[{"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-146":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},2288981,4475,"Chapter 146","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-146",146,"\u003Cp>Wu Xiao turned pale with terror, the last trace of color draining from his face as his hands trembled violently on the reins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened his mouth wide, gasping for the thin air, struggling to steady his ragged breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quick, tell me—what’s happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu furrowed his brows, unable to hide his shock. He widened his deep, Tan -like eyes, slammed his fist on the table, and rose to demand details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo’s face was equally ashen, his eyes locked on Wu Xiao’s lips, afraid to miss a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiao slumped over his horse, still gasping for breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wiped the cold sweat from his face, forced himself to calm, and panted: “The Xi Xia have invaded!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s mind rang with disbelief: “How could this be? Explain clearly—why are they here now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Jiang Mingyu’s estimate, the Xi Xia army wouldn’t arrive for at least three months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiao coughed violently several times, then struggled to describe the current situation in Shangmu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who first spotted the Xi Xia troops were mountain hunters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Jiang Mingyu’s last campaign against the Xi Xia, the border had remained peaceful for months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no warfare for so long, the hunters had dared to venture deeper into the mountains in search of game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this year’s heavy snowfall led them to accidentally cross into the borderlands between Da Feng and Xi Xia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before they even spotted any prey, they saw Xi Xia cavalry assembling far off, heading straight toward Shangmu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terrified, the hunters scrambled back to Shangmu and reported the matter to Zhuge Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Wu Xiao’s expression grew even more tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a long while, then understood the reason for the Xi Xia’s early invasion—they must have received a secret report from Prince Qi and planned to strike while Jiang Mingyu was still recovering from internal unrest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beads of sweat broke out on Wu Xiao’s forehead; his whole body shook uncontrollably. His face shifted from pale to ashen, his eyes wide and fixed on Jiang Mingyu, as if searching his face for hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips trembled as he spoke: “My lord, the hunters say the Xi Xia force numbers over ten thousand... and more are still arriving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression darkened, his brows knotted, his right hand gripping his sword hilt as his body tensed slightly, waiting for Wu Xiao to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiao swallowed hard, as if even that simple motion drained all his strength: “This was yesterday’s report... by now, the Xi Xia cavalry may already be fully assembled...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, cold sweat soaked his back again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes remained deep as water, probing every detail with unwavering precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo also frowned deeply, his face grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiao forced himself to remain composed, continuing in a trembling voice: “Master Zhuge has ordered the entire city placed on war alert. Fifty thousand troops stand ready. He also sent messengers urgently requesting your return to take command!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paused, then sharply slapped his horse’s rump and shouted: “Men! Full speed back to the city!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiao exhaled deeply, finally seeing a glimmer of hope. If the lord returns to hold the city, the Xi Xia invaders are doomed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu whipped his horse’s reins through the air with a sharp “whoosh.” Though his heart pounded with tension, he couldn’t help a wry thought: just two hours ago, he and Wang Zhe had been guessing when the Xi Xia would come—now they were at the city gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his teeth and spurred his horse forward. If he could repel the Xi Xia army, the Emperor would surely be delighted—and Prince Qi would surely die. Then, without rebellion, he could exact his revenge. Wasn’t that the very thing he’d longed for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s jaw trembled as icy wind rushed down his throat, triggering a violent cough. If he helped the Emperor eliminate Prince Qi, promotion and glory would be within reach—how satisfying! Why even consider rebellion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a night of galloping, Jiang Mingyu was nearly frozen. His mount was panting heavily, froth dripping from its mouth. When the cavalry finally entered Shangmu, Jiang Mingyu’s limbs went numb; he nearly tumbled from his saddle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city walls were in frantic motion. Soldiers rushed back and forth carrying weapons and grain; their faces were grim, the entire city shrouded in a heavy, oppressive war atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu straightened his posture, his expression stern as he rode through the city gate. At this moment, he bore the lives of tens of thousands. To face the foreign enemy, he must remain unshaken to steady the people’s hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, raising his face to the howling north wind. He knew the battle ahead was one of life and death—but he would turn the tide, defend his home and country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu entered the city defense camp to find Zhuge Yu frowning, his face heavy with worry. When the three appeared, Zhuge Yu finally exhaled, smiling: “Master, you’ve returned!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Jiang Mingyu was away, Zhuge Yu felt the city’s defenses were like a tiger without wings. Now that his master had returned safely, he quietly let out a breath, as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted from his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, yesterday Jiang Mingyu had been barely a hair’s breadth from death—but Zhuge Yu knew none of this hidden turmoil. He only saw Jiang Mingyu’s calm demeanor, utterly composed, and thus felt slightly reassured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu scanned the room and saw Murong Yunhai, Zhang Jiani, and Li Goudan already seated. He frowned heavily and asked Zhang Jiani: “Where is Yi Fei?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani’s face brightened at his first question about Yi Fei’s safety. She replied gently: “Yi Fei is safe, hiding with the kiln workers. Don’t worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu finally relaxed, then turned to Zhuge Yu to inquire about the Xi Xia forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu now appeared composed, no trace of earlier panic: “Recon reports confirm ten thousand Xi Xia troops have assembled. They’ll reach the city by noon today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held Jiang Mingyu’s gaze steady and added calmly: “Master, rest assured—besides the soldiers, all civilians have been safely relocated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paused, then nodded firmly: “Good. You’ve worked hard, disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their calm, composed demeanor steadied everyone in the room. They exchanged glances, each seeing resolve and trust in the others’ eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the other preparations?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani spoke proudly, her eyes filled with determination: “We’ve followed Master Zhuge’s orders and laid iron thorns five li outside the city. But due to time constraints, only half the troops have been issued divine crossbows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, her resolve hardening further: “All cavalry units are ready to charge. As soon as the Xi Xia arrive, we fight to the death! We will not fail the people’s expectations—to defend our homeland!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded, then turned to Zhuge Yu: “How is your Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation prepared?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu lifted his head: “My lord, my Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation is fully deployed. Once the Xi Xia enter this formation, they’ll be trapped like caged beasts—with no path to escape!” His gaze was fierce, his passion burning as if ready to burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He declared confidently: “Master, you need only command from above. We will spare no effort to annihilate the invaders—never disgracing your teachings!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened to his resolute tone and nodded in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to Li Goudan and said calmly: “Goudan, you command the infantry. You must defend Da Feng’s border at all costs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan was overcome with emotion. He knelt and shouted: “I swear to repay your grace with my life! Even if my body is shattered to dust, I will keep the invaders beyond these walls!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction, his expression resolute and unyielding—he was prepared to die with this ancient city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, disciple—explain the secrets of your Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation in more detail.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought: since time was still early, he might as well let this student deepen his military knowledge—it would benefit future deployments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu immediately adopted the posture of a learned scholar, cleared his throat, and began explaining the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation to Jiang Mingyu:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation is derived from ancient Chinese Yin-Yang and Five Elements philosophy and the Eight Trigrams diagram. It consists of nine palaces, each corresponding to a critical point on the Eight Trigrams.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The central palace is the Middle Palace, typically occupied by the commander. The four surrounding palaces—Qian, Kun, Zhen, and Gen—are the four main palaces. Beyond them lie the four diagonal palaces—Dui, Li, Xun, and Kan. Each palace holds distinct directional meanings and tactical applications.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These nine palaces form a complex, interlocking mechanism—symmetrical yet mutually supportive. Each palace’s directional attribute and tactical method are subtly and organically connected. When properly deployed, it traps the enemy in an inescapable net.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By arranging troops in this Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation, our forces unite into maximum combat power. The enemy, meanwhile, becomes lost in this labyrinth, step by step, helpless and immobilized. This is the true power of the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke for nearly an hour, but Jiang Mingyu remained utterly confused, unable to connect any of it to actual battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a scout from the reconnaissance unit rushed in, gasping: “My lord, five thousand Xi Xia vanguard are now less than ten li from the city!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s shock flashed briefly, then he sneered: “Come fast, die fast. Order—full battle stations!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes burned red; he longed to charge out of the city. These Xi Xia invaders had finally walked into the trap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu shed his gentle demeanor, his eyes gleaming with cold fury: “Good! Today you’ll witness the power of the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai silently gripped his longsword, his face filled with murderous intent. Zhang Jiani and Li Goudan were equally enraged, their chests burning with overwhelming killing rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, two scouts entered the command post like dark phantoms, rushing in with urgent haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their movements were light and swift, as if they disturbed not even a breath of air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes were steady and focused, like lions locking onto prey—deep and piercing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord,” the first scout said in a hoarse, weary but unwavering voice, “we’ve confirmed the invading Xi Xia force totals approximately thirty thousand.” His tone was like a worn but razor-sharp halberd slicing through the air, leaving a deep mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second scout followed close behind, his eyes flashing with anxious urgency, like a leopard chasing its prey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Xi Xia have crossed the border and are advancing toward the North Gate,” he said, his voice lower, heavy with gloom, like distant thunder heralding an approaching storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened silently, his eyes deep as the sea, filled with flashes of wisdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile touched his lips—cold, sharp, like a sword about to be drawn, radiating icy brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can your nine-thousand-man Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams formation trap thirty thousand cavalry?” Jiang Mingyu turned to Zhuge Yu, his gaze like the first ray of dawn piercing the horizon, striking the cold, resolute figure beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu’s face was carved like ice—no emotion stirred, only the calm serenity of a winter sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were firm and far-reaching, like a Zen master who had seen through the illusions of the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rang clear and powerful, like a mallet striking a bronze bell—crisp and resonant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest assured, Master,” he said, his eyes blazing with unshakable confidence, “it’s not the number of soldiers that matters, but their quality. It’s not the general’s bravery, but his strategy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I’ve always said—I’ll stake my head on it: not a single one of these Xi Xia barbarians will leave alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, the smile like spring wind sweeping across snow, melting the chill, leaving warmth. “Order—form battle lines.” His voice soared like a swan ascending into the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>",2003,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","44e6c2b2600677e5f28c9d0a141665745962e2f97a44ef9a745ec9fd6ca235a0","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-147","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-145",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]