Chapter 377: The Reunion of the Young Couple After a Long Separation

After Tu Tu Kesiluo had arranged everything, only Tu Tu Kesiluo and the merchant who had guided them remained in the military camp.

The smile on Tu Tu Kesiluo's face had vanished without a trace, replaced by a dead, silent coldness; his lips were pressed tight into a line, like withered wood in the dead of winter.

He spoke lightly, a hint of hidden expectation leaking from his tone: "Go inform my eldest sister-in-law that Qu Province has been captured. Ask her to prepare; my eldest brother will come personally to meet her shortly."

The merchant nodded and bowed repeatedly, shuffling away with stumbling steps, and hurriedly departed to deliver the message. At that moment, only Tu Tu Kesiluo remained at the camp gate; the surroundings were quiet, save for the occasional howling wind sweeping past, kicking up dust from the ground.

Tu Tu Kesiluo then strolled to the highest vantage point, gazing out at the city of Qu Province, which had been bathed in blood. Everywhere lay a mess of severed limbs and broken arms, headless corpses, and crumbling walls; the scene of the fierce slaughter just now was still vivid in his mind.

The air was thick with a heavy stench of blood and burning.

Yet no trace of pity or sorrow could be seen on Tu Tu Kesiluo's face; he gazed coldly at the flattened city, a hint of deeply hidden, indescribable darkness and gloom faintly leaking from his eyes.

Qu Province City had fallen; blood-stained corpses lay scattered haphazardly across the streets and alleys, and countless fleeing commoners were buried beneath the crumbling walls. The intense stench of blood filled the air, mingling with gray dust and the smell of burning, seeping into people's five viscera and six bowels. The high sun above seemed to condemn this massacre, yet no one on the ground cared anymore.

Only a single figure stood far away atop the city wall, black armor gleaming with a cold light under the sun. It was Tu Tu Kesiluo; he was covered in blood, impossible to tell whose it was, enemy or his own. He stared expressionlessly at the desolate silence beneath his feet, endless coldness and cruelty between his brows.

This city, once bustling and prosperous, was now filled with crumbling walls and blackened scars everywhere. Corpses, incomplete and broken, lay scattered, emitting a stench of decay.

Severed limbs and broken arms were piled disorderly along both sides of the roads; blood covered the ground, and footprints of varying depths had been stepped into, now congealed into a dark red. Headless skulls lay scattered haphazardly all around, lifeless eyes staring straight up at the sky.

The old, weak, women, and children who had fled hid deep within the ruins, trembling all over, watching in terror as the sound of hooves gradually faded away. Their faces were splattered with the fresh blood of their compatriots, tears washing bloodstains down their cheeks.

Tu Tu Kesiluo stood high above, looking down upon the destroyed city, cold as an onlooker.

Not a muscle on his face relaxed; his brows, sharp as blades, were filled with ruthlessness. Occasionally, a gust of wind blew, lifting a strand of hair at his temple, fluttering gently in the air, like the only flower blooming in this indifferent, freezing land.

The midday sun hung high overhead, seemingly condemning Tu Tu Kesiluo's brutality and coldness.

Yet he turned a deaf ear, standing silently on the city wall, letting the sunlight fall upon his sharply defined face. It was a young yet extremely cold face; lips pressed tight, deep eyes beneath thick brows gleaming with a cold and fierce light, like a lone wolf in the wilderness.

The only thing revealing a hint of softness was perhaps that single strand of black hair on his forehead, fluttering in the wind, glowing softly in the sunlight. However, soon Tu Tu Kesiluo raised his hand and brushed it behind his ear, restoring the chilling aura that radiated from his entire body.

He gazed at everything within the city, his eyes seeming to flicker with a complex, incomprehensible light.

About an hour later, Jiang Jiang Mingyu entered the Ducheng Governor's Mansion, and He Jing, who had been checking casualties, also returned.

He Jing wore armor stained with blood, his expression exhausted, his steps unsteady, as if he had just returned from hell. His eyes were swollen and purple, bloodshot with red veins, and his lips were cracked with several wounds. Under his helmet, golden hair was in disarray, spotted with blood, and even his beard was stuck with dried blood clots.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this battle annihilated 70,000 enemy troops; our army suffered a total of over 20,000 dead and wounded." He Jing choked out the numbers, his voice low and hoarse, eyes full of grief. When mentioning the casualty figures, his shoulders trembled slightly; he clenched his teeth, forcing himself not to let tears fall.

Hearing such heavy casualties, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart tightened involuntarily; he pressed his lips together, his tightly clenched fists turning slightly pale, with bluish knuckles faintly revealing veins. In such a situation, to still annihilate so many enemies of One Da Jiang, the troops under Du Du Jianmu were indeed worthy of the title "elite."

Over 20,000 blackened, broken corpses; the mournful wails of over 20,000 families. Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, forcing down the grief surging in his heart, his eyes turning slightly red. He shook the wide sleeves of his dragon robe, sighed heavily again, and hunched his body, pacing back and forth within the mansion.

He Jing kept his head bowed, standing motionless to the side, his face splattered with blood, his armor smeared with dark red blood clots and dust.

"Over 20,000 lives..." Jiang Jiang Mingyu muttered hoarsely to himself. "I have recorded this debt. Wei Yang, I will definitely make your family pay blood for blood!" He suddenly slammed his fist against the wall; the brick and stone surface shattered, veins on his fingers bulging. Jiang Jiang Mingyu took several deep breaths, barely suppressing the anger in his chest, but the ruthless fire of revenge still burned in his eyes.

He sat heavily back on the dragon throne, like a corpse devoid of life. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gripped the armrests of the chair tightly, his nails digging into the soft velvet. He remained motionless, as if struck by lightning, staring blankly at the pitch-black ground beneath his feet, his eyes empty and despairing. The whole person seemed on the verge of collapse, tottering as if about to fall apart at any moment.

After an unknown length of time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly raised his head, a pair of bloodshot eyes staring fiercely at He Jing: "All soldiers who died in battle must have their bodies transported back to Ducheng for burial! Every single family must be given compensation! Do you understand?!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu roared until his voice was hoarse, shaking the entire hall. His tightly clenched fists had been squeezed so hard that all five fingers had drawn blood.

He Jing trembled, his knees buckling as he fell to the ground. He kowtowed like pounding garlic, his face pale as he said: "This subject understands, Your Majesty! This subject will definitely do everything possible to comfort the families and properly bury the martyrs!" He sobbed, his face streaked with tears, the moisture soaking into his beard. At this moment, the governor's dignity was completely gone; He Jing was just an ordinary soldier mourning his comrades.

"In that case, setting aside the troops left to defend Qu Province, the soldiers and horses we can take with us amount to only 60,000 or 70,000." Jiang Jiang Mingyu sighed to the sky, his voice raspy, hands clasped behind his head in helplessness. The territory occupied grew larger and larger, the number of cities needing garrison and defense increased day by day, yet the troops available for deployment were constantly dwindling; this was the problem that troubled him most now.

According to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's estimate, if Tagang, Lingtai, and Jingxiang and other places were all conquered, the troops he could still deploy and arrange would probably be reduced to a mere 10,000, bearing immense pressure in his heart. Jiang Jiang Mingyu paced anxiously back and forth in the mansion, muttering a few curses under his breath. At this moment of utter helplessness, Liu Liu Yifei, wearing a servant's cloak, stumbled in against the biting wind.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched as Liu Liu Yifei slowly walked into the Governor's Mansion. She wore a large, thick cloak, its edges trimmed with white fur, trembling slightly. Liu Yifei was thin; the cloak wrapped her tightly, her face pale, her cheeks slightly sunken, making her already delicate small face even more exquisite. Her steps were unsteady, her body swaying slightly, as if she might be blown away by the wind at any moment. The biting cold wind poured in through the open door, kicking up dust from the ground.

Liu Yifei was originally a petite and delicate woman; these past days, braving wind and rain to run to Qu Province, her body seemed to have grown even thinner. She wore a thick white cloak, wrapping her body tightly, hiding her entire form within the oversized coat, revealing only a small face.

That beautiful small face was now as pale as paper; her cheeks were slightly sunken, as if all the vitality and color of the past had completely vanished. Her steps were unsteady, her body swaying slightly in the cold wind, like a small boat that might be overturned by the waves at any moment.

Seeing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo and He Jing immediately exchanged a knowing glance and tactfully quietly exited the Governor's Mansion, leaving time and space for the two of them.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at Liu Liu Yifei's increasingly thin small face, his heart trembling, his eyes full of heartache and worry. He clenched his fists, struggling to suppress the emotions surging within, took a quick step forward, and grabbed her cold hand.

"Liu Yifei, are you alright?" His voice was low and urgent, revealing deep longing and concern. His lips trembled slightly, his eyes gentle yet panicked, trying hard to remain calm but unable to hide the anxiety within.

Liu Liu Yifei raised her head; her beautiful eyes, usually flowing with autumn waves, were now filled with bloodshot veins, the deep exhaustion and heartache in her eyes laid bare. She bit her lip, as if holding back something, saying not a word. Yet finally, tears trickled down from the corners of her eyes, tracing the contours of her thin cheeks.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart was twisted like a knife; he gently wiped the tear tracks from her cheeks but did not know what to say. The knot in his chest seemed ready to tear him apart; he could only hug this petite body tightly, as if doing so could protect her from all the harm in the world.

"Jiang Lang..." Liu Liu Yifei finally spoke, her voice low and trembling. "I... I really, really miss you."

After she finished speaking, she stumbled and fell into Jiang Jiang Mingyu's arms. Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly embraced her, holding her tightly against his chest. Liu Liu Yifei's thin body trembled in his embrace; she clung tightly to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's sturdy arm like a drowning person grasping a straw, afraid he might disappear.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently stroked her thin back, again and again, as if comforting a frightened child. "Me too, Liu Yifei, I miss you very much too." He said softly in a hoarse voice, a sourness rising in his throat. Hearing this, Liu Liu Yifei finally burst into loud crying. She wept with a heart-wrenching intensity, her whole body trembling slightly, like a dying candle in the wind.

For these past few months, the only thing he thought of day and night was this delicate woman in his arms. Amidst his daily toil, her smiling face would always appear in his mind. Because the war situation was urgent, he had to travel and fight every day, unable to stay by her side. This separation was far too long and difficult for both of them.

"Liu Yifei... I miss you too." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said softly. "Really, very, very much."

He closed his eyes, feeling the familiar and beloved warmth in his arms. Hearing this, Liu Liu Yifei finally burst into loud crying. She wept until her whole body shook, sobbing incoherently. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart ached terribly; he stroked her hair again and again, comforting her softly.

"Don't cry, don't cry... I'm here." He said gently. "From now on, I will accompany you more; I won't let you bear these things alone anymore..."

After a long while, Liu Liu Yifei's crying gradually subsided. She raised her tear-blurred face, a hint of relief showing in her expression. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently stroked her reddened eyes, his gaze deep and tender. He carefully helped Liu Liu Yifei sit in a chair, while he himself knelt half before her, holding her cold, thin hand tightly.

"Liu Yifei, it must have been very difficult for you to get through these few months alone. I couldn't often be by your side to accompany you; I am truly sorry." Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at her without blinking, regret and sorrow laid bare in his eyes. "But this war we had to fight, for you and for our people..."

Liu Liu Yifei was slightly stunned; she blinked her beautiful eyes, still glistening with tears, and said softly: "I understand, Jiang Lang. You don't need to apologize to me; you are already doing your best to protect the people of Baili. This is the responsibility of thousands upon thousands of us, not just yours alone."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gazed at her, his gaze gentle and proud. He knew Liu Liu Yifei was not a weak woman; her word "we" moved him deeply. Liu Liu Yifei was also shouldering her share of the responsibility; although her strength was not greater than his, her heart was equally firm. The corners of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mouth turned up slightly; he tightened his grip on Liu Liu Yifei's hand and nodded solemnly: "Good, together we will."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu embraced Liu Liu Yifei's thin body, feeling her warmth and weight, his heart filled with mixed emotions. These past few months, she had obviously grown much thinner; her originally plump cheeks were slightly sunken, her cute baby fat had disappeared, and her collarbones were more prominent. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently touched her face, his thumb brushing over the slightly drooping corners of her eyes and the heavy dark circles beneath, his heart aching. Liu Liu Yifei was usually full of energy, her eyes lively and bright; now, her entire being had dimmed, making Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart feel as if it were being cut by a knife.

Liu Liu Yifei raised her head, a smile appearing in her eyes. She extended her bony small hand to cover Jiang Jiang Mingyu's large hand and said softly: "I'm fine, really, everything is good." Her voice was softer than usual, like a wind chime swaying in the breeze, her tone full of care and comfort for Jiang Jiang Mingyu. Jiang Jiang Mingyu hugged her tightly, one hand stroking her long hair, the other gently rubbing her thin back, and pleaded in a low voice: "Promise me, don't take risks anymore. These days, I couldn't put my heart at ease for even a moment; I was always worried something might happen to you..." His voice was somewhat choked, and Liu Liu Yifei could feel his strong, powerful heartbeat quicken as well.

Liu Liu Yifei was stunned for a moment, then showed an apologetic expression. She looked up into Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes, seeing the deep worry and exhaustion within. She couldn't help but blame herself; she hugged Jiang Jiang Mingyu's sturdy waist and rested her head gently against his broad chest. She could hear his powerful heartbeat, which made her feel much more at ease.

"But..." She opened her mouth, as if wanting to explain something, yet finding it hard to speak. She knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu would definitely understand her, but she also couldn't bear to make him worry because of this. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently stroked her long hair, interrupting her words: "I know; without you, I can't do anything either. Scouts have already been sent to Tagang; there will be news soon. Let Feng Feng Xiwei handle these matters. If you can't stay here, why not go manage the business in Jiangzhou? That would be able to help me, wouldn't it?"

His tone was gentle and comforting, causing Liu Liu Yifei's heart to gradually calm down. She nodded gently in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's embrace, her cheek rubbing against his warm, broad chest. Just as she was about to open her mouth to thank him, she pouted her small mouth in a huff. "Alright, I thought you were worried about me, but it turns out you just want my money!" She said this on purpose, wanting to tease Jiang Jiang Mingyu. Indeed, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was stunned by her sudden coquettishness; he quickly pinched her chin to straighten it and explained urgently and sincerely: "I am worried about you, and I also need your help... What I mean is, if you encounter any danger outside, I will be very anxious."

Liu Liu Yifei looked at his nervous appearance and couldn't help but laugh. She winked at him, smiled brightly, and said: "I was just teasing you; of course I know you are worried about me. Since that's the case, I will wholeheartedly manage the business, so you won't have to worry about me every day." Saying this, she stood on her tiptoes and gave a gentle kiss on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips, successfully making Jiang Jiang Mingyu laugh as well. Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled and kissed the top of her head, saying affectionately: "That's right, my good wife."

Liu Liu Yifei raised her head, coquettishly asking for another kiss, then reluctantly withdrew from Jiang Jiang Mingyu's embrace. She smiled as she adjusted her dress and hair bun, spun around lively, and asked: "Does this outfit look pretty? Will going to Jiangzhou be able to earn you a lot of money?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu, seeing that she had regained some spirit, finally put down the heavy stone in his heart. He reached out to gather Liu Liu Yifei's scattered hair strands and smiled: "My wife is extremely beautiful no matter when."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Liu Liu Yifei embraced as they wandered in the hall; he gently combed her smooth long hair with his hand, occasionally pressing a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead. This night seemed exceptionally quiet and long; outside the courtyard, a bright, clear moon hung high in the night sky. Its clear radiance filtered through the window lattice, spilling into the room, with points of silver light reflecting on their faces as they gazed at each other.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu carefully lifted the light and soft Liu Liu Yifei into his arms. She let out a small cry, her hands shyly wrapping around his neck, letting him carry her toward the inner bedroom. Inside the room, incense candles flickered; the two figures appeared especially lingering and illusory in this hazy, dim light.

"I really miss you so much." He gently touched her cheek. Liu Liu Yifei shyly closed her eyes, her cheeks trembling slightly, breathing softly. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips in return, whispering with a barely audible voice: "Me too, Langjun." She gazed at him with burning eyes, full of love and deep affection. The two embraced and kissed under this gentle moonlight; their heartbeats seemed to merge into one, turning into a lingering melody echoing in the room.

This was a room of exquisite tenderness, quiet and beautiful under the silver-white moonlight.