Chapter 372

Watching Che Gang weep uncontrollably, Tukesiluo felt not a trace of pity. His rough fingers brushed against the curved saber at his waist; the scabbard scraped against his palm with a hissing sound, as if issuing a warning. His cold gaze swept over Che Gang, his face devoid of sympathy—only vigilance and suspicion. Tukesiluo tilted his head, his lips twitching, and lowered his voice to whisper into Jiang Mingyu’s ear.

“Big Brother, Che Gang’s words carry hidden meaning. We were just about to seek him out for a decisive battle, and now his entire family is killed by Wei Yangyao? What are the odds?”

Jiang Mingyu paid no heed to Tukesiluo’s words; he merely glanced at him briefly, signaling silence. Seated at the head of the table, Jiang Mingyu’s expression was grave, his eyes fixed straight ahead on Che Gang’s tear-streaked face. The torches on the city wall flickered in the night wind, their orange-red glow illuminating his resolute profile, revealing every subtle expression on his face.

This negotiation concerned the grand strategy; he dared not neglect even the slightest detail. Jiang Mingyu took a deliberate breath, his gaze sharp as a hawk’s, fixed on Che Gang—as if trying to pierce through his soul.

“Listen to my sincere counsel—think carefully before you speak again,” Jiang Mingyu said calmly and steadily, as if making one final confirmation of Che Gang’s resolve.

Upon hearing this, Che Gang let out a bitter laugh, his voice like the howl of a wounded beast. Moonlight spilled over his face, magnifying the pain and despair in his eyes. He raised his hand and wiped his tears with force, his fingernails scraping bloody trails across his cheeks. Crimson droplets traced down his face, mingling with tears, creating a scene of chilling tragedy.

“Your Majesty, Wei Yangyao, without justice, slaughtered my entire family. Che Gang and he cannot coexist under the same heaven.” He gritted his teeth, voice hoarse as if each word pained him. His ten fingers clenched into fists, and he slammed one fist onto the table in rage—the heavy wooden table crashed with a loud bang.

Tens of thousands of southern frontier soldiers below the wall fell silent, their burning gazes fixed on the radiant city of Dajiang behind Che Gang. The homeland they were about to abandon was, at this moment, their only salvation. A night breeze brushed past; the armor and spears of tens of thousands clanked together, emitting a dull, mournful sound. On their faces, faint traces of unease and anxiety lingered.

Che Gang clenched his fists, cold sweat trickling down his temples. His knuckles turned ashen and trembled slightly, as if trying to channel his hatred into his palms. “If Your Majesty refuses to accept me and these tens of thousands of brothers, I shall lead my troops to Baocheng and fight Wei Yangyao to the death.”

Before his words had fully faded, he violently drew his military saber, its blade flashing in the torchlight with a bone-chilling wail. With unshakable resolve, he chopped off his own left pinky finger. Agony surged through his palm—blood spurted instantly, splattering the ground. Che Gang’s ears rang with pain, yet his mind was filled with the memories of his family’s brutal deaths. He clenched his teeth, speaking slowly, word by word:

“Your... Majesty... can you believe me now?” He gasped for breath, voice hoarse like an old ox grinding grain. Blood gushed steadily from the severed finger, dripping onto the table and floor, staining them crimson. “By the name of my ancestors, I swear: if I do not serve Your Majesty in destroying the southern frontier, I shall not live as a man.”

Jiang Mingyu hesitated, his gaze shifting to the tens of thousands of southern frontier soldiers behind Che Gang. These men’s lives hung in the balance; their hatred for Wei Yangyao was not deep, and their sincerity in surrender remained uncertain. Jiang Mingyu frowned, his heart uneasy.

Che Gang understood Jiang Mingyu’s concerns. Despite the searing pain from his severed finger, he forced himself to reply: “Your Majesty, these are all old comrades who have fought beside me for years—north and south, east and west. They will never betray you.”

As he spoke, he turned his head and signaled to the southern frontier soldiers behind him to nod vigorously. Tens of thousands of soldiers nodded heavily, as if proving their loyalty. Some soldiers’ faces showed hesitation, yet they still nodded resolutely. In the hazy night, their hands gripped their spears tightly, as if hiding their inner turmoil.

Seeing this, Che Gang’s heart tightened; he could no longer conceal his anxiety. He knew that at this moment, he must convince Jiang Mingyu—or face catastrophic consequences. He spun around sharply to face the tens of thousands of soldiers, his voice loud and firm.

“Today, I, Che Gang, swear by blood: I ally with Dajiang to capture Wei Yangyao!” He raised his severed finger high for all to see. “Will you follow me, to avenge our families?”

“We will!” Tens of thousands answered nearly in unison—the years of southern campaigns had numbed them. Che Gang nodded, then pulled a small portrait from his chest. It depicted a gentle, lovely woman holding a well-behaved little boy.

“This is my wife and son!” Che Gang roared. “They were burned alive by Wei Yangyao—not even a whole corpse left!”

With that, he tore the portrait into shreds. The tens of thousands of soldiers watched, trembling slightly—as if only now realizing the truth behind Che Gang’s words. They still half-doubted, their gazes toward him now layered with complexity.

Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, then turned to the tens of thousands of southern frontier soldiers behind Che Gang. He raised his hand and spoke loudly:

“Gentlemen, tonight we become allies, united against Wei Yangyao!”

His voice carried conviction and confidence, echoing through the heavens. The tens of thousands of southern frontier soldiers froze, stunned.

Jiang Mingyu continued: “I, personally, accept the surrender of Commander Che and all of you. From this day forward, you are members of Dajiang! I shall appoint Commander Che to high office, and together we shall plan our future.”

His gaze swept across the crowd, resolute and unyielding. The southern frontier soldiers exchanged glances, confirming with each other whether this was real.

At that moment, Jiang Mingyu’s eyes sparkled, and he sighed deeply:

“Gentlemen, we are all children of this world—why must we kill each other? Today, Dajiang accepts your surrender only because the monstrous Wei Yangyao has forced us to this path!”

No sooner had he finished than a massive drumbeat thundered from the city wall, followed by three waves of arrows soaring skyward in unison. Jiang Mingyu raised his hand sharply; behind him, tens of thousands of Dajiang soldiers raised their spears and bows, their war cries shaking the heavens.

The tens of thousands of southern frontier soldiers shuddered; some faces showed visible emotion. Unlike Dajiang’s people, they had always revered strength—and now, witnessing Jiang Mingyu’s authority, they could not help but feel reverence.

Che Gang understood: this was the turning point. Despite his pain, he stepped back two paces, then dropped to one knee. He drew his sword, raised it high above his head, and declared loudly:

“I pledge to follow Your Majesty and destroy the southern frontier!”

His eyes burned with certainty, his tone absolute. This single kneel formally declared his surrender to Jiang Mingyu. Tens of thousands of southern frontier soldiers erupted into murmurs—some hesitant, some excited, most bewildered. These veteran soldiers knew little of the unfamiliar Dajiang, and of Jiang Mingyu, only rumors.

“Then, Commander Che, lead your troops into the city.”

Before Tukesiluo could intervene, the tightly shut city gates swung open at Jiang Mingyu’s command, embracing Che Gang and his men.

As the guards on the wall obeyed Jiang Mingyu’s order and slowly withdrew the heavy gate bar, Tukesiluo and the other generals held their breath, eyes locked on the slowly opening gates. The two massive gates creaked inward, like a monstrous mouth gradually opening. Beyond lay darkness, within which Che Gang’s towering figure trembled faintly in the torchlight.

Armored soldiers filed in one after another, their iron boots striking the stone pavement with synchronized, rhythmic taps.

The moment the first crisp echo of iron on stone rang out, everyone shivered involuntarily—as if foretelling some ill omen. Heavily armored soldiers streamed through the gate like ghosts invading the peaceful city in the dead of night.

The flickering torchlight cast their faces in shifting shadows, making them appear mysterious and unsettling. Against the backdrop of midnight, the scene grew increasingly ominous, its next move impossible to predict.

Yet Che Gang showed no sign of treachery. After entering the city, he solemnly removed his tiger tally from his waist and offered it with both hands, bowing low to the ground in full prostration. This sudden act stunned both Tukesiluo and Jiang Mingyu.

Tukesiluo was utterly bewildered. He frowned, a flicker of doubt in his eyes, and asked quietly: “Big Brother, what... exactly is going on?” His voice dripped with confusion.

Jiang Mingyu signaled for silence, then turned to Che Gang, his expression grave: “Commander Che, you have turned from darkness to light—I am deeply pleased. I shall retain your rank as commander.” He smiled slightly, a look of approval on his face.

“As for your troops, I shall assign them under unified command—your status as commander shall not be diminished,” Jiang Mingyu added calmly, his tone carrying quiet assurance.

Upon hearing this, Che Gang immediately dropped to his knees, prostrating himself fully. His fists clenched tightly, veins bulging, his expression a storm of complex emotions. After a long silence, he raised his head, tears glistening in his eyes, voice choked: “Your Majesty, I served the southern frontier for over a decade—and all I earned was the destruction of my family.” He choked on the words. “Today, I am treated with such kindness—I am overwhelmed. My life now belongs solely to Your Majesty.” His tears spilled down his rugged cheeks.

Jiang Mingyu reached out steadily, helping him up, and patted his shoulder with sympathy. His smile grew warmer. “Commander Che, your loyalty pleases me greatly. From now on, we shall be both master and friend, working together toward greatness.”

“To be treated with such honor on the very day of my surrender—I shall honor my ancestors and serve Your Majesty with my life!” Che Gang declared firmly, his eyes blazing with resolve.

Jiang Mingyu stepped forward, grasped Che Gang’s arm, and helped him rise. His smile grew even warmer. “Then, from now on, I shall rely on you, Commander Che. Come, I shall host a banquet in your honor.”

Beside him, Tukesiluo was even more baffled. Li Goudan and Ebu, upon hearing Che Gang had surrendered without a fight, stared wide-eyed, utterly confused.

Li Goudan frowned, suspicious: “What’s going on with Che Gang? We fought him for years—he held his defenses like iron. Now he surrenders without a battle? What’s the trick here?”

Ebu also looked suspicious, his lips twitching. His gaze toward Jiang Mingyu and Che Gang grew more wary.

With no opportunity to ask, they suppressed their questions and stood aside, watching silently.

Shi Zhuo, the only civil official in the city, watched the scene with calm composure—as if he had foreseen this outcome. He nodded slightly, gazing at the laughing backs of Jiang Mingyu and Che Gang, a faint, satisfied smile on his lips.

Jiang Mingyu announced joyfully that he would host a banquet to welcome Che Gang. At the banquet hall, long tables were laden with rare delicacies, wines, and dishes.

A long redwood table was draped in snow-white brocade, adorned with an array of wine cups and goblets. Soups, roasted meats, pastries—all displayed in abundance, exuding irresistible aromas. Incense burned in the hall, its wisps of blue smoke drifting like fine gauze.

After all took their seats, Jiang Mingyu beamed, raised a jade goblet brimming with fine wine, and declared loudly: “Today, I have specially prepared this banquet for Commander Che. Seeing the tide had turned, he surrendered without battle—I am deeply pleased. This act has spared countless lives; I commend his decision once more.” He rose, raised his cup toward Che Gang, signaling everyone to toast.

Che Gang’s face flushed with excitement. He stood and bowed deeply to Jiang Mingyu, speaking earnestly, word by word: “Your Majesty’s kindness overwhelms me! From this day forward, I pledge my life to serve Your Majesty—to walk through fire and water, until death!”

Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, drained the fragrant wine in one gulp, his face glowing with satisfaction. The other generals raised their cups in unison, yet their eyes betrayed lingering doubt, their expressions polite yet guarded. The banquet hall buzzed with an eerie undercurrent.

Amid the revelry, Tukesiluo finally seized a chance to whisper to Jiang Mingyu: “Big Brother, what’s really going on with Commander Che? You don’t truly believe he’s surrendered, do you?” He frowned, his tone heavy with concern.

Jiang Mingyu waved his hand, smiling mysteriously, refusing to answer directly: “Rest easy—I have my reasons. Commander Che made this choice; I believe he is a wise man. The rest will reveal itself in time.”

Tukesiluo remained baffled, but he reluctantly trusted Jiang Mingyu’s judgment. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, scanning the banquet hall—many officials and generals wore expressions of confusion or astonishment. This strange scene had plunged everyone into confusion.

The banquet ended at the third watch. Che Gang, still reeling from his family’s tragedy, had drunk heavily; his face flushed, his steps unsteady, and he was eventually carried off by attendants to sleep. Jiang Mingyu too felt drowsy, his head foggy. He staggered to his feet, leaned on the table for a moment, then prepared to return to his quarters for a deep, dreamless slumber.

At that moment, Tukesiluo, curious, hurried over and grabbed Jiang Mingyu’s arm, whispering urgently: “Big Brother, why did Che Gang suddenly surrender? What’s the truth? I just can’t understand!”

Jiang Mingyu glanced around, confirmed no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice: “Speak softly! This must never be spoken of—not even to Goudan or Feng Xi! Not a single word!” His expression was grave, utterly unlike his usual calm demeanor.

Tukesiluo nodded vigorously, understanding that if Che Gang learned the truth, it would ignite disaster. Jiang Mingyu glanced left and right, confirmed the crowd’s chaos obscured their words, then whispered: “Actually, the news of Che Gang’s surrender to us was spread by Shi Zhuo.”

“What?!” Tukesiluo’s eyes widened in shock. “You... spread it? But it’s not true?” He could hardly believe his ears, speechless. He had heard not a whisper of this before. Thinking of Che Gang’s thirty-two family members slaughtered, he shuddered and muttered: “Good heavens, Shi Zhuo is ruthless.”

Jiang Mingyu saw what he was thinking and quickly waved his hand, whispering: “Lower your voice! This was Shi Zhuo’s plan—I had no choice.” His expression was grim, unlike his usual ease. “I never wished to sacrifice Che Gang’s family—but the army’s morale was crumbling. I could only let Shi Zhuo act.”

Tukesiluo quickly understood Jiang Mingyu’s dilemma. He waved his hand: “I understand—you did the right thing. Stabilizing morale is urgent now. I swear I’ll never speak a word.”

Jiang Mingyu exhaled deeply, his tension easing slightly. He gave Tukesiluo a heavy pat on the shoulder—an acknowledgment. Seeing no one nearby, they parted ways, returning to their quarters to rest.

Watching Tukesiluo’s retreating figure, Jiang Mingyu gazed up at the bright full moon, a chill rising in his heart. “Now is the perfect moment to strike. It’s time to march on Qusheng.”

The next morning, Jiang Mingyu arrived at Che Gang’s tent, refreshed and alert. Thick green shade swayed gently in the morning breeze; dew-drenched grass lay soft beneath his feet. Jiang Mingyu inhaled the fresh air, then stepped inside the tent. Yesterday’s drunken Che Gang now stood fully awake, spirited and radiant. He rushed forward immediately upon seeing Jiang Mingyu and bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty’s visit honors my humble quarters—I am deeply grateful. My drunken behavior last night—I beg Your Majesty’s pardon.” Che Gang’s face was apologetic. Jiang Mingyu noticed his eyes shone unusually bright—as if lit by some new hope or resolve.

Jiang Mingyu waved his hand with a smile: “No matter. I drank plenty too. You performed excellently. How about we go to the city wall and breathe some fresh air today?” His tone was light and cheerful—as if the banquet had drawn them closer.

Che Gang nodded eagerly, a spark of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. The two walked side by side up the wall. The guards bowed deeply as they passed. A cool breeze blew across the ramparts. Jiang Mingyu inhaled deeply, gazing into the distance, his eyes firm and solemn.

At his side, Che Gang asked: “Your Majesty, when will we march to punish the southern frontier rebellion? I long to help you crush the rebellion and avenge my family!” His voice carried a hint of urgency.

Jiang Mingyu turned to him, a flash of approval in his eyes. He clapped Che Gang’s shoulder firmly: “Soon. I intend to do so. I understand your pain—I will let you avenge them soon.” Che Gang, stunned by such direct promise, felt his eyes well with tears and bowed repeatedly in thanks.

Seeing Che Gang’s fiery determination, Jiang Mingyu thought: this trick had worked perfectly—he had won Che Gang’s complete trust. He smiled gently and continued: “The southern frontier is vast; conquering it fully will not be easy. But with you on our side, our chances have greatly increased.”

“Yes! Thank Your Majesty for your trust—I shall not disgrace your faith!” Che Gang immediately bowed, his eyes burning with hatred and resolve.

Jiang Mingyu studied Che Gang’s resolute profile, thinking: this man, if properly used, could achieve great things. He felt a quiet pride in his own cunning—Che Gang would become a solid force in his campaign to crush the southern frontier.