemingly heading toward Shunping direction! Your Highness, rest assured; I have already arranged people to closely monitor their movements..."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression sharpened, a light appearing in his eyes. Seventy-eight thousand people; this must be all of Ke Bin's forces in Jiangzhou. It seemed he was already at the end of his rope! Jiang Jiang Mingyu could no longer restrain the excitement and joy in his heart and immediately ordered the army to march straight into Jiangzhou. They would finally seek justice for that bloodbath in One Da Jiang!

However, Tu Tu Kesiluo was still somewhat hesitant. He stopped Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who was about to leave the tent, and said carefully: "Big Brother, perhaps we should send someone to investigate again, to avoid this being a trap set by Ke Bin." Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head helplessly and coughed once, saying: "Time waits for no one! My Lady is still in Jiangzhou city; we must immediately charge over to rescue her. Even if it is a trap, so what? With me, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, here, Ke Bin cannot succeed!"

With that, Jiang Jiang Mingyu strode out of the tent. Feng Xiwéi and others quickly followed behind him. At this very moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart was full of worry and anxiety for his beloved wife. He vowed that no matter the cost, he would rescue his beloved. Under Jiang Jiang Mingyu's firm leadership, the entire army quickly set out at high speed.

Half a shichen later, Jiang Jiang Mingyu finally led the army to block the gap in the embankment. This sudden flood disaster had already caused tens of thousands of civilian casualties in the city; many survivors were homeless. Jiang Jiang Mingyu was anxious. The 150,000 One Da Jiang troops marched in a mighty procession through the pouring rain to rescue Jiangzhou. Mud splashed, rain roared, and the smell of blood mixed with mud was nauseating. The soldiers struggled forward, their armor covered in mud spots, their faces full of mud; many slipped underfoot and fell into the mire. Yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu always held the reins tightly, not daring to slacken for a moment, only hoping to reach Jiangzhou sooner to save people.

At dusk, a scout rushed back with news, confirming Ke Bin had already fled. Jiang Jiang Mingyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then his face darkened as he looked toward the distant Jiangzhou city, where dust and smoke rolled. Under the setting sun, that city appeared faint and shadowy, as if entering a ghost city. Jiang Jiang Mingyu urged repeatedly, swearing to enter Jiangzhou before nightfall and rescue his beloved.

As the distance grew shorter, the scene of devastation became clearer. The high city walls were broken and collapsed; the city gates stood open like bloody mouths. Everywhere were broken walls and floating corpses; the air was filled with a sweet, fishy smell of blood. Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly tightened his grip on the reins, his knuckles bony, veins bulging. He stared wide-eyed at the front, his gaze like fire, as if to burn through the broken scene. Finally, the army arrived at the city base; the city walls were empty, and the Southern Border army had thrown away their armor and helmets, utterly defeated. Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly whipped his warhorse, shouting hoarsely: "Open the city gates! Saving people is the priority!" His voice was hoarse, veins on his forehead throbbing. Li Goudan and other warriors lifted huge logs and battered the city gates like a storm. Finally, the city gates collapsed with a boom.

Amidst the swirling dust, the wails and screams of the people rose and fell; the air was filled with a nauseating smell of blood. Jiang Jiang Mingyu knew this was also the suffering his beloved was enduring. His eyes were red, his teeth gritted; he drew his long sword, raised it high above his head, and screamed with all his might: "Scatter and search! You must rescue the Empress safely!" His voice was full of heart-stopping despair and anger. The group moved as if into an empty world, rushing everywhere to search; swords clashed, horse hooves rang out. Jiang Jiang Mingyu dismounted, took three steps as two, stepped over broken walls and corpses, and looked left and right for the figure of his beloved. His whole body trembled, his eyes bloodshot, his fists clenched, his fingernails digging deep into his palms...