Chapter 384: Inside Information

The next morning, Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood at the tent entrance, squinting as he gazed at the dense ranks of soldiers and horses outside the camp. It was still early; a thin mist shrouded the area, and the entire camp remained immersed in the hazy morning light.

The soldiers were already busy gearing up in the cold wind, the clanging and forceful sounds of preparation rising and falling. Their eyes revealed determination and defiance; their expressions were solemn, and every gesture radiated killing intent. This made Jiang Jiang Mingyu recall the bloody battle with his arch-enemy many years ago, back when he was in the prime of his life.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slightly beneath the armor.

He turned around, his gaze falling on the long sword standing in the corner of the tent; the blade shimmered with cold, chilling light in the dawn. A warlike spirit that could not be suppressed lit up in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes. He strode forward, grasped the hilt, and felt the familiar texture upon it.

"Set out," he ordered in a deep voice.

The group marched majestically through the Tagang city gate, stepping onto the road leading to Lingtaicheng. Lingtaicheng lay nearly 700 li due east of Tagang, with the vast, boundless Star Flow Sea between them. Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood before his horse, gazing at the continuous mountain ranges in the distance. To cut off Yan Hao's rear supply lines, this march was destined to be perilous.

To reach that place, they must cross the towering, continuous Guanlang Dashan to the north. There, trees pierced the sky, dangerous peaks jutted out abruptly, the mountain roads were rugged and winding, and wild beasts roamed, making the march extremely difficult. Thinking of the hardships and dangers they would inevitably face, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but frown slightly, his right hand instinctively tightening around the sword hilt.

The great army traveled continuously for three days before finally encountering a torrential rainstorm. Rain poured down, and mudslides constantly washed down from the mountains. Jiang Jiang Mingyu had no choice but to order the troops to set up camp and rest in an open space on the mountainside.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood in the main tent, gripping the knife hilt tightly with both hands, staring at the pouring rain outside. His brows were deeply furrowed, and his eyes revealed anxiety and unease. This sudden downpour had delayed the army's progress, yet he was eager to reach the front lines to command the battle.

"How long until this rain stops?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked up and asked the adjutant beside him. His tone suppressed impatience.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it is the plum rain season; it is estimated to last a few more days," the adjutant replied with his head bowed, his voice low.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu made a loud "tsk" sound heavily. He strode to the door, and the rain immediately splashed wet onto the edges of his shoes and his trouser legs. He stared fiercely at the thick curtain of rain outside, his fist unconsciously clenching until it creaked.

The adjutant stood silently to the side, his face showing difficulty. This sudden downpour had indeed disrupted the great army's marching plan, and the continuous travel and exhaustion had also caused morale to decline.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm his emotions. As the commander, he understood he could not show anxiety and dissatisfaction before his subordinates. To boost morale, he still needed to display an attitude of composure and calmness.

"Someone, summon the generals for a meeting," he instructed the adjutant in a deep voice.

Moments later, the tent was filled with the generals. Jiang Jiang Mingyu scanned the surroundings and got straight to the point: "This sudden change will inevitably affect our army's marching speed; we cannot guarantee that Yan Hao will not use this opportunity to rest and reorganize his troops."

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze burning like torches: "Everyone, how should our army respond at this moment? We urgently need a strategy for employing troops!"

Tu Tu Kesiluo tilted his head slightly, about to speak, but saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu raise his hand to stop him: "Wait. If there are objections, feel free to express your own views; I will then synthesize and consider them."

The generals looked at each other, all pondering this matter deeply. Moments later, Feng Feng Xiwei furrowed his brows slightly and spoke slowly...

Feng Feng Xiwei furrowed his brows slightly and spoke slowly: "Although the heavy rain certainly affects our army's march, Yan Hao will also be forced to react hastily because of it. I suggest we continue at full speed, take advantage of his unpreparedness to strike at the vital point, and capture the enemy commander in one blow. Is this feasible?"

Having spoken, silence filled the tent for a moment. Some muttered to themselves, others whispered to each other, all weighing this strategy.

Moments later, Che Gang shook his head and said: "This is not advisable. Yan Hao is an experienced veteran; he will absolutely not be lax or careless. If our army forces its way forward, I fear the subsequent supplies will not keep up, and we will instead fall into difficulty ourselves."

He paused, looking meaningfully at Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "This time, fortune has not favored us; it is already the will of heaven. Why does Your Majesty not temporarily suspend the southern expedition, rest the troops, and proceed only after the rain stops?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu listened silently to the various opinions, his brows tightly furrowed. He pondered for a long time before letting out a long sigh: "Your words are extremely correct. This southern expedition of mine was originally intended to be a quick battle and decisive victory. Alas, the weather is unpredictable, and worldly affairs are hard to foresee. It seems we can only let Yan Hao live a few more days."

Having spoken, he flicked his sleeve and rose, striding to the door. The wild wind dispersed the intensity of the rain, and a hint of dawn appeared on the horizon. Upon his silver armor, his figure stood straight, radiating awe-inspiring power like a heavenly god.

"This is the final decision," he spoke in a low voice. "Wait three days after the rain stops, then set out south. By then, regardless of whether the supplies have arrived, we will launch a fierce attack on the vital point and take Yan Hao directly!"

"Yes!" The generals in the tent responded in unison, their voices full of resounding fighting spirit.

A fierce killing intent suddenly appeared in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes. He concentrated his gaze southward, sneered, and murmured: "Yan Hao, you cannot escape this calamity..."

Three days passed. Fortunately, Shi Zhuo had people deliver military grain through the heavy rain, so the great army did not run out of food. When Jiang Jiang Mingyu learned the supplies had arrived, he breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense face relaxed. "Finally, we have endured it. Persist for a few more days, and we will strike the enemy," he said to the soldiers beside him. The soldiers also relaxed their tense expressions and began to count and distribute the grain.

After walking another two days on the muddy official road, with only 34 days remaining until reaching Lingtaicheng, Shi Zhuo's people arrived again. Jiang Jiang Mingyu found this strange. He strode toward the messenger, his brows slightly furrowed: "Military grain has already been delivered. Why did Shi Zhuo send you again? Have Zhu Ge Yu's troops arrived?"

The messenger hurriedly shook his head: "Reporting to Your Majesty, no. Lord Tian ordered me to bring a message to Your Majesty."

A message? Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes suddenly became sharp: "What message?"

The messenger took a sealed letter from his bosom and respectfully offered it with both hands. Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not wait to open the letter. After quickly scanning the contents, his face immediately turned iron-green, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

It turned out that after leaving Tagang, Jia Tong headed straight for the seaside, intending to take the water route south to protect the city. Who knew that as soon as Wei Wei Yangyao heard Jiang Jiang Mingyu's words about Jia Tong surrendering, he flew into a rage and immediately executed Jia Tong. This news was confirmed by Shi Zhuo from a merchant caravan traveling north for business before he reported it to Jiang Jiang Mingyu on a flying horse.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's hands trembled slightly. He slammed the sealed letter heavily onto the table. That letter fluttered to the ground like a kite with a broken string. Jiang Jiang Mingyu turned around abruptly, flicked his sleeve, and left. He came outside the tent, and the rain wet his hair and clothes again. However, this time, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was completely unaware of it. His gaze turned toward the distance, and he fell into deep thought.

Jia Tong's death was expected by Jiang Jiang Mingyu. For this traitor, wanting to stay alive was already extremely difficult. Jiang Jiang Mingyu had originally held a sliver of hope, hoping Wei Wei Yangyao would listen to reason with kind words. But now, with Jia Tong's death, this last sliver of hope was also severed.

"This beast actually has such a day!" Tu Tu Kesiluo beside him jumped and cursed loudly. He wished he could personally kill Jia Tong, this treacherous lackey.

He Jing also let out a cold snort: "Wei Wei Yangyao says one thing but means another; he intends to go all in and fight us to the death. But I think his ruffian antics cannot last many days!"

"I must personally flay him!" Che Gang ground his teeth, his eyes filled with chilling light. He was the one who hated Wei Wei Yangyao the most; this grudge must be avenged.

A clamor erupted in the tent; the ministers were all cursing Wei Wei Yangyao. Only Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained silent; no joy or anger could be seen on his face.

"Everyone, be quiet!" He suddenly slapped the table, causing the teacups on the desk to jump.

The volume immediately dropped; everyone fell silent as if a cicada in winter, daring not to make a sound.

"Our goal is to reclaim the Jiangshan and the state that belongs to us, not to waste time with Wei Wei Yangyao, this stray dog," Jiang Jiang Mingyu scanned the various generals present.

"The most urgent matter now is to capture Lingtaicheng as soon as possible; we have already delayed too much time." He stood up, his expression resolute, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Your Majesty's decision is flawless! We will definitely win this battle!" The generals hurriedly agreed. Che Gang, He Jing, and Tu Tu Kesiluo also reined in their arrogant and unruly expressions, nodding to show obedience to the order.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and exhaled heavily again. It doesn't matter; Jia Tong was just a minor character; his death was merely a small interlude in this game of power. The true opponent is Wei Wei Yangyao, this wounded beast. And Jiang Jiang Mingyu was determined to deliver the final blow to it with his own hands.

He turned around; the sorrow was gone from his gaze, replaced by firm determination. Yes, everything was not yet over. He still had the responsibility to win this war and reclaim the Jiangshan and the state that belonged to him. No matter whether Wei Wei Yangyao held his ground and resisted, Jiang Jiang Mingyu would arrive as scheduled to draw a period to this conflict.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu decisively flicked his sleeve and ordered the great army to set out north immediately. At this moment, achieving military victory was far more important than avenging personal grievances. Perhaps Wei Wei Yangyao was temporarily carried away by success, but Jiang Jiang Mingyu was confident he would soon regret his foolish decision.

Just as countless times on the battlefield, Jiang Jiang Mingyu once again led the great army forward with courage. They were dusty but their momentum was overwhelming; with the speed of lightning that cannot be covered by a hand, they headed straight for the enemy's stronghold, Lingtaicheng!

Jiang Jiang Mingyu and E Bu and others walked with great difficulty, struggling forward on the muddy and slippery official road. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was solemn; his thick black eyebrows were tightly furrowed together, making his entire face appear angular and his expression severe.

His eyes stared tightly at the front, thinking of countermeasures. At this moment, E Bu spoke in a low voice, asking Jiang Jiang Mingyu beside him.

"Your Majesty, tomorrow we will reach the Lingtaicheng area. How should we break the enemy in this battle?"

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression on his face was somewhat complex. He furrowed his brows slightly, and a hint of worry showed in his eyes. When he looked at E Bu, his eyes flickered a few times, as if weighing his words. After a few seconds, he answered solidly:

"Your Majesty, I am not entirely sure either. Yan Hao has a great army of 90,000 under his command and holds the defenses of Lingtaicheng; his position is difficult to deal with. He likely already knows of our army's movements. If we go to ask Wei Wei Yangyao for reinforcements, I fear the situation will become even more unfavorable."

Speaking to this point, E Bu paused for a moment, a slight light appearing in his eyes, as if he had thought of some brilliant strategy. His eyes brightened, and he said repeatedly: "Why not listen to Che Gang's thoughts? He is familiar with the terrain of the Southern Frontier, and his strategy must be superior to mine. Perhaps he has a brilliant plan to break the enemy."

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu pondered for a moment, his tightly furrowed brows loosening slightly. He nodded: "Your words make sense. Immediately summon Che Gang to see me."

Not long after, Che Gang arrived with long strides, his expression steady and his movements calm. Jiang Jiang Mingyu briefly recounted the conversation he had with E Bu earlier and asked him what ideas he had regarding the attack on Lingtaicheng.

After hearing this, Che Gang did not answer. He chuckled to himself twice, looking mysterious. He narrowed his eyes and said meaningfully: "Surround the city."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was stunned and asked in confusion: "How do you see it? Lingtaicheng sits with its back to the sea; Wang Yi's reinforcements would be as easy as turning over one's hand. Wei Wei Yangyao will not stand by and watch; I fear we will be the ones surrounded instead." Having spoken, he furrowed his brows and stared at Che Gang with a face full of suspicion.

After hearing this, Che Gang was not flustered and calmly said: "Your Majesty has considered everything thoroughly, but there is inside information in the situation that you do not yet understand." As he spoke these words, his demeanor was calm, and his eyes revealed confidence.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu heard this and his eyebrows twitched; a flicker of interest rose to his brow. He leaned his upper body forward slightly, asking with a look of curiosity, "What are the inside details? Please speak slowly."

Che Gang puffed out his chest and raised his head, speaking volubly, "Your Majesty, the matter is this..." As he spoke, he gesticulated endlessly, his thick eyebrows and large eyes fully immersed.

He described how Lingtai's terrain was uneven, making large-scale farming impossible. For years, the local people had barely survived on fruits and other agricultural products. Almost all the grain they needed was purchased from outside, much like the past situation in Tenglong County buying firewood. Furthermore, military provisions had to be transferred from Ge Bao City, making transport extremely troublesome.

Tu Tu Kesiluo heard this and couldn't help but frown his thick brows, finding it hard to listen further. He interjected, "Big Brother asked you about the siege, yet you speak one thing here and another there. What does it mean? A waste of time!" Having finished, he pulled the reins of his galloping horse. Li Goudan and the others also looked suspicious, unable to understand Che Gang's intention in these words.

Che Gang was startled and hurriedly explained, "Your Highness, do not rush. Listen to me finish, and you will understand my intention." He clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture, his expression extremely earnest. Tu Tu Kesiluo snorted; seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not object, he could only wave his hand to signal him to continue.

Che Gang then continued, stating that due to the issue of military grain quantities, long-standing contradictions existed between Lingtai and Ge Bao City. To fight over military grain, both sides had clashed repeatedly, with matters often escalating to the court for resolution, a fact known to all. Currently, after Yan Hao and the Lingtai garrison commander Wang Yi took office, the contradictions had become even more intense.

Scouts reported that Yan Hao liked to cause trouble in Lingtai, always trying to gain some advantage. But Wang Yi was no pushover either, never giving him a good look. Once, Wang Yi deliberately delayed the transport of provisions, and Yan Hao's troops, while suppressing bandits, nearly met destruction. For this, Yan Hao lodged a severe complaint against Wang Yi before Wei Wei Yangyao. Wei Wei Yangyao flew into a rage and severely punished Wang Yi as well. Since then, the relationship between the two had become as incompatible as fire and water, and Wei Wei Yangyao could only pretend not to know.

Speaking to this point, Che Gang's expression became solemn. He said gravely, "Your Majesty, I know the situation in Lingtai inside out. The grain in their city can last at most ten days. Once our army completely surrounds them, they will definitely run out of food in ten days. At that time, Wang Yi will certainly refuse to save them. Even if Yan Hao has nine hundred thousand troops under his command, in the end, he will have only two paths: surrender or starve to death!"

A hint of confusion and suspicion was faintly revealed.

"Commandant Che, Lingtai borders the sea. Why does Wei Wei Yangyao not transport grain by sea, but must instead take the land route?" He frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of probing.

Hearing this, Che Gang was silent for a moment first, as if weighing everything comprehensively. Then he turned his body slightly and spoke slowly, "The Star Flow Sea to the east of Lingtai is different from the Flat Flow Sea to the west; huge storms frequently appear there." As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, as if to depict the scene of terrifying waves on the sea.

"At the beginning of the Southern Border's founding, grain was indeed transported by sea, but the losses were so heavy that it was helplessly abandoned." A tone of regret permeated Che Gang's voice; he shook his head, his expression showing a touch of melancholy.

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't help but frown slightly, a look of concern flowing in her gaze. She seemed to be able to imagine the scene of those years: ship after ship laden with provisions sinking amidst the towering waves, precious supplies turning to nothing.

"Therefore, whether it is the grain transport Feng Xiuwei just mentioned, or the troop movement Jiang Jiang Mingyu mentioned earlier, taking the water route is impossible." Che Gang concluded, his tone resolute yet tinged with helplessness.

Feng Xiuwei, having heard this, furrowed his brows even tighter. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before raising his head again, a look of unwillingness flashing in his eyes: "Even so, on what basis do you predict that after our army surrounds the city, Yan Hao will definitely not dare to come out?"

He spoke faster, a hint of excitement hidden in his tone: "Just now you also said this person is naturally arrogant and domineering. How could he allow our army to show off its might outside the city walls?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo smiled at Feng Xiuwei, a look of understanding and deep thought in his eyes. When he spoke, his tone was calm, yet every word was sharp as a blade: "If Yan Hao dares to come out, that would be even better. We could eliminate him quickly and save ten days of military grain. Why not?"

Hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was slightly stunned. She couldn't help but glance at Tu Tu Kesiluo, her gaze solemn. Feng Xiuwei also frowned. Although the Dae Space was very spacious, he also understood that the depleted forces of the Great Tooth had not yet fully recovered.

Che Gang shook his head lightly, breaking the brief silence between the two: "Otherwise, counting the eight prefectures of the Southern Border currently in Ge Bao City, five have already been occupied by our army." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as if weighing his next words.

"Although Yan Hao's character is flawed, he is also a clever person; otherwise, he could not have attained the position of Lingtai's garrison commander. Our army's spearhead is sharp. Even the famous Du Du Jianmu was defeated and died in battle. In the short term, he definitely will not dare to come out."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, as if agreeing with Che Gang's judgment. Feng Xiuwei no longer insisted on his own position, his face showing no obvious emotion.

"This is the normal reaction of a normal person, and Yan Hao also needs such an opportunity to find the flaws in our army." Che Gang concluded, his tone confident.

Speaking to this point, he paused slightly, a trace of contemptuous cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: "And this is precisely our opportunity."

As soon as Che Gang finished speaking, a silence fell over the tent.

After a long while, Jiang Jiang Mingyu slowly raised her head, her gaze sweeping over the generals, and asked in a deep voice, "What do you all think of this matter?"

Her tone was calm, yet it faintly revealed authority and a sense of oppression.

Tu Tu Kesiluo turned his head slightly and exchanged a glance with He Jing; a look of restraint was visible in both their eyes. They each looked at E Bu and the others, then finally paused silently and nodded slightly to indicate "agreement."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was indifferent, yet excitement could not be hidden in her eyes. She raised her head slightly, a trace of confidence and self-satisfaction flowing in her gaze—seeing that everyone had no objections, and that the spearhead of our army's southern expedition could proceed smoothly, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

She lightly shook the green silk cape in her hand, raised her hand to roll it up, concealing her face of brilliance, leaving only a pair of bright and determined eyes: "Since everyone has no objections, then it is settled."

She paused slightly, pressed her lips tightly, and added with extreme solemnity: "Anyway, the military grain is still sufficient. We will set off immediately for Lingtai and must completely seal Yan Hao inside the city."

Having finished speaking, Jiang Jiang Mingyu immediately straightened her back, acting as if ready to move and prepare for action. Her movements were so quick and decisive, revealing her immense confidence in this operation.

Tu Tu Kesiluo and Feng Xiuwei exchanged a glance, seeing firm belief in each other's eyes. This southern expedition, having withstood all kinds of hardships and obstacles, had finally allowed them to see the dawn of victory.