Chapter 93: Crushing Bandits, Training Troops

Tang Cheng’an forced a smile: “As Master Jiang said, I came in plain clothes, truly not wishing to disturb the locality.” His smile was stiff and unnatural, as if he were struggling to control himself.

“As for why I knelt before you in court, it was merely to see how skilled Master Jiang is at judging cases?” he explained, forcing a look of perfect reasonableness onto his face.

“Master Jiang, I must say, your performance has pleased me greatly.” Tang Cheng’an nodded, his tone carrying a hint of praise.

“The city garrison is now strong and well-equipped, and Shangmu County has grown considerably wealthier than before—I deeply admire your work.” Tang Cheng’an recited his compliments mechanically, yet his eyes held not a trace of sincerity.

“Rest assured, I shall certainly write to His Majesty on your behalf.” He made a show of solemn assurance.

With a sweep of his wide sleeve, he declared: “Enough. I have now seen all there is to see in Shangmu County. Master Jiang, I take my leave.” He lifted his chin, clearly preparing to depart.

Without caring what expression Jiang Mingyu wore, he directly led his coachman away from the county yamen with arrogant ease.

Watching the two figures recede into the distance, Li Goudan broke out in cold sweat: “I actually tied up the Regional Military Commissioner?” Li Goudan’s eyes widened, his face ashen with dread.

Zhu Ge Yu and Jiang Mingyu exchanged a brief glance, and soon both saw deep confusion in each other’s eyes. Jiang Mingyu frowned tightly; Zhu Ge Yu wore an equally suspicious expression, utterly baffled by what had just transpired.

Zhu Ge Yu spoke hesitantly: “Master, I can’t shake the feeling that this Commissioner Tang is... off somehow?” He frowned, his face filled with confusion and uncertainty.

Jiang Mingyu nodded: “Though I’ve never met him before, I’ve always felt something strange about him.” A thoughtful expression crossed his face as he slowly nodded in agreement.

Zhu Ge Yu murmured: “Exactly. He’s a Regional Military Commissioner—how could he possibly kneel before you so willingly?” He raised his voice, his face filled with disbelief.

"As you said, his humility is excessive, Master. There must be something suspicious going on here." Zhu Ge Yu reasoned, a flash of sharp insight in his eyes.

Jiang Mingyu sighed heavily: “But what exactly is the source of this strangeness?” He helplessly spread his hands, his expression puzzled.

“Perhaps I’m overthinking this—could he truly have come merely on the Inspector’s orders to inspect? No, there must be something wrong.” Jiang Mingyu muttered to himself, his expression uncertain.

“Yet I’ve never crossed paths with him—why has he come to Shangmu County in this manner?” Jiang Mingyu asked himself, his face etched with confusion.

It was no wonder he couldn’t understand: the man holding the conscription documents had never dreamed that Tang Cheng’an had come for conscription. Jiang Mingyu’s mind churned with chaos, utterly unable to fathom Tang Cheng’an’s true intent.

Before he could make sense of it, Tu Kexiluo—who should have been training at the city garrison—burst through the door: “Master, the scouts have returned.” Tu Kexiluo’s face was tense; he rushed in, three steps at a time.

Jiang Mingyu set aside his suspicions: “What did they find?” He pushed his doubts aside and turned instantly to business.

Tu Kexiluo gathered his thoughts: “The scouts reported three locations within Shangmu County where bandits have been active.” He chose his words carefully, reporting the scouts’ findings.

“These gangs have held their ground for years, each numbering in the hundreds—far from the ragtag mobs of Xiao Huashan.” Tu Kexiluo added, his expression grave.

Jiang Mingyu nodded: “Perfect. I was just worried I wouldn’t find a whetstone.” A dark gleam flashed in his eyes; his lips curled slightly.

“Tu Kexiluo, issue orders: the city garrison will march two thousand men at dawn tomorrow to exterminate these bandits one by one and restore peace to Shangmu County.” Jiang Mingyu gave a decisive order, his voice firm.

Zhu Ge Yu, who had been lost in thought moments before, instantly perked up: “Master, you’re going to crush the bandits?” He leapt to his feet, eyes blazing with fervor.

Jiang Mingyu nodded: “What’s wrong with that?” He nodded calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Zhu Ge Yu smiled faintly: “Could you take me along?” He ventured the request, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Jiang Mingyu didn’t understand: “What, you want to show these bandits your brilliance as Master Zhu Ge?” He raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical.

Zhu Ge Yu rolled his eyes: “Master, you might not know—I have deep expertise in military strategy. Back in my day...” He launched into an explanation, clearly proud.

Jiang Mingyu waved him off: “Enough, stop boasting. I know exactly what kind of man you are.” He cut him off impatiently, having seen through Zhu Ge Yu’s bluster long ago.

But Zhu Ge Yu refused to give up: “Master, don’t underestimate me. Take me along—you won’t regret it.” He insisted repeatedly, radiating confidence.

Since he put it that way, Jiang Mingyu couldn’t refuse: “Fine. If that’s how it is, you’ll march with us at dawn tomorrow.” He nodded reluctantly, agreeing.

“But think carefully—marching and fighting aren’t children’s games. People will die.” Jiang Mingyu warned seriously, his face grim.

Zhu Ge Yu paid no heed: “Don’t worry—I’ll be fine.” He waved his hand dismissively, utterly calm.

Jiang Mingyu ignored him further: “Issue my orders: Murong Yunhai will remain at the county yamen. Li Goudan will temporarily oversee the city garrison.” He paused to consider, then swiftly arranged his assignments.

“I will lead Tu Kexiluo and Zhu Ge Yu into the field. The army departs at dawn—prepare immediately.” Jiang Mingyu gave a decisive order, his eyes already ablaze with battle-lust.

At this moment, Tang Cheng’an sat inside the carriage returning to Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner’s office, but his demeanor was frantic.

He fanned himself incessantly inside the carriage, his face flushed with anxiety.

In his mind, now that he had revealed himself before Jiang Mingyu, Wang Zhe of Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner’s office would soon learn of his unauthorized absence.

Tang Cheng’an frowned deeply, mentally calculating his next moves.

The best course now was to send word to the Prime Minister as quickly as possible—before Wang Zhe could act.

A dark gleam flashed in his eyes as he plotted silently.

Once the Prime Minister exposed this to His Majesty, Wang Zhe, as Inspector, would bear the first and greatest blame.

Tang Cheng’an’s lips curled slightly, as if already picturing Wang Zhe’s downfall.

If Wang Zhe fell, no one would pursue his own crimes—he might even become a hero in the Prime Minister’s eyes.

A look of anticipation and smug satisfaction flickered in Tang Cheng’an’s eyes.

Thinking of this, he called out to the coachman: “Faster. Faster still.” Tang Cheng’an shouted anxiously, his voice laced with urgency.

At dawn the next day, the Shangmu County city garrison sounded the golden drum. Soldiers stood ready, their armor gleaming, the drumbeat loud and stirring.

Looking at the two thousand men before him, Jiang Mingyu swept his sleeve: “Brothers, we are about to ride out to crush the bandits.” His expression was grave as he scanned the ranks.

“This is your first battle in life—and your most important one. For some of you, it may even be your last.” Jiang Mingyu spoke with solemn weight, his words stirring courage.

“But for the sake of your families and the people behind you—so they may never again suffer at the hands of bandits—I ask you: are you afraid?” He called out loudly, his gaze burning.

The two thousand men answered in unison: “No!” Their shouts rang out, strong and resolute.

Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction: “Good. A true man wields his three-foot sword and achieves immortal glory—even if he dies on the battlefield, he shall have no regrets.” He spoke solemnly, his face resolute.

“You are all worthy men. Bring the drums! March out!” Jiang Mingyu raised his arm and roared; behind him, the drums thundered.

As the two thousand men rolled out of the city gates, Jiang Mingyu, mounted on Ma Bei, gave a cold smile: “Bandits who kill and plunder—I’m coming for you.” His eyes blazed with battle-lust; a bitter smirk curled his lips.