[{"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-113":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},2288948,4475,"Chapter 113: The Guilt Cannot Be Escaped","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-113",113,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned at the sketch in his hand for a long while, then froze when Tukesiluo spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean, what to do? What happened?” He looked up, bewildered, his face full of confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city defense camp’s affairs were too important to him—he could not afford the slightest mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo’s face was dark as night; he kicked the crouching Li Goudan, who curled up like a gecko on the ground, shouting: “Let him speak for himself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression darkened further, but he forced down his anger, forcing out each word: “What exactly happened? And what’s wrong with the city defense camp?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan winced from the kick, hunched on the ground with a servile grin, stammering: “My lord, this matter is your fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu panicked at those words, grabbed Li Goudan by the collar and yanked him up, eyes bulging: “If you say another word, I’ll cut you to pieces! Spill it now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan’s legs went weak with fear; he trembled as he spoke: “My lord, after the Liu Tianyu incident, I couldn’t resist falling back into my old habit—I laid hands on the soldiers in the city defense camp...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fuck!” Jiang Mingyu exploded instantly—he kicked Li Goudan over and grabbed his own hair, screaming: “I took you in thinking you were talent, but you’re worse than an animal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He choked back the rest of his words, took several deep breaths, swallowed his rage, and lowered his voice: “Do you even know what you’ve done?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long has the army been formed? And you dare act like this in front of and behind everyone’s backs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s my face? Where’s Shang Mu’s future? You pig!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan’s legs buckled under the fear; he knelt trembling, mumbling: “My lord, please calm down—I know I’m wrong...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sized him up from head to toe, his face twisted with rage: “Know your mistake? You know your mistake? If not for all these witnesses, I’d have torn you apart already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kicked Li Goudan’s leg hard, sending him sprawling to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan yelped in pain, groaning “Ow! Ow!”—Jiang Mingyu finally snorted coldly, turned, and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paced back and forth in the room, his mind churning violently, thoughts colliding until he felt ready to explode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists, nails digging deep into his palms, eyes bloodshot, teeth gritted—only one thought burned in his heart: no matter the cost, he must teach Li Goudan a lesson—break his dog legs!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slammed his fist onto the table—*thud!*—the teacups on it trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! So damn it!” He rubbed his throbbing temples, his jaws trembling: “These fifty thousand troops took me years to build—if I mishandle this now, the whole army will scatter. Whether we live or die doesn’t matter—my past efforts will be wasted!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he thought, the angrier he grew, his vision darkening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one understood what fifty thousand troops meant to him better than he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were his last hope to survive in Shang Mu’s fertile land, his only path to fulfilling his lifelong dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he failed, his position at court would be exposed—he’d have no footing left, forced into retirement, gazing helplessly at the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paced the room, struggling to calm his turbulent emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the most important thing now was to stay calm—if he lost control, things would only worsen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath and forced himself to analyze the situation rationally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must find a way to minimize the incident’s impact and preserve the army’s strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must also punish Li Goudan—no matter what—otherwise complacency would set in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he must explain this sudden incident to the Emperor and protect his standing at court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slammed his fist onto the table again—*thud!*—the teacups rattled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brows knotted, eyes blazing, face flushed with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! So damn it!” He gasped for air, fighting to contain his rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan’s actions were a public humiliation—he could not bear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the crowd, he would have torn Li Goudan apart right then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu rubbed his temples hard; a cold voice echoed in his mind: Teach that beast a lesson—break his dog legs!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But another voice stopped him instantly: Calm down. Right now, you need calm above all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bigger picture matters. Don’t let a moment of rage cost you everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, forcing his churning emotions to settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the most urgent task now was stabilizing troop morale—otherwise the consequences would be catastrophic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he could use this incident to build authority within the army—but the handling must be precise, turning disaster into opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paced the room repeatedly, finally forming a rough plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold smirk curled his lips; his eyes regained their sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he could use this incident to punish Li Goudan—and simultaneously rebuild his own authority in the army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If handled well, he might turn decay into brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu strode into the city defense camp with a blackened face, his expression as dark as storm clouds blotting out the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gate guards stared sideways, eyes strange, whispering among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on? Why did the lord bring back that beast?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does a scumbag like this even deserve to stay in the army? It’s disgusting!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu heard their whispers—his fury surged, and he wanted to tear them all apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he forced down his anger, scanned the crowd coldly, then strode toward the training ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan hunched his shoulders, head bowed, his face nearly dragging on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What made Jiang Mingyu even more speechless was Zhuge Yu standing in the camp, his expression unreadable—as if saying: I never thought my master had such a talented subordinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened; he offered no explanation: “Issue orders—assemble the entire army on the training ground. I have words to speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About half an hour later, the fifty thousand troops stood in perfect formation, each face filled with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood on the raised platform, his face like frost; he waved coldly: “Tukesiluo, bring that beast up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, Li Goudan, bound tightly, was dragged onto the platform before all eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face was stern: “Brothers, you all know what this beast has done—I won’t speak of it again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I temporarily command this army, this incident is still my failure in discipline. I don’t know who the victim is, but I must give you all an answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Li Goudan has served with me a long time—but that doesn’t excuse his crimes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glared at the kneeling Li Goudan: “Do you admit your guilt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan trembled: “I admit guilt—I admit it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded coldly: “Since you admit guilt, Tukesiluo—according to Da Feng law, how should this man be punished?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo sneered: “Unprecedented case—your judgment, my lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paused, then declared: “Charge him with lewd conduct! As a yamen runner, he knowingly broke the law—he deserves triple punishment. Here and now, beat him ninety lashes, then imprison him for one month!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers murmured—some excited, others showing pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face remained expressionless, but inside he smiled: Punish one severely as a warning—then show mercy at the right moment to stabilize morale, and make these fifty thousand lions fight for me!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned and asked coldly: “Li Goudan, do you accept my judgment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan nodded silently, not daring to make a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu spoke icy: “Since you accept it, then—hit him hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the executioners raised their heavy cudgels, someone shouted: “Stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu whirled around—Zhuge Yu rushed over, face anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned: “I’m handling urgent matters. Why interrupt?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu bowed quickly: “Master, this matter is grave—please hear me out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paused, then said calmly: “Speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu looked at the kneeling Li Goudan: “I saw everything today. Li Goudan’s actions are indeed shameful—your punishment is justified. But he has confessed and repented, and this is his first offense—please show leniency.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gazed earnestly at Jiang Mingyu, neck bowed like a bamboo stalk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu thought—since meeting Zhuge Yu, he had never pleaded so seriously before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhuge Yu plead, the fifty thousand soldiers erupted in murmurs, voices rising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is this guy to beg for mercy? After doing something so vile, how dare he stay in the army?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The lord’s punishment is fair—if you spare him, I quit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go, brothers—staying with this beast, who knows when we’ll be next?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened to the soldiers’ rising voices—his heart felt pierced by knives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized troop morale had been severely damaged—he must act decisively to restore it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slowly turned, eyes blazing at Zhuge Yu: “Zhuge Yu, you heard them. If such a lewd beast had dishonored you, what would you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu froze, unsure how to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu continued: “I’m not defending my own honor—I must give the soldiers justice. Tolerating this behavior isn’t mercy—it’s letting discipline collapse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Jiang Mingyu clenched his fists, his voice thick with anger: “Remember—they came here not to be humiliated, but to defend their homeland! I will not let them lose their dignity or honor!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and declared firmly: “Strike him hard! This upholds military law—and respects every soldier!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The executioners raised their cudgels again—Zhuge Yu dropped to one knee, pleading: “Master, ninety lashes will kill him—please spare him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face was stone: “Even if he dies, it’s his own doing—I will show no mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the kneeling Li Goudan suddenly spoke...\u003C\u002Fp>",1593,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fe1eeb44df271ca07316c3d6ed4324ccfbc32fdda71ad73aacb39d71edd8c06d","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-114","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-112",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]