[{"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-238":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},2289073,4475,"Chapter 238: The Wager","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-238",238,"\u003Cp>Inside and outside the city, the air reeked of blood, and corpses littered the ground. This was a horrific war, and one that would change the fate of the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu walked slowly into Chen Tang’s palace, carrying Hu Bo’s head. His gaze was cold, his heart still. He felt no pride in this victory, nor guilt over the massacre. He knew only that this was a necessary act—the price paid to realize his ideal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the gilded decorations and found them blinding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sneered, “Chen Tang, Chen Tang—you had so much wealth and luxury, yet why didn’t you use it to recruit soldiers and strengthen yourself? All you knew was chasing women, drinking, and playing with power, ignoring your people and your land. You’re a useless emperor; dying at my hands is justice for the realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo followed behind him, his eyes flickering with envy as he gazed at the dragon throne inlaid with pearls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grinned and said, “Big brother, this chair’s pretty nice. Why don’t you sit on it for a while? Get a taste of being emperor.” Jiang Mingyu shook his head, refusing the suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said, “Tukesuo, I didn’t fight this war to become emperor. I fought to change this dark dynasty, to bring peace to the people. I don’t care for these flashy trinkets—I only need enough pay and grain for my troops. Have someone tear down this palace and sell everything valuable for cash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei was still scrambling to raise military funds—how could Jiang Mingyu be indulging himself here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt it his duty and obligation to share hardship with his soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo knew Jiang Mingyu was a man of integrity and high principle, so he said no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately ordered the demolition to begin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan, bearded and unkempt, stared at the treasures with clear regret in his round eyes. He muttered, “Isn’t this just wasting things? These are masterpieces of art—destroying them like this is such a waste.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo rolled his eyes and ignored him, turning instead to Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother, Yizhou is fallen. What’s next?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled at Tukesuo before asking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think we should do?” Seeing the ball kicked back, Tukesuo fell silent for a long moment before replying,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In my view, there are only two viable plans.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this grim-faced Yama actually thinking, Jiang Mingyu smiled and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo didn’t hesitate—he plopped down on the steps before him and continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honestly, it’s simple: either attack the capital directly and wipe out Fei Hou for revenge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or march south from Yizhou, seize Guizhou first, then turn west to settle accounts with Fei Hou.” Jiang Mingyu smiled and sat beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But have you considered—if we attack the capital, the rebel forces in Jingzhou and Guizhou will seize Lanzhou and Yizhou in the meantime?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we attack Jingzhou, even if Fei Hou is on his last legs, he’ll send troops to strike our base in Cangzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And once Fei Hou ties down a large portion of our forces, the rebels in Guizhou will march north toward Lanzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In short, no matter which side we strike first, the other gains an opening.” Tukesuo knew Jiang Mingyu was right, but frowned and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This hesitation is indeed a problem—but can we just sit here doing nothing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Fei Hou gets the chance to crush the rebellions across the land and catches his breath, it’ll be us who are in danger.” Jiang Mingyu, utterly confident, chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t give him that chance—it’s no different from suicide.” His cryptic tone only deepened Tukesuo’s confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what exactly do you mean?” Jiang Mingyu’s smile grew cold. He spoke slowly, each word deliberate: “I mean we attack all three fronts at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words struck like thunder, shocking both Tukesuo and Li Goudan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew Jiang Mingyu was bold and meticulous—but this plan was far too reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attacking three fronts at once meant splitting their forces and increasing their risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Jingzhou and Guizhou were no easy foes—they each had powerful armies and fortified cities; capturing them would demand heavy casualties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo thought the plan too dangerous. He knew Jiang Mingyu had the support of Cangzhou, Lanzhou, and Yizhou—but even combined, their forces totaled no more than two hundred thousand. Meanwhile, Taizhou, Jingzhou, and Guizhou each had their own allies and substantial armies. Fighting all three at once would likely lead to a grueling war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo opened his mouth to urge Jiang Mingyu to abandon the plan—but Jiang Mingyu suddenly lifted his head, locking eyes with him, and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tukesuo, how long have you been with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother, you’re the person I respect most,” Tukesuo answered quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then do you trust me?” Jiang Mingyu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I trust you,” Tukesuo replied without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then listen to me,” Jiang Mingyu said firmly. “I’m not attacking these three states out of blind impulsiveness—I’ve prepared thoroughly and have full confidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve calculated it: between Cangzhou, Lanzhou, and Yizhou, we can mobilize at least 180,000 troops. After deducting those guarding Xixia, each assault force will have at least 50,000. We have ample grain and supplies—and every territory we capture, we can recruit tens of thousands more. We fight while feeding ourselves—three states? Child’s play.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must understand—Taizhou, Jingzhou, and Guizhou aren’t easy targets,” Tukesuo frowned. “Taizhou has Wang Jian, a cunning fox. Jingzhou has Fei Hou, an old schemer. Guizhou has Li Jing, a famed general. None are fools—how will you handle them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—I’ve already thought of a plan,” Jiang Mingyu smiled. “Wang Jian is treacherous, but greedy. I’ll give him a few sweeteners, make him believe I truly trust him—he’ll let his guard down. Then I’ll strike Taizhou suddenly and take it in one blow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fei Hou is calculating, but stubborn. He’s always looked down on me, seeing me as a mere upstart with no real talent. He’ll underestimate me, ignore me. Then I’ll use Zhuge Yu’s cunning to set a trap—he’ll walk right into it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Jing is formidable, but arrogant. He believes himself the greatest general in the south, unmatched by any. He’ll be overconfident, blind to me. Then I’ll have you lead the charge personally—and fight him to the death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… you want me to lead one of the armies?” Tukesuo stared, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Don’t you want to?” Jiang Mingyu asked, watching Tukesuo’s expression with deliberate teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that I don’t want to…” Tukesuo shook his head quickly. “But… this is too important, Big Brother. Are you sure I can do it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course you can,” Jiang Mingyu slapped his shoulder. “You’re my most trusted brother—I know your abilities best. Remember that day you led the ambush against the Xixia? You alone killed over three hundred elite Xixia troops and beheaded their general. That battle terrified them into silence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was just luck,” Tukesuo demurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop being modest,” Jiang Mingyu laughed. “You’re my top general. If you faced Li Jing, I guarantee you’d win.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Tukesuo’s eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absolutely,” Jiang Mingyu affirmed. “Don’t believe me? Let’s make a bet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of bet?” Tukesuo asked, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I bet you can capture Guizhou within three months.” Jiang Mingyu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three months?” Tukesuo gasped. “That’s… too fast!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why too fast?” Jiang Mingyu countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guizhou is the richest province in the south—dense population, fortified cities, and Li Jing is a brilliant commander. You’re asking me to capture it in three months? That’s like sending me to my death!” Tukesuo complained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Jiang Mingyu encouraged. “You have my elite troops, my strategist, my plans, and my confidence. Follow my orders exactly—and Guizhou is yours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… what’s the stake?” Tukesuo asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I stake my life,” Jiang Mingyu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Tukesuo exclaimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes—my life,” Jiang Mingyu repeated. “If you capture Guizhou within three months, I give you my life. From now on, you’re my master, I’m your slave. Whatever you command, I obey. If you order me to die, I die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother, you… you’re joking, right?” Tukesuo said, disbelieving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not joking,” Jiang Mingyu said solemnly. “This is my vow—if I break it, may thunder strike me down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother, this is too extreme,” Tukesuo said, moved. “You’re the most promising man in Dafeng—why risk your life over this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because I trust you,” Jiang Mingyu said. “And I trust myself. I know this plan will succeed—if we stand united, nothing can stop us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… what if I fail to capture Guizhou within three months?” Tukesuo asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it means you didn’t try hard enough,” Jiang Mingyu said. “You’ll give me your life. From now on, you’re my slave, I’m your master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother…” Tukesuo was speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well? Dare you bet with me?” Jiang Mingyu challenged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I dare!” Tukesuo gritted his teeth. “If you trust me enough to let me lead an army against Guizhou, I won’t let you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!” Jiang Mingyu clapped his hands. “Then it’s settled. Bring ink and brush!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a servant entered with inkstone, brush, and paper. Jiang Mingyu picked up the brush and wrote their wager on a blank sheet, then pressed his bloody thumbprint atop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, Tukesuo,” Jiang Mingyu handed him the paper. “Put your thumbprint on it too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesuo took the paper, his heart racing. He felt this wasn’t just a wager—it was an opportunity. A chance to prove himself, to change his fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he bit his finger and pressed his bloody print beside Jiang Mingyu’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There. It’s settled,” Jiang Mingyu said, rolling up the paper. “Tukesuo, take charge of the city defenses. Send messengers to Zhuge Yu and the inspectors of Lanzhou—get the troops ready. In three days, we return to Cangzhou. Time is short. Once we finalize our strategy, we march south immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” Tukesuo replied. “Big brother, rest assured—I’ll earn you great glory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I believe you,” Jiang Mingyu smiled. “Let’s go write history together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose, met Tukesuo’s gaze, and they shared a smile before walking out together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They did not know how this wager would shake Dafeng to its core—or how their fates would be irrevocably altered by it.\u003C\u002Fp>",1681,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","bd145abdf96f649367ee03c133f262c4f18879e7404ca7f619373ec44b3c9a10","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-239","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-237",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]