[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-top-scholar-of-da-ling":3,"chapter-the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-104":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Top Scholar of Da Ling",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2288939,4475,"Chapter 104","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-104",104,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slightly curled his lips and said with feigned ease, “Thank you. Inform your boss I’ll be there shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes, however, were icy as blades, sweeping over the bandit who delivered the message. The bandit wore a tattered leather robe, his face caked with grime and stubble, clutching a rusted knife. He looked like an ordinary mountain thief, but Jiang Mingyu knew he was no simple man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bandit was a pawn sent by the Poison Scorpion to test him—to see if he was truly a useless official or hiding some other agenda. Jiang Mingyu would not let him spot a single flaw, so he acted with calm politeness, like a genuine guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu showed no sign of suspicion, the bandit respectfully bowed and backed out, bending low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after he left, Tukesiluo returned from delivering the message: “My lord, all is set.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu swept his sleeve aside: “Let’s go meet the Poison Scorpion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sneered inwardly. The Poison Scorpion thought he could manipulate Jiang Mingyu at will, unaware he had already walked into a trap. Tonight was the night Jiang Mingyu would deal with the king of this mountain stronghold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night had fallen. Bonfires blazed within the Scorpion’s Nest stronghold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the flickering flames, large red flowers made of silk hung high on the walls of the main hall, looking especially festive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of rough wooden tables were piled high with cooked chicken, duck, fish, and meat, and rows of wine jars stood lined up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped into the stronghold and quietly sneered. All this was stolen from the people, wasn’t it? What a fine “non-plundering” Poison Scorpion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the main guest arrive, the Poison Scorpion rose immediately to greet him: “Your lordship’s visit brings honor to our humble mountain fortress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our mountain is crude, and these are but meager offerings—please don’t take offense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to Jiang Mingyu’s soldiers and called out, “Come, brothers, please, take your seats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion deliberately lowered his voice, speaking with exaggerated humility and respect. He wanted Jiang Mingyu to lower his guard, believing he had surrendered. He also hoped to get Jiang Mingyu’s soldiers drunk, so he could strike when they were vulnerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu chuckled: “Such generous hospitality—I am deeply honored.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the Poison Scorpion’s arm and sat with him at the central seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gesture seemed warm, but in truth, it was to restrain the Poison Scorpion’s movements—he wouldn’t let him signal his men or escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing everyone seated, the Poison Scorpion waved his hand: “Why haven’t you served the brothers wine yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One bandit immediately brought a wine jar and handed it to a group of soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastard! Is this the wine you serve our honored guest? Replace it at once!” the Poison Scorpion barked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bandit, startled, snatched back the jar and quickly brought another, offering it instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu pretended not to notice, continuing to chat casually with the visibly tense Poison Scorpion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His apparent lack of suspicion put the Poison Scorpion at ease, and he began smiling warmly in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As conversation flowed, cups were quietly refilled, and the mood warmed. Laughter rose, voices mingled, filling the small room with merriment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion raised his cup, voice hoarse but full of passion: “Brothers, though we’ve surrendered today, I am overjoyed! For the arrival of Lord Jiang and his imperial troops means we begin anew—not as isolated bandits anymore!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words carried firm resolve, as if paving a bright path ahead. The men nodded unconsciously, their eyes gleaming with hope for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion continued: “I’ve assured Lord Jiang that tomorrow at dawn, we will burn down this stronghold and return to honest lives. Brothers, to our future—to Lord Jiang and his soldiers—cheers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All raised their cups in unison: “Cheers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled and nodded. He knew such words were irreplaceable for morale. A flicker of approval warmed his gaze—he admired the Poison Scorpion’s resolve and change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion raised his cup and boldly said to Jiang Mingyu: “Lord Jiang, please!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drained the cup in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gesture brimmed with bravado and loyalty, as if proving his sincerity to Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: “Good. The Poison Scorpion truly has spirit. Soldiers, listen—raise your cups to our chief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the soldiers raise their bowls, the Poison Scorpion hurried to flatter: “Lord Jiang, your discipline is impeccable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu did not back down. He lifted his cup and drained the wine in one swift motion. The liquid burned down his throat, warmth spreading through his body as if alcohol had ignited his veins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dim light, the Poison Scorpion’s lips curled upward, his eyes glinting with dark amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made no effort to hide his delight, as if sharing this rare moment of ease with Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu wiped his mouth roughly after setting down his bowl: “Fine wine. By the way, Poison Scorpion—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the midst of this merriment, one soldier suddenly bent over, clutching his stomach, moaning in agony. His face twisted, sweat pouring from his brow—he was in excruciating pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden scene shocked everyone. They stared around helplessly, searching for answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the soldier’s cries spread. Within moments, hundreds of soldiers screamed in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face changed: “What’s going on… ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression twisted instantly. Pain surged through him like a tide. His lips twitched, beads of sweat burst on his forehead—a searing agony threatened to tear him apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bent sharply, gripping the table’s edge as if clinging to a lifeline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu trembled, extending a shaking finger: “You… you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He struggled to speak, but pain robbed him of voice, leaving only low, guttural moans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed a trembling finger at the Poison Scorpion, trying to voice his suspicion—but his voice was drowned by agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion’s smile deepened, almost mocking Jiang Mingyu’s suffering. His voice dripped with cold sarcasm: “You want to know what happened, Lord Jiang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s breath grew ragged, as if an invisible hand choked his throat, nearly suffocating him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision blurred. His mind grew hazy, swallowed by pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion continued sneering: “You thought I’d willingly surrender? That I’d settle for an ordinary life? You thought I’d give up power and wealth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mount Sanqing is gone. Black Wind Ridge is gone. From now on, I, the Poison Scorpion of Scorpion’s Nest, am the true emperor of Shangmu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for you, Lord Jiang, and your hundreds of imperial soldiers—you’ll die far from home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed: “But for our brothers’ future glory, your deaths are worth it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—I’ll burn paper for you every year on this day. If I remember.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words reeked of arrogance, as if he stood atop victory’s peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gazed coldly at the motionless bodies on the floor, as if seeing his own future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s breath grew fainter. His body swayed, barely holding up. He heard the Poison Scorpion continue taunting: “Lord Jiang, what should I say about you? Did you really think you could escape?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re over twenty. You should’ve outgrown naivety. Why are you so foolish?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we don’t plunder the people, how do my brothers eat and drink? Where did these chickens and ducks come from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion sneered: “You useless fool—you almost succeeded. Too bad. So close. Someone with your brain missing a few gears could never win.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two thousand men? Still played like puppets by me, the Poison Scorpion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wonder what kind of blindness the Emperor in the capital had to send you, this waste, to Shangmu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s good for me. Had your brain not been so lacking, would I have won so easily?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Waste is waste. Even with an army, you’re still mud. Mud never sticks to the wall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone dripped with mockery, mocking Jiang Mingyu’s incompetence. He scanned the corpses, a cruel smile curling his lips: “Don’t worry—I’ve prepared Hedinghong  for you. You won’t suffer long. Like them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at the bodies already growing cold—but Jiang Mingyu could no longer hear him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu motionless, the Poison Scorpion lost interest—his last listener gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved to the bandits before him: “Carry them out. Bury them somewhere with good feng shui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the least we can do for Lord Jiang, braving snow and wind to come all this way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a cold voice suddenly echoed behind him: “Poison Scorpion, you’re quite thorough.” The Poison Scorpion stiffened, whirled around—but saw nothing. He scanned the room, sweat beading on his forehead: “Who? Who’s there?” The voice seemed to laugh at his panic, slowly replying: “Don’t you recognize my voice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words faded, Jiang Mingyu slowly rose from the ground. His eyes burned with clarity, coldly fixed on the Poison Scorpion, a sinister smile lingering on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion nearly died of fright: “You… you’re not dead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s lips curled into a cold smile, his gaze piercing as if through the soul: “It doesn’t matter anymore. You only need to know you’re about to die—that’s enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, the hundred-odd “corpses” on the floor slowly rose, like the dead returning to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eerie sight was like a vision from hell. The Poison Scorpion’s blood ran cold. His heart skipped a beat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart lurched, then hammered wildly. His throat rasped: “What’s happening? What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s voice was icy and calm, as if drifting from shadows: “I watched you drink the wine laced with Hedinghong . Why didn’t you die? Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion’s scream was one of despair and fury—like a eunuch wailing before forced castration. His voice echoed through the room, slicing through the silence like a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Scorpion could scarcely believe his eyes. His pupils dilated to their limits, filled with terror. He stared at Jiang Mingyu and the others as if seeing real ghosts. Fear spread through him, forming an inescapable chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu lightly brushed the dust from his clothes, as if purifying himself. His voice carried a hint of mockery: “If you want to know, I’ll explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1683,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fe50f4612be3896640e2d8edf83471d3721fe54d5e4b98215a89bcd87c80672f","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-105","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-103",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]