Chapter 361: Beloved Wife Returns

On the second day, early morning, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who had barely slept all night, was eating when a guard came in to report that He Jing had arrived.

He Jing looked even more urgent than the day before. His brows were tightly furrowed, his head was covered in sweat, and his steps were hurried.

"Your Majesty, after this noon meal, we will be completely out of food," He Jing said, his face pale and his voice trembling.

The chopsticks in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hand froze in mid-air. He widened his bloodshot eyes, looking at He Jing in disbelief. "Yesterday we could still hold out for thirty-five days; how did we run out of food so quickly?"

The scouts sent to Guizhou had still not returned, and He Jing's cavalry had made no move. This was tantamount to placing oneself in a death trap! Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt the world spin and a heaviness in his chest; this news was like a bolt from the blue.

He Jing forced a grim smile that held no joy. "Your Majesty, based on yesterday's refugee count, the military rations could indeed last thirty-five days. But after Your Majesty's relief news spread yesterday, a huge crowd of refugees suddenly appeared from nowhere this morning, swarming in, causing the numbers to surge."

"These refugees are all yellow-faced and emaciated, dressed in rags, with faces full of despair. Among them are mothers holding infants, lame elderly people, and many sickly children." As He Jing spoke, his own voice trembled slightly.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu could eat no more. He dropped his bowl and chopsticks and paced anxiously in place. "They are all refugees, and all are my subjects; naturally, I cannot turn a blind eye. But the heavy rain is still pouring down, and only two hours remain until noon. What should I do? What should I do?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu murmured to himself, hands clasped behind his back, walking hurriedly. His black eyes were full of worry, and his lips were bitten white by his own teeth.

He Jing stood to the side, looking at Jiang Jiang Mingyu with a complex expression. The refugees all pinned their hopes on Your Majesty, but where could Your Majesty conjure food from?

The rain outside still fell without stopping, and the cries of the refugees and their painful groans penetrated the tent. Hearing their voices, Jiang Jiang Mingyu became even more anxious.

At this moment, the tent curtain was lifted, and Tu Tu Kesiluo, soaked to the skin and braving the heavy rain, suddenly rushed in. Beaming, he said to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, "Big Brother, good news!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was still immersed in the problem of provisions and instinctively asked, "Has He Jing returned?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo's smile became even brighter: "No, it is Big Sister-in-law who has returned!"

Liu Liu Yifei? Jiang Jiang Mingyu was instantly stunned. He quickly spoke up: "Where is she? When did she return?"

Before Tu Tu Kesiluo could answer, that familiar and crisp voice came from outside the door: "Jiang Lang, I am back."

Seeing his beloved wife, whom he had been thinking of constantly, finally return, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes instantly lit up, and a joyful smile appeared on his lips. He stepped forward quickly, caught Liu Liu Yifei's slender figure in his arms, and looked at her with eyes full of heartache. Liu Liu Yifei, startled by his sudden embrace, could only look at him shyly, her face flushing red. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently patted her back with tenderness, his eyes full of relief and affection.

"Liu Liu Yifei, you really are back. I have gone mad with missing you during this time, worrying about your safety day and night." Jiang Jiang Mingyu accused with his words, yet his eyes were full of joy and doting love.

"Jiang Lang, I am sorry to have made you worry." Liu Liu Yifei looked up at him like a wronged little beast, with a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

"Let's not talk about that first; you are still soaked. Change into some dry, warm clothes quickly. I will have someone bring hot water right away." Jiang Jiang Mingyu thoughtfully wiped the rainwater from his beloved wife's face, his fingers gently tracing her features.

Liu Liu Yifei nodded shyly and began to change into clean, warm clothes. Watching the familiar and quiet figure of his beloved wife, Jiang Jiang Mingyu exhaled a deep breath, as if all his troubles had vanished into thin air at this moment.

Liu Liu Yifei quickly cleaned herself up, wrapped herself in a thick cloak, and sat by the desk to warm up. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently put his arm around her shoulders, looking worriedly at her face, which was slightly thin from the wind and frost: "This trip must have been hard; you have lost quite a bit of weight."

"It was okay; after all, I can take care of myself. It was just the bumpy journey that was truly exhausting. But at least it is good to be back safely." Liu Liu Yifei leaned against his warm embrace, and her tired body slowly relaxed.

"That is good, that is good..." Jiang Jiang Mingyu dotingly stroked her long hair, his eyes full of pity and love. "Tell me quickly, what happened during this time? Was your journey smooth?"

Liu Liu Yifei looked up to meet his concerned gaze and slowly began to recount her experiences after leaving Other Xi Xia... Her voice, telling the story calmly and melodiously, was listened to intently by Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who occasionally asked questions to show his concern. The two talked back and forth for a long time, both enjoying this rare, warm moment.

It turned out that initially, to collect military intelligence on the Southern Border for Jiang Jiang Mingyu, Liu Liu Yifei had left Other Xi Xia without hesitation, going south alone straight for One Da Jiang. She knew the road ahead was full of hardships and obstacles, yet she did not care. For the sake of her beloved, she was willing to bear all of this.

Upon learning that Liu Liu Yifei was about to depart, Zhu Ge Yu had already prepared full travel gear and necessary supplies for her in Qizhou. The moment Liu Liu Yifei set out on her journey with light luggage, Zhu Ge Yu's worried gaze followed her slender figure until it disappeared from sight.

Along the way, Liu Liu Yifei missed Jiang Jiang Mingyu. She wondered how he was doing lately and when she could complete her mission and return to his side. Such thoughts lingered in her heart, making her quicken her pace. After traveling for over a month, she finally arrived at Jiangzhou City.

When she saw the One Da Jiang military flags flying on the Jiangzhou city walls, a sense of comfort arose in her heart. At least this place still temporarily belonged to One Da Jiang, allowing her to better set up her plans. Soon, she started a business improving hot pot and established a money house. Her business flourished, and her identity took root in Jiangzhou.

But just as she planned to penetrate the economic lifeline of Jiangzhou, the situation in the Southern Border suddenly changed—Wei Wei Yangyao led a massive army to the border, launching a direct attack on Jiangzhou! Liu Liu Yifei's alarm bells rang loudly; she had to report to Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately. However, the border was now blocked, and her messengers could not return north no matter what.

Seeing that Wei Wei Yangyao's threat was imminent, Liu Liu Yifei still risked staying behind. For the sake of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and One Da Jiang, she had to fulfill her promise. In times of crisis, it is a test of a person's integrity. She understood her mission and would never retreat from the battlefield.

Thus, Liu Liu Yifei began collecting various intelligence on the Southern Border war situation and informed Jiang Jiang Mingyu of the situation regarding Song An, the general defending Guizhou. Thanks to her timely reports, Song An was able to nip problems in the bud and hold onto Guizhou.

After Mu Mu Feihang's hundred thousand troops were annihilated, Liu Liu Yifei keenly realized that Wei Wei Yangyao would not give up easily. As expected, Wei Wei Yangyao sent another twelve hundred thousand troops to attack Jiangzhou. To avoid worrying Jiang Jiang Mingyu, Liu Liu Yifei immediately sent a messenger north with a letter.

However, the border was now blocked by Ke Bin, and her messengers could not break through the encirclement no matter what. Liu Liu Yifei was so anxious she did not know what to do, fearing Jiang Jiang Mingyu would worry about her. Fortunately, just as she fell into a desperate situation, Jiang Jiang Mingyu had personally led a massive army to Jiancheng, removing her worries about her rear.

Later, upon hearing that Yan Hang's hundred thousand troops were annihilated again, Liu Liu Yifei keenly judged that Ke Bin would strengthen his defenses. So she cautiously transferred her assets and temporarily hid in a small city in the south, waiting for the right moment. Fortunately, her wise decision saved her life.

Only yesterday did Liu Liu Yifei learn from a spy that Jiang Jiang Mingyu had entered Jiangzhou City. She was overjoyed; even amidst the torrential rain, she immediately rushed back overnight. Because she understood that reuniting with her beloved was the happiest thing in the world.

"So that is how it is; you really have been through many twists and turns..." After hearing Liu Liu Yifei's account, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was full of sympathy and heartache. He held her frail body tighter and comforted her in a gentle voice: "It is over now. With me here, I will definitely protect you at all times from now on."

"Mm, I believe you." Liu Liu Yifei looked at him with trust, her eyes full of tenderness.

At this moment, hearing that she had played an important role in the Battle of Guizhou, Liu Liu Yifei only smiled slightly and did not mind Jiang Jiang Mingyu's gratitude. She looked into his deep eyes and said softly: "Jiang Lang, there is never a need for formalities between us. The reason I went south was to hope to share your burdens. Now that we have reunited, I am content."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu also gazed affectionately at the petite wife before him, his heart full of emotion and love. Initially, this weak woman had ventured alone into enemy territory for him. Now, at his most needed moment, she had sent timely help. He reached out to gently stroke her face, which was slightly thin from the wind and frost, his eyes overflowing with warm love.

"Liu Yifei, with you by my side, my path will not be blocked at every step. No matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, we will face them side by side." Jiang Jiang Mingyu promised solemnly. Liu Liu Yifei also nodded in trust, the love pouring from her beautiful eyes making Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart soar.

At this moment, they finally cast aside everything outside, leaving only their beloved, who was intimately leaning against each other. The separation and setbacks in between only made their love deeper, and this reunion was even sweeter.

After hearing Liu Liu Yifei's account, a dark cloud instantly rose in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart. He sighed, his smile vanished completely, and he gloomily told Liu Liu Yifei about the urgent crisis of insufficient military rations.

He thought Liu Liu Yifei would also frown with worry like him, but unexpectedly, she suddenly pressed her lips into a smile, and a cunning light flickered in her curved peach-blossom eyes.

"Jiang Lang, on this trip south, I specially brought you a gift."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was slightly stunned, thinking, What time is this, and you still have the mind to receive gifts? But he still asked in confusion: "What gift?"

Liu Liu Yifei blinked her moist, large eyes and spoke five words with burning gaze: "One hundred thousand dan of military rations."

"What?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu widened his eyes, thinking he was hallucinating. After repeatedly asking to confirm, a look of incredulous joy appeared on his face, and he asked excitedly: "Who told you our army lacks food?"

Liu Liu Yifei signaled him to sit and said softly: "No one told me. I know you; I know that leading a massive army deep into enemy territory must mean insufficient provisions. To prevent unforeseen needs, I secretly collected military rations while taking refuge, and finally accumulated one hundred thousand dan. Yesterday, hearing that you had captured Jiangzhou, I immediately packed and brought the grain to arrive. I never expected that my preparation for a rainy day would solve your urgent crisis."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was overjoyed. He could not help but gently kiss Liu Liu Yifei's tender cheek, his eyes full of doting love: "Liu Yifei, you are truly my lucky star! With this one hundred thousand dan of military rations, the army and the people no longer need to worry about food supplies. We can still implement the follow-up plans; this is great!"

As he spoke, he clapped his hands hard, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart. Liu Liu Yifei, seeing his ecstatic expression, could not help but smile, and her eyes flowing with love were full of affection.

"This is all I should do; you and I are one. This time I took the risk going south to share your burdens. Now it seems, all of this was worth it." Liu Liu Yifei said gently.

"Liu Yifei, I owe you so, so much!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but embrace his beloved wife's petite body again, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Liu Liu Yifei also smiled shyly and hugged his back bashfully.

The couple, reunited after a long separation, had already been sick with longing. Having this rare moment of tenderness now was truly precious. Jiang Jiang Mingyu stroked his beloved wife's black, shiny hair, combing it gently stroke by stroke, as if this could make up for the longing of their separation.

"Liu Yifei, let us never be separated for so long again; I will always guard by your side." Jiang Jiang Mingyu promised solemnly.

"Okay, I will also accompany you forever." Liu Liu Yifei nodded in trust, her eyes full of water.

Holding his beloved in his arms, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt that everything was fine, and his heart could finally settle. With his beloved wife's help, he firmly believed that even the most difficult hurdle could be crossed smoothly. At this very moment, even the urgent crisis before them was no longer a problem under Liu Liu Yifei's care.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked gratefully at the petite beloved wife before him, his heart overflowing with endless tenderness. With her by his side to accompany and support him, what more could a husband ask for? In this world, nothing is more joyful than reuniting with one's true love.

After solving the worry about military rations, Tu Tu Kesiluo saw the right moment to speak up and remind: "Your Majesty, Ke Bin and others have fled to Xiongzhou; this is a hidden danger. We should launch an attack now to annihilate them, otherwise, changes will surely arise in the future."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, his face showing difficulty. According to spy reports, Xiongzhou already had seven hundred thousand troops stationed there; adding Ke Bin's seven or eight hundred thousand deserters, the forces under Zuo Zhao's command numbered at least one hundred and fifty thousand. Although our army also has one hundred and fifty thousand, we must leave some troops to garrison, so we can mobilize at most one hundred and thirty thousand. To win with fewer troops against more, the chances of victory are truly slim.

Just as he hesitated, He Jing shook his head and spoke steadily to dissuade him: "Your Majesty, this subordinate believes we should not act too hastily. Xiongzhou is 450 li from here; a large army advancing deep will inevitably be exhausted. With our 130,000 troops against their 150,000, the chance of success is extremely slim. It is better to wait until the time is ripe."

However, Li Goudan interjected from the side: "So what if there are fewer people? Didn't 30,000 troops capture Ruan Chen's 100,000-strong force that day? I think this heavy rain, which blocks out the sky, combined with a surprise attack by a hidden force, will surely catch the enemy off guard!"

After hearing this, He Jing nodded repeatedly: "Brother Feng makes a good point, but the concerns of Tu Tu Kesiluo and Li Goudan are not without reason. If our army does not advance, I fear Ke Bin will find an opportunity. By the time the three families of the Southern Border join hands, that will be a true disaster!"

The few of them argued, one speaking and another replying, while Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened quietly, a layer of dark clouds gradually covering his face. This Southern Border campaign already had little chance of victory for him; now the enemy had secretly bypassed the main defense, truly making him tremble with fear.

"How shall we decide? Please, Your Majesty, make your will clear." Finally, everyone's gaze converged on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stroked his beard, lost in thought, his brow filled with worry. After a moment, he sighed lightly, lowered his eyelids, and said: "You each hold to your own arguments; it is indeed difficult to choose. Moreover, it is already late. Let us stop here for today and discuss the rest tomorrow morning."

After hearing this, the generals nodded silently, understanding that a decision could not be made in the short term. At this very moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt utterly drained. He stood up and walked outside, wanting to be alone for a while.

Just then, he suddenly noticed a small figure standing quietly in the shadows not far away; it was Liu Liu Yifei. She seemed to be hesitating whether to come over. Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but smile gently, strode forward, put his arm around her shoulder, and said softly: "Liu Yifei, why are you not asleep yet?"

Liu Liu Yifei lowered her head shyly and said in a small voice: "I heard you were holding a meeting to discuss military affairs. I was very worried you would be troubled, so I stood outside waiting for you..."

"Silly girl, how can I focus on military affairs if you are like this? Go back and rest quickly. With you here, I fear nothing." Jiang Jiang Mingyu kissed her cheek affectionately.

Liu Liu Yifei nodded. This silent companionship made a warm current surge in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart, and the worries from before vanished completely.

After Liu Liu Yifei left

Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned his gaze to He Jing and said in a deep voice: "General He's analysis is correct. Our army should attack and seize Xiongzhou now; otherwise, we will only become more passive in the future."

Li Goudan was about to speak but stopped. Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand to stop him and said with determination: "I understand your concerns, but at present our army truly holds the initiative. Zuo Zhao and the others have not yet completed their integration and training. Once they join hands, our army will surely suffer a great loss. Besides, Feng Feng Xiwei has not yet returned, and military provisions are still short. If we can fight, we fight; to sustain the army through war is the best strategy."

After hearing this, a trace of unwillingness flashed across Li Goudan's face, but he had nothing to say. He sighed inwardly and could only force a smile: "Your Majesty's insight is clear; this subordinate understands."

Seeing that he finally relented, Jiang Jiang Mingyu also smiled slightly and nodded slowly: "Good. Since there are no objections, we will set out to conquer Xiongzhou at dawn tomorrow. Everyone, go and prepare."

After listening to everyone's discussion, Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his wide sleeve and was about to turn and leave. He had already begun to calculate in his mind, wanting to spend some tender time with his beloved wife whom he had not seen for a long time. After all, Tu Tu Kesiluo's child had been born so long ago; as a father, he truly felt a bit guilty.

Just then, Tu Tu Kesiluo hurriedly asked: "Big Brother, you have already decided on sending troops to Xiongzhou, but the specific allocation of forces and the matter of guarding Jiangzhou have not yet been arranged."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu slapped his forehead, smiled awkwardly with his mouth open, and said: "Recently, a cold has plagued me, and my mind is not very sharp; I even forgot such an important matter." He cleared his throat and said seriously: "According to the letter from Zhu Ge Yu, officials have already been arranged to come and guard Jiangzhou. Given the current situation, we can leave at most 20,000 men here. Chang Mu, I am entrusting Jiangzhou to you temporarily; you must be extremely careful!"

"This subordinate will do my utmost!" Chang Mu responded with clasped hands.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and ordered: "Set out early tomorrow morning to conquer Xiongzhou. You all go and prepare; move out quickly!" Having finished speaking, he strode out of the tent with long steps, heading straight for Liu Liu Yifei's residence.

Pushing the door open and entering, Jiang Jiang Mingyu indeed saw his beloved wife lying quietly on her side on the bed, resting. Hearing the noise, she slowly opened her misty apricot eyes, and a sweet curve rose at the corners of her mouth: "You have come?"

"Were you asleep? I'm sorry to have woken you." Jiang Jiang Mingyu sat down beside her and affectionately stroked her cloud-like beautiful hair.

Liu Liu Yifei shook her head, propped herself up, and leaned against his chest, a shy blush rising on her face: "I was waiting for you to come... We have not been alone for so long."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart softened. He lowered his head and kissed her sweet little mouth deeply. The two of them quickly cast aside everything around them, leaving only the beloved one before them clearly visible...