[{"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-136":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},2288971,4475,"Chapter 136","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-136",136,"\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s surprised expression, Cloud of the Murong smiled warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xingqiu, you say that? I traveled all the way back just for the New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, whose mood had been excellent, smiled again as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How was your trip to the state capital to deliver the iron ore?” Jiang Mingyu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very smoothly,” Cloud of the Murong said. “The Inspector was very pleased with the iron ore we delivered and said Shangmu County is truly a treasure land.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good,” Jiang Mingyu nodded. “So what’s next? Will you need to deliver more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Cloud of the Murong shook his head. “The Inspector said, seeing how hard we worked, he’ll hold off until after the New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s excellent,” Jiang Mingyu sighed in relief. “Then how much iron ore did you deliver this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twelve thousand jin,” Cloud of the Murong reported.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twelve thousand jin?” Jiang Mingyu was startled. “That much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Cloud of the Murong chuckled. “We dug our hearts out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve worked hard,” Jiang Mingyu said, moved. “You’ve made a great contribution to Shangmu County.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xingqiu, you flatter us,” Cloud of the Murong replied humbly. “This is all your doing. Without your leadership and planning, how could we have achieved this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re all my good brothers—I naturally think of you,” Jiang Mingyu said. “I see your efforts, I know your sacrifices. After the New Year, I’ll give you a satisfactory answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xingqiu, what are you saying?” Cloud of the Murong hurried to reply. “We follow you willingly, asking for no reward. As long as you realize your dream, we are content.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked into Cloud of the Murong’s sincere eyes and felt warmth in his chest. He knew Cloud of the Murong spoke no falsehoods, and he knew his own ideal: he was not a man content with the status quo—he sought higher goals and greater ambitions. He meant to be more than just a county magistrate—he aimed to be a man who could change this chaotic age. He would become a true hero, one whom the people of the realm would revere and thank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and set aside his thoughts for now. He smiled at Cloud of the Murong: “Brother Murong, you’re a good man. I’m glad to have you as a friend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Xingqiu, you’re too kind,” Cloud of the Murong smiled back. “We’re the ones lucky to have you as a companion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a glance and smiled, feeling closer than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood up and patted Cloud of the Murong’s shoulder. “Enough. You must be tired. Go rest. There’s still work ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright,” Cloud of the Murong nodded. “Then I’ll take my leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go,” Jiang Mingyu bid farewell to Cloud of the Murong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Liu Yi, embarrassed by Cloud of the Murong’s appearance, had fled home in shyness and vanished until the New Year—Jiang’s marriage proposal had to be put on hold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time flew by—it was New Year’s Eve. Jiang Mingyu stood at the county yamen’s gate, gazing at the sky, feeling a quiet pang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his first Spring Festival here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of his hometown, his parents, his brothers and sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the years, he had weathered too many storms—from an unknown soldier to a special imperial envoy. He faced threats from the Xi Xia, endured the Qi Prince’s harassment, and tirelessly sought to improve the people’s lives. He could not claim to have done enough, but at least he had tried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the crackle of firecrackers shattered his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up and saw a streak of red light shooting into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the people’s fireworks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu knew a new year awaited him—with more challenges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he also had greater confidence and resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For he had a well-trained, loyal army; a band of wise, brave, and steadfast confidants; and a populace grateful and devoted to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tukesiluo,” Jiang Mingyu called out to Tukesiluo, who had just returned from the city defense camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord,” Tukesiluo rushed over, clad in armor, sword in hand, radiating vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Post the notice,” Jiang Mingyu said. “Tell the people I’m giving out red packets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Tukesiluo nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already known Jiang Mingyu’s plan—even the notice had been prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Notably, the notice had been written by Zhu Ge Yu, who had temporarily halted training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To give Zhu Ge Yu a proper title, Jiang Mingyu had simply appointed him as the county’s first Private Secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu, who cared only for military matters and battle, could only smile wryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo carried the notice and posted it throughout the town. It read:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I, Jiang Mingyu, hereby announce to the people of Shangmu County:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today marks the joyous Spring Festival. Moved by your hard work, I hereby grant red packets as a token of appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All residents of Shangmu County, regardless of age or gender, may come to the county yamen to receive one red packet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each packet contains one tael of silver or ten copper coins. I wish you all a joyful holiday and a prosperous New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additionally, I have important news to share:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have established a kiln factory in the western part of town and plan to mass-produce porcelain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I need the people to participate in its operation—supplying raw materials, labor, and transportation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will pay you fair market rates and guarantee sufficient income and profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I urge you to respond enthusiastically and seize this chance to grow wealthy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lastly, I wish to appeal:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know that due to Xi Xia raids, some of you have been forced to flee Shangmu County and live in exile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I solemnly promise: I will do everything in my power to protect Shangmu County and prevent the Xi Xia from ever returning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I earnestly ask you to return to Shangmu and rebuild your homes with me, sharing peace and prosperity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu respectfully wishes\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people of Shangmu County a happy New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the notice was posted, the townspeople surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some could read, some could not, but all had heard Jiang Mingyu was giving out red packets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were overjoyed, praising Jiang Mingyu as a good official, a righteous magistrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They rushed toward the county yamen, eager to claim their packets first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two-Lu, look what this is!” an old man held up a red packet, excitedly asking a young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a red packet—how many copper coins inside?” the young man glanced and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One tael of silver!” the old man said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good heavens, that’s too much!” the young man exclaimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not even much,” the old man mused. “Have you heard? Lord Jiang is building a kiln factory in the west to make porcelain. He says if we help, we’ll earn even more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? Then what are we waiting for? Let’s sign up!” the young man said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait—we should pay our New Year respects to Lord Jiang first. Such a good official, we mustn’t be rude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes, let’s go pay our respects!” the young man said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, tens of thousands of Shangmu’s people flooded toward the county yamen—some holding red packets, some carrying gifts, some carrying nothing at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they all shared one purpose: to pay New Year respects to Jiang Mingyu and express their gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood in the yamen’s main hall, gazing at the sea of black-clad people before him. He felt both moved and comforted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he had done well—he had won the people’s trust and support. He also knew he still had much to do: to make Shangmu County richer and more stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would make the Xi Xia know they had wronged the wrong man. He would make the whole realm know who Jiang Mingyu was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the last red packet was handed out, the crowd had knelt en masse. An elderly man, white-haired and emaciated, eyes red, spoke to Jiang Mingyu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, you are truly our Shangmu parent. Though you’ve been here only a short while, you’ve earned the title of parent-official.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today is New Year’s Day. Old man here not only pays his respects, but speaks for everyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are the best official we’ve ever seen—a righteous magistrate. The people of Shangmu stand by you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s heart warmed. He quickly helped the old man rise and called out loudly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fellow villagers, rise! This is all I am bound to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And remember—this is only the beginning. See the kiln factory rising in the west?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the new livelihood I’ve secured for you. Once it opens, I’ll need even more hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Supply materials—you get paid. Make porcelain—you get paid. Transport porcelain to the state capital—you get silver.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soon we’ll have more businesses. Our Shangmu days will grow ever brighter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, he intensified his tone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I ask you, elders, to spread word to those who fled Shangmu out of fear of the Xi Xia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell them: Shangmu now has soldiers, and soon it will have wealth. Come back. Live in peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s words sparked a cheer. The people vowed to carry his message—they longed for their kin to return and share in Shangmu’s peace and prosperity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at these simple, kind people and silently swore: he would protect them, free them from Xi Xia raids. He would lead them out of poverty. He would forge a new Shangmu—a land full of hope and vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>",1561,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c6d075d98029bf4ad6d9169287d500bf3496642800cfc92d2c48813877deede8","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-137","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-135",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]