[{"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-115":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},2288950,4475,"Chapter 115: Visiting the Tigress","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-115",115,"\u003Cp>Shangmu County, county yamen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Jiang Mingyu’s expressionless face, Zhu Ge Yu spoke flatly: “Master, I’m leaving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Already? So soon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu sat down beside him: “It’s only half a month until the New Year, and there’s nothing left to do here in Shangmu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With Lord Murong overseeing the iron mine, nothing’s likely to go wrong—I’ve accomplished my mission and can step back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I also need to take this chance to send out my new poems—can’t let my fans wait too long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his urge to show off return, Jiang Mingyu couldn’t help but smile wryly: “Then go ahead and return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu had nothing to pack; he turned to leave, but before he reached the gate, he came back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled: “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re actually reluctant to leave me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu rolled his eyes: “Don’t flatter yourself—I’m not Li Goudan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just want to ask: when spring comes, will the Western Xia troops arrive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded: “According to my estimate, when the food runs out in late winter and early spring, the Western Xia will surely invade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing such a serious matter, Zhu Ge Yu couldn’t suppress a grin: “Perfect—just as I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the New Year, I’ll come back to Shangmu and wait—I’ll give these Western Xia a proper fight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To someone with nowhere to fulfill his ambitions, this was a rare opportunity—even if ordinary people would flee from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for Jiang Mingyu’s reaction, he strode out the yamen gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu’s words were like a calming pill for Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Zhu Ge Yu on their side, the chance of holding Shangmu increased significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhu Ge Yu left, the empty yamen fell silent once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, idle and Ditou , noticed the drawing he’d made still lying quietly on the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slapped his forehead: “It’s all that useless Li Goudan’s fault—I forgot something this important.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without delay, he climbed back onto Ma Bei and headed for the city defense camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the bizarre drawing in his hand, Tu Kexiluo frowned: “My lord, what is this thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He racked his memory but couldn’t figure out what this spiky object was supposed to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: “It’s something I just devised—called an Iron Caltrop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new term left Tu Kexiluo even more confused: “What’s it used for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu adopted a patient, instructive tone: “Strictly speaking, this is a type of weapon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of weapons, Tu Kexiluo perked up; he studied the drawing closely: “A hidden weapon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “Its main purpose is to counter Western Xia cavalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve surely noticed—no matter how you throw it, one of its spikes always points upward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Its sharpness is enough to pierce horse hooves—devastating for charging cavalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo nodded with admiration: “Excellent. With this, we can handle their cavalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once their cavalry is neutralized, our numerical advantage will gradually turn the tide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Mingyu wasn’t so optimistic: “This alone isn’t nearly enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If their vanguard clears a path, the following cavalry can still advance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief surge of excitement, Tu Kexiluo’s smile faded: “Then what do we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu declared confidently: “Don’t worry—I’ve been researching other weapons these past few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When all troop types coordinate, we’ll annihilate the Western Xia invaders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Tu Kexiluo: “How’s the task I gave you going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way back from the provincial capital, he’d instructed Tu Kexiluo to divide his fifty-thousand troops into distinct branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo gave a sly smile: “Just now, I conducted a mobilization—nearly complete.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twenty thousand infantry, twenty thousand spearmen, one thousand scouts, four thousand archers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The remaining five thousand are cooks, discipline officers, and logistics personnel.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked satisfied: “Good—detailed enough. Except for cavalry, you’ve got all the essentials.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo looked grim: “Lacking cavalry may become our greatest weakness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled: “No matter. Once we crush the Western Xia, won’t we have plenty of warhorses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But have you considered—who will command each of these branches?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo hesitated: “My lord, we simply don’t have enough capable officers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can lead the infantry; Lord Murong can handle the scouts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But for archers and spearmen—I can’t think of anyone suitable right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu glanced around: “What about Goudan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo thought he’d misheard: “My lord—you mean Li Goudan, the one who just received severe punishment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, saying “Li Goudan” sent a flash of hatred through his narrow eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Surprised?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I punished Goudan because he deserved it—that’s all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that doesn’t mean he’s useless—I saw what he did at Heifeng Ridge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Train him properly, and he’ll be a fine prospect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough of this. Everyone makes mistakes—what matters is correcting them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You saw how the others pleaded for him—even the victims in the crowd said nothing. Why hold a grudge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo sighed: “Fine. I hope they learn from this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they dare harm the soldiers I’ve trained, don’t expect me, Tu Kexiluo, to show mercy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned icy; a chilling aura surged forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu chuckled: “Didn’t think you, the Black-faced Yama, were so protective of your men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo rolled his eyes: “My lord, we’re talking here excitedly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what if the beaten Li Goudan resents us and refuses to fight alongside us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s smile faded: “In a couple days, I’ll visit Goudan in the jail.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he’s willing to serve beside me, everything can be negotiated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he harbors hatred, then I simply misjudged him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that’s fine—I refuse to believe I can’t find two competent commanders among fifty thousand men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed: “Enough about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The blacksmiths in camp should have started work—get them to make these iron caltrops first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tu Kexiluo’s longsword, Jiang Mingyu’s eyes lit up: “Speaking of commanders, I’ve just thought of someone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo, taking the drawing, asked curiously: “Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Mingyu teased: “Come with me later—you’ll find out soon enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After handing the drawing to the blacksmiths, Jiang Mingyu’s first move was to return to the county yamen—with Tu Kexiluo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo was puzzled: “Didn’t we go to find someone? Why come back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled: “What’s the rush? You’ll see soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for Tu Kexiluo’s confused expression, he turned and walked toward the yamen’s rear hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About a cup of tea later, Jiang Mingyu reappeared, dressed in clean clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to his dusty earlier appearance, the now refined Jiang Mingyu looked even more handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo said nothing, mounted Ma Bei, and headed south toward Nancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Jiang Mingyu was confused: “How do you know I’m going to Nancheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo, facing the cold wind, smiled knowingly: “Dressed like this, you’re clearly going to see Miss Liu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You never go this formally even to meet the Inspector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face flushed: “Am I really that obvious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo had no expression left: “My lord, forgive me, but you might as well have written it on your face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned forward, eager: “My lord, are you smitten with Miss Liu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were nearly the same age; since Jiang Mingyu arrived in Shangmu, he’d spent nearly every day with Tu Kexiluo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were thoroughly familiar with each other—when not discussing duty, Tu Kexiluo spoke freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu dodged: “What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo scoffed: “My lord, if you’re not smitten with Miss Liu, I’ll spell my name backward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But we’re looking for a commander—what does this have to do with Miss Liu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could that delicate Miss Liu be some hidden master? She doesn’t look like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held the reins, pondering Liu Yi’s every past move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu teased: “Why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The person I’m taking you to meet is Miss Liu’s friend—Zhang Jiani.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But remember this: though her name is Zhang Jiani, she’s anything but easy to get along with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s a ruthless, arrogant, downright ferocious tigress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shuddered: “She’s been back in Shangmu only a few days—I nearly died twice at her hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo erupted in anger: “She dares lay hands on my lord? I must see this fearsome woman for myself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu said soothingly, “Don’t underestimate her. From what I’ve seen, her skill is no lesser than yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, he had never seen Tukesulu’s sword move as fast as the day Zhang Jiani nearly stabbed him to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Tukesulu’s interest surged: “Such a rare master—I must properly test her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only hope she’s not like that old Yu from Black Wind Ridge—just a wax-coated spear, all show and no substance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled with hidden meaning: “You’ll get your wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While they spoke, they arrived at Liu Yi’s home, hidden beneath the snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant at the gate, accustomed to this official’s frequent visits, greeted him: “My lord, you’ve come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded to the bowing servant: “Is Master Chu at home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant smiled apologetically: “My lord, you’ve come at an unlucky time—my master recently went to the state capital.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only the young lady is home now. Might I suggest you return another day? Would that be acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ximen was away; only Liu Yi was home. Such a perfect opportunity—how could Wei my lord  leave now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly told the servant: “Go inform the young lady. Say I, the official, have come to visit and wish to discuss urgent matters. Hurry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Urgent matters? The servant racked his brain but couldn’t imagine what urgent business the imperial envoy could possibly have with his young mistress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no idea that, in Jiang Mingyu’s heart, seeing Liu Yi at once was the greatest matter of all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant, of course, dared not defy the imperial envoy’s command. He said, “Please wait a moment,” then turned and hurried inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About a cup of tea later, Liu Yi’s clear voice came from within: “The wind is bitter and the snow heavy, Lord Jiang—please come inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face was nearly frozen stiff, yet he forced a smile: “Coming, heh, coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Tukesulu was speechless—he thought, Look at you, pathetic, like you’ve never seen a woman in your life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Embarrassing. So embarrassing. I’m ashamed just watching you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment he stepped through the gate, Tukesulu froze, his expression of disdain turning to shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His narrow eyes locked onto the woman beside Liu Yi, his throat bobbing uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the woman’s face—her innate, effortless arrogance made him feel as if his eyes were glued in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman stood beside Liu Yi in the snow, not dimmed at all—instead, she seemed like twin blossoms blooming together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tukesulu’s saliva nearly frozen by the wind, Zhang Jiani, wrapped in a white cloak, flew into a rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She coldly said, “So you’re the official’s lackey—your lecherous gaze is carved from the same mold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never thought the Shangmu Yamen  had sunk this low.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Staring at women like a starving dog—what kind of creature are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dare keep looking? Do you think I won’t gouge out your dog’s eyes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu’s reaction? None at all. Even his frozen eyeballs didn’t shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani’s fury boiled over: “Dog thief, you want to die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of cold light—her short sword shot forward like a silver bolt, aimed straight at Tukesulu, statue-like and motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Jiani leap several times and close the distance, Jiang Mingyu shouted loudly: “Tukesulu, danger!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the last instant, Tukesulu snapped out of his trance and raised his longsword to block Zhang Jiani’s blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani paused, surprised: “Didn’t expect you, dog thief, to be a skilled one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu, tense, asked: “Miss, why are you doing this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani’s haughty expression grew even more disdainful: “Why? Men are all creatures of their lower halves—none of you are decent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu’s face hardened: “I am not one of those lechers you describe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani flicked her sword, making a flourish: “Excuses. I’ll gouge out your dog’s eyes right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu snapped back: “You’re Zhang Jiani, aren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our lord was right—you really are a snarling tigress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani shot a furious glare at Jiang Mingyu beside her, then bit her teeth and hissed: “Dog thief, you want to die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the last word fell, her figure, nearly blending into the snow, lunged straight at Tukesulu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu, imitating Zhuge Yu’s pose, said with exaggerated flair: “Not bad. You’ve got some skill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you’re a woman, I’ll let you have three—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished the word, Zhang Jiani kicked him hard, sending him stumbling back three steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching from the side, Jiang Mingyu felt his face burn: “Show-off failed. This is a massive humiliation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tukesulu, humiliated and kicked hard, Zhang Jiani’s contempt deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sneered haughtily: “Lecher, you’re shameless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With such clumsy kung fu, you dare show off before me? You’re a laughingstock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough. I have no time to waste here. Kneel and surrender now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu, with a footprint still on his chest, felt as if all his organs had flipped inside out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black-faced Yama, publicly humiliated, cursed inwardly: This woman’s face is so pale—how can her kicks be so brutal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the howling north wind, Tukesulu’s face burned red-hot: “I… you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani, impatient: “What ‘I’? What ‘you’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lecher, kneel and beg for mercy—or do you want another beating?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu finally caught his breath: “I’m letting you go because you’re a woman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The tiger doesn’t roar, you think I’m dying? You’re not strong enough to beat me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smirked and beckoned to Zhang Jiani: “Come on. Let me see your real skill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu’s taunting demeanor made Zhang Jiani, already furious, explode with rage: “Lecher, you want to die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before her words ended, her short sword slashed again toward Tukesulu—clearly, she was now deadly serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu, unfazed, met her blade with his own and shouted: “I told you—I’m a real man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG! The long and short blades clashed in the icy wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Tukesulu in his white greatcoat and Zhang Jiani in her white cloak spun and clashed, locked in furious combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Tukesulu’s casual demeanor, Zhang Jiani, now truly enraged, struck with far more ferocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though a woman, her swordplay was all open, forceful, and brutal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time her short sword met his blade, nearly invisible sparks flew in the howling, freezing wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse, whenever she saw an opening, she targeted Tukesulu’s vital spots—unyielding, determined to kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu clearly saw several times how Zhang Jiani’s short sword narrowly missed slicing through Tukesulu’s groin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be blunt—if her blade had risen just a few inches higher, Tukesulu would spend the rest of his life as a eunuch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu couldn’t understand: how could such a beautiful woman train in such brutal, ruthless arts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, the delicate-looking Tukesulu seemed almost demure before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as they traded blows, Tukesulu’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu exhaled in relief—he’d only been kicked once. If Tukesulu got beaten again, his own face would be utterly ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the two exchange blows with such vigor, Liu Yi worried: “My lord, won’t something bad happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “Don’t worry. I know Tukesulu’s skill—he won’t be harmed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he hoped Tukesulu would humble this tigress—once she loses, where will her arrogance go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than Tukesulu let out a cry and rolled away like a gourd, landing far off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Tukesulu could rise, Zhang Jiani’s blade pressed against his throat: “Well, lecher—do you yield?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, who had just praised Tukesulu, felt his face darken. Done. This man was utterly humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tukesulu silent, Zhang Jiani coldly asked again: “Lecher, kneel and beg—or I’ll kill you now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu, facing the blade, showed no fear: “Kill me. I, Tukesulu, will never beg.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his face away fiercely, as if to say: Enough talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani’s expression remained haughty: “Fine. You’ve got some spine. Then, I’ll grant you your wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she moved to strike, Liu Yi beside her shouted urgently: “Jiani, stop! Don’t go any further!”\u003C\u002Fp>",2654,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ee93d5f2cb86d6c5ec92bb083e0b2f1f638f93023dc2dacd3e8b76554011d8f2","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-116","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-114",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]