[{"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-278":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},2289113,4475,"Chapter 278","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-278",278,"\u003Cp>In the eastern part of the city, hidden deep within a shadowed alley, lay a dilapidated thatched hut. Inside, the air reeked of damp rot; the light was dim, with only a few strands of sunlight seeping through cracks in the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before a low wooden table sat a woman clad in black, her face concealed behind a thin black veil, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. Opposite her stood a short, frail youth, his head bowed in respectful deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you ready?” the woman asked, her voice cold and still, like stagnant water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth lifted his head slightly and answered cautiously: “All preparations are complete. We can strike at any moment—waiting only for your final blow, Sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since learning that Jiang Mingyu had defeated Fei Hou and seized the capital, the veiled woman had fallen silent for nearly a month. Her meticulously planned scheme had been shattered; she had to reorganize and choose the optimal moment to eliminate Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A month ago, the youth known as Xiao San brought word that Jiang Mingyu would ascend the throne in half a month. The veiled woman immediately resolved to strike on that very day. Xiao San initially thought her mad—on the day of the coronation, guards would be everywhere; approaching Jiang Mingyu under such heavy surveillance seemed impossible. But the veiled woman said precisely because everyone would be lost in joy that day, an opportunity would arise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for how to escape afterward, the veiled woman had never considered it. She only sought to fulfill her wish, to avenge herself, and let fate decide the rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veiled woman’s heart brimmed with hatred—two debts to settle. One was against Jiang Mingyu, who had slaughtered her entire family; the other was against Fei Hou, who had stolen her lover. Fei Hou now lived a despised, wretched existence—half her vengeance was already paid. Now, Jiang Mingyu had helped her eliminate Fei Hou—a bitter irony. Once Jiang Mingyu was dead, she could cast off this filthy life and depart the world with peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This plan had been her final destination since the first day she became a killer. Once her wish was fulfilled, she could depart without regret, walking straight into death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the cold resolve in the veiled woman’s eyes, Xiao San involuntarily shivered and quickly lowered his head again, daring not to meet her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cold, unwavering tone filled him with fear—a fear born of his inability to understand this sister of his. He could not fathom why she clung so fiercely to a revenge that seemed meaningless, even at the cost of her own life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his heart, he quietly asked himself: If one day he too suffered such brutal torment, would he, like this sister, carry such a heavy fire of hatred and live? And if that day came, what path would he choose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Questions flooded Xiao San’s mind, and he felt a pang of sorrow for the veiled woman. In his view, life was fragile and fleeting—why waste it hating someone already fallen into dust? Sister, you still have a better life to live...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao San sighed silently in his heart but dared not speak out; he knew her resolve was firm, and any attempt to dissuade her would be futile—he could only walk with her to the very end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tonight, follow the original plan and take your post at the ceremony site. I will slip into the crowd and approach the target. Not a single mistake is allowed. Remember—this is our only chance,” the veiled woman’s voice cut through Xiao San’s thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Sister,” Xiao San replied. He knew the long-awaited revenge battle the veiled woman had dreamed of was about to begin tonight. Though he could not understand her obsession, having pledged to aid her, he would give his all to fulfill her command, not betray her trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao San watched as the veiled woman’s hand, hanging at her side, clenched tightly, then relaxed. Her heart, like those hands, clutched tightly to someone long gone, never letting go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she turned to leave, he gazed at her solitary, proud back and prayed she would fulfill her wish and rest in peace. The boat had set sail—there was only forward, no turning back until the final moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the golden hall, Jiang Mingyu sat solemnly upon the dragon throne, clad in a yellow dragon robe embroidered with ninety-five dragon patterns, wearing a kuifeng imperial crown. Below, over a dozen high ministers knelt prostrate, having completed their three kneelings and nine bows, now gazing up at Jiang Mingyu, who looked down upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat and spoke in a loud, resonant voice: “Today, I establish the state as Da Jiang, rename the capital as Jincheng, and make it my imperial seat.” His voice rang strong and commanding, brimming with the authority of a sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the ministers bowed again in utmost reverence, shouting “Your Majesty!” in unison, their voices echoing through the golden hall, pledging loyalty to their new ruler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu waited until the ministers’ cheers subsided, then continued: “Zhuge Yu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu, hearing his name called, quickly rose from the kneeling ranks, stepped forward two paces, and knelt again before the dragon throne, respectfully replying: “Your servant is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled warmly at Zhuge Yu and said: “You played an indispensable role in founding this new dynasty. Today, I appoint you Chancellor, grant you the title of Shu Chancellor, and entrust you with oversight of state affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu was momentarily stunned, then bowed deeply to Jiang Mingyu: “Thank Your Majesty for your great favor. I shall serve the state with all my heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, had Zhuge Yu not devised strategies during the Xixia army’s assault on Shangmu, helping Jiang Mingyu defend the city and repel the enemy, Jiang Mingyu would likely have perished. Yet in mere months, Jiang Mingyu had elevated him to the highest office among ministers, granting him noble rank—Zhuge Yu felt both terrified and honored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s voice rang out again in the golden hall: “Tukesiluo.” Hearing his name, Tukesiluo rose from among the ministers in the same manner, kneeling half-bowed and respectfully replying: “Your servant is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at Tukesiluo kneeling before him, his tone growing even more solemn: “Tukesiluo and I are brothers. Since our days together in the small county of Shangmu, my army has never known defeat—your contributions have been paramount. Today, I appoint you Grand Commander, grant you the title of Marquis Who Stabilizes the Nation, and entrust you with command of all troops. Wherever you go, it is as if I am there in person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo was also stunned, then bowed deeply to Jiang Mingyu: “Thank Your Majesty for your great favor. I shall lead the three armies and expand Your Majesty’s territory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo had once been merely a lowly soldier; now he was made Marquis Who Stabilizes the Nation, the pinnacle of rank and honor—truly astonishing. Gazing into Jiang Mingyu’s eyes, filled with pride and affection, Tukesiluo clenched his fists inwardly, vowing to give his all for this brother who had raised him so high, to serve him faithfully unto death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the gilded hall, Jiang Mingyu held the jade scroll and proclaimed the appointments of each newly promoted general: “Li Goudan appointed Commander of Zangzhou, Fang Hang as Commander of Lanzhou, Feng Xi as Commander of Guizhou. Zhang Jiani appointed Commander of Yizhou. All others shall receive appropriate rewards. May you all unite in loyalty and assist this new dynasty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhang Jiani received the post of Commander of Yizhou, her heart leapt. She had always been bold and spirited since childhood, fond of martial arts, more courageous than many men. To be granted such a vital military post was rare indeed—proof of Jiang Mingyu’s enlightened approach to appointment, unswayed by gender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jiani quickly thanked him for the favor and hurriedly withdrew from the hall to prepare for the upcoming wedding ceremony. Today was the day she had long dreamed of—she would dress beautifully and marry the man she loved. Thinking of the intimate wedding to come, her cheeks flushed crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other generals also joyfully thanked Jiang Mingyu for his grace, their faces beaming with delight. To have a role in this new dynasty filled them all with pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the lengthy ceremony of rewards, Jiang Mingyu broke into a light sweat—being emperor was truly exhausting. He smiled inwardly; finally, the ceremony was over, and he could sit back on the dragon throne and rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the eunuch announced loudly: “The Emperor’s wedding ceremony begins. Please welcome Her Majesty the Empress—” No sooner had the words spoken than Liu Yifei entered the hall, wearing an exquisite phoenix crown and a radiant brocade robe, walking slowly to stand before Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his beloved wife, who had shared life and death with him, appear at their wedding, Jiang Mingyu’s emotions overflowed. Though they had spent little time together, they had finally overcome countless obstacles and now stood together in the hall. At this moment, Jiang Mingyu’s joy surpassed even his coronation a hundredfold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the eunuch announced again: “Please welcome the Marquis Who Stabilizes the Nation’s Consort—” Zhang Jiani, freshly groomed, stepped shyly before Tukesiluo. Jiang Mingyu had insisted Tukesiluo marry on the same day as himself—the reason simple: those who shared hardship must share prosperity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the two radiant couples on the dais, the ministers below offered praise: “Your Majesty is mighty, Your Majesty is fair as a celestial fairy—truly a perfect match!” “Marquis Tukesiluo’s ambition reaches the clouds, Commander Zhang’s beauty blooms like a flower—truly a match of talent and grace!” “Today, Da Jiang celebrates three joys—what an auspicious omen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu prepared to recite the wedding vows, his hand trembled slightly. To be with the one he loved, to build his own nation—how wondrous it felt. The scene, like a painted scroll, was deeply etched in his mind: the gilded hall, the solemn procession, the ministers kneeling on either side in tribute, and above all, his beloved wife beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this moment, an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and joy rose within him, and his heart opened wide.\u003C\u002Fp>",1709,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ad223fc2cb0e1998b104f6b701cd4b7a96c912958a207ec70d4456fcef36feac","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-279","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-277",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]