[{"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-156":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},2288991,4475,"Chapter 156: Proposing Early","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-156",156,"\u003Cp>In the cold wind, Tukesulu said with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, after we leave, what will become of Shangmu’s trade and its people? Without our troops, it will be vulnerable to Xia invasion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes revealed a flicker of worry and reluctance—he knew Shangmu was their homeland, their foundation. He did not want to see it seized and ruined by the Xia, nor its people suffer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right—these issues must be resolved. The kilns and workshops concern military funds; they cannot be compromised. Shangmu is the root; it cannot be left exposed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of resolve passed through his eyes—he knew this was the prerequisite and guarantee for his rebellion. He could not allow any crisis or vulnerability in his rear, nor let his financial lifeline dry up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He narrowed his eyes in thought, then spoke after a long silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The best solution is to recruit tens of thousands more troops to garrison the city. With silver on hand, manpower is no problem; with manpower, trade will naturally stabilize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was firm and confident—he knew this was a viable and effective plan. He had enough silver to recruit soldiers, and enough prestige to command them. All he needed was to leave behind a strong, loyal force to secure Shangmu’s safety and interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finding someone trustworthy enough to defend the city is no easy matter. This cannot be delayed—my lord, please consider carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was cautious and anxious—he knew this was a difficult yet critical issue. He did not know if Jiang Mingyu had a suitable, reliable officer to garrison Shangmu, nor if he had enough time to arrange it. He only knew this matter must be handled swiftly and properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—when the boat reaches the bridge, the way will reveal itself. There will always be someone. Right now, the priority is returning to the city to fulfill our wedding. Only after marrying can one truly build a future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His laughter was light and joyful—as if he had already settled everything and cared nothing for these details. He cared only for his own wish and happiness, eager only to marry Liu Yifei as soon as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his words had fully faded, he straightened his posture, whipped his mount, and galloped off. Tukesulu said nothing more and followed in pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later, the two finally returned to Shangmu. Jiang Mingyu saw all within the city was as usual, and secretly exhaled in relief—he must act swiftly to stabilize the situation and fulfill his wish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the text revised in the style of webnovel author Yue Guan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu returned to the city defense camp, where Zhang Jiani was drilling troops against the snowstorm, and Zhuge Yu was poring over ancient texts. Jiang Mingyu recounted his journey to Yasi Mo, the Regional Military Commissioner. Zhuge Yu scratched his head and said, “The problem is—how do we convince these former civilian laborers to join the rebellion? They may not easily accept it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu replied calmly, “I already have a plan. I’ll persuade them myself soon. In the meantime, issue a Shangmu decree to recruit thirty thousand troops to garrison the city, and assign a few men to take over defense and trade—leave no room for backsliding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu thought to himself: so the “plan” is to dump the burden on Zhuge Yu. Zhuge Yu pondered, then said, “There’s a man in the camp, Sun Shangcheng—fierce, brave, and not stupid. He could be entrusted with guarding Shangmu. But he’s inexperienced and needs training. As for trade—I simply can’t handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded. “Train Sun Shangcheng yourself. Trade matters can wait. Right now, there’s something more urgent—we’re going to Liu’s mansion to propose.” He grabbed Tukesulu and prepared to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu stared, dumbfounded. “Master, you’re getting married already? I thought this was a joke!” He rushed off to change clothes, determined to join the celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed helplessly and told Tukesulu to fetch Zhang Jiani and her parents to accompany them to the Liu residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three arrived at the Liu mansion’s gate. Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, his face glowing with barely concealed joy. Marrying the woman he loved was the greatest wish of his life—and tonight, it would be fulfilled. He would spare no effort to walk beside his beloved into the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu, blushing, trailed behind, afraid of saying the wrong thing and ruining Jiang’s great day. Zhuge Yu, however, was practically bouncing with excitement—more thrilled than Jiang Mingyu himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three stood tall. Jiang Mingyu, holding the betrothal letter, pushed open the gate. Inside, warm lantern light glowed brightly; Liu Yifei was laughing with her parents. When she saw Jiang Mingyu, her face flushed with shyness…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Propose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before them lay the betrothal gifts. Liu Ximen, ever kind, and Zhang Jiani’s parents—whom Jiang Mingyu had never met—were both stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Zhang Jiani’s father, Zhang Junhao, who, upon seeing Tukesulu’s delicate appearance, yanked out several strands of his beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never imagined that the usually haughty Zhang Jiani would take a fancy to such a effeminate man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Zhang Jiani’s rare, bashful demeanor—head bowed, silent—confirmed to Zhang Junhao that it was all true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, beaming with joy, was equally shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never thought the usually ferocious tigress had such a shy side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this really the same Zhang Jiani who, on their first meeting, nearly stabbed him through with her sword?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Zhang Junhao and his wife had adamantly refused. But after Tukesulu introduced himself, their faces instantly softened into smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, young man, you’re the general who led troops deep into Xia territory, over thirty li, and slew tens of thousands of Xia soldiers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though you’re a bit delicate-looking, you’re more than worthy of our Jiani. We agree to this match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Tukesulu beamed with joy, Liu Ximen—who had remained silent until now—smiled warmly and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since Brother Zhang agrees, I, Liu Ximen, have nothing more to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don't think I'm hasty—I've seen it all along. Yifei's heart has long been with Commissioner Jiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just didn’t expect you to come so soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei, her face already flushed, burned even hotter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, what are you saying? How can you speak of your own daughter like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice nearly vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his daughter’s heart was claimed, Liu Ximen burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve been sneaking to the county office every chance you get, helping out at the kilns and workshops—do you think your old father’s eyes are blind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough. A daughter grows up, she marries. No need to be shy. I’ve long hoped you’d find a good home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commissioner Jiang loves his people like his own children, a rare and noble official. Then it's settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a quiet glance exchanged with Jiang Mingyu, Liu Yifei’s joyful face flushed even deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing both sets of parents had agreed, Jiang Mingyu bowed in thanks, then spoke solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you three for approving our union. But there is one matter I must raise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu spoke, Zhang Junhao and his wife were studying Tukesulu’s delicate features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple who had once adamantly opposed the match now found themselves growing ever more satisfied with Tukesulu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They felt that though his appearance was refined, he was a true hero—capable of slaughtering countless enemies on the battlefield and thriving in officialdom. They believed him to be a man of talent, virtue, emotion, and loyalty—someone who could bring their daughter happiness and honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ximen, too, wore an expression of deep satisfaction. He held great respect and trust for both Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu. He saw them as men of ambition, courage, and insight—capable of carving out greatness in this chaotic age. He believed them to be men of feeling, righteousness, gratitude, and virtue—men who would cherish and protect their daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei and Zhang Jiani, both blushing, looked at Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu with affection and dependence. They found them handsome, graceful, and magnetic—men who stirred their hearts and captivated their souls. They saw them as gentle, thoughtful, emotionally rich, and romantic—men who could bring them happiness and sweetness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four parents had agreed to the marriage. All that remained was for Jiang Mingyu and Tukesulu to voice their own feelings, and the auspicious date could be set for the wedding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jiang Mingyu suddenly spoke, uttering something that stunned and alarmed everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you three for approving our union. But there is one matter I must raise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was heavy and solemn, like a cold wind. His words were veiled and cryptic, like a veil of mist. His posture was cautious and tense, like a trapped beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was startled. They did not know what he would say. They could only watch him, tense and waiting for him to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, and spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>",1478,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2fa3a986d1ed4a2ed9ec80bddb422043602b598f8bd5769faf3e91803e958039","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-157","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-155",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]