[{"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-109":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},2288944,4475,"Chapter 109: Wang Zhe","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-109",109,"\u003Cp>One day later, they arrived at the state capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the towering, solemn city gate, Jiang Mingyu on horseback could not help but sigh: “You shouldn’t have come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu frowned deeply, his gaze anxious as he looked at Jiang Mingyu, his voice low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands gripped the reins tightly, knuckles whitening from the pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu, draped in a snow-white greatcoat, smiled: “Isn’t it too late to say this now?” he countered, his eyes cold, a faint sneer curling his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sharp gaze swept over the city gate like a drawn sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The governor already said it: if it’s fortune, no harm comes; if it’s disaster, no fleeing avoids it. Let’s enter the city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed helplessly, then resolutely led the way inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wide white greatcoat billowed behind him, his stern profile radiating resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Jiang Mingyu shook his head in resignation and followed Tukeslu’s steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed, half-laughing, half-exasperated, and followed Tukeslu into the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched Tukeslu’s back with complex eyes, his heart filled with deep emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they entered the Inspector’s residence, Jiang Mingyu, who had been uneasy moments before, gradually calmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening, his spine straightening. His steps grew steady and strong, his expression composed once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of his earlier worries, he silently mocked himself: “Even if there really is some trick, what can it matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists, deliberately ignoring the unease in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I fear not even the Xixia cavalry who kill without blinking—why should I fear the Prince of Qi?” He clenched his fists tighter, summoning courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chest rose and fell as he drew in a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as I live today, I will one day lead an army myself and take the Prince of Qi’s life—once and for all.” His eyes blazed with furious fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pupils gleamed, his voice firm and resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu glanced calmly at Tukeslu beside him, then stepped forward, heading straight for the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His steps were unwavering, no trace of hesitation left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His spine straight, his aura fully unleashed, he faced everything head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe looked exactly as before: dressed in official robes, his beard streaked with gray, a faint smile still on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu bowed slightly: “Inspector, may I ask why you summoned me?” He spoke with proper respect, posture upright, eyes clear and unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe lifted his gaze from the documents on his desk: “Jiang Da Ren, how have you been lately?” he asked with a warm smile, his tone gentle, his face radiant—as if he held no ill will toward Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression remained respectful: “Thank you for your concern, I am as ever.” He answered humbly, his eyes fixed on Wang Zhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His demeanor was submissive, his responses cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe rose and scrutinized Jiang Mingyu from head to toe: “Jiang Da Ren, you have great audacity,” he said, narrowing his eyes, his tone suddenly chilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu remained unruffled on the surface, but inwardly thought: Is it beginning already? His face stayed calm, his fists clenched tightly inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Tukeslu’s expression subtly changed; his grip on his sword scabbard tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brows knitted deeply, his eyes locked on Wang Zhe, as if trying to pierce through his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled calmly: “What have I done to provoke such outrage that it has reached the Inspector’s ears?” He asked humbly, his expression deferential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe did not soften his tone: “Jiang Da Ren, before me, will you not speak the truth?” he raised his voice, his tone stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You led troops to purge bandits—such a major matter, and you didn’t even inform me?” He pressed forward, adopting an interrogative stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you afraid I’d steal your glory?” Wang Zhe teased, aiming to mock Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it was about this, Tukeslu—who had been on edge—finally exhaled in quiet relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He loosened his grip on his sword, his shoulders relaxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s tense body also relaxed unconsciously: “A minor matter, how could I dare trouble you?” He replied humbly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that the bandit threat in Shangmu has been quelled, I can focus entirely on the Xixia.” His tone was earnest, showing loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe paced: “Jiang Da Ren, this is no minor matter,” he stopped, his expression serious as he countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will submit a memorial to the court, petition His Majesty to grant you merit.” He revealed another purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If His Majesty learns of your actions in Shangmu, he will surely be pleased.” Wang Zhe’s words carried hidden meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: “All due to your wise guidance, Inspector—I dare not claim credit.” He deflected humbly, cautiously probing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was still unclear—better to proceed with caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He secretly speculated on Wang Zhe’s intent, his face calm, his vigilance heightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe waved his hand: “Jiang Da Ren, no need for such formality,” he smiled warmly, adopting a friendly demeanor, his lips curved gently, radiating approachability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From your annihilation of the Xixia to your recent bandit purge, I can see you are an exceptional talent.” Wang Zhe praised, a flicker of approval in his eyes, nodding in affirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I regard you as one of my own—I wish to speak plainly with you. Would you care to listen?” He asked with a touch of flattery, leaning forward, hands on the desk, signaling intimacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fixed his gaze on Jiang Mingyu’s eyes; the earlier smile vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned serious, his thick brows furrowed, his mouth downturned—his whole aura shifted to one of serious intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu thought inwardly: Just say it already—I’d rather not waste time dancing around with you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But outwardly, he quickly donned a look of humble fear: “I beg you to instruct me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe nodded: “Jiang Da Ren, if I recall correctly, you once served as His Majesty’s childhood companion,” he hesitated slightly, then bluntly revealed Jiang Mingyu’s identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was certain, his eyes sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though you are stationed in Shangmu, you must have heard whispers of court affairs.” Wang Zhe speculated, his gaze deep as he studied Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne, his foundation is still unstable—many are watching the dragon throne.” He hinted at court turmoil, his voice low, his expression grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, speaking to himself: “The rift between His Majesty and the Prince of Qi grows wider every day.” His pace quickened, his emotion rising; he rose and paced the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Prince of Qi’s defiance of His Majesty is common knowledge—what he intends to do is known throughout Da Feng.” Wang Zhe continued, his face troubled, sighing repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To speak plainly—though I shouldn’t—the Prince of Qi’s rebellion is inevitable.” His voice was barely audible, like a sigh, his face etched with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu showed no reaction on his face, but inwardly weighed Wang Zhe’s intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe’s words were aggressive—suspicious. Was he trying to recruit him against the Prince of Qi?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He analyzed silently, his expression calm, his vigilance heightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, who had been waiting for an opening, seized the moment: “Inspector, has something happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He feigned concern, pressing Wang Zhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brows knitted, his eyes fixed, his demeanor anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe snorted: “You must have known long ago that Tang Cheng secretly went to Shangmu.” He spoke with disdain, his gaze sweeping toward Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone dripped with contempt; he smirked, watching Jiang Mingyu with calm amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That man has treacherous ambitions—he plans to use your recruitment in Shangmu to bring me down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe said, his voice filled with outrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists, veins bulging, eyes blazing with anger, his lips twitching in fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I have special authorization from the Ministry of Military Affairs, if the Prince of Qi exploits this, it will be another major problem.” He sighed, appearing worn out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shoulders slumped, he pressed his hand to his forehead, his face weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fortunately, I discovered it in time and gave Tang Cheng a stern warning—he abandoned the matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe said proudly, lifting his chin, self-satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He puffed out his chest, raised his head, his smugness obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, upon hearing this, was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly exhaled—Tang Cheng’s information had not leaked; he was still safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression finally relaxed, a small smile appearing, his gaze drifting unconsciously toward Tukeslu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never imagined that even in the state capital, Tang Cheng’s news had not reached anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu glanced at Tukeslu; both saw relief in each other’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he feigned concern: “One can be a thief for a thousand days, but one cannot guard against thieves for a thousand days.” He wore a worried expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed, hands clasped tightly, brows furrowed, as if burdened by future troubles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe signaled him not to worry: “Relax, Jiang Da Ren,” he comforted with a cheerful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the very night I warned Tang Cheng, I submitted a full report to His Majesty.” Wang Zhe explained, his gaze open, his posture earnest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His Majesty is already prepared—even if the Prince of Qi tries to stir trouble, it won’t amount to much.” He spoke carelessly, confident and smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, hearing this, felt uneasy inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Wang Zhe allied with His Majesty, and he angered the Prince of Qi, how could he survive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He worried inwardly, yet forced a smile onto his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wang Zhe continued, speaking to himself: “Jiang Da Ren, you’re one of He Xiang’s men—I won’t beat around the bush with you,” he shifted tone, cutting straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sly smile lingered on his lips, a glint of cunning in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He Xiang is barely holding on himself—I must find another patron.” He explained his reasoning, his tone firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head, as if He Xiang was powerless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know you once served as His Majesty’s companion—would you be willing to speak well of me to His Majesty when the time comes? I will help Him overthrow the Prince of Qi and remove this threat.” Wang Zhe’s eyes held a flicker of hope as he looked at Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clasped his hands together, earnestly pleading for Jiang Mingyu’s aid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, hearing this, was elated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe wanted to recruit him—this was an excellent opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He widened his eyes in excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inspector Wang, rest assured—I will personally report to His Majesty.” He agreed readily, his face glowing with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips couldn’t help but curl upward, his eyes alight with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his earlier words, it was clear Wang Zhe valued him greatly and hoped he would align with Jiang Mingyu’s faction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu silently speculated that helping Wang Zhe board His Majesty’s carriage would solidify his own position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already envisioned a bright future in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu could also use this opportunity to further expand his influence in Shangmu and prepare thoroughly for the elimination of Prince Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of cunning glinted in his eyes, and a sly smile curved his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe nodded with great satisfaction: “Good, Lord Jiang, I was right not to misjudge you. I’ll rely on you even more from now on.” He spoke approvingly, beaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted Jiang Mingyu’s shoulder in agreement, signaling their seamless cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face was plastered with smiles, so wide they nearly reached his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “That’s all future talk—let’s wait until I’ve crushed the Western Xia, who will come sooner or later.” He changed the subject, indicating his determination to work hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile faded from his face; his tone grew serious once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips tightened into a straight line, and his brows furrowed deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu thought: if his own head became a Western Xia chamber pot, all this would be empty words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists tightly, realizing everything still rested on his ability to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingernails dug deep into his palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe sighed: “True, this is the paramount concern right now.” He nodded in agreement, sounding resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slammed his fist on the table, producing a loud “bang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crushing the Western Xia completely would also benefit His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, a spark flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rang loud and his tone was passionate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With such achievements, it would add another layer of security to His Majesty’s throne.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He echoed Jiang Mingyu, declaring his support for confronting the Western Xia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded vigorously, slapping his thigh in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was speaking with growing enthusiasm, a yamen runner suddenly burst in: “My lord, Lord Tang requests an audience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe froze at the sound, his expression shifting slightly; his words cut off mid-sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Jiang Mingyu exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in the other’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both raised their eyebrows, staring at each other in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>",2131,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","360620ed751e7fdab4783930e81079740eb1f28a54a8da7c706c58104171bad6","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-110","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-108",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]