[{"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-159":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},2288994,4475,"Chapter 159: Subduing the Troops","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-159",159,"\u003Cp>Li Goudan listened, his temper flaring, his cheekbones trembling slightly: “What imperial seal? All nonsense! Without my lord, we’d have been devoured by the Xixia wolves’ ambitions!” His voice boomed like thunder, shaking the air with fierce resonance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes blazed like fire, passionate and unwavering, fixed on the crowd: “What are you waiting for? When my lord is in peril, are you going to cower and kiss the new emperor’s ass? Have you forgotten how my lord treated you? Could we even stand here today without him!” His voice was hoarse, thick with fury and defiance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the soldiers’ blood boiled; their eyes blazed with light: “Goudan’s right—we should die for my lord!” Their cries shook the heavens, as if a torrent of heat surged through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened to their voices, his heart filled with complex emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know you have questions—why am I rebelling?” he continued. “I’m not after power or fame. I’m fighting for the future of Da Feng, for the people crushed and slaughtered by Hou Fei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You all know Hou Fei is a tyrant—he ignores national duty, cares only for his own gain. He colludes with the Xixia, sells our land, murders loyal officials. He usurped the throne, abolished imperial law, plundered the people’s wealth, and slaughtered innocents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So I’ve decided to rebel.” When Jiang Mingyu spoke those four words, a flash of resolve lit his eyes. “I know this is a path with no return. I know this will be a bloody war. But I have no other choice. I must fight for Da Feng’s peace and safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are my subordinates—and my brothers. You’ve fought beside me on the battlefield, shared hardship and comfort in daily life. You are heroes of Da Feng, each with families and loved ones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So I won’t force you to follow me.” Jiang Mingyu said. “You may stay in Shangmu, protect your homes and loved ones. Or you may join me, and walk with me to the underworld. Whatever you choose, I will not blame you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if you choose to follow me,” Jiang Mingyu’s voice suddenly rose, “then prepare to sacrifice everything! We won’t just face Hou Fei’s army—we’ll face the Xixia as external enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We face a battle of life and death—a war with no retreat. We must trade our blood and lives for Shangmu’s freedom and glory. We must make Hou Fei know—he is not the master of Da Feng—he is its criminal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you ready?” Jiang Mingyu asked, his gaze blazing like fire, passionate and unwavering. “Will you stand with me, and fight for Shangmu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words reverberated through the air, drawing a fierce response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His men rose to their feet, raising their weapons high, unleashing thunderous roars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ready!” they shouted in unison. “We’ll follow my lord and fight for Shangmu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll live and die with my lord!” they cried again. “We’ll share honor and disgrace with my lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll rebel against Hou Fei with my lord!” they declared finally. “We’ll seize the throne with my lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices merged into a single roar, shaking the soul. Their eyes blazed with light, their blood surged with heat. They had prepared to sacrifice everything—they were ready to live and die with Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at these utterly loyal men, deeply moved. He knew he was not fighting alone—he had so many brothers beside him. He knew he was not a failure—he carried so many convictions in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew a breath and said: “Since your resolve is settled, then let us raise our banners under the banner of purging the tyrant’s court! I swear I will not betray your fervent hearts!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat again; his voice sounded hoarse in the cold wind. He knew he had reached the end—no retreat, no choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can rest easy about Shangmu’s situation,” he said, his gaze sweeping over their faces, seeing their worry and unease. “You’ve seen the recruitment notice—that’s for defending Shangmu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled a notice from his robe, its characters reading: “Jiang Mingyu recruits thirty thousand elite troops, raising arms in the late emperor’s name against Hou Fei.” He had written it hastily last night, and had it posted across the city and countryside this morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned to Li Goudan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Goudan, I want you to stay behind in Shangmu and train the thirty thousand troops arriving soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan froze, staring at Jiang Mingyu in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… you mean…” he stammered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Jiang Mingyu affirmed. “I mean you stay in Shangmu and drill the new recruits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The weather is warming, the roads are opening. If anything happens, I’ll return at once.” Jiang Mingyu finished, a flicker of reluctance and anticipation in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Li Goudan stepped forward sharply, gripping Jiang Mingyu’s arms tightly, his eyes brimming with gratitude and reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, my lord, for your trust. Shangmu is in my hands—I will not fail your burden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded, rolled his sleeves against the cold wind, and revealed a bold smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Pack your gear. We march for Yasi Mo Regional Military Commissioner at dawn tomorrow.” His voice brimmed with determination and resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu stepped out of the city defense camp, sunlight bathed him, illuminating his tall, steadfast figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept over the new recruits lining up—hundreds of young, ambitious faces, filled with hope and longing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly. This was the scene he had always awaited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo stood beside him, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction and pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled softly, drew a deep breath, inhaling the vibrant energy of the recruits. “Only one day since the notice went up, and already so many have come. Thirty thousand troops—we’ll have them soon.” His voice rang loud and confident, as if heralding victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wu Xiao held none of Tu Kesiluo’s optimism. His brow furrowed, his expression troubled. He stepped beside Jiang Mingyu and spoke carefully: “I wonder—if they learn we’re rebelling, will they still want to stay in Shangmu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu waved his hand dismissively, his eyes firm and resolute: “No need to worry. If so many already know, there’s no point hiding it.” His voice was calm yet powerful, radiating confidence and decisiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Zhuge Yu: “Zhuge Yu, draft another notice—detail the reasons for our rebellion, our business arrangements. Let every new soldier and every citizen decide for themselves whether to stay or go.” His tone was firm and clear, revealing his confidence in his own strength and influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, notices plastered every wall of the city, and Shangmu erupted in chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? My lord’s rebelling? The whole city defense camp’s turned traitor? What’s going on?” someone gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shangmu’s no longer safe—aren’t we all going to be branded traitors’ accomplices?” someone fretted, face etched with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But others disagreed, trusting and respecting Jiang Mingyu. A bold voice rang out: “Didn’t you read the notice? It’s the Qi Prince who forced him! My lord’s a good official—stop spouting filth and get lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he hadn’t been pushed to the brink, why would my lord have arranged our livelihoods before rebelling? What are you?” another shouted, eyes blazing with fury and resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The murmurs grew wild, the scene descending into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, aside from a few cowards, the vast majority chose to stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grateful for Jiang Mingyu’s kindness, they trusted his leadership and judgment. The same held true in the city defense camp—most soldiers chose to remain, joining Jiang Mingyu’s cause. They believed in him, and were ready to fight for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Liu Ximen and Zhang Junhao were busy. They swiftly converted their assets into silver notes, preparing for the coming turmoil. Liu Ximen signed the final contract, the stack of silver notes heavy on the table. He glanced at Zhang Junhao—their eyes met, revealing unwavering resolve. They knew the nation would change drastically—and they must be ready for the unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>",1321,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e1f770ddc46c72a22a8cbc923f65474c9fe145c0d1017eefca12c4ad7bea17e9","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-160","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-158",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]