[{"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-127":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},2288962,4475,"Chapter 127: The Red Face and the Black Face","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-127",127,"\u003Cp>When Tang Cheng’s voice sounded, Wang Zhe’s eyebrows instantly knitted together, wrinkles gathering on his forehead, his entire face darkening with gloom and displeasure. He glared coldly at Tang Cheng, eyes like lightning, voice sharp as a blade: “Tang Sima, what are you doing here? I recall you were supposed to be at home reflecting on your mistakes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng was about to speak, but his gaze accidentally swept over Jiang Mingyu, standing nearby with arms crossed and expression indifferent. His heart lurched—he thought bitterly that this archenemy was always lurking, and now that he’d just received the Prince’s orders, he’d run into this nemesis again; truly bad luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’s eyes flickered slightly, lips twitching as if trying to explain or conceal something. Seeing his stammering, Wang Zhe’s frown deepened; his voice sank like thunder, piercing like an ice pick: “Tang Sima, I’m asking you a question—haven’t you heard me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng jolted upright, quickly bowed and clasped his hands: “My deepest apologies, Inspector. Your humble servant was simply too nervous.” He leaned forward slightly, plastering on a fawning smile, speaking with humble deference: “I’ve thoroughly reflected. My earlier accusations against Lord Jiang were utterly unjust. I beg Your Excellency’s forgiveness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze fell on Jiang Mingyu a short distance away, his face twisting into a fawning grin: “Lord Jiang is here too—perfect. Let me apologize to you face-to-face. I beg you, magnanimous lord, not to hold my thoughtless mistake against me. We are both officials serving Da Feng; we should unite as one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu returned a polite smile, though his eyes held no warmth: “Lord Tang speaks in jest. I too spoke rashly that day. Let us both forget it.” He merely nodded politely, thinking: Tang Cheng’s behavior today is far too strange. He’s always arrogant and domineering—why suddenly so subservient? He’s surely scheming behind the scenes. If he wants to play, I’ll play along—let’s see what new tricks he has up his sleeve!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe grunted softly: “It’s good you’ve come to your senses so quickly. The Emperor will surely be pleased to hear of your changed attitude.” He cast a pointed glance at Jiang Mingyu, reminding Tang Cheng: Jiang Mingyu is the Emperor’s envoy—best not harbor ill intentions toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng immediately bowed low, face plastered with obsequious smiles that made one feel uneasy: “Not at all, not at all. I’ve merely come to understand the principle of admitting fault and correcting it. Your Excellency’s guidance is profound—I am deeply instructed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe snorted, waving a hand: “Enough with the groveling. I’ve heard your apology. Did you come here solely for this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Wang Zhe’s words, Tang Cheng’s heart skipped—he quickly changed the subject, fearing Huang Chaoran might latch onto him: “Inspector, what’s going on here?” He pointed at Huang Chaoran, bound and flanked by guards, feigning confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Huang Chaoran beat him to it: “Lord Tang, long time no see.” He deliberately acted as if they were old acquaintances: “Huang is guilty beyond pardon, sentenced to death. I beg you to inform my family when you return—I’d be eternally grateful. If fate allows in my next life, I’ll repay your kindness tenfold!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he said no more. The yamen runners dragged him off to the death cell, to reunite with his nephew Zhu Tianxiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng understood perfectly: Huang Chaoran’s subtext was—*I’m done for. Go back to the Huang mansion and warn them—find a way to save me. When I rise again, I’ll reward you handsomely.*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng immediately clasped his fists: “Inspector, I’ll take my leave now.” He thought: Huang Chaoran is my only ally—I must rescue him. Then things will go much smoother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe sneered, made no effort to stop him, and waved dismissively: “Go. Send for you if I need you.” He was only too glad to see his old rival depart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng bowed, then turned and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had Tang Cheng’s figure vanished beyond the door than Wang Zhe’s expression darkened. He turned sharply to Jiang Mingyu: “Lord Jiang, something’s wrong here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned in suspicion: “What’s wrong, Inspector? Please explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe stroked his beard, feigning casualness: “To monitor Tang Cheng’s movements, I’ve placed numerous spies around his residence. Two days ago, my men reported Huang Chaoran personally visited Tang Sima. They held a secret meeting—lasted about the time of one cup of tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why, just now, did Huang Chaoran pretend he’d never met Tang Cheng? Clearly hiding something.” Wang Zhe’s eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paused, then looked up: “Are you suggesting Tang Cheng was involved—or at least aware—in the kidnapping of Miss Liu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe spoke low and firm: “Not just involved—he’s almost certainly complicit. I even suspect Huang Chaoran has secretly defected to Prince Qi’s side. Everything he’s done, with Tang Cheng’s help, was ordered by Prince Qi—to use Miss Liu to blackmail you and me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu was startled: “So Prince Qi wants my fifty-thousand-man army?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe hesitated, then slowly nodded: “Precisely. If Prince Qi merely wanted you dead, he could have ordered an assassination long ago. He didn’t act because he was brewing a larger plan—didn’t want to alert you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But your large-scale recruitment of troops reached Prince Qi’s ears—via Tang Cheng. This gave him the perfect opportunity: eliminate you as a threat, while simultaneously weakening the Emperor’s military strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So he prepared his strike. But your fifty-thousand-man army is too formidable—he couldn’t strike directly. So he chose to kidnap Miss Liu to pressure you. In truth, it’s precisely because of those fifty thousand troops that your life remains temporarily safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden clarity struck Jiang Mingyu—he understood at last. None of this was simple. Behind it all lay Prince Qi’s conspiracy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Qi’s greedy eyes had long fixated on his fifty-thousand-man army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With control of this vast force, he could dominate the entire northern frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this elite army, Prince Qi could finally confront the Emperor head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu finally understood—the root of everything lay in those fifty thousand troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, Jiang Mingyu felt the heavy burden on his shoulders lift. He exhaled deeply. He knew: as long as he held firm control over these fifty thousand troops, Prince Qi would dare not strike him down outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Mingyu had misjudged the direction—the conspiracy was not Tang Cheng’s doing. It was Prince Qi’s hidden trap all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s sudden understanding, Wang Zhe’s dark face broke into a faint smile. He gave a slight nod of approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded calmly, neither humble nor haughty: “Now that the truth is clear, how do we respond to this hidden enemy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Prince Qi still dared not kill him directly—but that didn’t mean he could sit idle and wait for death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe, however, showed no alarm. He spoke with calm ease: “Lord Jiang, rest assured—the Emperor has seen everything. He’s already prepared a countermeasure. Prince Qi cannot stir up any major storm.” His tone carried unmistakable disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe paused, then continued steadily: “I will execute Huang Chaoran according to law, as a warning to others. I will also monitor Tang Cheng’s every move—won’t let him scheme further in the shadows. You need only hold firm control of the fifty thousand troops until the new Regional Military Commissioner arrives. Until then, you have full authority over them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled wryly: “My strength is too small to handle the conflict between Prince Qi and the Emperor. Let’s focus on a more urgent matter—the imminent invasion by the Xixia. If we crush their attack, we not only preserve Shangmu’s territory, but also strengthen the Emperor’s standing in court and gain leverage in negotiations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe fell silent, thinking. After a moment, he gave a quiet nod, saying nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the awkward silence, Jiang Mingyu quickly shifted topics: “By the way, Inspector—have we finalized preparations for our joint business?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of business, Wang Zhe’s face finally lit up: “That depends on you, Lord Jiang. I’ve found the shopfront for you, you’ve received the startup capital—but the iron ore you promised? Still nowhere in sight. I’ve been holding up my end with reputation alone, but you’ve taken the money and delivered nothing. Your credibility is slipping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu chuckled apologetically: “Inspector, you jest. The iron ore is already prepared. But recent bad weather has made the mountain paths muddy and impassable—causing delays. Rest assured, the first shipment will arrive within three days at the latest. No further delay. Please understand this exceptional circumstance—give me a few more days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wang Zhe could reply, a loud *dong-dong* of the gong for justice echoed outside. A young page rushed in, bowing urgently: “Inspector, Huang Chaoran’s family and relatives have arrived outside, demanding to meet you. They claim they wish to plead for his innocence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe was startled: “So soon? They came right after sentencing?” He glanced suspiciously at Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu declared without hesitation: “Who else? If not for Tang Cheng leaking word, how could Huang’s family arrive so quickly? Tang Sima just left—and now they’re here. Unless he ordered it, who else could it be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe pondered, then slowly nodded: “Our suspicions were correct. If Tang Cheng weren’t involved, he wouldn’t have rushed here to rescue a condemned man. Lord Jiang—you’ll assist me in putting on a show.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe whispered urgently into Jiang Mingyu’s ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the yamen runners announced them, a man and woman entered slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s hair and beard were white, his back slightly bent—he looked at least sixty. He wore fine robes, but his face was sharp-nosed and monkey-like, unmistakably untrustworthy. His tightly pressed lips and gloomy gaze confirmed Jiang Mingyu’s guess: this old man was Huang Haotian, head of the Huang family, and Huang Chaoran’s biological father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him stood a woman in her thirties, strikingly beautiful, her eyes red-rimmed—Huang Chaoran’s wife, He Hua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe slammed his gavel hard: “Huang Haotian, what do you and this girl want here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Huang Haotian could speak, He Hua, kneeling on the floor, cried out: “Inspector, this is a grave injustice!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe remained expressionless: “State your grievance plainly. I am listening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua wiped her tears, voice trembling: “Your Excellency, that imperial envoy Jiang Mingyu arrested my husband Huang Chaoran without cause, deceived you into sentencing him to death. Worse—he and his men publicly tortured my husband on the streets! It’s outrageous! The Huang family is a distinguished clan under Yasi Mo’s Regional Military Commissioner. My husband is a man of virtue—how could he suffer such humiliation? I beg you to arrest this lawless Jiang Mingyu, clear my husband’s name, and restore justice!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua didn’t realize the “lawless” Jiang Mingyu stood right beside her, watching coldly. It was no surprise—she hadn’t returned to Shangmu in years, never met Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu thought silently: This woman is indeed He Dachuan’s daughter. As the saying goes: corrupt parents produce corrupt offspring. He Dachuan was no good—and his daughter is clearly a liar who twists truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Haotian’s wrinkled face contorted with bitter rage as he rasped, “Inspector, is this true? Jiang Mingyu, a government official, publicly beat a law-abiding citizen like me? This is a grave offense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Law-abiding?” Wang Zhe sneered. “I sentenced Huang Chaoran to death based on solid evidence. Look at this.” He gestured to Jiang Mingyu, who tossed Che Ting’s confession before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Haotian and He Hua barely glanced at it—they’d already learned the truth from Tang Cheng. He Hua’s earlier tears were merely theater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the truth exposed, Huang Haotian forced a weak smile: “Inspector, my son was young and reckless—he committed this foolish act. He altered the condemned prisoner’s identity without regard for your dignity—that was our fault. As for plotting against Lord Jiang and kidnapping Miss Liu—it was merely a moment of madness. And in the end, no real harm was done. Whether my son lives or dies rests entirely on your word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe leaned forward, hands on the desk: “Oh? Explain what you mean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Haotian smiled apologetically: “It’s simple. Execute Che Ting as the law demands—then you can satisfy Lord Jiang. He won’t dare challenge your decision. As for Miss Liu? She’s a nobody. Ignore her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added quickly: “If you spare my son, these fifty thousand taels of silver are yours.” He pulled out fifty thousand taels in silver notes and waved them before Wang Zhe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe sneered: “Huang Haotian, bribing me openly in court? That’s rather brazen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua, still kneeling, wiped her tears: “Inspector, don’t speak so harshly. No outsiders here—I’ll be honest. Isn’t officialdom all about wealth and comfort? These silver notes lie before you. Just nod, and they’re yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe shook his head: “Mrs. He speaks wisely. But Lord Jiang is the victim. If he disagrees with this hasty resolution, I can’t explain it to the court. He’s an imperial envoy—if this spreads, my reputation will be ruined.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua dismissed it: “Inspector, you worry too much. Cutting off someone’s income is like killing their parents. If Jiang Mingyu refuses to cooperate, find an excuse to eliminate him. My Huang family will handle the problem for you—we’ll be eternally grateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, a dark flame of vengeance for her father’s death ignited in He Hua’s heart. She turned to Jiang Mingyu with a sly smile: “Young man, isn’t my idea brilliant? What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled and nodded: “Mrs. Huang’s analysis is spot-on. I fully agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua grinned triumphantly: “Young man, you’re truly thoughtful. May I ask your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu finally broke into a bright smile: “I am Jiang Mingyu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua’s smile froze. Her eyes widened in horror. She gasped sharply, tears instantly dried, her body trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sneered, stepped forward slowly: “Mrs. He, do you remember your father, He Dachuan? I killed him myself. Looks like I made a mistake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua’s lips quivered, fresh tears flooding out: “You… you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu grabbed her hair, yanked her head back, and slammed it hard: “You little bitch—you want to kill me? Think you can? I’ll tear your mouth off today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Hua screamed in agony. Jiang Mingyu kicked her hard, sending her sprawling: “Your father died with his eyes open. I’ll send you to join him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe shouted urgently: “Stop! Lord Jiang, calm down! She’s a woman—spare her this time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook off Wang Zhe’s hand, coldly: “Inspector, don’t rush. I know my limits. Can we just let this pass? How can we serve in court afterward?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe chuckled nervously: “Ha, Lord Jiang, this has gone too far. It benefits neither of us. Let’s just drop it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inspector, I truly don’t understand you,” Jiang Mingyu narrowed his eyes. “We sentenced Huang Chaoran to death—we were satisfied. But now this old fox and this shrew dare to bribe you openly and plot your death. Are you really going to let them get away with this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe laughed weakly, stammering: “The Zhu and Huang families are prestigious clans—this will cause chaos if handled harshly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inspector, you’re frightened,” Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened. “Open bribery in court is an unforgivable crime. Plotting to kill an inspector? That’s death! Letting them go is to encourage their arrogance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slammed his fist on the desk, roaring: “Inspector, if this continues, I will not stand for it! Don’t forget—I am the Emperor’s personally appointed imperial envoy. What I represent here is the Emperor’s dignity!”\u003C\u002Fp>",2582,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1cb6c92d0493a19c3196ebb9dd0a690caaa15bb2308304864677e5bc1a557be4","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-128","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-126",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]