[{"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-155":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},2288990,4475,"Chapter 155: Forced to Rebel","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-155",155,"\u003Cp>They never imagined that this storm would erupt into such chaos within just fifteen minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several soldiers trembled all over, kneeling before Jiang Mingyu as if mourning the dead, too terrified to raise their eyes to his cold, chiseled face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu snorted coldly, his gaze icy, his voice frost-laced: “Go back and tell Prince Qi that Jiang Mou has rebelled today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will soon come to the capital myself and collect every drop of blood he owes me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he waved his hand, signaling them to leave quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers bowed and scrambled away, vanishing from the Inspector’s mansion like smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All they could think was: this Official Jiang is ruthless—he kills without blinking and rebels without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Jiang Mingyu untied the ropes binding the stunned Wang Zhe. “Inspector, you’ve seen it yourself—this move of mine is no impulsive act.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I hadn’t killed those two corrupt officials, you and I would already be in chains, bound for the capital to face trial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that it’s done, I can’t turn back. What are your plans?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he had decided to rebel, Jiang Mingyu no longer held back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked straight to Wang Zhe’s desk, sat down, and picked up a teacup to drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe, shaken to his core, stammered: “Y-you… you… what did you say? I don’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Jiang Mingyu’s calm, placid face, as if looking at a stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t believe this man before him—the same Jiang Mingyu he knew—had dared to rebel and kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu set down the teacup and spoke calmly: “I made myself clear. I’m asking what you intend to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re willing to follow me, hand me the garrison seal of Yasmu Regional Military Commissioner. I’ll lead my troops into Yasmu and confront Prince Qi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then you’ll remain my business partner. I’ll give you ample silver and status to live in wealth and honor. If you refuse, fine—I won’t force you. But know this: once you leave Yasmu, Prince Qi will hunt you down without mercy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tang Cheng and Lin Xijie died in Yasmu. Inspector, you won’t escape blame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, it’s your choice. I won’t force you into anything.” After speaking, Jiang Mingyu ignored Wang Zhe entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began to survey the Inspector’s mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad this parting today may be forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zhe sat silently in the lavish hall, the green bamboo carving on the screen behind him lending an air of quiet elegance, utterly at odds with his inner turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single tear slipped from the corner of his eye, revealing his deep helplessness and sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A complex smile curled on his lips—bitter, resigned, as if mocking his own fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long moments passed before he slowly raised his trembling hand and lifted the Inspector’s seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Official Jiang… perhaps that title no longer suits you,” he said hoarsely, voice choked, as if the words were forced from his throat, heavy with inner anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his eyes flickered a spark of resolve and finality—like distant stars in midnight, faint yet unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers trembled slightly but gripped the cup tightly, as if clutching a decision forged in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But let me be clear: I’m done with the bureaucracy. From now on, I’m only your business partner.” His words carried resignation and sorrow, as if severing his past with a sharp blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sat across from him, the Inspector’s seal in hand, like a scepter controlling all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze was firm and profound, like an ancient well—deep, steady, and shrewd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A satisfied smile curled his lips, as if everything unfolded exactly as he planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. It’ll take at least ten days or more before news of Tang Cheng’s death reaches the capital.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with calm confidence, like a tranquil poem flowing with deep wisdom. His fingers tapped the table in a brisk rhythm, as if playing a melodious tune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sweep of his sleeve, Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo stepped out of the Inspector’s mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their figures vanished into the distance, leaving only the lantern light in the hall—and Wang Zhe’s aged, resolute back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo, uneasy, asked: “Sir, do you think Wang Zhe will betray us? If he does, we’re in trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he trusted Jiang Mingyu’s strategy, he still worried Wang Zhe might turn on them. After all, Wang Zhe was clever—he might find a way to slip free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, facing the biting wind, shook his head. A flash of cruelty and coldness crossed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. Prince Qi already hates Wang Zhe.” He spoke. “And with Tang Cheng and Lin Xijie dead in Yasmu, Wang Zhe couldn’t explain himself even if he had a hundred mouths.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, I just said—the snow and wind are fierce. It’ll take at least ten days or more to reach the capital.” He continued. “Even if Wang Zhe sends word, and Prince Qi sends troops to punish us, we’ll have enough time to seize Yasmu. Then Wang Zhe is dead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, even if he stays silent, those soldiers I sent back will eventually spill the truth.” He added. “Wang Zhe’s smart. He won’t dance on the blade. Don’t worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu had long planned for Wang Zhe. He deliberately left a few soldiers alive to return to the capital and report. He knew they wouldn’t tell the truth—they’d blame everything on Wang Zhe. That way, Prince Qi would hate Wang Zhe beyond redemption and never believe him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s plan was meticulous—he accounted not only for Wang Zhe’s reaction but also for Prince Qi’s psychology. He believed Wang Zhe wouldn’t betray them, and that Prince Qi wouldn’t let him off easily. He manipulated both, forcing them to check each other, while he built his power in the gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Tukesiluo felt deep admiration. He thought Jiang Mingyu was a man of profound cunning—able to turn crisis to advantage and exploit enemies’ weaknesses for his gain. He silently rejoiced he’d chosen the right man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo: “Sir, you’re brilliant!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu: “It’s necessary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo tightened his cloak, nodded, then asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So when we return to Shangmu, we march straight on Yasmu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes held both anticipation and tension—he knew this was Jiang Mingyu’s first and most critical step. If they seized Yasmu, they’d have a solid base to resist Prince Qi. If they failed, death was their only path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled at Tukesiluo, revealing a row of white teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. I have another important matter to attend to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was light, casual—as if they weren’t rebelling but strolling through mountains and rivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Important matter?” Tukesiluo’s delicate face formed a huge question mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What could possibly be more important than seizing Yasmu as soon as possible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Jiang Mingyu, wondering if he harbored even greater ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook snow from his coat, his eyes softening with tenderness and longing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course—my family. I’ve already sent Lord Murong to the capital to fetch them. First, I’m going to the Liu household to propose to Liu Yifei. When they arrive, I’ll marry her in grand style.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Tukesiluo’s mouth dropped open. He forgot the snow blowing into it and blurted out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When did things get this far? You’re already talking about marriage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Jiang Mingyu in disbelief—how had he won over Liu Yifei so fast? He’d only met her a few times. Could she really be that easily swayed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can be with Miss Zhang, but I can’t propose? What logic is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted Tukesiluo’s shoulder playfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about this? Since you two are already close, let’s go propose together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once we take Yasmu, my brother and I marry the sisters at the same time. Wouldn’t that be a fine thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the word “proposal,” Tukesiluo’s delicate face flushed crimson. He lowered his head, unable to meet Jiang Mingyu’s eyes. His heart raced with nervousness and shyness. He did have feelings for Miss Zhang, but he’d never thought of marriage. They’d only just met—he didn’t truly know her. And now, rebelling with Jiang Mingyu, survival itself was hard enough. He feared he couldn’t give her happiness or safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his bashful, maiden-like demeanor, Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, don’t go. I’ll tell Yifei you’ve lost interest in Miss Zhang—she can find someone better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He teased Tukesiluo, trying to force his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he thought Miss Zhang was a good girl—worthy of Tukesiluo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted them to be happy together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still blushing, Tukesiluo panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait—I’ll go, I’ll go with you! You’re the first to force someone to propose!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly agreed, though inwardly he felt regret and unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know if Miss Zhang would accept his proposal—or if her family would approve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only pray for smooth sailing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. It’s settled then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll prepare the betrothal gifts as soon as we return to the city. Once everything’s arranged, we’ll march straight to Yasmu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of the most important matter, Tukesiluo sighed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Jiang Mingyu’s mind was fixed on Yasmu—he had no real hope or longing for marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only sought this chance to fulfill his ambition and ideals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Tukesiluo?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He merely followed Jiang Mingyu, with no will or goal of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only wanted to survive, to find someone to rely on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that was the difference between them.\u003C\u002Fp>",1554,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","eecde978ae496bd5afd80cc212fd8c061dd624920e719d13bcac650ae7c6c471","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-156","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-154",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]