[{"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-128":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},2288963,4475,"Chapter 128: Confiscation of the Household","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-128",128,"\u003Cp>Wang Zhe turned pale with fear, his voice trembling: “Your Excellency, what do you mean? Are you implying...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stared coldly at Wang Zhe, his tone threatening: “Inspector, you heard me clearly. The Huang family openly committed crimes and attempted to harm the Imperial Envoy—what a heinous offense! Their actions are tantamount to treason against His Majesty. If you seek to shield them, you are an accomplice!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe trembled violently, removed his official hat, and knelt to kowtow in apology. Inside, his emotions churned like a storm-tossed sea: “Your Excellency, I admit my negligence cannot be denied. But please, Your Excellency, take heed: the Huangs’ crimes are too grave to go unpunished; leniency would undermine the court’s dignity and justice. Though I wished to defend them, if this sparks greater turmoil, I cannot escape blame. I beg Your Excellency’s wisdom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Wang Zhe spoke, his inner world unfolded like layers of an onion, revealing his conflict and torment—wanting to uphold the court’s authority yet fearing self-destruction. In the end, under Jiang Mingyu’s threat, he chose obedience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu spoke gravely: “Inspector, you overstate it. The court’s laws are just. I seek only impartial enforcement—no compromise. This matter is grave; you must handle it with utmost caution, lest you give anyone grounds to accuse you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe bowed respectfully: “I humbly follow Your Excellency’s instruction! There will be no leniency—I shall punish the Huangs severely to uphold the court’s integrity!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within, Wang Zhe couldn’t help but sigh: “Jiang, Jiang—you truly know how to shake the tree to scare the tiger, forcing me into submission. Fine. I’ll follow your lead and turn the Huangs’ affairs upside down—let you see what I, Wang Zhe, am capable of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Evidence is conclusive, Your Excellency. Pronounce judgment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Wang Zhe’s order, He Hua and Huang Haotian were dragged to prison. Their fates were sealed—like puppets on invisible strings, inching step by step toward a bottomless abyss of despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled cheerfully: “When Huang Chaoran learns his whole family is going to die with him, what do you think his reaction will be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, He Hua, a pile of mud, instantly blacked out and fainted. Huang Haotian, utterly pale, spat a gout of blood before falling still. Their lives flickered like candle flames in the wind, ready to be snuffed out at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the two dragged away, Jiang Mingyu bent down and picked up the five-thousand-silver-note: “Your Excellency, how was my performance? This is contraband—turn it over to the state.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe beamed: “Yes, turn it over! Your Excellency’s acting is truly superb—I’m deeply impressed, hehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had all been a staged act between Wang Zhe and Jiang Mingyu, designed to convict the Huangs without leaving a trace. As for the true fate of the silver notes, only Wang Zhe himself knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In high spirits, Wang Zhe chuckled: “Huang Chaoran is finished. Now we only have Tang Cheng’an left to deal with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alone, he cannot stand. I doubt he’ll last many more days.” But Jiang Mingyu’s concern lay elsewhere: “Inspector, would you like to make another fortune?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced around, confirmed no one was nearby, then lowered his voice. Wang Zhe, of course, was intrigued: “What do you mean, Your Excellency?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s lips curled into a smile: “How could you forget? The Huangs’ wealth is immense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He squinted, like a cat spotting a salted fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe quickly shook his head: “The Huang family is to be executed in full. All their assets must be seized by law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We cannot touch a single copper of it,” Jiang Mingyu whispered. “Don’t forget: while we watch Tang Cheng’an, he watches us too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sly gleam flashed in Wang Zhe’s eyes: “Then speak—what’s your plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu secretly rejoiced—this big deal was surely in the bag: “Your Excellency, you misunderstand. That’s not what I meant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think: we can’t touch their silver, but we can uncover their trade routes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once we control their buyers and sellers, how could we not grow rich?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought of such a vast business network going to waste filled Jiang Mingyu with regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe’s eyes gleamed: “Brilliant idea! Let’s do it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slammed his palm on the table: “Once the Huangs are all locked up, I’ll send men to track down their buyers—follow the vine, net them all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly: “Excellent. This way, the Huangs’ wealth goes to the state, and your position in the city is secured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe’s greed showed plainly: “Not just that—once we eliminate Tang Cheng’an, the entire city will be ours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances and burst into laughter, their mirth thick with mutual conspiracy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu felt unease. He looked at Jiang Mingyu and asked anxiously: “Master, I just saw Huang Haotian go in—what happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu didn’t hide it—he told him outright: the Huang family was destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesi Luo clearly couldn’t believe it: “Such a huge Huang family—gone like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just him—even Zhu Ge Yu couldn’t believe it. An hour ago, the Huangs had been threatening the Zhu Ge family; now they were utterly erased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu stood motionless, his inner turmoil like a churning ocean. He forced down his shock, waiting silently for Jiang Mingyu’s explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled lightly: “Who dares to provoke me? Do you think I’d let them off lightly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you see the woman who entered with Huang Haotian? That’s He Dachuan’s daughter—He Hua.” Jiang Mingyu spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In short: neither the Huangs nor the Hes are decent. Their entire family deserves execution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesi Luo gritted his teeth: “Exactly. They got what they deserved. They should die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched Zhu Ge Yu quietly, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes: “Huang Chaoran is dead. The Huang family is finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The crisis facing the Zhu Ge family is over. Would you like to return and inform them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu gave a bitter smile: “Master, forget it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From the moment I stepped out of the Zhu Ge mansion, Zhu Ge Yu ceased to be a Zhu Ge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ll find out soon enough. Why should I, the cast-out outcast, go groveling to them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed softly: “Enough. It’s over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’ll take time before the Huangs are arrested. Come—I’ll take you for drinks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesi Luo asked curiously: “Your Excellency, why so generous today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled, recalling: “Since I arrived in Shangmu, this is the first time I’ve spent so lavishly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They mounted Ma Bei. Tu Kesi Luo teased: “Your Excellency, why so generous today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly: “The Huangs are finished. I’m delighted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, we’ve gained Zhu Ge Yu as our strategist. Isn’t that worth a couple of cups?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesi Luo slapped his thigh: “Absolutely! Even just to welcome Master Zhu Ge, we must drink three large bowls!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since the Xixia people drained Shangmu dry, I’ve almost forgotten what wine tastes like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu laughed loudly: “Then today, I’ll let you drink your fill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ge Yu, you know this city well. Pick a good tavern. Don’t be polite with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bright spirits warmed Zhu Ge Yu, who had long been sunk in gloom. He smiled: “Thank you, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chunjing Tavern—among the top two in the city—was adorned with carved redwood furniture, radiating opulence. Crimson candles glowed on the walls, lighting the entire place. Jiang Mingyu, Tu Kesi Luo, and Zhu Ge Yu raised their cups, drinking heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, bold and unrestrained, held his cup aloft, eyes shining: “Since ancient times, sages and worthies have been lonely; only drinkers leave their names.” His voice echoed through the bustling tavern, drawing many glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today’s joy—let’s drink another round!” He slammed his palm on the table, raised his cup, face flushed with pleasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had he crushed Huang Chaoran, he’d found a path to wealth. Since his arrival, he’d never been this happy. Before their cups even touched, a voice behind them clapped: “Brilliant poem! Brilliant!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They turned to see a half-drunk scholar, swaying toward Jiang Mingyu: “Gentlemen, allow me to join you.” The scholar’s tipsy demeanor made him look laughable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Tai Lin. Who recited that poem just now? So grand—I must drink a full cup to honor it!” He downed his wine in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu remained modest, pointing to Zhu Ge Yu: “He did.” He once again passed the spotlight to Zhu Ge Yu, who relished such attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tai Lin squinted at Zhu Ge Yu, then exclaimed in delight: “Why, isn’t this Master Zhu Ge, famed throughout the city?” His voice brimmed with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the words “Master Zhu Ge,” every literate person in the tavern erupted. “Look—it really is Master Zhu Ge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Zhu Ge’s literary fame is unmatched—he’s our city’s greatest talent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! Master Zhu Ge, we’re all your admirers. Please, compose a poem on the spot—let us witness your genius!” The crowd clamored, the tavern’s atmosphere reaching its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu slowly drained his cup, paused thoughtfully, then rose slowly. He bowed slightly to the crowd, his voice laced with regret: “From today, Zhu Ge Yu will no longer write poetry. I apologize for spoiling your evening—please forgive me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was hoarse but sincere. The crowd murmured in surprise and disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched Zhu Ge Yu, a flicker of doubt in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered the Zhu Ge Yu who loved poetry, who reveled in showing off. But this Zhu Ge Yu—who chose to abandon poetry—seemed a different man entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled. Zhu Ge Yu was bidding farewell to his past life. Perhaps this Zhu Ge Yu, now before him, was the true one—and all before had been an illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the crowd still debated Zhu Ge Yu’s silence, a cry came from a window seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker was Tai Lin—eyes wide, face still flushed with drink, utterly bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned instinctively and saw yamen runners escorting dozens of people toward the Inspector’s residence. He clenched his cup, brow furrowed, eyes shadowed with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are all these people?” Tai Lin staggered to his feet, trying to see clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These must be the arrested Huangs,” Jiang Mingyu said, setting down his cup and inhaling deeply, his expression grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They move quickly. The show’s about to begin. Let’s follow.” Zhu Ge Yu’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he rose eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu and the others descended the stairs, the Huangs’ cries reached them. They saw a crowd shouting in protest, faces terrified: “We’re the Huang family! Why are you arresting us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Openly seizing innocent people in broad daylight—is there no law?” someone demanded angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dare to touch the Huang family? You’ll regret it! Let go of us, do you hear?!” One man stepped forward defiantly, struggling against the runners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runners, unmoved, kicked the last speaker hard. The man screamed and collapsed. The runner snarled: “Huang family? Let me tell you—the Huangs are finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runner kicked again, roaring: “Still trying to play tough? I’ll beat you to death!” The man curled in agony on the ground; the rest of the Huangs turned ashen, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to know why you’re arrested? I’ll tell you—you’re being taken to be beheaded.” The runner sneered, cruelty glinting in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Inspector is merciful—he lets your whole family hold hands as you descend to hell. Satisfied?” He mocked, voice dripping with malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without caring for their pallid faces, he blew a whistle and shoved the Huangs one by one into the Inspector’s prison. Inside, the dark cell echoed with the sharp crack of whips and the guards’ shouts and curses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, outside the prison gate, chuckled softly: “The show’s begun. Let’s go in and watch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped into the gloomy prison. The familiar stench washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed no words—guards readily granted him entry. Inside, a nobleman bound to a pillar was being whipped, his robes now streaked with fresh blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded jailer, furious, shouted: “Dog! Still refusing to confess? Name your accomplices, and I’ll make your death quick!” He pointed to the neatly arranged torture tools, eyebrows knotted in threat. But the man remained silent, his expression resolute—he clearly knew nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu observed, thinking: The Huangs hid their secrets deep—even their own son didn’t know. He stepped forward, resolved to bring in Huang Chaoran. Huang Chaoran—the Huang heir with a missing tooth, Huang Haotian’s only son. Jiang Mingyu decided to settle old scores. For Liu Yifei, nearly kidnapped, Huang Chaoran must pay today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu spoke, Huang Chaoran was bound to the most prominent pillar. Jiang Mingyu gripped the whip, offering him a cold smile: “Lord Huang, what a small world—we meet again so soon!” He swung the whip, threatening: “Tell me what I want to know, and I’ll let you die in peace. How’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran opened his toothless mouth and declared firmly: “Jiang Mingyu, do whatever you want! I, Huang Chaoran, will die before I hand over the Huang family’s business to you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu drew a deep breath, stared coldly: “Kind words won’t save a dead man. Then let’s begin!” He raised the whip and lashed it hard: “Worm, I’ll beat you to death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He listed Huang Chaoran’s crimes: attempting to poison him, kidnapping Liu Yifei, seeking revenge for Liu Yifei and He Dachuan, coveting their wealth, and bribing the Inspector to eliminate him. He shouted: “Your wife wanted the Inspector to kill me? Go ahead—do it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dare plot against me? Do you even have the brains? Are you even worthy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each insult brought a new, horrifying welt across Huang Chaoran’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had just been defiant now screamed like a slaughtered pig.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood stains on his body kept increasing, and Huang Chaoran's cries grew weaker, as if he might die at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran’s mouth finally could not outlast Jiang Mingyu’s whip: “Don’t... don’t beat me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu wiped the sweat from his brow and flicked the whip in his hand: “What, Lord Huang? Have you come to your senses?” In his clear eyes glimmered a look of vengeance and mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran was barely breathing, yet still gritted his teeth: “Jiang Mingyu, I won’t let this go...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a crack, Jiang Mingyu lashed out, shattering Huang Chaoran’s last remaining tooth; blood gushed freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran screamed in agony but kept shaking his head, refusing to yield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu grew impatient, sneered, and struck again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp crack, Huang Chaoran’s right arm snapped outright, the bone piercing through skin and muscle as blood streamed continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran finally broke, wailing: “I’ll tell! I’ll tell you everything!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled in satisfaction: “That’s better, old Huang. You’re still too green to oppose me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Chaoran gritted his teeth, but now had no strength left to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu calmly retracted his whip, brushed his sleeves, and spoke slowly: “Someone, bandage Lord Huang and stop the bleeding. Make him hand over what he’s hiding—don’t let him die on us.” Turning to gaze at the blood-soaked Huang Chaoran on the ground, Jiang Mingyu sneered and strode out.\u003C\u002Fp>",2515,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6e5410cf34f35c164a036707ad7fdb0ecf13c38e5225c2386baa688c9f21cbc2","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-129","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-127",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]