[{"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-276":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},2289111,4475,"Chapter 276: Double Joy Arrives","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-276",276,"\u003Cp>The two paced through the empty palace, and Zhuge Yu asked, “The Da Feng has fallen—will we now launch a southern campaign?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head. “Postpone the southern campaign. First, draft a few proclamations for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu frowned. “What proclamations?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu explained, “First, announce to the realm that Da Feng is dead. Second, declare that the people of the capital may return home, exempted from taxes for three years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu nodded in understanding. Jiang Mingyu continued, “Third, order all rebel armies to surrender immediately—or when we march south, we will annihilate them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu understood his intent and swiftly recorded it. Then he reminded him, “The proclamations are good, but we cannot wait passively—we must march south without delay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu agreed. “Exactly. Quickly tally our current forces—see how many more we can mobilize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu calculated briefly and replied, “Excluding garrison troops stationed across the regions, we can deploy about two hundred thousand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? So few?” Jiang Mingyu exclaimed in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu sighed helplessly. “Four fronts have drained our strength. With Western Xia watching us like a tiger, our defenses further limit available troops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu paused, then spoke with solemn gravity: “I understand. This is a time of treacherous hearts and unbearable suffering. We rose in rebellion precisely to give them a better life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though our forces are few, we must spare no effort to rescue the people from fire and water; we must ensure they live without want of food or clothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is my duty. This is Jiang Mingyu’s life mission.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu, deeply moved, bowed low before Jiang Mingyu. “Master speaks truly—we will fulfill this mission and bring happiness to the people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two continued walking through the palace, and Jiang Mingyu ordered, “Immediately summon troops from all regions to converge on the capital and prepare for the southern campaign.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu bowed in acceptance. Then he suggested, “Da Feng is gone—shouldn’t the capital’s name be changed too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu drew a sharp breath—he had never considered this. “What do you propose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu smiled. “If Master intends to become emperor, why not name it Da Jiang? Grand and majestic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly, hesitating. “The timing is premature. Such a move might seem overreaching.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Zhuge Yu had already learned that Tukesiluo and others were urging Jiang Mingyu to ascend the throne. All generals longed for his coronation, so they might be rewarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu pressed gently: “Master, becoming emperor brings many advantages. First, you can bestow titles and lands on loyal officers, boosting morale. Second, it unifies all rebel factions under one banner. Third, it wins the people’s hearts and ensures their peace. Master, please consider it carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. “Your words hold merit. I understand the soldiers’ wishes—and the necessity of coronation. But we must proceed with caution, and reflect further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely! Master is truly wise! This cannot be rushed—but your grasp of its gains and risks reveals true noble character,” Zhuge Yu praised warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu knew Zhuge Yu’s counsel came from goodwill. He must earn the people’s trust to deserve the dragon throne. To grow too powerful now would invite disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu hesitate, Zhuge Yu pressed on: “Tukesiluo and the others are your closest confidants. If you delay rewarding them, morale may falter. Your power already exceeds half the realm—it is time to be crowned. Your authority will soar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu understood. “Is there more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu smiled. “Second, if Master becomes emperor, all other rebel armies become traitors. Our campaign against them becomes righteous, and morale will surge. Third, your benevolent rule wins the people’s hearts, while enemies impose heavy taxes and spark rebellion—creating perfect openings for us to strike.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened long, then finally nodded. “Very well. In fifteen days, I will ascend the throne—and marry Yifei. Prepare everything thoroughly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu beamed. “As you command, Master. I shall act at once. Your brilliance and valor shall revive the realm and restore the empire!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhuge Yu turned to leave, Jiang Mingyu called out: “Wait. On the day of my coronation, I will also wed. Send word to Yifei—ask her father and brother to come quickly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu hurriedly agreed. Jiang Mingyu felt a pang of guilt—his bride was still traveling, yet he was rushing into marriage. It felt unjust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he hesitated, Tukesiluo strode into the hall, grinning. “You two look so cheerful—what are you discussing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu told him of the coronation and wedding. Tukesiluo was overjoyed, praising the plan endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, like Zhuge Yu, he cared nothing for titles or rewards. He simply rejoiced at Jiang Mingyu’s ascension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Tukesiluo’s radiant joy, Jiang Mingyu had an idea. “Since we have two joys at once, why not make it even grander? In fifteen days, you and I will marry on the same day—bring our brides home together!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo burst into exuberant agreement. The three laughed heartily, their joy echoing through the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu felt profound emotion—standing shoulder to shoulder with such heroic brothers, sharing this great cause, was his fortune. Yifei’s beauty, Jiaqi’s sweet innocence—they were the most perfect partners fate could offer him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He imagined their future: a family united in warmth and endless joy. This was his true purpose—and the dream the rebel army had pursued day and night. Describe this scene in detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched Zhuge Yu and Tukesiluo depart, their spirits high, and felt a flicker of unease—to hold the throne long, he must earn the people’s trust through benevolent rule; he must remain vigilant, lest his power provoke disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood: these loyal officers longed for his coronation, so they might be rewarded. And Jiang Mingyu himself must never forget his duty and mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As victory neared, he must stay humble, remembering that the people’s welfare was the foundation. The realm’s suffering masses were his goal—not the throne itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu gazed at the flying dragon motif on the palace ceiling, and clenched his fist firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s proclamations spread swiftly across the land; news of his impending coronation reached the capital. Officials and servants bustled to prepare the grand ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, Liu Yifei hurried back to the capital. She stared at the phoenix crown and red robe prepared for her—and furrowed her brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu asked quickly: “Yifei, is something wrong? I’ll have them remake it at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei shook her head gently. “Everything is fine… but must we marry on the same day as Tukesiluo?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned. “Tukesiluo is my brother, and Jiani is your close friend. Isn’t it more joyful to marry together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei sighed. “But have you considered how Jiaqi will feel? This would be unbearable for her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu froze. He realized his oversight. “I was thoughtless. This is cruel to Jiaqi. We cannot celebrate our joy while ignoring others’ pain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei spoke softly. “I understand your intentions—but Jiaqi’s feelings matter. She is my dearest friend and your confidante. We must handle this wedding with care, or we will break her heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu felt deep relief. He took her hand gently. “Yifei, having a wife who thinks of others is my blessing. Let us revise our plans—make them thoughtful, so everyone can be happy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s eyes shimmered with gratitude. She nodded. “Yes. We will consider every detail, so everyone feels warmth and joy in this celebration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled. “I already have a solution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei tensed. “What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s smile widened. “I will match Jiaqi with Zhuge Yu. They would make a perfect pair. Zhuge Yu is unmarried, and Jiaqi is a virtuous woman—they complement each other perfectly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei frowned slightly. “That seems unwise. Jiaqi already has feelings for someone. Forcing this may backfire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu explained, “Zhuge Yu is a good man, and Jiaqi is a virtuous woman. I will grant her a noble title—it’s a fitting reward for her years of service. She will come to appreciate this arrangement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei still worried. “But Jiaqi’s heart…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu assured her again. “I will let their feelings develop naturally—no pressure. Jiaqi will realize this is the best path. Then we can celebrate our union fully, and everyone will be happy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei, though still uneasy, nodded. “I’ll speak to Jiaqi—but gently, without forcing her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu said firmly, “I won’t pressure Jiaqi. If her heart responds, Zhuge Yu will cherish her deeply. She’s intelligent—she’ll make the right choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei still harbored doubts, but she nodded. She hoped Jiaqi wouldn’t be wounded by this sudden turn—but would accept it quietly, naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu believed his plan flawless. He trusted Jiaqi’s wisdom—she would see this was the right path. Then, they would hold a grand double celebration, and all their friends would be swept up in joy.\u003C\u002Fp>",1474,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","aa13f20843da4fffba73b5857ac088f2e2c596e21c92f19a675d9f3bae5cbfe0","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-277","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-275",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]