[{"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-227":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},2289062,4475,"Chapter 227: Give Him Another Surprise","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-227",227,"\u003Cp>Amid the thunderous hooves, Jiang Mingyu suddenly heard a frantic cry behind him: “My lord!—Don’t leave!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu startled, yanking his horse’s reins and turning back. A soldier clad in the uniform of Zhangwu Army sprinted toward him. This soldier had once been a captive Jiang Mingyu had subdued; originally a lowly private, he had defected to Jiang Mingyu’s side under pressure and persuasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s so urgent?” Jiang Mingyu frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier dismounted, removed his helmet, and bowed deeply to Jiang Mingyu: “My lord, I was born just outside Yingchang. Since childhood, I’ve known a hidden path that can save the army half a day’s march!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to a winding trail beside the main road: “That way—just now I checked it myself. No problems.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu glanced at the path. It looked narrow and treacherous—could his army even pass? And what if it were a trap? He began to doubt the soldier’s sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you certain?” Jiang Mingyu asked, voice low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier immediately straightened his chest: “I swear on my life—I’m not lying! If I deceive my lord, do with me whatever you please!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu studied his resolute gaze and felt slightly reassured. He considered: this opportunity must not be missed. If they reached Yingchang half a day early, they could launch a surprise attack before the enemy was ready—greatly increasing their chances of taking the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. Do as you say,” Jiang Mingyu nodded. “Lead the way. If we take Yingchang, I’ll reward you handsomely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier nearly leapt with joy. “Thank you, my lord! Thank you, my lord!” he exclaimed. “My lord, please follow me! All soldiers, follow me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he remounted and charged into the trail. Jiang Mingyu followed, leading his army into the unknown path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They marched for two days and two nights without obstruction. At dawn on the third day, the soldier whispered to Jiang Mingyu: “My lord, ahead lies Yingchang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked up. In the distance, a faint glow shimmered on the horizon—the lanterns atop Yingchang’s walls. They were nearly there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s heart lifted. “You’ve done well. Go to the rear and collect your reward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier bowed gratefully and retreated to the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night was ink-black, wind like knives. Zhang Jiaqi gripped her longsword tightly, her eyes cold as she stared at Yingchang. This city was a vital Xixia stronghold in Guanzhong—and a site of massacre against Han people. Tonight, she would wash its shame in blood, avenging her kin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced back at Jiang Mingyu, who smiled and gave her a nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiaqi sighed softly, setting aside her inner turmoil. This was no time for doubt—this was the time to kill. “Brother Jiang,” she said, “how do we strike?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu studied the sky, a sly smile curling his lips. “Perfect. It’s the fourth watch—when the Xixia dogs sleep deepest.” He whispered, “Jiaqi, lead your elite troops in first. Sneak inside, open the gates. I’ll follow with the main force and crush Yingchang in one blow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiaqi nodded without hesitation. She knew Jiang Mingyu was giving her a chance to earn respect and authority in the army. Since Zhang Jiani was wounded, Jiang Mingyu had been the subject of gossip—some said he’d lost his right arm, others claimed he’d lost his will. Though Zhang Jiaqi had taken Zhang Jiani’s position, she had earned neither her trust nor her respect. She would prove, with her strength and wit, that she was no less than Zhang Jiani.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry, Brother Jiang,” Zhang Jiaqi said firmly. “I’ll give you a surprise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she led five hundred elite soldiers toward Yingchang. By the time Jiang Mingyu arrived with fifteen thousand troops, the city guards were still sound asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Follow me!” Zhang Jiaqi scaled the wall first. Agile and skilled, she climbed swiftly with the aid of ropes. She spotted the Xixia soldiers—each snoring like dead pigs, utterly unaware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry, climb up,” she whispered to the soldiers behind her. Time was short—she couldn’t let them be discovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As twenty-odd men reached the ramparts, one soldier accidentally let out a loud fart. In the silent night, it rang like thunder—audible to all on the walls and below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, who farted?” Zhang Jiaqi cursed inwardly, heart sinking. She knew they were exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, a sleeping Xixia soldier jolted awake. He blinked sleepily, saw Zhang Jiaqi and her men, and screamed: “Enemies! Enemies!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, Zhang Jiaqi pierced his throat with her sword. But the others were roused—grabbing weapons, they surged toward her and her troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill!” Zhang Jiaqi snarled, swinging her sword to meet them. Her soldiers followed, fighting fiercely against the Xixia troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Zhang Jiaqi holding the front and Jiang Mingyu’s troops scaling the walls behind, the defenders were wiped out within half an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Open the gates!” Zhang Jiaqi ordered. Several soldiers rushed to heave open the heavy gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a thunderous crash, the gates swung wide. Jiang Mingyu’s army surged in like wolves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hear my command! Divide into four columns—storm the Yingchang camp! Leave no survivors tonight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After joining Jiang Mingyu, Zhang Jiaqi led two thousand troops straight toward the Yingchang camp. This was the Xixia command center in Guanzhong, garrisoned by ten thousand elite soldiers. But because Hamasturen had attacked Zhangwu County, the Xixia assumed Jiang Mingyu would rush back to defend it—so they lowered their guard. They never imagined he’d strike Yingchang instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, before dawn, Jiang Mingyu’s army reached the camp. They first shot down a few dozing sentries, then slipped silently inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That tent!” Zhang Jiaqi pointed to the central command tent. “That’s where the Xixia deputy commander, He Tianhong, is. Kill him—and the battle ends.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go!” Jiang Mingyu said, leading Zhang Jiaqi and two thousand elite troops toward the command tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as they neared their target, sudden footsteps and low voices erupted from the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and movement—several Xixia soldiers burst out, swords and spears in hand, charging toward Jiang Mingyu’s group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn! We’re discovered!” Jiang Mingyu’s heart lurched. He drew his sword and met the attackers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiaqi, follow me—kill He Tianhong!” he shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” Zhang Jiaqi answered, charging into the enemy ranks with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were battle-hardened, fearless. They carved a bloody path straight toward the command tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Tianhong, the Xixia deputy commander, had heard the commotion. He burst from his tent, wielding a gleaming silver longblade, imposing and fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who dares invade my camp?!” he roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Jiang Mingyu—the one your Xixia fear most!” Jiang Mingyu lunged forward, thrusting his sword at He Tianhong’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Tianhong barely raised his blade in time. Steel clashed with a sharp ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it’s you, little thief! Weren’t you guarding Zhangwu County? How did you get here?!” He Tianhong exclaimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! Your Xixia are fools! Did you think I’d pass up such an opportunity? I knew your deployment in Yingchang. So I sent Hamasturen to attack Zhangwu—distracting you. Then, under cover of night, I led my elite to strike your stronghold. Your city is already taken. Your army is surrounded. You have no hope left. Your only choice—surrender or die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surrender? We Xixia never bow to your Da Feng. We die standing—never kneeling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill him!” Jiang Mingyu ordered. He knew He Tianhong was the Xixia’s elite commander—his death would shatter their morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiaqi moved instantly, charging at He Tianhong, sword raised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment, several more Xixia soldiers burst from the tent—He Tianhong’s personal guards. Seeing their commander under attack, they drew blades and rushed to aid him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch out!” Jiang Mingyu warned Zhang Jiaqi. He and his men rushed to support her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the command tent erupted in flashing blades and deafening shouts. Zhang Jiaqi and He Tianhong clashed fiercely, both masters of combat, neither gaining ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though young, Zhang Jiaqi had trained since childhood under her sister Zhang Jiani, then refined her skills under Jiang Mingyu’s guidance. Her swordplay was swift, vicious, and matched He Tianhong’s strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Tianhong, however, was a seasoned general. His blade was heavy, steady, each strike bearing the force of a thousand catties—pressing Zhang Jiaqi hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dozens of exchanges, Zhang Jiaqi began to tire. Panic rose—she devised a dangerous plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She feigned an opening, letting He Tianhong see his chance. He grinned triumphantly, swinging his blade toward her neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the last instant, Zhang Jiaqi shifted slightly—the blade grazed her shoulder. As He Tianhong lost balance, she spun and drove her sword into his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh!” He Tianhong screamed. His head was severed, flying ten zhang away like a broken kite. Blood gushed from the stump, staining the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched, smiling faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to his soldiers. “Enough. This is done. Now, let’s visit the Xixia dogs still asleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiaqi beamed. “Brother Jiang, congratulations on taking Yingchang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled, stepped forward, and took her hand. “Jiaqi, I owe this to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiaqi blushed and nodded. “It’s what I should do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” Jiang Mingyu praised. “You’re truly my capable aide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Jiaqi’s heart warmed. She stole a glance at Jiang Mingyu—he was gazing at her kindly. Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu didn’t notice her expression. He continued: “Now that we control Yingchang and the camp, once we receive word from Tukesiluo, we can reclaim all of Lanzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s Tukesiluo doing?” Zhang Jiaqi asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry,” Jiang Mingyu said. “They’ll succeed. Hamasturen has fallen for our trap—he won’t escape our pursuit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do we do now?” Zhang Jiaqi asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We wait here,” Jiang Mingyu said. “When Hamasturen’s fleeing troops return, we’ll give him another surprise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What surprise?” Zhang Jiaqi asked, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just wait and see,” Jiang Mingyu said with a mysterious smile. “He’ll love it.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1624,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7e34d5ae662ce08ad93c5d576e63b6e41dff22c8cb552d22b67fba9455f4452e","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-228","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-226",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]