[{"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-111":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},2288946,4475,"Chapter 111: The Conspiracy of Two Fallen Men","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-111",111,"\u003Cp>Amid swirling snow, Jiang Mingyu stood atop Ma Bei, brushing off snowflakes clinging to his body as he muttered anxiously: “What can we do? What else is there to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice brimmed with worry: “Right now, the most important thing is to return to Shangmu as soon as possible and strengthen our strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only when our hands are firm can we handle calmly whatever troubles arise in the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before long, it will be the New Year. When spring winds blow, the Prince of Qi won’t come—but the Xixia people will.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes were filled with dread; his brows were knotted tight, his face etched with anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu listened in silence, saying nothing. He simply flicked the reins and spurred his horse straight toward the city gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their figures vanished quickly into the boundless snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Sima residence, in the study, Tang Cheng’an sat alone on a chair, his brows tightly furrowed, his expression heavy with worry. The room was silent, save for the faint sound of breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the door opened and Huang Chaoran, short and stout as a water jar, walked in. His face showed no expression—calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an looked up and saw him; his already furrowed brows tightened further, his eyes revealing a hint of displeasure and mockery: “Huang brother, what brings you here?” His tone carried an undercurrent of hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran remained unperturbed. “I heard you were reprimanded by the Inspector, so I came to pay my respects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an snorted, rolled his eyes dramatically, and sneered: “Huang brother, your sources are remarkably well-informed.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling today’s events and those before, Tang Cheng’an’s anger toward Wang Zhe and Jiang Mingyu flared further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his teeth, fists gripping tightly, his face darkening with gloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an’s brows knotted, his face flushed with rage as he glared at Huang Chaoran: “Not only did you fail to kill Jiang Mingyu as ordered by the Prince of Qi, you drove Wang Zhe straight into the arms of the newly enthroned Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This has inadvertently created another major problem for the Prince of Qi, who is waiting for his chance to seize the throne.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Prince of Qi finds out, I’ll be the one to suffer the consequences for botching everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran lightly brushed his short beard, his expression confident: “There’s little that happens in this city that escapes Huang’s eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an rolled his eyes again, his displeasure deepening: “If Huang brother is so well-informed, why didn’t you know the Inspector had already obtained the Ministry of Military Affairs’ approval?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not for your false intelligence, I wouldn’t have suffered such a humiliating defeat before the Inspector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now Jiang Mingyu still lives, and I’ve been ordered to reflect in solitude. What if the Prince of Qi punishes me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Tang Cheng’an’s brows tightened further, his fists clenched, his fury boiling over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran showed no remorse, his voice calm: “Brother Tang, I admit I was careless in those past matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the deed is done. Regretting it now won’t change anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What matters now is to devise a flawless plan to eliminate Jiang Mingyu as soon as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That way, you can answer to the Prince of Qi, and I can avenge the humiliation I suffered back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an snorted, his face still grim: “Killing Jiang Mingyu? Easy to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He now commands fifty thousand troops and has Wang Zhe backing him—he’s no longer the man he was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we act rashly and they catch us in the act, it won’t be a minor matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our deaths mean nothing—but if we delay the Prince of Qi’s grand plans, that’s a crime beyond redemption.” Tang Cheng’an’s fists clenched tighter, his face etched with anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran sneered: “Brother Tang, you’ve always been sharp-minded—why are you suddenly blind now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can’t touch Jiang Mingyu openly, but we can strike in secret. Opportunities will come.” Huang Chaoran’s eyes flickered with malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we’ll have the Prince of Qi send men to seize control of the Shangmu army—everything will turn in our favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think about it: once you win the Prince’s favor, Brother Tang, your future will be bright as dawn.” Huang Chaoran’s face lit up with eagerness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Tang Cheng’an’s expression finally softened, a glimmer of excitement appearing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an slowly lifted his teacup, took a sip, and smiled faintly: “Huang brother, you’ve said so much—surely your motives aren’t just about avenging yourself against Jiang Mingyu?” He set the cup down and raised an eyebrow, fixing Huang Chaoran with a piercing look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran answered without hesitation: “Correct. To be blunt, I have other ambitions.” His fingers rubbed the edge of the table, as if masking unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Huang family may be a prominent clan, but we’re merchants by origin—never truly respected.” Huang Chaoran spoke with a trace of bitterness, his lips curling slightly downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Otherwise, our Inspector wouldn’t have so brazenly stripped me of my post.” His fist clenched unconsciously, knuckles turning white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m doing this to seize this rare chance and climb onto the Prince of Qi’s favor.” Huang Chaoran’s eyes gleamed with ambition, blazing with intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That way, I not only reclaim my lost position, but elevate my entire Huang family—two gains for one effort.” Huang Chaoran’s face glowed with eagerness; he even stood up, trembling with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tang Cheng’an’s expression shift, Huang Chaoran quickly added with a fawning smile: “But rest assured, Brother Tang—we’ll build this together, sharing glory and disgrace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two whispered further plans to eliminate Jiang Mingyu. The room grew dark, the snow outside the window casting a pale glow that made their faces appear blue and their expressions strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire in the hearth flickered, illuminating their cruel, scheming faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an leaned forward, gripping his sleeves tightly as he listened intently to Huang Chaoran’s plan. When it ended, he slowly raised his head, brows knotted, his tone serious and wary: “Are you telling me the truth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran raised his hand without hesitation, his voice firm: “Rest assured, Brother Tang—I’ve known this for a while. If the plan succeeds, even a hundred thousand troops won’t save Jiang Mingyu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know my father-in-law, He Dachuan, is originally from Shangmu—he knows this land inside and out.” Huang Chaoran gestured confidently with his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an said nothing, pacing the room, his fingers stroking his chin, brows furrowed, eyes heavy with deliberation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran grew impatient, raising his voice: “Brother Tang, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance—what are you hesitating for?” His tone carried urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everything is still under my control. This is our only chance to turn the tide.” Huang Chaoran stepped closer, speaking faster, pressing urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Tang Cheng’an finally drew a deep breath and made his decision: “Fine. No venom, no hero. Let’s do it.” A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added, still uneasy: “But I’m currently confined to solitary reflection—I can’t gather men. What then?” His fingers twisted nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tang Cheng’an relent, Huang Chaoran’s tension vanished, replaced by visible delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran had already prepared his reply—he stepped forward, pounding his chest: “Don’t worry. I’ll handle the men. Absolutely flawless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an cleared his throat, his voice hesitant: “This isn’t quite proper, is it?” His fingers twisted his sleeves, his eyes darting uncertainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran waved it off dismissively: “Consider it my gift to the Prince of Qi. Once you’ve earned his favor, the one confined to solitude might just be our Inspector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran’s eyes gleamed with cunning, his lips curling upward—as if he already saw Wang Zhe and Jiang Mingyu groveling at his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest easy. With Huang’s hand on this, it’s guaranteed to succeed.” He patted his chest confidently, his gaze unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an hesitated a moment longer, then gave a slight nod, a sly smile slowly forming in his eyes. They exchanged glances, each reading the unspoken pact in the other’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran clenched his fists, his voice thick with malice: “Jiang Mingyu, you’re finished.” His eyes already painted the scene of Jiang Mingyu’s ruin and humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an relaxed, leaning back in his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men wore cruel smiles; only the flickering firelight filled the room, radiating the scent of a conspiracy fulfilled.\u003C\u002Fp>",1383,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","28f281ee5453fe262933d4fe1cb0739869d371e47140ecb0362ce9b9dd6712ce","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-112","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-110",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]