Chapter 383: The Old Woman Who Used Death to Declare Her Will

The backyard of the residence was very quiet; just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu was about to ask where the other party had been settled, a heart-wrenching scream suddenly rang out from the yard.

"Mother!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was startled, quickly raising his head to find the source of the sound. He saw a middle-aged man, his face streaked with tears, stumbling out of the room; he was the guide who had led them into the city the day before. The man's face was deathly pale, his eyes bloodshot, and fresh blood seeped from the corner of his mouth; he was utterly lost, like a dog without a home.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned pale with shock, immediately judging that something had happened to the old woman again. He led several attendants running quickly into the courtyard, where he saw the old woman from yesterday lying inside the room; blood was dripping from the corner of her mouth as well, and a deep, bone-revealing bloodstain was exposed on her neck—that wretched old thing had actually cut her own throat! The guide was kneeling beside the old woman, wildly tearing at his hair in a tragic manner, wailing and roaring without cease.

"Mother! Why... why would you do this! Your son is now alone and helpless; how can he survive in the days to come..." He was weeping, his words incoherent.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face turned white; he immediately ordered his subordinates to summon a medical officer at once. The guide suddenly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, and screamed hysterically: "It's no use! It's no use! My mother has bitten her tongue to commit suicide; no medical officer can save her!"

Bitten her tongue to commit suicide? Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath of cold air. He hurried forward to ask what had happened, how a perfectly fine old person could suddenly make such an extreme move.

The guide bit his lips tightly, tears constantly welling up from his eye sockets. He raised his head and stared viciously at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his eyes full of resentment and malice.

"Isn't all this thanks to you, Your Majesty of One Da Jiang?!" He pointed at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and roared, his eyes red as if he wanted to flay him a thousand times.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was stunned, his mind full of doubt and confusion. What did this have to do with him? Could it be that the old woman committed suicide because he had captured the imperial capital?

"My mother heard that I betrayed my ancestors and led you into the city... she had no face to live in this world, so... so she bit her tongue to commit suicide." He choked, unable to say the next sentence, and could only hold his head and cry in pain.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu finally understood. It was because the guide was disloyal and unfilial, betraying his own country, that he suffered his mother's curses, directly leading to her desperate suicide. He couldn't help but feel sighs of regret and pity for this innocent old woman who had died.

"She was just a commoner, yet she possessed a faith firmer than ours," Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought silently, his face showing grief. For an ordinary person born and raised here, the ancestral land must not be desecrated. This respectable old woman defended the most sacred belief in her heart until her death; she deserves everyone's highest respect.

Just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mind wandered, the guide suddenly drew a sharp dagger from his bosom and, without hesitation, stabbed it into his own chest.

"Mother... your son is guilty, having failed your teachings... I am coming to accompany you to atone for my sins..."

The guide murmured softly, scarlet blood gushing out from his chest. He tilted his body and slowly fell beside his mother's corpse.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stared blankly at this tragic scene of death, unable to speak for a long time. Everything had happened too suddenly for him to react. He could only mechanically order his subordinates to take the two bodies away for a proper burial.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head and sighed, his heart filled with extreme desolation. For him, conquering the land and completing his hegemony was the greatest dream of his life. But for this pitiful old woman and her son, holding fast to the ancestral land was the most noble mission. They were merely ordinary people, yet they used death to declare their will, praising the return to truth, sacrificing themselves to defend the faith in their hearts. Any victory or ideal appeared futile in the face of such strong national pride.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly realized that his campaigns had not broadened his horizons but had instead made him more confused and lost. When an ordinary person possesses national pride as strong as an emperor's, any ideology appears pale and powerless. This was undoubtedly a moment of clarity for Jiang Jiang Mingyu, causing him to fall into deep thought.

The determination to wage war was certainly unshakable, but deep within Jiang Jiang Mingyu's heart, emptiness and desolation could not be hidden. He realized that different pursuits were destined to lead to different endings, especially in such chaotic times. That mother and son had braved fire and water to defend their land, facing death without fear; this unyielding faith made Jiang Jiang Mingyu unable to help but respect them. Drinking poison to quench thirst, swallowing a blade to commit suicide—such a bitter and turbulent ending was precisely the helplessness of being born in chaotic times.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised his head to look at the sky; a red sun was setting in the west, the sky dyed bright red by the sunset clouds, just like the hot blood gushing out from the guide and his mother. This blood-red sky seemed to be telling of the cruelty and impermanence of this era. Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but feel a thousand emotions, his heart a mixture of five flavors. He turned around, his gaze falling back on the two corpses.

The deceased's face had lost the color of life, becoming as pale as paper. The mother and son's ten fingers were interlocked, as if they had merged into one. They chose to defend their faith with blood and life, but what they received was such a desolate and tragic ending.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gazed at the two solemn corpses on the ground, his heart a vast wasteland. In a daze, he saw that the corner of the old woman's mouth still retained undried bloodstains, shimmering with a sad beauty in the afterglow of the sunset. The guide's hand, which had tightly held his mother's, was slowly loosening, his fingers slightly curled, as if telling of his unwillingness and regret in life.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently closed his eyes and exhaled a long breath. He suddenly felt an unprecedented exhaustion; the cruelty and desolation of this era seemed to be deeply branded into his heart at this moment. Life was lost in the defense of faith, but the ending left only cold corpses. The price of hot blood was so tragic.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised his head to look at the sky; the sun had already set, the sky dyed deep red. He remembered that when he first captured the imperial city, it was also such a sunset shining on the flags atop the city walls. At this time and in this scene, there was no joy or pride of conquest. Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly realized that even if he achieved more brilliant victories and territory, his heart would still be so empty and desolate.

This tragic ending of a mother and son seemed to be telling of the impermanence of chaotic times. Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and brushed away the confusion in his heart. The corpses before him had already lost their warmth; it was time to complete the final ritual for them. Jiang Jiang Mingyu respectfully covered the two corpses with white cloth and had the attendants carry them away slowly.

The backyard returned to silence, with only the rustling sound of the evening wind brushing past the corner of the wall. This sound was faint, just like the last breath the deceased left in the world. Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood in place, unable to move for a long time. The sun had completely sunk, the sky gradually darkening, his silhouette stretched long and blurred. At this moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly realized how huge the gap between ideals and reality was in chaotic times, and how illusory everything before him was.

The sea breeze from Tagang blew over; Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood alone at the high point of the port, gazing out at the sea, waiting for the people dispatched by Zhu Ge Yu. Five days had passed, and they had finally arrived.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu noticed that the arriving people were in a hurry, their expressions somewhat ragged and exhausted. The one in the lead stepped forward quickly, rested for a moment, and then bowed to pay respects; Jiang Jiang Mingyu recognized him as Wang Dongming, the Vice Minister of Revenue in the Six Ministries of Jin City. Seeing that Jiang Jiang Mingyu remembered him, Wang Dongming was extremely excited, tears overflowing in his eyes, and his voice trembled slightly:

"Your Majesty recognizes me from far away; this humble official is filled with admiration!" He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply respectfully, and paid the most humble great bow to Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand, indicating that he need not be so humble; only then did Wang Dongming hurriedly stand up, a flush of excitement still remaining on his face. Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded understandingly, made no further small talk, and went straight to the point:

"Wang Dongming, once Feng Xiwie's scouts return, our army will move north to meet the enemy." His tone was calm, his expression solemn, "The administration of this place will be temporarily entrusted to you. The other three will also receive assignments later."

After speaking, Jiang Jiang Mingyu detailed many specifics regarding the implementation of benevolent governance; Wang Dongming and the other three recorded every word without omission in their registers. Jiang Jiang Mingyu explained patiently, occasionally asking for their opinions and implementation suggestions on the policies. Although Wang Dongming and the others were extremely nervous under everyone's gaze, they still tried their best to think about the feasibility of each policy and cautiously put forward their own thoughts.

After the political matters were finished, Wang Dongming suddenly stepped forward, his hands behind his back, his expression so sincere he could not control himself:

"Your Majesty, regarding the deployment of troops, the Prime Minister has already drawn fifty thousand great troops from within the country, and they are rushing to the front lines! Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled calmly, understanding the situation. Zhu Ge Yu indeed shared his thoughts, having already made proper arrangements; he did not need to worry excessively about military affairs. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh for a long time:

"With Prime Minister Yu assisting me, the suppression of the southern border rebels is just around the corner! You have all worked hard; it is getting late, go rest first. I will organize the relevant political matters as soon as possible, and at that time you will take full charge of the affairs here."

Wang Dongming and the others respectfully accepted the order again, unable to contain their excitement. Watching their backs as they withdrew, Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but show a gratified smile. These young men would surely establish Da Gong for the expansion of the territory in the future.

Standing alone by the seaside, Jiang Jiang Mingyu let the sea breeze brush his face, washing away the fatigue of these few days. He had not slept enough these past few days, and now felt a slight weariness. His long-tense nerves finally relaxed for a moment. In the distance, several seagulls swept over the water surface, emitting pleasant cries. Jiang Jiang Mingyu squinted, a sense of long-lost security welling up in his heart.

At this moment, a raven quietly landed on the reef beside him, emitting a shrill cry that startled Jiang Jiang Mingyu. He suddenly opened his eyes, but the raven was already gone. Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but smile; having promised everyone to achieve Shangshan Jian Gong, he could not be the slightest bit negligent. Straightening his mood, Jiang Jiang Mingyu strode away from the seaside, a surge of fighting spirit rising in his chest. The harbor of fame and fortune was right ahead; he would surely forge ahead and not disappoint everyone's expectations.

The next day, the administration of Tagang was completely taken over by the newly appointed Tagang Governor Wang Dongming, and the other three temporarily served as his right and left arms. The situation was much as Jiang Jiang Mingyu had thought; once the benevolent policy of reducing corvée labor was promulgated, the people in the city immediately cheered and jumped for joy. Even the dark clouds of Tagang being occupied by One Da Jiang quietly dissipated considerably amidst the people's praise.

The people, who had long been under the rule of the southern border, had already suffered severe exploitation; now that they had a chance to catch their breath, everyone looked spirited. The originally bleak streets and markets reappeared in prosperity, filled with a joyful and harmonious atmosphere. During these days, Jiang Jiang Mingyu would also take time to walk around; seeing the joy overflowing on the people's faces, his heart leaped with delight.

One day, Jiang Jiang Mingyu saw a little girl in ragged clothes holding a cloth doll and playing in the street, her demeanor innocent and carefree. The girl's mother stood beside her, a long-lost smile appearing on her face. Jiang Jiang Mingyu gently sighed; such simple joy was the ultimate purpose of his expansion of territory.

Two more days passed, and Feng Xiwie suddenly came to report that the dispatched scouts had finally returned.

Hearing that the scouts had returned to report, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's whole person clearly perked up. He had originally been leaning lazily against the dragon throne, his right hand idly supporting his smooth cheek, his eyes slightly unfocused. Hearing Feng Xiwie's report, he suddenly sat upright, sharp light bursting from his eyes, like a fierce tiger waking up.

"Quickly invite him in!" His clear voice suddenly rose a tone, his tone urgent and revealing an excitement he could not hide.

Feng Xiwie hurriedly responded, and strode quickly out of the hall. In a short while, he led a scout wearing simple leather armor and covered in dust into the hall.

The scout looked around anxiously, stood firm before the dragon throne, and respectfully knelt to pay his bow, looking extremely timid. Jiang Jiang Mingyu hurried forward two steps, his beautiful eyebrows slightly furrowed, his face full of anxiety and expectation he could not hide.

"Speak quickly, what is the situation in Lingtaicheng?" His clear voice trembled slightly, and his pearl-and-jade-like fingers involuntarily curled slightly.

The scout hurriedly reported: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Yan Hao controls ninety thousand great troops..." He stammered, his voice slightly trembling.

After hearing the scout's report, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's handsome eyebrows furrowed slightly, his solemn expression revealing a serious consideration of the situation. For a long time, he murmured to himself: "Ninety thousand troops..." His long fingers unconsciously twirled his fine beard, his eyes, glowing with cold light, narrowed slightly, as if he had fallen into deep thought.

"This person has always been arrogant in his official duties, abused the common people, and acted cruelly." The scout reported, his voice trembling. He had originally kept his head low, but now suddenly raised it, his eyes flashing with anger:

"I saw with my own eyes that whenever Yan Hao's men encountered young and beautiful women, they would forcibly snatch and abduct them, often taking one or two into their rooms, after which they were raped! If anyone dared to resist, they would immediately be executed for their audacity!"

Speaking of this, the scout clenched his fists tightly, his whole body trembling. After a moment, he slowly spoke: "My neighbor Li Er's family, his daughter Li Rong, was only seventeen years old and stunningly beautiful. Three days ago, Yan Hao's reckless soldiers broke into their home and dragged Li Rong out..."

He choked, tears gushing out like a breached dam: "Li Er and his wife blocked the door, begging for help, and were immediately stabbed to death in the hall! Those beasts immediately dragged Li Rong onto a carriage and took her away; before leaving, they even set fire to the Li family house... Now the Li family is nothing but a ruin, and Li Er and his wife are gone without a trace..."

After saying this, the scout could no longer suppress his grief and indignation; he knelt on the ground and wept bitterly. The hall was deathly silent; apart from his crying, no one made a sound.

The scout's crying echoed in the vast hall, making people feel pity. After a long time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke softly: "Rise; you have fulfilled your duty."

The scout stood up sobbing, tears still swirling in his eyes. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's gaze was sharp as a torch, and he asked in a deep voice: "In Lingtaicheng, how many tragedies like Li Rong's are still playing out?"

The scout sobbed once and slowly answered: "Reporting to Your Majesty, similar incidents to the Li family happen frequently... Whichever young girl Yan Hao's men take a liking to, they forcibly abduct..."

"Such beasts!" Tu Tu Kesiluo flew into a rage, "I want to personally flay their skin and dig out their hearts!"

"If this grudge is not avenged, I swear I am no longer human!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes were bloodshot, his voice cold as winter iron. "I will surely seek justice for the people of Lingtai! Tomorrow, we will launch a full-scale assault on the city; Yan Hao shall not survive!"

"Hmph, a mere wine-skin and rice-bag dares to rely on strong soldiers and sturdy horses to commit evil!" Tu Tu Kesiluo curled his lip in disgust. "Big Brother, you decide then. As long as we can avenge the people and wipe out their hatred!"

"The outcome is not yet decided; this battle will certainly not be easy." Jiang Jiang Mingyu said in a deep voice. "Although Yan Hao is merely a paper tiger, the ninety thousand garrison troops under his command are by no means simple characters." His slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, and a trace of worry flashed across his exquisite face.

Moments later, he raised his head, and majestic light burst forth from his eyes: "We must strike in one go, seize the initiative, and capture Lingtai! Wang Dongming will remain in this city to guard it; I will personally lead the One Da Jiang army of one hundred thousand. Tomorrow, we will launch a massive expedition and strike straight at Yan Hao's nest!" His voice was loud, his tone firm, revealing an air of absolute confidence.

"One hundred thousand troops?" Tu Tu Kesiluo frowned. "Big Brother, the troops we brought from Qu Province number only ninety thousand; the rest are surrendered soldiers left by Jia Tong. The reliability of these men's loyalty is inevitably doubtful; I fear something may go wrong..." he said hesitantly.

"Tu Tu Kesiluo, do you still remember the origin of these garrison troops?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked calmly.

"This..." Tu Tu Kesiluo paused for a moment, then quickly recalled, "Naturally, they are all local people from near Tagang. How could Jia Tong possibly have the ability to conscript troops from distant places to guard this city?"

"Exactly so." Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips. "The benevolent governance we have implemented has already begun to show results and is deeply cherished by the local people. The families and relatives of these soldiers are the greatest beneficiaries of this benevolent governance; how could they possibly harbor second thoughts against One Da Jiang? Rest assured, they will surely serve me with utmost loyalty and defend their homes and country unto death."

Tu Tu Kesiluo suddenly understood, exclaiming agreement repeatedly, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. Having received Jiang Jiang Mingyu's approval, he immediately issued military orders to organize the army and prepare for departure. Soon, the sound of uniform drills echoed outside the hall, and the cold, gleaming weapons shimmered with a grim light under the sun.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly, stood up, and adjusted his military uniform. With the expedition imminent, he must maintain high morale at all times. Smoothing away the last unease in his heart, Jiang Jiang Mingyu strode out of the hall, the war flags fluttering vigorously behind him, flickering in the wind. In this Northern Expedition, he would surely achieve victory on the first battle!