Chapter 378

The next morning, as Jiang Jiang Mingyu pushed open the bedroom door, he already felt the morning sunlight spilling across his body, making him feel refreshed. He stepped out lightly, and just as he exited, he saw Tu Tu Kesiluo striding towards him with long, quick steps.

Tu Tu Kesiluo's brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety. He took three steps as two, approaching Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and got straight to the point: "Big Brother, now the entire Qu Province is under our army's control, and the common people in the city are still quite obedient. What should we do next?" A hint of impatience subtly permeated his tone.

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, his brows slightly furrowed, a trace of worry visible in his gaze. He sighed lightly and said, "The most urgent matter right now is to quickly find a civil official to take over the administration of Qu Province; the policy of benevolent governance must continue." His tone was calm yet firm.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was an outstanding military general, but he was not skilled in administrative affairs. Upon hearing the need to find a civil official, he furrowed his thick brows, a look of difficulty appearing on his face. He gestured constantly with both hands in the air, and his tone became anxious: "Our army is full of rough soldiers; how hard is it to find someone good at managing civil affairs?" One hand anxiously scratched his head, while the other waved back and forth before his chest, his eyes filled with confusion.

Seeing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu sighed lightly again. Before he could speak, a soldier suddenly rushed over from a short distance, panting heavily and saying, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!" Panic filled his tone.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes sharpened, his brow furrowed deeply, and he shouted loudly, "What is terrible? Speak clearly!" He stood with his hands behind his back, his body leaning slightly forward, staring fixedly at the soldier, waiting for his answer.

The soldier, intimidated by Jiang Jiang Mingyu's momentum, hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, brothers outside the city report that a force of at least ten to twenty thousand troops is approaching Qu Province!" As he spoke, he made exaggerated gestures to indicate the vast number of enemies, his eyes filled with terror.

"Judging by the enemy's speed, they will arrive at the city walls in less than half an hour," the soldier added, wiping sweat from his forehead, his expression still tense.

"What?!" After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu furrowed his brows and muttered to himself, "What is going on? Could it be that Wei Wei Yangyao's reinforcements haven't arrived yet, but people from Tagang have come first?" His gaze immediately became solemn, and anxiety faintly emerged in his murmurs.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu walked quickly to the outside of the house and looked into the distance, trying to see the movements outside the city, but unfortunately, there was nothing but grass and trees. At that moment, he suddenly remembered something and muttered to himself, "But if this is truly the case, why haven't the people sent by Feng Xiwai brought back even a shred of intelligence?" His expression grew even more solemn, his heart full of suspicion.

Seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu lost in thought, the soldier hurriedly added, "Reporting to Your Majesty, scouts have already gone to investigate; we expect news very soon." A hint of hope permeated his tone.

After hearing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo strode over to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's side, punched the wall, his eyes blazing with fire, and said in a hateful voice, "Big Brother, I will immediately organize the troops at the camp, ready to lead men to meet the enemy at any time!" He clenched both fists, radiating a fighting spirit, as if ready to charge into battle immediately.

Just then, Liu Liu Yifei pushed the door open and came out, her face full of panic, her speech somewhat incoherent: "What's wrong? What suddenly happened?" She looked at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo, her eyes filled with worry.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a long sigh, his face solemn, briefly explained the situation to Liu Liu Yifei, and comforted her, saying, "You go back to the palace to hide first; leave it to us to handle."

Although Liu Liu Yifei was somewhat reluctant, she nodded and returned to the palace. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo stood at the door, gazing into the distance, both lost in deep thought.

At this moment, a fast horse galloped over from the distance, the rider on its back seemingly bringing more news. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo immediately went to meet him, their expressions becoming tense...

"Your Highness, wait! Your Majesty, Noble Consort, the scouts have returned; the troops outside the city are our own people." It turned out that the one who came was He Jing.

As soon as He Jing opened his mouth, the expressions of Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo changed significantly. The tightly furrowed brows of the two relaxed slightly, and their tense states immediately loosened. Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurriedly asked a follow-up question: "What? The troops outside the city are our own people?" His voice conveyed incredulous joy, and a gleam of delight burst forth in his eyes.

He Jing smiled slightly and nodded slowly: "Correct. Reporting to Your Majesty, the scouts just reported that the troops outside the city were dispatched by the Prime Minister from Other Xi Xia." He deliberately paused for a moment, looked meaningfully at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, and then continued:

"The scouts have already clarified the situation. Now the situation in Other Xi Xia is gradually stabilizing, and part of the stationed troops has become idle. Knowing that Your Majesty's available troops are increasingly scarce, the Prime Minister urgently ordered the Other Xi Xia army to travel day and night, heading straight for Southern Da Jiang, to reinforce Your Majesty."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart was stirred. It turned out that the troubles in Western Xia had been quelled for over two months; he assumed Zhu Ge Yu must have already firmly consolidated control. This move was like timely rain, relieving his immediate crisis. He couldn't help but laugh heartily again, saying, "So that's how it is, haha, my good disciple is indeed extraordinary, preventing trouble before it arises, not wasting my trust in him!" A look of gratification appeared in his eyes, and he looked radiant.

At this moment, Liu Liu Yifei also walked out of the room, smiling and praising, "Jiang Lang, I see that your good student is indeed very thoughtful in his thinking, truly worthy of receiving your true teachings." Her gaze was full of pride.

Hearing the praise, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt somewhat shy and touched his nose bashfully: "Since I sent troops to Other Xi Xia, many major affairs in the country have been handled entirely by my disciple, who can be said to have made great contributions. After subduing Southern Da Jiang and unifying the Great Continent, I will definitely reward my disciple generously." He made the promise solemnly.

Speaking of this, he shifted his gaze to Tu Tu Kesiluo and He Jing and continued, "Of course, you are also fierce generals under my command, having made great military contributions. In the future, everyone will receive their share; I will not treat you unfairly!"

After hearing this, Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes shone, he punched the wall, and was too excited to speak. He Jing also excitedly agreed repeatedly, raising both clenched fists high above his head, his face overflowing with joy and expectation, as if he had already seen the dawn of victory.

At this moment, Liu Liu Yifei looked meaningfully at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and the several fierce generals, her gaze filled with pride. She spoke softly, yet every word rang with strength: "History is just beginning; we are at the time of planning great undertakings and creating a new world. Brave warriors, this promising era is entrusted to you to create and advance!"

Upon hearing this, the three of Jiang Jiang Mingyu, Tu Tu Kesiluo, and He Jing all trembled slightly, their expressions becoming solemn. They seemed to suddenly realize that before them lay a rare opportunity of a thousand years to change the world and achieve great deeds...

Jiang Jiang Mingyu restrained his smile, clenched his fist solemnly, and secretly made a firm determination in his heart: "Wife, rest assured, your husband will definitely not disappoint your expectations. I will do my utmost to expand our territory and fulfill our lifelong wish! This battlefield will serve as the starting point for me, Jiang Jiang Mingyu, to cut through thorns and build great achievements; I will definitely forge it into an excellent cornerstone for my fame and success!"

Beside him, Tu Tu Kesiluo and He Jing also had determined expressions, responding loudly. Standing under the rising morning sun, the group looked heroic, their gazes firm, embodying the vigorous spirit of youth looking forward. In that instant, the scene in Qu Province city was full of vitality, symbolizing their lofty ambitions and infinite possibilities.

The large army outside the city soon entered the city, and Jiang Jiang Mingyu personally welcomed them. When he saw clearly that this army was well-disciplined, marching in neat formation, and numbered as many as thirty thousand, he couldn't help but show joy on his face, his eyes shining, the corners of his mouth unable to stop rising, his excitement overflowing.

"Haha, thirty thousand fierce generals! Excellent, excellent! My good junior master is indeed far-sighted, preventing trouble before it arises!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, excitedly patting Tu Tu Kesiluo's shoulder repeatedly. Tu Tu Kesiluo was also beaming, clenching both fists and striking his palms, making a cracking sound. "Big Brother, with these brothers as backup, we have even more confidence in dealing with Wei Wei Yangyao's small soldiers!" His tone could not hide his ambition.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded eagerly. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw a familiar figure walking out of the army—it was Shi Zhuo, who had been left behind in Jiangzhou! Shi Zhuo walked lightly, his expression calm, showing no sign of fatigue at all. Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but freeze, countless questions flashing through his mind.

"Shi Shi Aiqing? How come you are here too?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu was surprised, immediately went forward to meet him, his voice full of suspicion.

Shi Zhuo smiled slightly, his expression humble, and respectfully performed a bow: "Reporting to Your Highness, I came to take over the position of Governor of Qu Province by order of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has already dispatched civil officials to take over the administration of Jiangzhou, so I have come south." His tone was calm yet firm.

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood. He thought to himself that his good disciple had connections everywhere and had already made arrangements. Then he thought again, since Shi Zhuo had successfully implemented benevolent governance in Jiangzhou, taking over Qu Province could be considered the best choice. He couldn't help but shake his head slightly, a gratified smile appearing on the corners of his mouth.

"Good! Since the Prime Minister and Shi Shi Aiqing have already agreed, I have no objection." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said cheerfully, trust visible between his eyebrows.

Shi Zhuo agreed repeatedly, clasping his hands together and nodding slightly, his expression humble and polite. The ceremony for organizing the official entourage also began hurriedly. Soldiers entered the city in a single file, full of energy, with neat formations. Several fine horses followed behind, with civil officials riding on them. The sunlight reflected off their official robes, refracting dazzling light.

Shi Zhuo walked with steady steps to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's front. He bowed slightly, placed his right fist on his left chest, and formally swore in to take the position of Governor. The eunuch also did not hesitate, directly granting the bright red Governor's seal to Shi Zhuo. The seal was decorated with magnificent dragon and phoenix patterns, even more brilliant and eye-catching under the sunlight.

"Continue to work hard, Shi Shi Aiqing!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu said loudly with a smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Shi Zhuo also smiled. His expression was solemn yet full of ambition; he clenched the seal in his left hand and clasped his right fist again: "I will definitely do my utmost to restore peace to this territory as soon as possible!"

At this moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo stepped forward, his brows tightly furrowed, the muscles on his face slightly distorted by anger. He asked in a deep voice, "Big Brother, Wei Wei Yangyao's reinforcements from Tagang are about to arrive; should we prepare to meet them?" Anxiety and seriousness permeated his tone.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu furrowed his brows, and an undeniable worry appeared on his face. He stroked his beard, his eyes becoming deep and gloomy, and said solemnly, "It is the right time! We must first annihilate the reinforcements to avoid trouble from behind." His tone contained firmness and determination. Then he raised his head, staring fixedly at the horizon: "Otherwise, when we later launch an expedition to Tagang, this worry from behind will surely become a source of disaster." At this moment, every line on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face was filled with anxiety, but at the same time, it revealed a firm belief in victory.

Just then, Che Gang strode in. He radiated confidence all over, the corners of his mouth turned up, and his eyes twinkled with cunning and wisdom. "Your Majesty, according to the time calculation, Wei Wei Yangyao's reinforcements are also about to arrive." His tone was steady and calm, showing none of his usual frivolity and restlessness. Upon hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo turned their heads in unison to stare at him.

"This general requests permission to go to battle; I am certain to wipe them out in one stroke, establishing merit for Your Majesty." He struck his right fist against his left chest, his tone heroic, his movements containing boundless confidence and courage. Jiang Jiang Mingyu widened his eyes slightly and asked curiously, "What good strategy do you have to defeat the enemy?" He stepped forward eagerly, looking Che Gang up and down with interest, his eyes revealing inquiry and expectation.

Che Gang smiled, the corners of his mouth curling up, revealing a set of white teeth. "Your Majesty, this general is prepared to deal with them on the sea surface." His tone contained a hint of cunning, like a strategist who relied on his talent and was proud.

"On the sea?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but freeze, a trace of surprise flashing across his face. He blinked, not understanding Che Gang's meaning for a moment. So he asked again, "Speak more specifically." Jiang Jiang Mingyu furrowed his brows, his expression revealing an urgent desire, hoping Che Gang would explain clearly quickly.

Che Gang nodded, putting on an air of deep scheming, and explained slowly and deliberately: "Your Majesty may not know, unlike our One Da Jiang and the former Other Xi Xia, Southern Da Jiang is surrounded by the sea on three sides." As he spoke, he looked around, as if recalling something. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tu Tu Kesiluo also followed his gaze to look around, imagining the Southern Da Jiang in Che Gang's words.

"Precisely because of this, Southern Da Jiang has always focused on the development of the navy. This general, though unworthy, is the most skilled general in naval warfare in Southern Da Jiang." He crossed his arms before his chest, confident, his expression proud, with a hint of smug smile on the corners of his mouth. After hearing this, a trace of awe rose in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart; this Che Gang, seemingly indifferent to worldly affairs, turned out to be a person of high martial arts skills inside.

"Now, in order to rescue Qu Province, Wei Wei Yangyao has actually forgotten the existence of this general, sending troops by sea, which is equivalent to sending them to their death." He let out a cold laugh, a look of contempt and mockery flashing in his eyes. "Outside the west gate of Qu Province is the beach; there are also many warships under Du Du Jianmu's command. This subordinate requests permission to lead troops to battle; we can surely win in one go." Speaking of this, his eyes shone, radiating a strong fighting spirit, his face full of excitement and eagerness.

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu truly did not expect that Che Gang, who had been won over by intrigue, actually possessed such extraordinary naval skills. He couldn't help but shiver, secretly glad that he had deprived Che Gang of the opportunity to board a ship that day. If not for this, the losses this person would cause in naval warfare in the future would be unimaginable. Jiang Jiang Mingyu secretly made a decision: in the future, he must definitely make good use of this talent.

Looking at Che Gang, who had defeated the enemy with wisdom, Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but regard him with new respect. He saw Che Gang introducing the good strategy for naval warfare to him in a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant, and in those eyes containing infinite wisdom, a gleam of confidence shone. Jiang Jiang Mingyu noticed that when Che Gang spoke of his achievements in naval warfare, a slightly arrogant smile appeared on his scarred face, and a trace of pride emerged from his resolute expression.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu understood very well the open and hidden struggles between generals who always fought for power and profit and had different paths. At this moment, he needed a great general he could completely trust. He saw that when Che Gang spoke of his grasp of naval warfare, he stood straighter, his feet slightly apart, his hands behind his back. His gaze became even sharper but also revealed a trace of excitement, as if he couldn't wait to go to the battlefield and show his skills.

"Your Majesty, look, Wei Wei Yangyao this time not only fell into the trap of transporting grain and reinforcements by sea, but more importantly, he underestimated the enemy—he has completely forgotten my naval skills. This subordinate requests to fight, to establish Your Majesty's prestige, and to make our One Da Jiang famous on the sea and sky!" Speaking of this, his voice was passionate and confident, his gaze burning, his body leaning forward as if he couldn't wait to take off his court robes and put on battle armor.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was subdued by his momentum. This person was not only rare in military strategy but also had a chest full of hot blood and a heart full of dedication to the great righteousness of the nation. Jiang Jiang Mingyu began to feel that meeting Che Gang might be a stroke of luck. His journey required talents like him; perhaps the subsequent road would urgently need strategists and fierce generals like him.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded with a smile, indicating his appreciation and trust: "Good! General Che is wise! I believe you will definitely return with a great victory! I give you fifty thousand troops to go out to sea to meet the enemy; is that enough?"

Che Gang calmly bowed and replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward. I will definitely do my utmost to bring victory back before Your Majesty's golden throne! Relying on those few pieces of material Wei Wei Yangyao sent, why use fifty thousand troops? Twenty thousand is enough." Having said this, his eyes shone, his gaze firm as iron, a aura of righteousness surrounding him, as if he had been waiting for this moment for too long.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's brows were tightly furrowed.

"War is absolutely not a game, Che Gang. Do you have confidence?"

Che Gang naturally understood what his previous words meant, yet he did not show the slightest intention of retreating.

"This general is willing to sign a military order; if we do not win, this subordinate is willing to bring my head to see you."

Watching Che Gang swear an oath with such conviction and personally write the military pledge, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but look at him with newfound respect.

Che Gang picked up his brush and, with vigorous and elegant strokes, wrote on the military pledge: "I establish this military order; if I do not win this battle, I willingly accept military punishment." Jiang Jiang Mingyu noticed that the hand holding the brush was as steady as an old tree with deep roots, each stroke written with such force that it seemed to penetrate the back of the paper.

This reminded Jiang Jiang Mingyu of when they had faced each other as enemies on the battlefield; Che Gang's skill in defending cities and the ingenuity of his formations had made it difficult for him to advance. Now, this very man had become a great general under his command; truly, fate plays strange tricks, revealing the will of Heaven.

Watching Che Gang respectfully present the completed military pledge with both hands, Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled with satisfaction and accepted it to examine carefully. Che Gang stood below, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at him with burning eyes, his expression revealing firm resolve without a trace of panic.

This only strengthened Jiang Jiang Mingyu's determination to give him full rein. Nodding, Jiang Jiang Mingyu said, "Good, I trust in your abilities. This naval battle, I leave entirely in your hands!"

Che Gang bowed deeply and said, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's commendation; I shall repay Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing my talent with a hundredfold effort!"

Having spoken, he lifted his head, his eyes blazing with brilliant light, as if he were about to don his armor and rush immediately into battle. Though his expression remained composed, Jiang Jiang Mingyu keenly caught the flash of excitement and eagerness that passed through his eyes.

This filled Jiang Jiang Mingyu with even greater confidence in him; with such a talented general, how could one worry about failing to achieve a Da Gong!

At this moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu remembered that He Jing was also a talent of note, so he spoke: "By the way, take He Jing with you; let him also learn naval warfare; perhaps he will prove useful in the future."

Che Gang respectfully accepted the order, saying, "I obey the imperial decree! I shall immediately go to discuss and spar with Duke He!"

With that, he strode out with long, rapid steps, radiating vitality; it was clear he could not wait to enter the battlefield.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched his departing figure, a wave of gratification and joy rising in his heart.

With these two fierce generals, victory in this naval battle was absolutely certain. Che Gang was shrewd and formidable in handling affairs, while He Jing was steady and reserved; with the two working together, they were bound to achieve a great Da Gong!

Jiang Jiang Mingyu calculated in his mind that once Che Gang returned victorious, he would surely praise him generously and bestow rich rewards. By then, he could not only solidify Che Gang's loyalty but also encourage all his generals to compete in their devotion.

Thinking that several fierce generals were gradually gathering under his command, Jiang Jiang Mingyu felt a surge of pride and joy in his heart—truly, human plans cannot match Heaven's calculations; Heaven is aiding me!