[{"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-135":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},2288970,4475,"Chapter 135: Deep Confession","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-135",135,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu saw the beauty’s expression turn strange, his heart jolted; he quickly helped her to a nearby chair and asked with concern, “Yifei, what’s wrong? Are you unwell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers lightly brushed her forehead, feeling her skin icy cold, and his heart ached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face bore visible anger, as if a treasured possession had been shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s expression remained oddly composed: “My lord, rest assured, I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just heard them say…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, she subtly pulled away from Jiang Mingyu, as if he carried some deadly contagion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her demeanor immediately caught Jiang Mingyu’s attention: “Yifei, what exactly happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s crimson lips trembled; after long hesitation, she spoke with difficulty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She struggled to say: “The workers said, said… you and Minister Tu… oh dear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flushed with embarrassment, Liu Yifei shuddered violently, unable to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, her gaze toward Jiang Mingyu grew utterly peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in this feudal era, a man being drawn to another man was hard to accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What troubled her most was that she never imagined Jiang Mingyu—so upright and principled—could harbor such an unusual preference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, the world is fickle and hearts are hard to fathom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened instantly; he waved his hands frantically: “Yifei, don’t listen to their nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if I’m incompetent, I’m still a duly appointed Imperial Commissioner—I wouldn’t possibly fancy a man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his sleeves and spun once before her: “Look, am I that kind of man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei still didn’t believe him: “But… they said…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face twisted like a bitter melon: “If I believed them, Tu Kexiluo and I would have children by now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Liu Yifei burst into laughter, he added: “Besides, even if I wanted to, Tu Kexiluo wouldn’t have it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu adopted the manner of a gossiping housewife: “You didn’t know, did you? Tu Kexiluo already has someone in his heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Liu Yifei curiously asked: “Tu Kexiluo has someone? Who is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled mysteriously and whispered: “Don’t tell anyone—it’s his secret.” Liu Yifei nodded urgently, promising secrecy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu leaned close to her ear and murmured: “Actually, Tu Kexiluo likes…” He deliberately dragged out the words, making Liu Yifei’s heart itch. She couldn’t help urging: “Say it! Don’t tease!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu suddenly lifted his head and shouted: “He likes Zhang Jiani!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s eyes widened in shock, then flickered with mischief: “Oh! No wonder whenever Tu Kexiluo visited my home, he’d blush and stare fixedly at Jiani—I get it now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded solemnly: “Exactly. Ever since that day Tu Kexiluo got beaten by Jiani at your house, he’s been utterly bewitched, constantly thinking of her. I’m certain he truly loves her—otherwise, with his temper, how could he tolerate her hitting him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing his analysis, Liu Yifei secretly smiled inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo had fallen in love at first sight with Jiani—this sincere emotion deserved respect and blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She picked up the steaming tea, sipped lightly, and spoke gently: “If they’re truly meant for each other, I’ll wholeheartedly support them. I’ll be their matchmaker—I’ll make sure Tu Kexiluo wins Jiani as his perfect match!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Liu Yifei looked every bit the professional matchmaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tu Kexiluo has set his sights on Jiani—what about you, my lord? Do you have someone in your heart?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s heart pounded wildly; she couldn’t believe she’d just asked Jiang Mingyu such a bold question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know why she’d asked it—perhaps because his care and attention had stirred in her an indescribable feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because being near him, she felt his charm and talent, filling her with admiration and reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because before him, she saw his tenderness and wit, stirring in her delight and affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, she had developed feelings for Jiang Mingyu beyond friendship—but she dared not speak them, unsure if he’d accept them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she could only probe his heart with this indirect question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, having lived two lives, understood Liu Yifei’s feelings perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, too, deeply adored her—since the first moment he saw her, he’d been drawn to her beauty and grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the first time he saved her, he’d been moved by her courage and kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the first time he accompanied her, he’d been enchanted by her wit and charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long decided to pursue Liu Yifei, to make her his wife—but he hadn’t rushed to confess; instead, he wanted to prove his sincerity through action, letting her feel his true heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he opposed Huang Chaoran, mobilized fifty thousand troops to capture Che Ting—all to protect Liu Yifei, to give her a stable life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, hearing her ask this, he knew it was the perfect opportunity—he couldn’t let it slip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked into her luminous eyes and smiled: “My beloved? Of course I have one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s heart tightened; her mouth couldn’t help asking: “Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly regretting her boldness, she added: “I mean… I mean, when will you marry? My father and I should prepare gifts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she added: “We’re friends, after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, she didn’t truly care who his beloved was, nor did she intend to give gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She merely wished to mask her disappointment and sorrow, to make Jiang Mingyu think she didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Mingyu saw through her— he didn’t want her to suffer any longer; he wanted her to be happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he played a small trick: “My beloved? She’s right behind me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him? Liu Yifei’s heart sank; she assumed he meant Jiani—she recalled Jiani’s beauty and talent, and felt she could never compare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought herself absurdly deluded—she’d imagined Jiang Mingyu had feelings for her, when he only saw her as a friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she wouldn’t let him see her disappointment; she forced a smile, leaned forward, and peered behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she was stunned to see—behind Jiang Mingyu stood a bronze mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the mirror, her own face stared back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Me? Liu Yifei’s face flushed crimson; her heartbeat quickened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu seized the moment: “Yes. My beloved is you, Liu Yifei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t think I’m joking—I’m serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From the first moment I saw you, I fell for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From the first time I saved you, I knew you were my destined one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From the second time I saved you, I decided I’d marry you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he poured out every romantic phrase he could think of to Liu Yifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were like spring breezes, like sweet dew—making her heart bloom, making her face burn even redder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her shy demeanor, Jiang Mingyu asked: “And you? How do you feel about me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he spoke, he regretted it—too eager, too childish, like a schoolboy asking who he liked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t suit his dignity or bearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt ashamed for asking such a juvenile question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s eyes reflected Jiang Mingyu’s face—his gaze tender yet resolute, as if saying: You are the one I love most in this life. Her heart fluttered wildly; she didn’t know how to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched her hesitation, growing anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew she had feelings for him—but perhaps she hadn’t yet recognized them herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to give her time, to let her slowly accept his love—but he also didn’t want to miss this chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yifei, promise me,” Jiang Mingyu gently took her hand, earnestly saying. “I love you. I’ll spend my life treating you well, never letting you suffer a single hardship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his words, Liu Yifei trembled. She felt his sincerity and passion, moved by his love. She recalled their shared years, the storms they’d weathered, the joys they’d exchanged. Suddenly, she felt—he might be her destined one. Perhaps… she loved him too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.” Liu Yifei nodded softly, tears slipping down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, overjoyed at her acceptance, immediately embraced her and kissed her lips. He felt her softness and warmth, her response and devotion. He felt himself the luckiest man alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I love you,” Jiang Mingyu whispered in her ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I love you too,” Liu Yifei murmured shyly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They embraced, smiling happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei looked up at Jiang Mingyu and noticed lingering smiles on his face. She suddenly felt shy, wanting to push him away—but he held her hand tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t go,” Jiang Mingyu pleaded playfully. “We’re not done yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else is there to say?” Liu Yifei asked, blushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course there is,” Jiang Mingyu grinned. “I’m going to your home to propose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Propose?” Liu Yifei gasped. “So soon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course,” Jiang Mingyu said. “We’ve already promised each other—why wait? Besides, the New Year’s coming—we can tie the knot then. Isn’t that double fortune?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But…” Liu Yifei tried to speak, but Jiang Mingyu cut her off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No buts,” Jiang Mingyu said. “Rest assured—I’ll handle everything. You just come with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I’m not ready,” Liu Yifei said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t need to prepare anything,” Jiang Mingyu said. “Just bring your heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he pulled her toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei followed, dazed, unable to process it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt as if in a dream—unsure if she’d made the right choice, uncertain what her future held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she trusted Jiang Mingyu—she believed he would give her a happy life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu led Liu Yifei out of the room and into the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw snowflakes drifting through the air, and felt it a beautiful omen—a blessing from heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look, Yifei,” Jiang Mingyu pointed. “It’s snowing—how romantic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm,” Liu Yifei murmured, looking up. The snowflakes were beautiful, like white petals. She remembered Jiang Mingyu’s words—and felt herself, too, deeply romantic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked through the snow, hands clasped, their hearts filled with sweetness and anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a voice shattered their warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that face after so many days, he stopped smiling and asked, “Why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>",1617,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","eefe162364177fe5ed4c9f69fdeea37b6e7982d3a7028fba66d2357c9e0a33c2","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-136","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-134",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]