[{"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-108":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},2288943,4475,"Chapter 108: The Domineering Tigress","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-108",108,"\u003Cp>Liu Yi and Jiang Mingyu both paused slightly: “Why is she here now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s brow suddenly furrowed, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pupils contracted slightly as his gaze settled on Liu Yifei; he wondered inwardly why she had come at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the days he’d been away from Shangmu, rushing from place to place, he had occasionally thought of this beautiful woman. The memory of Liu Yifei’s sweet smile surfaced, and Jiang Mingyu’s lips unconsciously curled upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this critical juncture, it had to be said—Liu Yifei’s arrival was ill-timed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed; the smile on his face faded, and his brow tightened once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the situation was grave, and visitors were inconvenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no choice, Jiang Mingyu forced a smile: “Please, show her in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put on a polite smile, his tone distant and formal, yet his eyes held no warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Liu Yifei’s beautiful face appeared in Jiang Mingyu’s field of vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her red lips parted slightly, her gaze soft and alluring as it drifted toward Jiang Mingyu, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her robe, as if hiding something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she wasn’t alone—beside her stood Zhang Jiani, her face brimming with haughty pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s gaze shifted to Zhang Jiani; his brow furrowed. He still remembered how she had nearly cost him his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani’s face was cold, her eyes indifferent, utterly devoid of amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But out of respect for Liu Yifei, he offered a faint smile: “Ladies, please come in.” His tone was neutral, merely formal; his eyes scanned the two with caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei immediately bowed gracefully to Jiang Mingyu, but Zhang Jiani showed no reaction whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu had no patience to deal with her; once the two were seated, he spoke: “Ladies, what brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei smiled gently: “I heard His Excellency has returned from suppressing bandits. I’ve come on my father’s orders to pay my respects.” Her face flushed slightly, her voice soft and delicate, her eyes avoiding his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only she knew—she had secretly come to the county office, not at Liu Ximen’s behest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers twisted her robe nervously, her shyness tinged with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Jiang Mingyu could speak, Zhang Jiani, seated beside him, suddenly spoke with provocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said: “Suppressing bandits? I never thought you, you corrupt official, had any courage.” Her tone was contemptuous, her gaze disdainful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought your dog’s eyes were only good for gawking at pretty girls—never spotting those hateful bandits.” She sneered at Jiang Mingyu, her flushed face radiating anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s face turned even redder: “Jiani, is that what you’re saying?” Her voice was so quiet she could barely hear herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cheeks burned crimson to her neck; she dared not look at Jiang Mingyu, her tone weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, already on edge, gave her no gentle reply: “So what if I look at pretty girls?” His brows knitted tightly, his voice hostile, his eyes cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold smirk curled his lips; beneath it, anger simmered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unlike some people who are always scowling—I wouldn’t even want to look at them.” He glanced at Zhang Jiani with scorn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani instantly exploded: “Corrupt official, who are you calling?” She leapt to her feet, overturning her chair with a loud crash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes bulged, her face flushed crimson, her gaze blazing with fury, fists clenched, her entire body radiating lethal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her finally get her comeuppance, Jiang Mingyu couldn’t help but feel a surge of dark satisfaction: “Who am I calling? You know who.” He challenged her with a smirk, his tone dripping with malicious delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani’s eyes widened: “You...” She was too furious to speak, her blood boiling, teeth gritted, longing to tear Jiang Mingyu into pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, she reached for the short sword at her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she immediately remembered—Liu Yifei, fearing her outburst, had already confiscated her blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression grew even more pleased: “Miss Zhang, looking for something? Shall I help you find it?” He feigned eagerness, his tone laced with mockery, his eyes gleaming with hidden amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani could take no more: “Corrupt official, you’re asking for death.” She ground her teeth, eyes bloodshot, losing all control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick waves of killing intent radiated from her as she locked her gaze on Jiang Mingyu, poised to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the last word left her lips, she lunged toward Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes widened, his face pale; he instinctively shrank back, his only thought: escape this madwoman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before Zhang Jiani had taken more than a few steps, Liu Yifei, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said, voice tense: “Jiani, have you had enough? Stop this.” Her tone carried a hint of anger, her brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani froze at the sound, her expression complex as she looked at Liu Yifei; finally, she lowered her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu quietly exhaled in relief, casting a grateful glance at Liu Yifei—thankfully, she was here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing both had calmed, Liu Yifei spoke: “Jiani’s rudeness is unforgivable—I beg Your Excellency not to take offense.” She bowed slightly, her face apologetic, her voice gentle and humble. A flicker of barely visible anger passed through her eyes; her pale fingers curled unnaturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, having narrowly escaped disaster, looked at that tiger-like face and said nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely murmured a quiet “Mm,” avoiding Zhang Jiani’s gaze, still shaken. Cold sweat prickled the back of his neck; he swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking only a few words with Liu Yifei, Li Goudan, bearded and disheveled, strode in from the back hall. He bowed to Jiang Mingyu, his voice rough: “Report, Your Excellency—everything is packed.” His face beamed with excitement, eyes squinting as he stared at Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei asked curiously: “Your Excellency just returned to Shangmu—why are you leaving again?” Her eyes widened slightly, her tone filled with confusion and reluctance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blush crept back onto her cheeks; she lowered her head, unable to meet Jiang Mingyu’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she spoke, the faint red on her face returned again. She quickly averted her eyes, her ears burning, her fingers twisting the fabric tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu noticed nothing unusual; he replied calmly: “I’m going to the state capital tomorrow morning.” His tone was neutral, revealing no further details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of the state capital, Zhang Jiani, who had just calmed, erupted again: “Corrupt official, why are you going to the state capital?” She narrowed her eyes, her tone aggressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you bored of Shangmu? Going to indulge in wine and women there?” She challenged Jiang Mingyu, as if she’d seen right through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei shook her head helplessly, refusing to endorse Zhang Jiani’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu ignored her entirely, coldly turning his gaze away, unwilling to be provoked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed his lips tightly, struggling to control his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Jiani about to lash out again, Liu Yifei, tea cup in hand, sighed helplessly and waved her hand to calm her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice trembled slightly, her brow furrowed, worried the situation would spiral once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Jiang Mingyu thoughtfully: “Since Your Excellency departs tomorrow, we won’t disturb you further.” Liu Yifei bowed gracefully, a trace of longing in her eyes. She bit her full lower lip, her eyelashes trembling, her gaze warm yet anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When Your Excellency returns from the state capital, please visit my humble home. Goodbye.” She spoke softly, bowed to Jiang Mingyu, then pulled Zhang Jiani—whose face was grim—out the door. Her back was elegant and composed, yet her eyes betrayed worry; her steps slowed unconsciously, as if waiting for something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching their retreating figures, Jiang Mingyu smiled bitterly: “Let’s see if I survive returning from the state capital.” He murmured to himself, voice low, eyes complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced a faint smile, but it could not hide the gloom in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had they left than Zhuge Yu, now clad in wide-sleeved robes, hurried in again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He strode in with long steps, face scowling, brow knotted, mouth downturned, radiating complaints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled sharply: “Master, I heard you’re sending me back to Scorpion Gully—what’s this about?” His tone was Buman , slapping the table as he rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That place is a backwater with no battles left—I won’t go. I want to return to the state capital.” He pouted, arms crossed, defiant, his eyes stubborn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu gestured for him to sit: “I’m sending you to Scorpion Gully because I have no other choice.” His tone was calm, trying to persuade Zhuge Yu, hands clasped in appeal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu stiffened his neck: “Say what you will—I won’t go.” He growled, flinging his sleeve as if to leave, his face brimming with contempt for Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes darted quickly: “If you make this trip, I’ll give you five new poems. How’s that?” He raised his offer, tempting Zhuge Yu, eyes gleaming with cunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu’s eyes lit up; he softened: “Ten.” He grinned slyly, holding up ten fingers, a glint of triumph in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, at the gates of Shangmu, the morning wind howled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood atop the city wall, his figure upright, his gaze resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“State capital, Prince Qi—I’m coming to face you.” He spoke low, voice resolute, his cloak snapping in the wind, eyes blazing, a heavy aura of killing intent radiating from him.\u003C\u002Fp>",1569,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2eb69d8745db13f6ad40b6f24434959264431599e3ea113c29423b5648fde41d","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-109","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-107",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]