[{"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-120":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},2288955,4475,"Chapter 120","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-120",120,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu tugged the reins, his eyes filled with confusion: “Miss Zhang, what is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t understand why this woman, who usually treated him with icy indifference, had suddenly come to him of her own accord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he offended her somehow?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after carefully recalling, he couldn’t think of anything he’d done wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the title “dog official,” he was used to it by now—she wasn’t the first to call him that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani bit her lower lip, looking slightly embarrassed: “Um… you saved Yifei. I should properly thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, a faint blush rose on her cheeks, stirring something in Jiang Mingyu’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected this proud, haughty woman to have such a shy side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help but want to look at her longer, only to find she had already lowered her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s heart tightened—was she hinting at something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly steadied his emotions and kept his tone calm: “Miss Zhang, just say what’s on your mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You suddenly acting like this—I’m truly unaccustomed to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ventured cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Jiani’s temper flared; she lifted her head and glared at him: “Do you think I wanted to find you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you hadn’t secretly mobilized troops for Yifei, I wouldn’t have bothered with you at all—ungrateful fool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She snapped angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu instantly understood—she had come to confront him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart sank, yet he felt a pang of helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d only wanted to rescue his dear friend Liu Yifei; he never imagined it would drag him into so much trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his actions had been reckless—but if it were Zhang Jiani in his place, what would she have done?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help asking: “Miss Zhang, if it were you, what would you have done?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani hesitated at his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She genuinely admired Liu Yifei; though they rarely spoke, they were friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were her, she might have made the same choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she refused to admit she’d wronged Jiang Mingyu—after all, she still had plenty of grievances against this dog official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, she snorted: “Of course I’d save Yifei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I wouldn’t mobilize troops so recklessly like you did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know how much trouble this causes the City Defense Camp?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if the enemy discovers Shangmu’s weaknesses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if your superiors find out you moved troops without authorization?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s head throbbed; he cut her off: “Enough, enough, Miss Zhang, stop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know I was wrong. Don’t scold me anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you came to me, it wasn’t just to argue, was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you actually want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked, growing impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his attitude, Zhang Jiani grew even angrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d come hoping for a sincere conversation, but he was being so obtuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sneered: “You really are an insensitive fool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I came to offer to lead the City Defense Camp troops for you—yet you’re so ungrateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She dropped a revelation meant to shock Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes widened: “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d never imagined Zhang Jiani, who’d stubbornly refused before, would suddenly agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was utterly unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered if he’d misheard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for some reason, Tuxesiluo’s soft-faced expression also brightened with intense excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to already see his plan succeeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Jiani reverted to her haughty demeanor: “Fine, if you don’t want it, forget it—I’m not begging you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you hadn’t secretly mobilized troops for Yifei, I wouldn’t have bothered with you at all—ungrateful fool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she turned her horse around to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu couldn’t let her go—he rushed to block her: “Miss Zhang, wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Happiness came too suddenly—I’m just stunned, that’s all, nothing else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With Miss Zhang aiding the City Defense Camp, it’ll be like adding wings to a tiger, effortless, a breeze…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing his words turning absurd, Jiang Mingyu quickly clamped his mouth shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani rolled her eyes with clear impatience: “Dog official, where do you get all this nonsense?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me—once I join the City Defense Camp, what exactly do you plan to make me do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of business, Jiang Mingyu grew serious: “Just now, I saw your archery—excellent, almost a hundred paces, piercing the target.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The City Defense Camp’s archers are short a commander—would you consider taking the post?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haughty Zhang Jiani shrugged indifferently: “Whatever you need. I’m just repaying you for saving Yifei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow morning, I’ll report to the City Defense Camp—have your soldiers ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu couldn’t be happier: “Excellent! I’ll notify them right away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at Zhang Jiani hesitantly, speaking softly: “By the way, Miss Zhang, I just called Liu’s girl Yifei—so… could I call you Jiani?” His voice carried the awkwardness of overstepping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani raised her hand and lightly tapped the hilt of her sword on the saddle, smiling: “If you don’t want to live, call me whatever you like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though her words were a threat, her tone and expression were relaxed, showing no anger at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu felt his neck tighten; he coughed awkwardly: “Better stick with Miss Zhang—it’s more respectful. Yes, respect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Respect between people is vital, isn’t it, Miss Zhang?” He forced a nervous smile, trying to cover his earlier blunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani shook her head slightly, amused: “Respect is important, but you saying it like that makes it awkward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone carried a lightness, as if the whole scene meant nothing to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhang Jiani left with Liu Yifei, Tuxesiluo slapped his thigh, ecstatic like a dog who’d found a bone: “Wonderful! Wonderful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu jumped, thinking: What’s with this guy? He’s shouting like he wants the whole world to know he’s acting like a madman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned: “Hey! Why the sudden yelling? You sound like a cat with its tail stepped on—I’m going deaf!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head: “I’m just happy for you, my lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sized him up, as if seeing right through him: “Oh? Come on, out with it—have you taken a fancy to Miss Zhang? Spill it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo’s face turned as red as a boiled lobster; he stammered incoherently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu burst out laughing: “Alright, alright, I guessed wrong, right? Your face is as purple as dried seaweed! I was going to ask Yifei to speak for you—but clearly, no need. Hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo hurriedly protested: “My lord, you misunderstand! I’d never dare think of a lady like that! Please don’t let them get the wrong idea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu grunted: “Fine, since you’re not interested, I won’t meddle. But honestly, Miss Zhang’s quite pretty—her fierceness even suits you, adds charm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo mumbled: “Um… my lord, I actually do like Miss Zhang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu spread his hands: “Then go after her! I’m not stealing your woman. But what do you mean by ‘like’? She draws her sword at you daily—don’t you get tired of fighting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo’s eyes gleamed: “My lord, you don’t understand—when she kicked me that day, the suffocation was exquisite! I was utterly enchanted. She must be my wife!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, beaming: “Then she pressed her sword to my throat—I felt like I was floating to heaven! When she called me ‘lecher,’ I didn’t feel anger—I felt warmth, closeness, like the first spring sunlight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes: “What the hell? She kicked you right in the heart? Are you some kind of pervert? ‘First spring sunlight’? Seriously? If you’re with her, you’ll never see next spring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He warned: “With your build, you’ll be chopped into pieces before she even notices you.” He was both concerned and worried for Tuxesiluo’s happiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo grabbed Jiang Mingyu’s hand tightly, babbling: “My lord, can you understand how I feel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu jerked back, realizing his wrist was firmly held: “Hey! Let go of my hand! Whether you win her or not is your business—don’t drag me into it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo stood his ground stubbornly: “If you don’t help me speak to Liu, I won’t let go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two grown men wrestling on the street drew stares from passersby: “What’s going on with those two officials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard Lord Tu has been infatuated with Lord Jiang for days—this must be true!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is great news for Shangmu—but why does it feel so strange?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s strange? Lord Tu can’t bear children, but what else is he lacking compared to a woman?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the word “bear children,” Jiang Mingyu’s face flushed crimson; he wanted to vanish into the ground. He shouted desperately: “Alright, alright, brother! I’ll do it right away! Let go of my hand—you’re ruining my reputation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuxesiluo still wouldn’t release him: “First, swear you’ll speak for me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu begged: “I swear! I’ll fulfill every demand—just let go of my hand!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at the prefectural office, Jiang Mingyu ground his teeth, thinking: I’m not done with you, you masochist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the gatekeeper reported that Che Ting had been brought in; Jiang Mingyu exhaled deeply and drained his cold tea: “Take me to him at once—I can’t stand this anymore!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu thought to himself: Finally, I can set this awkwardness aside—for now.\u003C\u002Fp>",1503,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","643c5919f3162bd22929e3ad9d7d1227833b3e7dab7ff7314fdd069107ad6f58","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-121","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-119",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]