[{"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-126":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},2288961,4475,"Chapter 126: Huang Master","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-126",126,"\u003Cp>As Huang Chaoran and Jiang Mingyu exchanged sharp words in the hall, a swift horse galloped into the state capital, drenched in sweat, clearly arriving in haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Tang Cheng’an sat alone inside his room, hands clenched tight, brows furrowed deep, eyes clouded with confusion, utterly dejected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept asking himself inwardly: “This is too strange—so many days have passed, why hasn’t the man Huang Chaoran sent returned? Could something have gone wrong?” At this thought, his grip tightened further, his gaze growing even more lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huang Chaoran is too reckless—he can’t even capture a frail woman, how incompetent. Clearly, I can’t rely on him at all; I must wait for Prince Qi’s new orders.” At this, his brows knitted even tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And that little Liu—vanished for days, not a single word sent back.” At this, his eyes darkened further, filled with despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was lost in self-doubt, the guard outside entered and bowed respectfully: “My lord, Little Liu has returned.” Tang Cheng’an’s eyes lit up—he seemed reborn—and hurriedly said: “Perfect timing, bring him in at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Liu soon entered, covered in dust. Tang Cheng’an scrutinized him from head to toe, then lowered his voice cautiously: “Did anyone spot you on this trip? Did you leave any trace?” His tone carried tension and anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Liu brushed off the dust and replied softly: “My lord, rest assured—I moved with utmost caution. I left no opening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an finally exhaled, then asked in a hushed voice: “Then, what was Prince Qi’s response to my petition? What strategy does he propose for the current situation?” His eyes gleamed with anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Liu pulled a letter from his chest and offered it respectfully with both hands: “This is Prince Qi’s personal reply to you, my lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an’s hands trembled slightly as he carefully broke the wax seal and unfolded the high-quality parchment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes swiftly scanned the lines; his brows tightened instantly, his face growing darker and heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a quiet sigh, he folded the letter neatly and placed it back on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, what did the letter say? Why do you look so troubled?” Little Liu asked nervously, watching Tang Cheng’an with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an paused, then raised his head to look at Little Liu, a flicker of obscure light in his eyes: “The disturbance at the city garrison has been exposed—it’s been exposed... Wang Zhe has sent men to watch my every move. I can’t even leave my own door now!” His voice carried unmistakable anxiety and urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paced back and forth inside the room, steps hurried, fingers twisting nervously, face etched with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Little Liu stepped forward and soothed gently: “My lord, calm down, don’t rush. The Inspector told you to admit fault—didn’t he say he’d see you when you’re ready? First, show submission, appease him, make him lower his guard. Once the plan succeeds and Prince Qi ascends the throne, you’ll be a meritorious minister—then you can seek revenge anytime!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an’s expression finally softened; he nodded slightly and said: “True. I’ll go to the Inspector’s mansion first, test his attitude. If he eases his surveillance, I can seize the moment to advance the critical plan and fulfill Prince Qi’s mission!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Liu smiled deferentially: “My lord, wise and mighty! Bow your head first to appease the Inspector, let him drop his guard. Then, with full freedom of movement, fulfilling the Prince’s task will be just around the corner!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an smiled in satisfaction: “Good! Bring me my official robes at once—I’m off to visit the Inspector and see how he plans to deal with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Liu immediately bowed deeply and hurried off to fetch Tang Cheng’an’s official attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’an stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting his robes and cap, wearing a humble, courteous smile as he prepared to visit the Inspector’s mansion. Yet within, he calculated: Would the Inspector truly ease his surveillance? Would he offer me an opening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, he would seize the chance to advance the critical plan and complete Prince Qi’s secret mission...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the Zhuge family’s main hall was silent. Zhuge Yi and his son Zhuge Gang knelt on the floor, motionless, drenched in sweat, staring at the scene before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu leaned lazily against the high-backed chair, one hand resting lightly on the armrest, idly glancing at Huang Chaoran, who trembled with sweat and fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wry smile curled his lips—he was thoroughly satisfied by Huang Chaoran’s cowardice and terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Huang, how about it? Can you walk on your own now?” Jiang Mingyu asked with a grin, his sarcasm unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since reading Che Ting’s confession, Huang Chaoran had been shivering uncontrollably, his back soaked in cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded frantically, unable to speak, like a pitiful mouse caught by a cat, ready to curl into a ball at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this pitiful display, Jiang Mingyu felt a quiet triumph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued slowly: “The Inspector is still waiting for you at his mansion. Go explain to him how you plotted against me, kidnapped Liu Yifei, and helped that condemned prisoner change his identity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he flicked his serpent-like eyes toward Tukesiluo and ordered: “Take him away!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Huang Chaoran’s hands were bound behind his back and he was about to be tied up, Zhuge Yi on the ground shouted urgently: “Lord Jiang, please show mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu glared at him, sneering: “Lord Zhuge, what more do you have to say? Are you planning to join Huang Chaoran at the Inspector’s mansion to confess your crimes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still remembered how Zhuge Yi and his son had treated Zhuge Yu just moments ago—he had no patience left for this old fox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi’s heart rose again; he slowly lifted his snow-white head, beads of cold sweat on his forehead: “My lord, you jest. Huang Chaoran was captured in my home—his family will surely believe we framed him. When they fly into rage, they’ll swallow our family whole. What then?” He had already calculated every possible dire consequence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sneered: “Lord Zhuge, you meddle too much. I’m here on the Inspector’s orders—what’s it to you? Even if your Zhuge family is wiped out, it has nothing to do with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added mockingly: “Huang Chaoran must be taken today—that’s the Inspector’s command. If you object, go complain to the Inspector yourself. He’s already furious—he’ll be delighted to see you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi’s face twitched several times, but he dared not utter a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, seeing his act, snorted: “I’m taking him today. What more are you going to say?” He gestured for his men to bind Huang Chaoran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi panicked, stepping forward to block Tukesiluo, pleading: “Lord Jiang, you’ve humiliated my Zhuge family! Please, let me keep Lord Huang here for now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu remained unmoved: “Do you still not understand? Taking Huang Chaoran is the Inspector’s order—it has nothing to do with me. Even if you kneel and beg me, it won’t change a thing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi switched tactics: “Lord Jiang, I’ll offer half my family’s wealth to ransom Lord Huang. Is that acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sneered: “Lord Zhuge, do you think money can buy me? I act on the Inspector’s orders—I cannot defy him or betray justice. Money means nothing to me. Save your breath!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned to Zhuge Yu: “This matter is settled. Come with me back to Shangmu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu nodded silently and followed Jiang Mingyu out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his son about to leave, Zhuge Yi cried out desperately: “Yu! Persuade Lord Jiang—he’s your master, he listens to you! Say something—make him keep Lord Huang! Otherwise, our Zhuge family is finished!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu acted as if he heard nothing, walking forward without turning back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his brother ignore their father, Zhuge Gang jumped up in fury, shouting: “Zhuge Yu, you ungrateful son! Our family is in crisis and you ignore it? Are you even a Zhuge? Our ancestors were noble—how could we birth such a useless creature? Stop right there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu finally turned coldly: “Zhuge Gang, show some respect. I’m no longer part of the Zhuge family. Your lives or deaths mean nothing to me. Decide your own fate—I have nothing to do with it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung his sleeve to leave. Zhuge Yi still shouted: “Zhuge Yu, this disaster is your doing—how can you just walk away? Are you even a man?” Zhuge Yu didn’t turn back: “You’re right. You already handed me over to Huang Chaoran to be dealt with. He didn’t kill me—that’s his failure. From now on, whatever revenge the Huang family takes on you, I have nothing to do with it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi, enraged, rose to continue shouting—when suddenly Tukesiluo, escorting Huang Chaoran, spun back and slashed his sword. The blade flashed, stopping three feet from Zhuge Yi’s chest, freezing him in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo spoke coldly: “That’s a warning. Say another word, and the next blade won’t spare you.” He turned and walked away, catching up with Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi was utterly terrified, crouched on the ground, motionless. Jiang Mingyu’s group had vanished into the snowstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Gang, drenched in sweat, collapsed to the floor: “We’re done—Zhuge Yu is useless. Father, what do we do when the Huang and Zhu families come to demand justice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, saving their lives was hard enough—let alone their estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the power of the Huang and Zhu families, crushing them would be effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi’s face was bitter; his lips moved for a long time, but no word came out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life or death—now left to fate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deeply regretted his cruelty toward Zhuge Yu—if only he’d shown mercy, how could Yu have stood by and watched the Zhuge family perish?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now even Jiang Mingyu had become their enemy. Thinking of this, Zhuge Yi felt like smashing his head against the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Huang Chaoran’s men finally came to their senses. “Worse! Lord Huang’s been arrested—the situation is dire!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We must return and notify the Huang and Zhu families!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the point? Going to complain now is declaring war on the Inspector—do you want to die?” The men, terrified, scattered instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing all witnesses vanish, Zhuge Yi slumped to the floor, face ashen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this news spread, when the Huang and Zhu families came to demand justice, they’d be finished—no explanation could save them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long sigh, the empty hall fell deathly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his father’s despair, Zhuge Gang hurried to comfort him: “Father, it’s too late now. We must go to the Huang and Zhu families, explain clearly, beg for mercy, ask for a chance to reform!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi sighed: “It’s useless—they’ll only rage harder. We’re doomed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Gang pressed: “Father, can you really accept the Zhuge family’s annihilation? We’ve built this estate over generations—must it all be destroyed by us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yi paused, then said: “Let it be. My old bones have lived long enough. But you younger ones—your fates are uncertain. I feel guilty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Gang quickly replied: “Father, don’t say that. I’ll protect you and all Zhuge family members. No matter how hard the path, I’ll find a way to preserve our family’s foundation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both fell silent, the Zhuge family’s future shrouded in uncertainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu’s group escorted Huang Chaoran to the Inspector’s mansion, Huang Chaoran’s face was grim, but he dared not resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew—even with the Huang and Zhu families’ power—they still couldn’t openly defy the government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the streets, bystanders stared at the bound Huang Chaoran and whispered: “Isn’t that the former Chief Secretary Huang? Why is he tied up? What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you get it? He’s reaped evil for too long—Heaven finally had enough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly! Look at his nephew Zhu Tianxiang—that scoundrel. The Huang and Zhu families are all the same. Heaven finally opened its eyes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sneered: “Huang Chaoran, your reputation and your nephew’s are terrible—no wonder Heaven is punishing you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran spat angrily: “Jiang Mingyu, don’t get too cocky—your fate might be ten thousand times worse than mine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smirked: “You won’t live to see my fate—still got time for empty threats? Hold your tongue. Save your screaming for when you meet the Inspector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he cracked his whip sharply—Huang Chaoran was yanked to the horse’s tail, crashing face-first into the snow, rolling several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran screamed as he was dragged through the snow, still cursing: “Jiang Mingyu, you beast! I curse you to be reborn as a dog—kicked daily! May your whole family die miserable deaths!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu finally lost his temper—he yanked the reins hard, slamming Huang Chaoran into the horse’s leg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horse reared, kicking wildly—Huang Chaoran’s last front tooth was knocked out, blood and shattered teeth spraying from his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran could only whimper, unable to utter a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sneered: “Painful? This is just the beginning. Wait till you meet the Inspector—you’ll learn what real pain is!” Huang Chaoran fell silent, knowing he was finished with Jiang Mingyu—only muttering curses under his breath to vent his rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu ignored him, heading straight for the Inspector’s mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bystanders jeered and mocked Huang Chaoran, each word driving him deeper into the lowest point of his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hours of torment, Tukesiluo dragged Huang Chaoran into the Inspector’s mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran’s face was bruised purple and blue, like a clown’s painted mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His cotton robe was torn, exposing raw, bloody scrapes on his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still, his pants had worn through at the back, revealing his pale, flabby buttocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yamen runners inside snickered: “Look—it’s Lord Huang! Check out his ass—so soft and white, like a maiden’s! Rich families really know how to pamper!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The torment on the road, plus these taunts—Huang Chaoran spat a mouthful of blood, hoarsely screaming: “Jiang Mingyu, even if I die, I’ll haunt you! I’ll be a ghost and never let you go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inspector Wang Zhe saw Huang Chaoran’s state and turned green: “Lord Jiang, what happened? Did you beat him like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled cheerfully: “My lord, don’t worry. Huang Chaoran was uncooperative—I merely gave him a small lesson. A little interest on old grudges.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran seized the chance to complain: “Inspector, Jiang Mingyu publicly abused me on the street! You can’t let him get away with this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran didn’t know—the Inspector and Jiang Mingyu were already on the same side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, they were already partners in business—the Inspector had no interest in such trivial matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe put on an air of righteous indignation and waved at Jiang Mingyu: “Magistrate Jiang, I understand your predicament, but imperial officials cannot arbitrarily impose punishment—you must consider the state’s laws and discipline. Let this matter be dropped. I believe Huang Chaoran has been sufficiently subdued by you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded repeatedly: “Thank you, Inspector, for your clear judgment. I admit I went too far. I swear next time I will strictly obey the law and never act impulsively again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran was furious, his eyes rolling white—he and this accomplice were performing a duet right before his eyes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You corrupt dog, Jiang Mingyu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu kicked him hard again, sending Huang Chaoran sprawling to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He snarled: “How dare you address me by name? Clearly you’ve learned nothing! Just for that, I’ve been merciful not to give you fifty strokes of the cane!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu had vented enough, Wang Zhe spoke: “Huang Chaoran, what more is there to say? Shall I bring in Che Ting, barely alive, to confront you face-to-face?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran, his face streaked with blood, forced a grotesque smile and sneered: “Inspector, stop pretending. Everyone with eyes can see you’ve long been colluding with Jiang Mingyu. I, Huang Chaoran, am in your hands—there is only death awaiting me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ever since I rescued Che Ting and swapped the corpse, I vaguely knew this day would come—I just didn’t expect it so soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, his face twisted into a snarl, teeth gritted: “It’s all because of you, Jiang Mingyu, stoking the fire! That’s why I’ve ended up like this! Even if I become a vengeful ghost after death, I will haunt you without end! Our grudge is far from over!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his face drenched in blood, Huang Chaoran now truly looked like a vengeful ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed helplessly: “Again with the ghost haunting nonsense? Can’t you come up with something new? So bizarre—I wonder what books you’ve been reading all these years. Fine, I won’t waste words on a dead man. Inspector, please render your verdict soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe nodded calmly: “Huang Chaoran, your crimes are unforgivable. I hereby sentence you to death, to be carried out in three days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring him away!” As the yamen runners stepped forward, a man outside the door shouted: “Stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Author’s Note】: Dear readers, I’ve been silenced, but I’ll return every vote cast for me by fellow authors—even if I can’t leave comments for now. My apologies.\u003C\u002Fp>",2820,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fed121cd0d8a7f488161f91aa38ea6194613fcfa2209b5c7ce00b62f3140ded4","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-127","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-125",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]