Chapter 369: Southern Barbarians Invade

On the morning of the second day after staying in Xiongzhou, Tu Tu Kesiluo stumbled into the tent, his face deathly pale and drenched in sweat. His eyes were wide, his lips trembling, as if he had suffered a great fright.

"Re... Report!" he gasped, "A huge fleet of enemy ships has appeared in the direction of Xiongzhou! Over thirty giant ships! The reinforcements on board number 560,000!"

Before he could finish speaking, he stumbled and fell heavily to his knees. Sweat poured continuously from his forehead, soaking a large patch of his general's uniform.

Inside the tent, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was looking down, handling documents. Hearing the commotion, he raised his head with slightly furrowed brows. A hint of displeasure flashed in those phoenix eyes, but it quickly returned to calm.

"Already panicking? Merely 560,000 reinforcements." He curled his lips in mockery, stood up, and looked down at Tu Tu Kesiluo.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu wore a black military uniform with a long sword at his waist. He was burly, his eyes sharp as lightning, radiating an aura of authority. He was now slowly pacing toward Tu Tu Kesiluo, a playful cold smile on his face.

"Ha, it seems Wei Wei Yangyao is determined to perish with me here." His voice was low and cold, like a beast in a winter pool.

Tu Tu Kesiluo trembled in fear, unable to hold himself up any longer, and collapsed onto the ground. He looked up at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his pupils constricting from terror.

"B... Big Brother, Xiongzhou has already been captured by us. Facing such a huge force of reinforcements... what should we do?" His voice trembled slightly as he asked cautiously.

"Hmph!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a cold snort, strode to the tent door, and suddenly flung open the curtain to look out. The scorching sunlight pierced the tent, casting his tall black silhouette long upon the ground.

In the distance where the sea met the sky, a vague, dark mass of shadows was approaching. Jiang Jiang Mingyu narrowed his eyes to watch, his expression gradually relaxing.

After a good while, he withdrew his gaze and slowly turned around. The gloom was gone from his face, replaced by a faint smile.

"Rest assured, my brother." He walked up to Tu Tu Kesiluo and spoke gently, "Everything is just as I predicted. These 560,000 reinforcements have likely already received rumors of our army's great defeat; they surely come to seize Xiongzhou while the opportunity exists."

As he spoke, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and a light seemed to flash in his eyes. Jiang Jiang Mingyu reached out and pulled Tu Tu Kesiluo, who was still kneeling on the ground, to his feet.

"Our army is prepared; we only wait for this reinforcement force to fall into the trap we have set. Then we simply draw the net!" His tone carried a hint of pride and amusement. "Go quickly; the western gate is already ready. Let us go to meet them!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo finally understood, nodding repeatedly in agreement. Just as he was about to withdraw and issue orders to assemble the army, Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly called him back.

"What is the situation with Shi Zhuo?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked, his smile gone and his expression serious.

"Big Brother, rest assured! Since General Shi Zhuo was ordered to implement benevolent governance in the city, the common people have been overjoyed, with voices of support never ceasing. Hearts have gradually returned to us; General Shi Zhuo is so busy he can hardly cope!" Tu Tu Kesiluo assured him repeatedly, confidence showing on his face.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, turned, and walked to the table, sitting down before it.

A detailed map was spread out on the table, clearly marking the structure of Xiongzhou City, the distribution of residences, and the locations of the garrison. Jiang Jiang Mingyu stared intently at the map for a good while before finally raising his head to look toward the northwest—the direction from which the enemy army was about to approach.

A gentle breeze blew, and sunlight projected in through the gaps in the tent. Jiang Jiang Mingyu narrowed his eyes, slowly curling a gloomy smile onto his lips. His gaze was sharp, indistinct, as if brewing some sinister plot.

"Dare to run wild on Laozi's turf? Wei Wei Yangyao, you are still too young..." he murmured, his tone brimming with murderous intent.

In a short while, dozens of officers and generals stood solemnly in the main tent, their neat uniforms reflecting a cold, stern light. Their expressions were grim, lips pressed tight, eyes fixed straight ahead. At this moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, clad in full military gear, slowly paced before the officers. His steps were steady, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping over his subordinates like a torch.

"Gentlemen, you have surely all heard the news that reinforcements from the Southern Frontier are about to land." He spoke directly, his deep and powerful voice echoing within the tent. When he mentioned the Southern Frontier reinforcements, a hint of disdainful cold smile appeared on his face.

Upon hearing this, the generals all nodded heavily, their faces etched with grimness. They frowned tightly, lips pressed dead shut, and their breathing grew heavy. This signaled a great battle was imminent.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu curled his lips and let out a cold laugh, his voice full of disdain: "Since Wei Wei Yangyao wishes to send us a great gift, how can we refuse and offend him? A great battle is at hand; listen well, generals!" His eyes radiated confidence and firmness, as if the victory was already certain.

Before he could finish speaking, the generals all puffed out their chests and raised their heads, shouting in response: "Your subordinate is here!" Their tone was full of awe and loyalty toward Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned and walked to the table, gazing at the spread-out map. He leaned both hands on the table, muscles bulging, veins standing out. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was no longer composed; it became heavy and solemn. He seemed to be thinking about the next counter-strategy. The generals all held their breath, waiting for his deployment, their eyes full of admiration and reverence.

"Tu Tu Kesiluo." Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly spoke, his voice low and powerful.

Tu Tu Kesiluo immediately stood straight, adjusted his military cap, puffed out his chest, and replied: "Yes! Your subordinate obeys!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu slowly turned, staring fixedly at Tu Tu Kesiluo, his gaze sharp as a torch. Tu Tu Kesiluo nervously swallowed, yet did not retreat.

"Once the battle begins, prepare to annihilate the enemy as much as possible. I will hold the rear for you." Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke word by word, his tone firm and powerful.

Tu Tu Kesiluo suppressed the nervousness in his heart and nodded heavily: "Your subordinate understands. I will go prepare immediately! Please rest assured, Big Brother!" Saying this, he strode out with long, confident steps, his posture straight and his pace firm.

After Tu Tu Kesiluo's figure disappeared beyond the curtain, Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned to the other two: "He Jing, Goudan. You two take 30,000 troops, circle out of the city from the north and south gates, then advance west to encircle the enemy at the western gate!" His tone allowed no argument.

Li Goudan and He Jing exchanged a glance, a hint of excitement flashing in both their eyes. They replied simultaneously: "What Big Brother orders, we two will surely execute! We will make the Southern Frontier reinforcements vanish into thin air and achieve a great victory!"

Li Goudan had rushed from Jiangzhou the morning before yesterday. The two bowed to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and strode out.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, a hint of a smile curling his lips. He concentrated and pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "Ebbo, this time I am entrusting you with 20,000 men under your command. Your mission is of utmost importance!" His tone was serious and solemn.

"Please, Your Majesty, clarify!" Ebbo bowed respectfully, his eyes full of reverence.

"You must depart immediately from the north gate, then hide by the seaside. Once the battle erupts on Tu Tu Kesiluo's side, you must quickly burn the enemy ships and cut off their retreat!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu said with certainty, as if stating a settled fact.

Ebbo replied repeatedly in agreement, his expression showing a bit of shock and surprise, as if he had not expected to receive such an important mission.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu continued: "After cutting off the enemy's retreat, you will then circle from the rear to encircle the western gate, joining Goudan and the others to form a pincer attack. The Southern Frontier reinforcements will surely vanish into thin air!" He leaned both hands on the table, looking around with full confidence.

Ebbo suddenly raised his head, revealing an expression of sudden understanding. He was extremely excited, nodded heavily, and bowed in reply: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust. Your subordinate will lead the men and depart immediately! I will not fail in my duty!" With that, he stood at attention, saluted, and strode out with long, confident steps, his expression resolute, his heart boiling with passion.

A hint of a cold smile curled Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips, his eyes radiating firmness and confidence.

After he left, Jiang Jiang Mingyu shed the seriousness of his battle deployment and turned to Shi Zhuo, who had been silent on the side, his tone slightly relaxed: "The entire army has moved out of the city; the affairs within the city are now left to you."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face was solemn, a hint of worry faintly visible in his eyes. He knew the upcoming battle situation was arduous; the Southern Frontier barbarians were powerful, and if the main army suffered a setback, the consequences would be unimaginable. Yet on his face, he still strove to maintain composure and calm, not letting his subordinates detect his inner anxiety.

Shi Zhuo nodded expressionlessly. Before he could speak, Feng Xiwai on the side interjected with a desolate look: "Your Majesty, everyone else has been given a task; what should your subordinate do?"

As Feng Xiwai spoke, his body leaned slightly forward, his eyes revealing urgency and unease. Since losing an arm, he felt that the entire camp, including Jiang Jiang Mingyu, had treated him as an idle person. For so long, the most important task he had received was to transport grain back to Guizhou; he felt he was being marginalized, gradually forgotten by everyone. His shoulders slumped weakly, his face was deathly pale, and his face was full of sorrow, like a withered flower.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu first chuckled, then reached out and patted Feng Xiwai's somewhat thin shoulder to offer comfort. His smile carried nostalgia and affection: "Feng Xiwai, do you remember what the first task I gave you was?" As Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke, he raised his shoulder to avoid making him feel looked down upon, showing respect. His tone carried nostalgia and affection.

Feng Xiwai was stunned and instinctively replied: "Your Majesty's order for your subordinate to command the scout camp, your subordinate naturally remembers; that was Your Majesty's trust in your subordinate." He recalled the excitement and pride he felt the first time he accepted Jiang Jiang Mingyu's instructions. In that instant, he felt like a wild horse unbridled, finally finding a new world. Recalling the past, pride and arrogance surfaced in Feng Xiwai's eyes, and a hint of a smile involuntarily curled his lips.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu hummed in satisfaction, a smile of encouragement appearing on his face, and then spoke gently: "Listen, starting today, you will return to your old trade." His voice was soft yet firm, his pace neither fast nor slow.

After hearing this, a flash of surprise first appeared in Feng Xiwai's eyes, quickly replaced by doubt. He asked hesitantly: "Your Majesty means...?" He frowned slightly, his eyes revealing confusion and uncertainty. He also did not know what "old trade" referred to in Your Majesty's words? Did he really intend to let him take command of the scout camp again? This was an unbelievable luxury!

"You must immediately dispatch scouts to the remaining states of the Southern Frontier, and together with Liu Liu Yifei and others, gather intelligence on the Southern Frontier." Jiang Jiang Mingyu explained. "You should clearly understand the importance of this matter to our army; I hope you will not disappoint my expectations." He slowly raised his head, his tone full of trust and anticipation. His eyes were firm and bright, as if to say, this heavy responsibility is yours alone.

Feng Xiwai pressed his lips, somewhat at a loss due to this sudden assignment. But soon, he corrected his mindset and said solemnly and gravely to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Your Majesty, rest assured; your subordinate will not fail in his mission and will surely collect detailed military intelligence on the Southern Frontier!" He straightened his chest, strode with head held high, his eyes radiating excitement and firmness, as if he had already imagined the scene of presenting detailed military intelligence to Jiang Jiang Mingyu upon his triumphant return. This time, he would surely make Your Majesty look at him with new eyes!

He walked quickly outward, his steps brimming with ambition. The excitement of soon being entrusted with important duties again filled his whole body with strength, and every gesture radiated confidence. This time, he would surely display his talents and serve Your Majesty! He would no longer be an idle general!

Just as he was about to turn and leave, a sound of neat and powerful horse hooves suddenly came from the camp. Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked out of the tent and saw the iron cavalry under Ebbo's command marching in neat formation toward the city gate. A faint smile appeared on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face, his gaze gentle and deep: "Ebbo has led the troops to depart; the great battle is about to begin. Everyone, go about your tasks."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at Lu Feng Xiwai, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation. Lu Feng Xiwai looked at him, his face resolute, his gaze burning. The two locked eyes; a thousand words were unspoken. This time, Lu Feng Xiwai would surely not fail Jiang Jiang Mingyu's trust.

Lu Feng Xiwai respectfully bowed and strode out with long, confident steps, his expression arrogant, as if he had already imagined the grand scene of his triumphant return. Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched him leave, a gratified smile on his face.

More than half an hour later, Tu Tu Kesiluo rushed in, covered in dust. "Big Brother, just as you predicted, 60,000 Southern Frontier reinforcements have landed by the seaside and are heading toward the western gate." He gasped. Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded calmly, as if he had already expected this: "Very good. Issue the order: the main army moves out the western gate to meet the Southern Frontier reinforcements and settle the score."

In less than the time it takes to eat a meal, 50,000 spirited troops were fully assembled at the western gate. The soldiers, full of fighting spirit, gripped their weapons, waiting for orders with a murderous aura. Jiang Jiang Mingyu lightly shook his sleeves, then gave the order in a deep voice: "Beat the drums!" After three loud drumbeats, the vibrant Southern Frontier army facing them also took up formation. Between the two armies, a clash was imminent.

Before the main gate of the Southern Frontier army, a Southern Frontier bearded man in armor, holding a long spear, immediately spurred his horse out. He sized up the opposing army from top to bottom, then shouted loudly: "Dogs of One Da Jiang, listen! I am Che Gang, the Hongwu Governor of the Southern Frontier. Let Jiang Jiang Mingyu come out!" His tone was arrogant and domineering, his face full of hostility.

Tu Tu Kesiluo in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's army, seeing rage rise in his heart, pointed his long sword at Che Gang from afar: "Fool! A mere nobody dares to boast shamelessly before the two armies. Who gave you the courage? Good grandson, listen to your grandfather's advice: take your troops and surrender to One Da Jiang, and you can still keep your dog's life. Dare to say one more word of nonsense, and what happened to Jia Fu and Lord Tong Wa yesterday will be your tomorrow. If we do not cut you all down right here, then I, Tu Tu Kesiluo, will write these characters of my name backwards." His tone was filled with ferocity and cruelty.

Hearing the name Tu Tu Kesiluo, Che Gang's pupils clearly shrank. "You... are Tu Tu Kesiluo?" With the capture of Jiancheng and Jiangzhou, the fearsome reputation of the Black-faced Yama had already spread throughout the Southern Jiang army.

Tu Tu Kesiluo proudly puffed out his chest: "I am indeed he. What of it, boy?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo let out a cold smile, his eyes gleaming with cold light: "You speak correctly; you have arrived just in time. Listen to your grandfather's good advice; it is still not too late to surrender now. Otherwise, once the war begins, no matter who you are, whether a Governor or not, you will die violently on the spot." His tone was grim and resolute, causing a thread of fear to rise in Che Gang's heart.

Che Gang hesitated for a moment, wanting to maintain the last shred of his dignity: "A mere nobody dares to speak nonsense before me; do you know my identity?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo waved his hand, cutting him off directly: "I do not care who you are. Now I give you one last chance: surrender immediately. Otherwise, I will surely cut you into a thousand pieces!"

Seeing this, Che Gang instantly felt the weakness in his earlier words; for a commander-in-chief, this was a blatantly obvious display of weakness. He could not help but curse himself inwardly for his slip of the tongue just now; if this spread to his subordinates' ears, would not his martial reputation be ruined?

Che Gang forced himself to calm down, let out a cold snort, and said: "People say Tu Tu Kesiluo is peerless in bravery; I never expected that upon meeting him, he is actually a dark and thin man. This is truly far beyond my expectations; it is enough to make one's teeth go cold!" He tried his hardest to adopt a tone of disdain and mockery, attempting to recover from his earlier mistake.

As soon as the words fell, Che Gang suddenly raised his long spear, the spearhead pointing directly at Tu Tu Kesiluo opposite him, and shouted fiercely: "Tu Tu Kesiluo, listen well to me! It is still not too late to kneel and surrender now; otherwise, once the great battle begins, your burial in a foreign land is a certainty!" Che Gang's voice and expression were both fierce, his momentum overwhelming, as if he were about to cut Tu Tu Kesiluo into a thousand pieces in the next moment. "At that time, your Emperor Jiang Jiang Mingyu will also find it hard to escape death, dragging the entire One Da Jiang into the calamity of national destruction!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo remained unmoved by Che Gang's wild words. He slowly raised the long sword in his hand, the sword tip pointing directly at Che Gang, and said coldly: "Fool! Daring to speak nonsense before the army lines, it seems you are tired of living. You Southern Barbarians, is this all the capability you have?" His tone was full of disdain.

Che Gang's face turned black; he thought inwardly that this Tu Tu Kesiluo was no simple man, but if he went forward to duel him personally, would not the prestige of his sixty thousand great army be completely lost? Thus, he forced himself to calm down and said coldly: "A mere nobody dares to speak nonsense before this Governor; do you know my identity? Is the purpose of this Governor coming here to compete with you in the brute courage of a nobody!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded secretly from the side, knowing that this Southern Barbarian Che Gang still possessed a measure of wisdom, but they had ultimately fallen into his net of heaven and earth and could not escape the calamity of boiling. A cold smile slowly rose on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips; these Southern Jiang rats still dared to pretend to be kings and lords before him?