Chapter 94: Kill Them All, Leave Not One Alive!

Before Jiang Mingyu, a man of bold spirit, could leave the city, Zhuge Yu called out from behind: “Wait.”

At this moment, Zhuge Yu had exchanged his usual wide-sleeved long robe for a snug-sleeved brocade robe.

In the cold wind, he wore a dark red fox fur cloak, and his figure seated atop a chestnut horse carried an air of striking valor.

Jiang Mingyu, still flushed with adrenaline, turned and said: “Time waits for no one—what are we waiting for?”

On horseback, Zhuge Yu frowned slightly, hands gripping the reins, and spoke slowly and deliberately: “Master, have the bandits heard any rumors of our coming?” His tone was calm and solemn.

Tukesiluo beside him said: “This matter is too critical to let them find out beforehand.” His brows were tightly knitted, his voice urgent.

“Zhuge Sir, it’s already late—what exactly are you trying to say?” Jiang Mingyu’s face showed impatience as he urged.

Zhuge Yu let out a light laugh, a glint of cunning in his eyes: “Since the bandits are unaware, why not change our frontal assault into a surprise strike?”

“With such a large force, they’ll spot us soon—if they flee, won’t we have wasted our effort?” As he spoke, Zhuge Yu wore an expression of wisdom utterly unlike his usual self, his eyes faintly gleaming with confidence.

Jiang Mingyu, though reborn twice, was utterly inexperienced in warfare. Hearing Zhuge Yu’s suggestion, he frowned deeply, his face troubled: “Then what do you propose?” His voice betrayed clear hesitation.

Zhuge Yu gazed into the distance, a hint of cunning confidence in his eyes: “Lower your banners, march double time.” His tone was utterly certain.

“While the bandits remain unaware, strike straight for their lair and annihilate them in a surprise attack, Master—what do you think?” Zhuge Yu stared fixedly at Jiang Mingyu, awaiting his decision.

Before Jiang Mingyu could answer, Tukesiluo let out a cold snort, his narrow eyes flashing clear disdain: “We have two thousand men—why fear these bandits?” His voice dripped with arrogance.

Zhuge Yu leaned forward, hands braced on his saddle, his tone more urgent: “We’re numerous, but the bandits hold the high ground. It’s freezing, the wind is fierce—direct assault will cost us dearly.” A trace of worry flickered in his eyes.

“These soldiers are the core force we’ll need to fight the Western Xia in the future—how can we afford to waste them?”

Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: “Issue my order: cease displaying banners, conceal our movements, and change course for a surprise advance.” His voice finally carried decisive authority.

Tukesiluo frowned slightly, reluctantly saluted: “Yes, sir.”

Soon, Jiang Mingyu’s two thousand troops discarded their banners and vanished into the blizzard at top speed.

Half a day passed in the blink of an eye.

Beneath the pale sunset, the lead scout squinted toward the mountain ahead, pointed, first startled, then beaming: “My lord, that’s Mount Sanqing.”

“I’ve scouted carefully—there are about a hundred bandits on the mountain, perpetually evil, cruel and vicious.” The scout’s voice was low, laced with concern.

Hearing “cruel,” Tukesiluo sneered dismissively, his narrow eyes gleaming with eager excitement: “The crueler, the better—fighting becomes more thrilling.”

Jiang Mingyu, mounted, immediately raised his hand: “All units halt, conceal and ambush. Strike at nightfall.” His tone was calm but brimming with commanding authority.

Winter days were short; the sun’s last glow vanished from the horizon, and faint fires flickered atop Mount Sanqing in the distance.

Jiang Mingyu, having just eaten dry steamed buns for sustenance, barked: “Order all units to prepare—when I give the signal, storm Mount Sanqing and capture every last bandit!” His voice brimmed with lethal intent.

But Zhuge Yu quickly stopped him: “Master, are you really going to charge straight up the mountain?” His tone was filled with strong hesitation.

Jiang Mingyu, confused, frowned: “What else?”

Zhuge Yu pointed to Mount Sanqing, each word deliberate and grave: “There may be other exits—don’t forget, a clever rabbit has three burrows.”

Jiang Mingyu suddenly understood: “You mean there might be other escape routes?”

Zhuge Yu stroked his small beard, a glint of cunning confidence in his eyes: “To be safe, I suggest dividing our forces into four columns, surrounding Mount Sanqing on all sides.”

“When you give the signal, all four attack at once—this ensures total encirclement, no chance of escape.” He spoke with full confidence.

Jiang Mingyu paused briefly, then slowly nodded: “Do as you suggest.”

“Tukesiluo, take your men to the east. Doggie, take five hundred to the west.” Jiang Mingyu’s face was expressionless, his voice firm as he deployed his troops.

“Zhuge Yu, take the north. I’ll lead the main force through the front gate. At the third watch, light fires as the signal—move into position now.” His brows tightened, his face grim and deadly.

He then added coldly and sternly: “This is our first battle—no one moves without orders. Disobey, and you die!” His voice was icy, chilling to the bone.

If soldiers didn’t learn from the start that military orders were absolute, future battles would be impossible to win.

But Doggie hesitated, nervously asking: “My lord, am I really fit for this?” It was his first time on the battlefield, entrusted with such a critical task—he was flustered.

Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened, his voice merciless: “If you want to remain a nameless foot soldier forever, I’ll replace you right now.” His tone brooked no argument, filled with intimidation.

To confront Prince Qi in the future, force would be unavoidable—he needed to quickly cultivate a few trusted subordinates.

Doggie and the others had followed him since his arrival in Shangmu—they were, without doubt, his best choices.

Doggie froze slightly, unwilling to remain a lowly soldier—he gritted his teeth fiercely: “My lord, I won’t let you down!” His voice carried immense resolve.

Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, clapped him hard on the shoulder: “Good. Go—I await your triumphant return!” A rare, relieved smile finally touched his face.

Watching the three leaders depart with their units, Jiang Mingyu waved his hand and, shielded by the pitch-black night, silently moved his force toward the main gate of the mountain stronghold.

At the first watch, through the howling mountain wind, he faintly heard the bandits roaring in drunken revelry atop the mountain.

Jiang Mingyu sneered: “Celebrating now? They’re asking for death—enjoy your last moments of pleasure.” His voice was cold and merciless.

No sooner had he spoken than the third watch arrived.

Seeing the noisy stronghold gradually fall silent, Jiang Mingyu, his face grim, whispered: “Light the signal—attack on all fronts!”

Sudden flames erupted like a military flare; the four pre-positioned units surged forward from all sides, brimming with murderous intent.

The drowsy sentries never reacted—they were shot through the chest and dropped dead instantly.

Jiang Mingyu shouted as he charged ahead, leading the assault into the stronghold.

Simultaneously, the other three columns, lit by the flames, stormed the stronghold like crashing waves.

The bandits inside were utterly drunk and helpless—none escaped; all were captured alive.

Even several minor leaders staggered, unable to stand.

The only one even remotely sober was the boss—but only relatively so; his breath still reeked of strong liquor.

Blades at his throat made his tongue feel stiff: “Who... who are you?”

He stared wide-eyed at Jiang Mingyu and his men, shock and terror in his gaze—he simply couldn’t believe what he saw.

For years he’d acted without restraint—he never imagined Jiang Mingyu’s army would arrive so suddenly.

Jiang Mingyu casually sat on a chair, his eyes glinting coldly: “I am Jiang Mingyu. You bandits have committed countless crimes, terrorized the people, and stirred public outrage!” His brows were knitted, his face stern.

“Today, I lead my army here to exterminate every last one of you and restore peace to Shangmu!” His voice was icy, radiating overwhelming authority.

“Enough talk—what do you have to say for yourselves?” Jiang Mingyu sat with arms crossed, his gaze sharp as lightning, utterly cold.

Hearing the man before him was Jiang Mingyu—the general who held massive power—the boss was utterly terrified.

He trembled as he kowtowed to Jiang Mingyu: “My lord, spare my life! We surrender—we all surrender...” He looked utterly broken, at his mercy.

Looking at the hundred-plus captives, Tukesiluo raised an eyebrow: “My lord, what shall we do with them?” His tone carried a hint of mockery.

Jiang Mingyu replied: “What do you think should be done?” His face revealed no emotion.

Doggie spoke up immediately: “There are so many—why not recruit them into our army?” His tone was naive.

Jiang Mingyu snorted coldly, his voice filled with contempt: “Do you remember Du Gaocen’s lesson?”

Doggie awkwardly scratched his beard: “Then what’s your plan, my lord?”

Jiang Mingyu’s expression never changed: “These bandits who terrorized the people are useless—take them all out and execute them without mercy!” His tone was cruel and absolute.