Chapter 362

Liu Yi sat quietly in her chamber, her expression grave, lost in thought. Her eyes stared blankly ahead, brows slightly furrowed, lips slightly downturned, radiating worry. Jiang Mingyu gently placed his hand on her shoulder and asked softly, “Yi Fei, what are you thinking about?”

Jiang Mingyu’s fingers were cool; Liu Yi flinched slightly, turning her face to meet his concerned gaze. Her half-closed eyes widened slightly, her lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile. “I heard you’re setting out tomorrow to campaign against Xiongzhou—I’ve been wondering whether to join the expedition,” she explained quietly, her tone tinged with eagerness.

Jiang Mingyu paused, his thick eyebrows knitting slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his handsome face. He nodded, then shook his head. “Xiongzhou’s situation is complex—things could go wrong. Stay safe in the city. Once I take Zuo Zhao, I’ll come back for you.” His brows remained slightly knotted, his voice carrying traces of concern.

Liu Yi gestured for him to sit, then explained calmly, “I’m not joining you to go to Xiongzhou. My target is Qusheng. It borders Xiongzhou directly—once you capture it, your next move will be southward to conquer it. I want to get there ahead of you, gather intelligence, and prepare the ground for your advance.”

As she spoke, a flame seemed to ignite in Liu Yi’s eyes, sparkling with confidence and eagerness. Her posture grew straighter, a hint of pride curling at her lips. She tilted her chin upward, patting her knees as if demonstrating absolute certainty.

But Jiang Mingyu shook his head urgently. “No, this is too dangerous! I won’t let you take this risk.” He rose to his feet, gripping her arm as if to draw her attention to the grave peril. His brow furrowed tightly, his face etched with anxiety, his head shaking repeatedly as if faced with an unsolvable dilemma.

Liu Yi asked, puzzled, “Why? I know Qusheng inside and out—this is nothing. Don’t you trust my abilities?” She fixed him with a gaze that held a trace of hurt. The veins at her temple throbbed, her lips trembling involuntarily.

Jiang Mingyu immediately clasped her hand tighter, whispering soothingly, “Foolish girl, of course I trust you. But if the enemy counterattacks, the situation could shift unpredictably. I can’t let you risk it—you’re my lifeline. I can’t lose you.” His deep eyes locked onto hers, brimming with tenderness and reluctance, as if drowning her in his gaze. His hands were cool, yet they gripped her soft palm firmly, as if never letting go.

Liu Yi blushed under his gaze, lowering her head shyly. Her breathing grew heavier, her shoulders trembling slightly. After a long moment, she sighed softly, lifting her eyes to meet his burning gaze. “I understand your concern,” she said gently, “but this time, I truly want to fight beside you, to lend you strength. I want to see us standing shoulder to shoulder.”

Jiang Mingyu gazed at her, his eyes filled with tenderness. He gently stroked her long hair and kissed her forehead. “Yi Fei, I know your heart. Once this campaign ends, I’ll keep you by my side forever—never apart again. This isn’t a farewell. We’ll meet again soon. Trust me—everything is under control.”

Liu Yi watched him silently, then finally nodded. She gripped Jiang Mingyu’s hand tightly. “Then you must be careful. Come back safely. I’ll wait here for the day you return victorious.”

Jiang Mingyu’s warm hand caressed her cheek, his deep eyes brimming with affection. “I will. We will win every battle and return triumphant. Then, I’ll present you with the spoils of Xiongzhou’s fall—let you witness my military might.”

Liu Yi smiled shyly, finally nodding in agreement. They exchanged a quiet smile, each seeing only the other’s reflection. In that moment, they seemed to already see the day of triumph beneath the setting sun—golden armor clanging, hooves flying. Jiang Mingyu raised his sword high; Liu Yi stepped forward. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a tight embrace.

At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.

Before the footsteps ceased, a guard’s respectful voice called from outside.

“Your Majesty, Lady, the Prince of the State requests an audience.”

Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yi both startled, exchanging a glance—both saw confusion in the other’s eyes.

“The Prince of the State? Why now?” Liu Yi’s slender brows furrowed slightly, her red lips parting.

Jiang Mingyu was equally puzzled. He rose, his deep eyes betraying faint worry, and called toward the door: “Let him in.”

Tu Kesiluo strode in, beaming with a smug, almost lecherous grin.

“Hehe, Big Brother, Big Sister, sorry to interrupt, hehe...” He bit his lower lip with his upper teeth, barely containing a wide grin, like a cat that had just stolen cream.

Jiang Mingyu’s brow twitched. He rolled his eyes, impatiently snapping, “Cut the nonsense. Say what you came for.” He crossed his arms, leaning forward with an expression clearly saying, “What do you want?”

But Tu Kesoruo still wore his grinning face, chuckling a few more times before saying slowly, “Nothing urgent—just that the rain’s stopped. Tomorrow’s perfect for marching.” He pointed out the window, as if this were the grand news he’d come to deliver.

Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yi both froze, then exchanged looks of sudden understanding. Jiang Mingyu hurried to the window, peering through the door crack—he saw half the sun rising on the horizon, the sky a clear, boundless blue.

“Perfect. We march at the third hour of the morning. This time, we’ll crush Zuo Zhao utterly.” A flash of fervor lit Jiang Mingyu’s eyes; his fists clenched slightly. His face hardened, projecting resolve and authority.

“Once we deal with Tong Wa, the two states of the southern frontier will be ours,” Tu Kesoruo added, a greedy gleam appearing on his face.

“Only then will we have truly secured our foothold in the southern frontier,” Jiang Mingyu added coolly, a faint, confident curve touching his lips.

Tu Kesoruo grinned again, leering up and down at the two of them.

“Then I won’t disturb you further. Farewell.” He shot Jiang Mingyu a look full of eager anticipation—as if waiting for a nephew to be born—and cast a suggestive glance at Liu Yi before striding out, leaving them staring at each other.

Liu Yi’s cheeks flushed slightly. She cleared her throat. “That Tu Kesoruo—he’s so improper!” She glanced at Jiang Mingyu, still unable to hide the delight in her eyes.

Jiang Mingyu chuckled, squeezing her hand, his gaze deep. “Ignore him. I’m leaving tomorrow. Before I go, I want to spend more time with you.”

Liu Yi blushed and nodded softly. “Then walk with me in the garden? The rain’s cleared—perfect for admiring the flowers.” Jiang Mingyu agreed gladly, taking her hand and gently stepping out the door.

In the courtyard, beneath the clear blue sky, flowers bloomed in riotous color. Jiang Mingyu wrapped his arm around Liu Yi’s waist as they strolled along the petal-strewn path, whispering softly, exchanging glances, utterly tender. Finally, Jiang Mingyu lifted her gently into his arms and kissed her deeply beneath a peach tree. Liu Yi responded passionately, until both were breathless.

Just as Jiang Mingyu was about to return to his chambers to warm the Crown Prince, the guard outside spoke again, his voice serious and anxious.

“Your Majesty, an envoy from Jiancheng requests an audience.”

Jiancheng? Jiang Mingyu’s heart tightened; his brows knitted. He’d hoped for a moment’s peace—now, an envoy from Jiancheng? Something grave must have happened. Instantly, images of Shi Zhuo and the Ou family flashed in his mind—a dark premonition stirred.

“Bring them in,” Jiang Mingyu ordered, his voice heavy with urgency.

Moments later, several plain-clad envoys stood in the hall, bowing respectfully. The lead man, a middle-aged official, spoke quickly: “Your Majesty, we come on behalf of Minister Shi Zhuo to report on the situation in Jiancheng. Since Your Majesty departed, Minister Shi has implemented benevolent governance across the city...”

This was precisely the policy Jiang Mingyu had ordered. He nodded slightly, signaling the envoy to continue, his expression focused.

“Under these policies, the people’s loyalty has gradually turned toward Your Majesty,” the envoy said, beaming. “The populace praises you as a wise and virtuous ruler. Every piece of public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Your Majesty’s standing among the people is now firmly established—this will greatly aid our future reconquest of Jiancheng!”

Jiang Mingyu’s eyes brightened. He slammed his hands on the table, the sharp crack echoing. “Good! Excellent!” He rose from his seat, his face alight with pride. “This is exactly what I expected. The people’s trust and devotion to me grows daily—when we strike back at Jiancheng, their support will be our greatest strength!”

Then he suddenly grew solemn, pointing sternly at the envoy. “Return to Shi Zhuo and tell him: though loyalty is growing, do not grow careless. The Ou family has ruled the southern frontier for nearly a century—they must have loyalists hidden in Jiancheng. Proceed with caution. Never underestimate them!”

The envoy bowed urgently, his face now shadowed with concern. Jiang Mingyu fixed him with a piercing gaze. “If those loyalists remain hidden, fine. But if they dare stir unrest, show no mercy. Crush them without hesitation—otherwise, the consequences will be endless.”

The envoy bowed three times, then withdrew respectfully. Jiang Mingyu watched him leave, then exhaled slowly, a faint, relieved smile touching his lips—Jiancheng’s situation unfolded exactly as he’d foreseen. All was under control.

At that moment, another guard announced: “Your Majesty, officials from Dajiang have arrived.” Jiang Mingyu’s thoughts shifted; he took the document presented by the attendant and his face lit up. It was Jiao Jian, the governor of Jiangzhou appointed by Zhuge Yu! He stepped forward quickly, studying the middle-aged scholar—forty-something, with a hawk-like nose and sharp eyes.

“Jiao Jian?” he asked, smiling. Jiao Jian bowed deeply. “It is I. Thank you for your continued trust—I will not fail your mandate!” Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, asked a few more questions, then dismissed him. As night fell, he shared dinner with Liu Yi—finally, the day drew to a close.

After this flurry of activity, dusk had settled. Jiang Mingyu and Liu Yi dined in the vast hall—imperial grandeur meant an opulent feast. Outside, twilight deepened; palace lanterns flickered to life, casting a soft glow over Liu Yi’s refined features, adding to her gentle serenity.

Jiang Mingyu gazed at his wife’s dignified face, warmth swelling in his chest. Though they were now legally wed, every time he saw Liu Yi, his heart still pounded with deep affection and adoration.

Liu Yi’s cheeks flushed. She shyly turned her head, her small hand quietly grasping Jiang Mingyu’s broad, strong one. Her voice was soft, tinged with embarrassment yet unmistakably sweet and yearning:

“Jiang Lang... I miss you.”

Five simple words sent Jiang Mingyu soaring. He leapt to his feet, eyes brimming with love and joy. Before Liu Yi could react, he swept her into his arms and strode swiftly toward the inner chambers.

As he carried his beloved into the palace, the gilded hall emptied of all but their two shadows. Jiang Mingyu kissed her deeply, passionately, urgently. Liu Yi shed all reserve, returning his kiss with equal fervor.

Curtains fell behind them, veiling the entwined forms of the newlywed couple. Outside, the rain had cleared; the moon hung bright in the night sky, as if glowing brighter for their joy.

As he kissed her, Jiang Mingyu slowly unfastened the intricate buttons of her robe. Liu Yi gently tugged at his belt... Soon, the inner palace echoed with sounds that turned cheeks red.

In that tender, lingering night, their hearts and bodies merged completely, becoming truly one.

The next morning, dawn broke. Jiang Mingyu, fully attired, strode purposefully to the military parade ground. Liu Yi had already left for the city’s shops to manage her business—before departing, she had personally prepared his clothing and supplies.

Jiang Mingyu felt refreshed. He looked up—the parade ground stretched before him, a dense, glittering array of 130,000 troops, armor gleaming, aura of battle fierce and formidable.

Jiang Mingyu smiled in satisfaction. Dressed in court robes, he marched forward with firm steps toward Li Goudan and Jiao Jian.

“I entrust Jiangzhou to you,” Jiang Mingyu ordered solemnly. “I lead the vanguard to crush the rebels. You must hold Guizhou—secure the rear at all costs.”

Li Goudan and Jiao Jian bowed deeply in unison. “Yes, Your Majesty! We will not fail your trust!”

Jiang Mingyu strode out of the parade ground, leapt onto his warhorse, and galloped straight toward the western gate. His towering, majestic figure vanished into the distance, surrounded by 130,000 elite soldiers.

Li Goudan watched the dust swallow the retreating troops, sighed deeply, then turned to Jiao Jian with a grave voice:

“Lord Jiao, send word immediately to Guizhou—tell Feng Xi to hurry with the grain convoy.”

“The Emperor is campaigning far away. We must ensure the rear remains secure. Supply lines are critical—nothing can go wrong. Go at once!”

Jiao Jian straightened his back. “Your servant obeys! I’ll dispatch swift carrier pigeons—Lord Feng will arrive with the grain without delay.”

He hurried off to arrange the matter. Li Goudan watched him go, a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest—the burden of the rear now rested on their shoulders. The hardship ahead was unimaginable, but their loyalty and trust in Jiang Mingyu kept them resolute.

Xiongzhou lay west of Jiangzhou, roughly 560 li apart. Due to the southern frontier’s narrow, north-south shape, distances between states were relatively short. As dusk approached, the party left the isolated city of Jiangzhou, heading west toward Xiongzhou.

Outside the city, Jiang Mingyu rode, the wind cool against his face. This winter had been unusually damp and cold; the ground was muddy, each hoofstep crunching with wet, squelching sounds. Jiang Mingyu pulled his cloak tighter, scanning the desolate wilderness around him—everything remained eerily still.

“Tu Kesoruo, have the scouts been dispatched?” Jiang Mingyu asked, his voice cautious. His words echoed across the empty plain.

Tu Kesoruo, riding beside him, nodded immediately. “Big Brother, rest assured—the scouts set out at dawn. At their pace, they’ll return no later than the day after tomorrow.”

Jiang Mingyu gave a slight nod, acknowledging the arrangement. His gaze continued sweeping the surroundings, yet unease lingered—he knew Xiongzhou’s situation only vaguely, but whether Wei Yangyao would reinforce it remained unknown. Without clearer intelligence, he must remain ever vigilant.

“Your Majesty,” He Jing added, “even if Wei Yangyao sends no reinforcements, our forces still outnumber the defenders of Xiongzhou. By the time we reach the city in five days at the latest, how do you plan to take it?”

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, turning to He Jing. “General He, don’t rush. We still lack full knowledge of Xiongzhou’s defenses. It’s too early to discuss tactics until the scouts return.” His tone was calm, yet absolute. “Rest easy. Once the scouts return, I’ll brief you fully. Battlefields hold too many variables—I always adapt wisely.”

With that, he lightly tugged the reins, signaling to proceed. His close attendants immediately fell in step behind him.

Time passed. Two days of travel across the plain had passed. At noon, as they reached a fork in the road, Jiang Mingyu halted, sighing softly. The fork meant a temporary separation from Liu Yi.

“Yi Fei,” Jiang Mingyu called to the carriage beside him, brow furrowed, “our ties with the southern frontier grow tenser—you must be careful traveling alone to Qusheng. If anything goes wrong, return immediately to Jiangzhou... I’ve told you this before...”

Before he finished, Liu Yi laughed from within the carriage. “Darling, you sound like a mother hen. I’ve memorized every instruction—how could I forget to protect myself?” She leapt out gracefully, her bright red skirt swirling in the air. Landing, she rose on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

Jiang Mingyu stared, stunned, as she mounted her horse—his heart swelled with an unfamiliar ache. This separation stirred a quiet dread, as if he sensed hidden danger. But seeing her composed, carefree demeanor, he quickly steadied himself, watching her ride away, silently wishing her safe passage. He had prepared every safeguard for her safety—only one hope remained: that she journeyed unharmed.