[{"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-139":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},2288974,4475,"Chapter 139","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-139",139,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s words had barely finished when Murong Yun and Wu Xiao both stared at each other, utterly bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their minds churned like storm-tossed seas, unable to comprehend Jiang Mingyu’s sudden decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yun frowned deeply, his right hand idly twisting his beard, amber eyes glinting with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His usually calm and wise face now betrayed a rare hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Wu Xiao was visibly agitated, his eyes—once tinged with youthful naivety—wide open, his breath quickening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists clenched tightly, shaking as if struggling to contain his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged a glance, each seeing the same confusion and disbelief in the other’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, have we done something wrong? Why are you transferring us?” Wu Xiao blurted out, his voice trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yun quickly added: “Brother Xingqiu, your sudden change of heart leaves us utterly baffled. Please clarify.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It means the coal and iron mines—you each find a reliable person to take over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for you two, from now on, you’ll report to Tuxeslu in the City Garrison.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>City Garrison—Murong Yun stared into Jiang Mingyu’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the point of going to the City Garrison?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, letting out a long, weary sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know the City Garrison has fifty thousand troops, yet there are barely any capable commanders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With no other choice, I’ve recalled you two to lead the troops for me there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Murong, your wisdom will surely bring order to the Scout Camp; Wu Xiao, your ambition and martial prowess will surely unleash the full strength of the Spear Camp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing into Jiang Mingyu’s deep, clear, abyss-like eyes, Wu Xiao’s rugged face betrayed a flicker of awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes shimmered with longing and uncertainty—like a torch burning in darkness, wavering yet resolutely illuminating the path ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading troops in the main camp was far more prestigious than overseeing mines. There, power was symbolized, glory enacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconsciously, Wu Xiao pictured himself commanding troops with authority—his long-held, unattainable dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he performed well, perhaps when Jiang Mingyu was in a good mood, he might even earn the rank of Commandant—true ancestral glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Wu Xiao’s fists clenched tighter, his heartbeat quickened, his eyes blazing with excitement and resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched him, a glint of approval flashing in his eyes, then spoke with a tone of warning—low, firm, like a winter north wind, cold and merciless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still, Xiao, you're lacking far too much. In some ways, you're even worse than Dog Dan.\" His words struck straight to the core, tightening Wu Xiao's chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not mocking you. To become a competent commander, you must go to the City Garrison—listen, observe, learn.” His tone was sharp as a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Study martial arts under Tuxeslu, strategy and tactics under Zhuge Yu—that’s the bare minimum.” His words carried deep expectation and trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he deliberately intensified his tone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you perform well, your future is limitless. But if you slack off even slightly, I’ll remove you both immediately—understood?” His words struck like thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under his warning, Wu Xiao and Murong Yun both nodded frantically, their eyes filled with determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, we swear to give our utmost.” They replied in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the thought of grueling training made the thin Wu Xiao visibly reluctant—but under Jiang Mingyu’s unwavering gaze, he bit his lower lip and silently nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone dispersed to their tasks, the guard stationed at the yamen’s entrance galloped up on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, the Inspector’s office has sent someone—please return to the yamen immediately.” His voice echoed through the crisp air, urgent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the New Year—why would Wang Zhe send someone now? Jiang Mingyu paused, startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did they say what it was about?” He furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed ahead, his mind racing with possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be Qi Wang and Tang Cheng causing trouble again? Jiang Mingyu’s hand clenched involuntarily, his heart brimming with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard hurried to reply:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re not sure—the messenger said it’s about business.” His voice carried both tension and deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it was business, Jiang Mingyu exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood. I’ll return immediately.” His voice carried a hint of ease and resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably Wang Zhe, eager to make silver, couldn’t wait for his porcelain. Old money-grubber. A faint smile curled his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded to Liu Yifei, still directing the workers, then mounted his horse and rode off in haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His figure cast a long shadow in the sunset’s glow—like a decisive sword, slashing across the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at the county yamen, Jiang Mingyu noticed that Jing Shiyeh’s smile seemed deeper than usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu felt puzzled but feigned indifference: “Master Jing, what brings you here today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Shiyeh bowed respectfully: “My lord, several coal merchants came from the Inspector’s office, requesting your assistance. They possess vast coal reserves but struggle with ore smelting—recently, they’ve been exhausted and desperate. Hearing you have high-quality coal mines, they beg you to personally oversee the smelting. Of course, compensation will match your labor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu outwardly acted unimpressed, but internally weighed the pros and cons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This deal was rare—securing it would greatly boost his influence here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Jing Shiyeh was cunning—his words hid ulterior motives; he must tread carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After careful thought, he asked: “Master Jing, what are their compensation terms? Only then can we discuss details.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Shiyeh understood Jiang Mingyu’s intent and quickly replied: “My lord, their offer is generous—they only ask you to personally manage the entire smelting process; they handle all other tasks. In return, they’ll give you an extra twenty percent of the output—roughly fifty thousand taels. A mutually beneficial deal—why not consider it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu lifted his teacup, sipped lightly, and frowned in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes gleamed sharply, like lightning; his expression was shrewd and capable. His fingers tapped the cup’s rim, producing crisp, clear taps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Shiyeh sat opposite, respectfully waiting, occasionally stroking the wisps of white beard on his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A twenty percent premium is substantial. If I operate at full capacity, I can complete the order within three months.” Jiang Mingyu calculated swiftly in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, it’s settled.” His gaze hardened, his hand swept decisively, radiating boldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll begin preparations immediately—I guarantee timely completion!” His tone was as unyielding as stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please return to the Inspector and inform him—I accept this deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll immediately order the construction of a workshop, ignite the furnaces, and send word soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he pulled out a thousand-tael silver note and smiled as he slipped it into Jing Shiyeh’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Jing, you’ve traveled far to Shangmu—this small amount is for tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Shiyeh, now smiling broadly, departed. Jiang Mingyu, impatient, seized his brush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Draft orders, post notices, recruit laborers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In one seamless flow, before dusk fell, Jiang Mingyu’s iron-smelting workshop was already under construction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The foreman in charge of smelting was named Zhang Cheng—a robust man in his forties, muscles bulging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously stationed at the City Garrison, overseeing weapons production, he had been assigned here by Tuxeslu upon Jiang Mingyu’s order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To rapidly enrich Shangmu, Jiang Mingyu not only conscripted over a hundred laborers but also recruited many women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their sole task: cook for the kiln and smelting workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading them was Liu Churan—the woman Jiang Mingyu had saved twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two workshops clanged to life, the entire city of Shangmu seemed to awaken fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the third day of the New Year, as Jiang Mingyu pondered quietly, the kiln sent word: Liu Yifei requested his presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Galloping to the kiln, Jiang Mingyu’s light footsteps echoed through the empty workshop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He followed the narrow corridor to the rear, where Liu Yifei stood alone before a blueprint, sunlight bathing her pale profile in a hazy glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no one around, Jiang Mingyu crept behind her, gazing at her slender frame and snowy cheek—his heart stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though young, Liu Yifei was mature and diligent—her dedication made Jiang Mingyu want to tease her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yifei, missed me?” Jiang Mingyu teased, grinning as he reached to pinch her rosy cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shh!” With a swift motion, she dodged his hand. Blushing, she glared at him: “I’m working! How can you be so disrespectful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, deliberately provoking her: “I’m just concerned—how can a girl work so hard without rest?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough already!” She shot him a glare, her cheeks flushed, adorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She straightened her clothes, shyly saying: “Stop fooling around—I called you for something serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1396,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c7883a80a09c195d772ab6539545e556a4249e7464a1bd8426fefdb66d715275","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-140","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-138",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]