[{"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-154":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},2288989,4475,"Chapter 154: A Single Slice Between Life and Death","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-154",154,"\u003Cp>Wang Zhe heard the voice, looked up, and frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s happened? Speak. We’re already at this point—what could possibly be worse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yamen runner swallowed hard and trembled as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, Governor Lin Xijie of Xiangcangzhou has entered the city with his men and will be here at the gate any moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He claims he’ll first arrest you, the Inspector, then go to Shangmu to seize Lord Jiang—and there’s more…” Before he could finish, Wang Zhe cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else? Spit it out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe’s voice was shrill and piercing, like a blade slicing through the runner’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his head, defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe’s face had turned as pale as paper, his lips trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were filled with despair, as if he’d already seen the horrifying vision of meeting again on the path to the Yellow Springs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His throat emitted a trembling sound, like a cornered beast about to be driven to its end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could it be so fast? Must we meet again on the path to the Yellow Springs?” Wang Zhe asked, his voice trembling with helplessness and sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers trembled faintly, unable to hide his inner terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, don’t panic—let him finish speaking first. We still have time to respond.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runner gasped for breath: “Also, Tang Sima—the one you exiled days ago—he’s here too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone carried a hint of reverence, as if Tang Sima were some invincible deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runner whispered: “My lord, we can’t stay here. Lin Xijie brought over a thousand elite soldiers. We have only dozens of yamen runners and retainers. We must flee at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe heard it as if it were a lifeline—he slowly snapped back to awareness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked into the runner’s loyal eyes and felt a surge of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded and said: “You’re right. We must flee at once. Let’s go with Lord Jiang out of the city to Shangmu—you have fifty thousand elite troops. We still have a chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a coarse, booming voice crashed through the door like a storm, laced with mockery and threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door was violently shoved open. Tang Cheng, clad in imposing attire, strode into the hall shoulder to shoulder with a stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cruel smile twisted his face, his eyes glinting with malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Zhe, come out at once! Who’d have thought you’d end up like this!” Tang Cheng’s voice dripped with mockery and contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, Tang Cheng and the stranger loomed before Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sensed their threat, yet stood firm, his gaze resolute and sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Jiang Mingyu’s eyes met those of Tukesiluo, who had remained silent—but his deep eyes glimmered with an unusual light, as if conveying some unspoken message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu understood—it was a silent pact, an unspoken bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe stood aside, his face pale, as if engulfed by despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing was ragged, his face etched with helplessness and fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s arrival seemed his last hope—but now, both were trapped in a dead end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng sneered, a mocking smile curling his lips. He looked down at Jiang Mingyu as if he were an ant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is too easy. Since Lord Jiang is here, I won’t need to make the trip to Shangmu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’s voice brimmed with triumph and insult. His words stabbed like knives into Jiang Mingyu’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guards! Seize these two men!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe’s face turned ashen, his eyes filled with boundless grief and resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he was cornered—no matter how he struggled, he could not change what lay before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only watch helplessly as a swarm of soldiers flooded the room, thick ropes in hand, advancing toward him and Jiang Mingyu with vicious intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng wore a smug, triumphant grin, his eyes gleaming with arrogance and cruelty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reveled in the sight of Wang Zhe and Jiang Mingyu’s ruin, savoring vengeance and satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered how Jiang Mingyu had forced him to kneel and beg in Shangmu, and how Wang Zhe had exiled him to the capital. He longed to flay them alive to quench his hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the Prince of Qi had ascended the throne, Tang Cheng had become one of his trusted men—he finally had his chance to kill them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t expect this, did you?” Tang Cheng sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Back in Shangmu, you made me kneel! Now you’re my prisoner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended a finger and jabbed it at Jiang Mingyu’s chest, trying to humiliate him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu showed only disdain. His brows were defiant, his lips curled in a mocking smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared coldly at Tang Cheng and said without fear: “The Prince of Qi values you? He hasn’t even granted you a title. You’re nothing but his dog.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’s face turned livid with rage, a choked grunt escaping his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Jiang Mingyu spoke the truth—the Prince of Qi had tasked him with capturing Jiang Mingyu and Wang Zhe, but given him no rank or honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a nobody, utterly insignificant in the Prince’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t bear to be looked down upon by Jiang Mingyu—he wanted to prove his worth to the Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop spouting nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng barked: “His Majesty trusts me deeply—there’s simply been no time to grant me a title yet. When I bring you two before His Majesty to beg for mercy, he’ll surely promote me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu found this laughable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Tang Cheng was fooling himself—the Prince of Qi didn’t care if he lived or died; he was merely a tool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sneered: “Do you think the Prince of Qi cares about your ‘merit’? You’re his dog—used and discarded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think I fear the Prince of Qi? Do you think you’ll live to reach the capital?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’s face turned white with shock. A dark premonition surged within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of the Prince’s cruelty and cunning, and shuddered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stared at him in disbelief—he had dared to resist arrest and defy the Prince of Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’s face turned purple with rage. Hatred blazed in his eyes, his lips twitching—but Jiang Mingyu’s gaze froze him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced himself to appear calm, gritting his teeth: “Don’t try to frighten me! I won’t fall for your tricks! You’ll die at His Majesty’s hands!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes were like blades—sharp, cold. His expression radiated defiance and pride; a cold smirk touched his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Tang Cheng as if he were a lamb awaiting slaughter, his voice icy and clear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tukesiluo. Move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the words fell, a figure suddenly emerged, a long blade flashing with cold light as it lunged toward Lin Xijie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man was tall and dark-skinned—it was Tukesiluo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xijie had already resented Jiang Mingyu; seeing his arrogance now ignited his fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached for his waist saber to confront him—but he hadn’t expected an ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a chill wind rush past—he instinctively recoiled—but it was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo’s blade slashed across his neck; blood gushed like a spring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xijie clutched his wound, mouth opening but only emitting a gurgling sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes filled with disbelief and terror—he couldn’t believe he was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the Prince of Qi’s appointed Grand Governor—how could a rebel kill him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had so much to do—he wanted to return to the capital and see the Prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xijie’s body slumped to the ground, his blood soaking the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stared, stunned, unable to believe what they’d seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng was paralyzed with terror, his face ashen, his body shaking uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo, a bottomless fear rising within him—he knew he was finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu ignored the stunned onlookers. He glanced once at Lin Xijie’s corpse, then turned to Tang Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Tang, now it's your turn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Jiang Mingyu stepped toward Tang Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo followed close behind, his blade still dripping blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their steps were steady and resolute; their expressions calm and unyielding. Like two predators closing in on a helpless lamb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng watched them approach, terror flooding his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to run—but his legs felt chained, immovable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to scream for help—but his throat was constricted, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only watch helplessly as they stopped before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked down at Tang Cheng, his eyes devoid of pity or mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rang cold and unfeeling:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Tang, do you remember what you said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng tried to reply, but only choked out muffled sounds, his eyes filled with terror and regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once forced Jiang Mingyu to kneel and beg. He had mocked Jiang Mingyu’s weakness and folly. He had threatened his life and future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched his expression, unmoved. He continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said so much—did you ever imagine this would be your end?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng’s heart felt as if torn apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized his mistake—he had been too arrogant, too proud. He had angered a man he should never have crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he was going to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched his panic and despair, a faint cold smile curling on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking his final words, he waved his hand, signaling Tukesiluo to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Magistrate Tang, today is your death day. Seize him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo raised his blade without hesitation and slashed toward Tang Cheng’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Cheng struggled to resist, but it was too late. He could only let out a shrill scream, then knew nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo kicked Tang Cheng’s corpse aside and stood beside Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at the two corpses and nodded faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>",1603,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","36a7504c11d54ca237cd3f3a1bdc613a91e179d29f880bcf6d66950e043133e3","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-155","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-153",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]