[{"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-121":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},2288956,4475,"Chapter 121: Torture and Interrogation","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-121",121,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu pushed open the door and walked into the prison; the newly appointed jailer hurried over, bowing low: “My lord! Come to visit which prisoner?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu waved his hand impatiently: “Where’s Li Goudan? Take me to see him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jailer led Jiang Mingyu through the dim corridor and soon arrived before a cell. “My lord, Li Goudan is locked up inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped into the cell and saw Li Goudan lying on his side on straw, iron chains clinking softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy was sound asleep, startled awake by the door’s opening, blinking around in confusion. Seeing who it was, he exclaimed in delight: “Ah, my lord, why have you come here in person?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried to rise and bow, but gasped sharply, his face twisting in pain. Jiang Mingyu waved him off: “Stay down, don’t move! How have you been these past few days?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan forced a smile: “I’m fine, my lord, don’t worry. I deserve this suffering—I won’t blame anyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu scanned him closely; he’d lost weight, his face was sallow, his body limp—clearly badly injured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu gently waved his hand: “You’re injured, stay lying down. How are you feeling now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, when he first arrived in Shangmu, Li Goudan had been tricked by Murong Yunhai into becoming a yamen runner and had followed him faithfully ever since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days had passed, and Jiang Mingyu’s anger had mostly faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan nodded weakly, trying to sound casual: “Thank you for your concern, my lord—I’m nearly recovered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his grimacing expression and the sharp hisses of pain betrayed that he was far from well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed softly: “Goudan, after I punished you in front of so many, do you resent me?” he probed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from interrogating Che Ting, his main purpose in coming to the prison today was to gauge Li Goudan’s attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re joking!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan sat up, gritting his teeth from the pain: “I deserve it! My lord, you rid the people of evil and punished wickedness—how could there be any wrong in that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan stared fixedly at Jiang Mingyu, earnest: “My lord, I’ve reflected every day since—I’m terrified! If you hadn’t acted decisively, I might have doomed the entire army. That would’ve made me no better than a beast. The more I think about it, the more I feel like a fool. Don’t you agree?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction: “Goudan, your awakening is commendable. It seems my judgment hasn’t failed me—you’re the right man. To err and then correct oneself is human nature. Rest well, heal fully. When you’re better, my city defense unit still needs men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan’s eyes welled with emotion: “My lord, I...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, he choked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped over and patted his shoulder: “Enough, enough—don’t get sentimental. I can’t stand that stuff. Just learn from this. The rest can wait till you’re healed. I’ve other matters—gotta go. I’ll visit again soon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped out of the cell and asked the jailer in a low voice: “How bad are his injuries? Has a physician seen him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jailer smiled mysteriously: “Don’t worry, my lord—Magistrate Tu personally sent a physician to treat him. We couldn’t risk him not recovering. Otherwise, how could he heal so fast? You needn’t trouble yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu was stunned: “What? Tu Kesiluo actually cares about Li Goudan? Of course—he’s noticed I’m short on men, so he’s showing mercy to keep this talent. Ha! Who’d have thought the Black-faced Yama could be so thoughtful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled, then let it go: “Where is Che Ting? Take me to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jailer led Jiang Mingyu through the gloomy corridor and soon arrived before a cell. Che Ting’s hands were cuffed behind his back, his ankles shackled—he was bound tight as a pig for slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu, Che Ting sneered: “Judge Jiang, come to deliver my death warrant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu waved his hand: “Relax—I’m not in a hurry to send you to the Underworld yet. I just want to talk. About what happened between you and Huang Chaoran back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting looked baffled: “Magistrate Huang? What are you talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu leaned close, whispering: “Of course—the day Huang Chaoran swapped you out on the execution ground. Admit it, and I’ll spare your life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting immediately frowned: “Judge Jiang, I don’t know what you’re implying. I won’t falsely accuse Magistrate Huang. Enough talk—kill me or cut me down, I’m ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu spread his hands: “Ah, I didn’t expect you to be so loyal. Indeed, men of the Jianghu value loyalty above all. But unfortunately, you must confess this. I need an answer today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting spat: “Do whatever you want. Kill me—I won’t slander Magistrate Huang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat and adjusted his robe: “Don’t worry—I won’t lay a finger on you. Do I look like the kind who kills capriciously?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting rolled his eyes, ignoring him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu continued: “I just want to chat—purely chat. I just saw something new in the cell—wonder if you’re curious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting still said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened: “I’ll ask one last time: Did Huang Chaoran swap you out on the execution ground? Do you admit it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting shut his eyes tight, adopting a cold, unapproachable posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu flew into a rage: “Fine, hold out then—see how long you can keep it up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shouted: “Bring in the interrogation tools!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several jailers carried in a large iron frame with a human-shaped iron mold hanging from it, plus a roaring furnace and iron rods beside it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu ordered: “Stoke the fire!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu grinned smugly: “Last chance—do you admit it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting remained silent, eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still refusing? Then prepare to become a roasted suckling pig!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu grinned, his smile cold and sinister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu yelled to the jailers: “Quickly, shove him into that iron mold, put him over the fire—see if he still has the nerve to resist!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two jailers removed Che Ting’s wooden cangue and roughly shoved him into the human-shaped iron mold. They threaded iron rods through both ends, suspending Che Ting like a suckling pig over the furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, searing heat engulfed him; sweat soaked his clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gritted his teeth inwardly—Jiang Mingyu’s method of torture was vile beyond words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Che Ting knew he must not yield. He regarded Huang Chaoran as his savior—he could never betray the man who saved his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Che Ting unmoved, Jiang Mingyu grew anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to make Che Ting confess—otherwise, his strike against Huang Laoda would be impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suspended in midair, Che Ting finally opened his eyes: “Jiang Mingyu, do your worst—I’ll scream once and I’m your grandson!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu chuckled: “No rush—we’ve all the time in the world!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed a large fan beside him and furiously fanned the flames; the fire surged violently, engulfing Che Ting in a wave of heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hot, isn’t it? This weather’s worst for cold—let me warm you up!” Jiang Mingyu mocked as he fanned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting clenched his teeth, sweat pouring from his brow, yet not a sound escaped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Jiang Mingyu was drenched in sweat, a sizzling sound came from the fire—like fat dropping into hot oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop pretending! Confess! Spit it out!” Jiang Mingyu urged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting cried out in agony: “Jiang Mingyu... kill me... I... I can’t take it...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “Kill you? No way—you haven’t given your confession yet!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added with a smile: “Besides, you’re no ordinary man. Last time, if not for that rat, you nearly killed me. Such a deep debt—I can’t let you off so easily to meet the Underworld.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting still bit his tongue. Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened: “Bring more charcoal! Add more—see how long he can hold out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting was being roasted alive on the furnace, his body glowing red-hot, agony devouring his mind. He gasped out: “Jiang Mingyu, you beast—you’ll pay for this someday!” The curse drained his last strength; his consciousness began to fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu pretended not to hear, smirking. He feigned sudden realization: “Oh, right—you just said if you screamed once, you’d be my grandson. Now you’re cursing your own grandfather? How’s that fair?” Jiang Mingyu shook his head in mock sorrow, like a betrayed father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting was too weak to respond to Jiang Mingyu’s mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt his organs were molten iron, every inch of his body burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His throat was charred—he opened his mouth to scream, but only thick smoke poured out. Then a scalding teacup pressed to his lips; a voice spoke: “Confess. I’ll give you all the cool tea you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting instinctively reached for it—he sensed this might be his last chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as his lips neared the rim, Jiang Mingyu yanked the cup away and dumped the tea onto the floor. “Want it? Not a chance!” Jiang Mingyu grinned, watching the spilled tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this final hope snatched away, Che Ting shattered. He croaked: “I’ll tell... I’ll tell... give me water...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu wiped his brow, glanced at Che Ting’s charred, unrecognizable face, and sneered: “Pfft. Thought you were some tough guy—cracked so fast? Boring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand, ordering the jailers to take Che Ting down from the rack, then summoned a scribe to record the confession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting lay gasping, voice hoarse, body burned, face blackened, barely alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu leaned lazily against the wall, disdainful: “Hey, still playing games? Confess—tell me what happened back then, and I’ll make it quick.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting weakly shook his head, clinging to his last resistance: “I didn’t... I didn’t do it... kill me...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft!” Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes. “Still trying to fool me? Bring in more fire!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting shook his head frantically, wailing: “I’ll tell... I’ll tell... please stop...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily: “That’s better! Spit it out—I demand an answer today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Che Ting tearfully recounted the tale of the swapped child; the scribe recorded every word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at Che Ting’s frail state, wrinkled his nose in disgust: “Enough, rest a bit—you’re too weak to give a full account. Send for a physician—don’t let this man die on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Ting was barely conscious; he collapsed into unconsciousness as the scribe wrote the final character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu held Che Ting’s confession, his heart swelling with joy—he could finally strike at Huang Chaoran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his mind, he imagined Huang Chaoran writhing in agony under his schemes, and he smiled with sweet satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>",1753,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ef6d891acdf4a25a36c5f0071c95a4e1afc9951ce14f6cbb5d11b3ba8813f44e","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-122","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-120",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]