Chapter 62: No Choice

The foreign tribe commander's face turned ugly, the fresh blood oozing from his lips having soaked his entire face red.

His already small eyes now bulged round, trembling as he pointed at Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "You... you put poison in the wine!?"

He opened his mouth wide, wanting to roar in anger, but could only emit a weak, breathy sound.

The foreigners around them also vomited blood in pain; some struggled to rise and draw their swords, only to collapse onto the ground with limbs too weak to move; others twitched, trying to grab the table corner, yet even their fingertips trembled uncontrollably.

The ground was a mess, all stained with the bright red blood oozing from their mouths.

A trace of cold malice flashed in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes, sweeping away the deference and flattery of moments before. He cast a indifferent glance over the foreigners writhing in pain on the ground and sneered: "You didn't truly think this official feared you, did you?"

"Who am I, that I should bow and submit like this? If you wish to devour me, your teeth are not hard enough."

He stepped closer to the wide-eyed foreign commander, looking down with mockery: "You thought I would be like those previous useless officials, terrified into cowardice at the first rumor? Nonsense! All my flattery was merely a trick, designed to lure you into the trap!"

"Ridiculous you arrogant fools, celebrating before the battle even begins, lost in a false sense of victory, yet completely failing to notice Death standing right behind you!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face showed no fear, his tone laced with sarcasm and mockery.

The foreign commander struggled to lift his head, his eyes bloodshot, glaring in fury.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu feared not his angry gaze, continuing to sneer: "Your foreign tribe is indeed fierce, but unfortunately always simple-minded, knowing only how to use swords, not brains. Especially you, so-called leader, possessing brute strength but no mind."

"Do you realize your mistake now? You thought I would surrender without a fight just because you swaggered into my territory? Your thinking is far too naive!"

The foreign commander ground his teeth, shouting with effort: "My great army will come for revenge sooner or later; by then, I will surely bloodwash your city and make every single one of you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Jiang Mingyu cut him off mercilessly: "Did you think that because this official treated you like ancestors and invited you into the city, you would spare me?"

"You came to burn and plunder in Great Feng, yet speak as if I wronged you. What nonsense is this?"

"If you had the capability to launch a large-scale offensive, the forces at our city gates today would certainly not be limited to just a few of you."

"If my estimate is correct, before spring arrives next year, launching a massive attack will be impossible for you."

"You can't even get enough to eat; do you still have the strength to wield a sword and fight?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tone grew increasingly arrogant, his eyes revealing firm confidence: "Believe me, your day of destruction is not far off. The grave prepared for you awaits you at the border!"

The foreign commander's eyes bulged wide, veins throbbing on his forehead, his neck turning red, looking as if he were about to suffocate from rage.

With the last shred of his strength, he roared: "Even if... I die... as a... ghost, I will... not spare you. Just you wait."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu watched with cold eyes, showing not a shred of pity, merely letting out a cold laugh: "Then you had better look at this official carefully; do not become a ghost and mistake the wrong person."

Finally, the commander's voice grew faint, and he ceased breathing altogether.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's gaze remained cold, his tone calm as he ordered his confidant Tu Tu Kesiluo: "Go check them all; do not miss a single one who still draws breath."

Tu Tu Kesiluo hurriedly replied: "Yes, my lord."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu continued his command: "Behead all these dead foreigners, then chop off their heads and nail them one by one onto the North Gate city wall for display for three days."

Tu Tu Kesiluo hesitated slightly, speaking cautiously: "Is this done so the common people can see the evidence of our great victory over the foreign enemies, thereby boosting morale?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not answer directly, merely stating lightly: "I would prefer this news reaches the foreign tribes, letting them know that Great Feng is not so easily raided here and plundered there."

"If they wish to act rashly, they must think thrice."

Tu Tu Kesiluo nodded in understanding: "As ordered, my lord. I will go handle it immediately."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression did not change; he turned and walked away slowly.

That evening, the North City Gate, hung with broken heads, instantly became a popular attraction in the county town, with onlookers discussing it fervently:

"Did you hear what happened? These dog bastards were all lured and killed by the Imperial Envoy's strategy!"

"Really? He alone took out so many beasts?"

"Yes, do you not know how formidable our lord is? He is truly both wise and brave!"

"Too amazing! If the foreigners dare come again, they will surely get no good outcome..."

"..."

The crowd's chatter never ceased; Li Goudan and Lord Murong Murong Yunhai both had blushes of shame rising on their faces, heads bowed in silence, secretly thinking that they too had believed Jiang Jiang Mingyu was being overly servile just moments ago.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu paid it no mind, smiling as he said: "I understand your thoughts; just now, even I felt like a traitorous lackey." He paused, then continued with grave sincerity: "But you must understand, at that time, I had no choice."

As Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke, he clasped his hands behind his back, his expression grave.

"If we had stubbornly resisted to the end, how could the five of us have held back over a hundred cavalrymen attacking and plundering?"

"Going out to meet them in battle would have been sheer arrogance; even with Tu Tu Kesiluo's martial arts, we could not overcome the disparity in troop numbers."

Li Goudan suddenly understood, nodding repeatedly in agreement.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled slightly, then slowly paced back to stand before the group.

"Therefore, feigning surrender to show weakness and luring the enemy deep was the only viable strategy at that time." As Jiang Jiang Mingyu said this, his eyes were resolute and his tone steady.

"Although my actions cost me some face, the results prove that all sacrifices were worth it." Speaking here, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice rose slightly, and the corners of his mouth lifted.

"Not only did we annihilate the wild dogs of the foreign tribe, but we also captured their warhorses."

"More importantly, this victory has boosted the people's confidence; everyone sees hope for defeating the foreigners."

As Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke, his voice and expression revealed relief and joy.

"As the art of war states, when the superior and inferior are of one heart, great merit can be achieved. Completely dealing with the foreign tribe is just around the corner."

Immediately, he looked at Lord Murong Murong Yunhai with confusion: "The wine and dishes were prepared so quickly; how did you manage that?"

Hearing this, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai's lips curled into a cunning smile, and she replied coquettishly: "This secret, you will understand when I have the chance to personally show you my skills in the future." Finishing her words, she playfully blinked her eyes.

Time moved to that night; colorful fireworks bloomed in the county town's night sky, beautiful light and shadows illuminating several li in every direction.

The booming sounds of the fireworks rang out one after another, joined by the endless drum and gong sounds from afar, immersing the entire county town in a festive atmosphere of extraordinary liveliness.

Inside the yamen, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, Wu Xiaoer, Li Goudan, and Tu Tu Kesiluo walked into the courtyard, gazing up at the brilliant fireworks in the sky, all unable to help but reveal smiles of pure joy.

"So beautiful, I have never seen such gorgeous fireworks!" Wu Xiaoer called out happily.

"This is a good omen for celebrating victory; tonight, the whole city is immersed in the joy of triumph." Li Goudan also beamed with delight.

"If you ask me, our Imperial Envoy's brilliant strategy makes him the greatest hero!" As Tu Tu Kesiluo spoke, everyone nodded and smiled in agreement.

The four stood beneath the fireworks, gazing up at the colorful, brilliant night sky, their faces filled with rare joy and happiness...

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood in the center of the courtyard, hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the distant sky, lost in thought.

Moments later, he slowly turned around, facing the four men standing straight, and said with grave earnestness: "I know everyone is still basking in the joy of defeating the foreign enemies, but we have many things to do and cannot be complacent."

Upon hearing this, the four men could not help but grow tense; they quickly suppressed their smiles, stood even straighter, and waited with full concentration for Jiang Jiang Mingyu's instructions.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu scanned the four men, and after confirming they were all listening attentively, he spoke at a measured pace: "First, we must accelerate the mining progress at the coal mine; we must ensure sufficient coal reserves for Tenglong County before spring arrives."

"To prevent the starving and freezing foreigners from launching another attack, at that time we will have to seal the coal mine and cut off their fuel supply." As Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke these words, his brows furrowed slightly, and a trace of solemnity appeared in his eyes.

"That place is the sole source of revenue for our Dashang Mu County, and Tenglong County is our only buyer; we absolutely cannot disrupt the business of both parties." Jiang Jiang Mingyu emphasized this point, speaking word by word.

"Furthermore, the repair work on the city walls must not slacken even a bit; not only must the North Gate be reinforced, but the East, South, and West sides must also be meticulously repaired, with defenses everywhere to ensure the people's safety."

Seeing all four men nod heavily in agreement, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tone shifted, and he said in a deep voice: "However, what comes next is the most important."

Upon hearing this, the four men were startled again; their expressions turned serious once more as they silently waited for Jiang Jiang Mingyu to continue.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu slowly paced to stand before the four men and said, word by word: "The City Defense Camp sent by Prince Qi earlier, you have all seen; they are nothing but a disorganized mob."

"Less than a hundred foreign attackers were enough to scare them into scattering and fleeing in panic. When a true foreign army attacks, can we still rely on them?"

All four lowered their heads, knowing well that what Jiang Jiang Mingyu said was true.

"As I said before, relying on others is never a long-term solution. To repel the foreigners, we must rely on ourselves." Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tone was firm, and his eyes revealed unshakable conviction.

"Brother Lord Murong, quickly select some with good foundations from the civilian laborers and teach them martial arts and mounted archery."

"We must strive ourselves and, through training, obtain a force; this is the crucial capital for confronting the foreigners in the future."

Hearing this, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai paused for a moment, then hurriedly said: "Imperial Envoy, my lord, in these peaceful times, privately raising an army is a grave crime; please think it over!"

"This carries too much risk; have you thought it through clearly? This could very easily cost you your head." Lord Murong Murong Yunhai's face was filled with worry.

No one expected that Jiang Jiang Mingyu, who had just escaped the brink of death, was now once again frantically testing the edge of self-destruction.

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu was unmoved; he stretched lazily and said with sarcasm: "Will not recruiting privately save my head? If Prince Qi had the strength to defend Dafeng, do you think I would be willing to take this risk?"

Having finished speaking, Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a long sigh and said helplessly: "I do not wish to act this way, but the situation forces my hand; I have no choice."