[{"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-32":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},2288867,4475,"Chapter 32: A Strong Dragon Cannot Suppress the Local Snake","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-32",32,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu had assumed the county magistrate would, like other officials, kneel automatically upon seeing the golden token; but not only did the situation defy his expectations, it grew increasingly incomprehensible!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden token was granted by the imperial court—how could anyone dare ignore an imperial order?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu clenched his fists, his heart churning with conflicting emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this county magistrate have some powerful backing, daring to show such contempt for the court?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned to the two men, his expression darkening further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The county magistrate and the bandit chief were huddled together, whispering over the official document—but they had no intention of interrogating anyone. What trick were they playing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu rose to demand answers, but the moment he lifted his head, the militia guards beside him shoved him back down!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hold imperial scholarly status—I am exempt from kneeling!” Jiang Mingyu roared, gripping the ground with both hands, struggling to break free from the guards’ pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the two militia guards acted as if they heard nothing, pressing down relentlessly on his shoulders and back, pinning him firmly against the cold blue stone floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands stiffened, veins bulging as if he could crush the stone slab into fragments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fury burned fiercely, yet his body remained utterly powerless, at their mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The militia guards’ strength was monstrously beyond human limits—he was completely subdued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu was nearly exploding with rage. These beasts dared defy the court, and now they laid hands on him? Absurd beyond belief! He shouted furiously: “You dare do this? The court will punish you severely!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While halfway through discussing with Xia Duo, Liu Ershou glanced at the three kneeling men and realized this was untenable. He ordered: “Bring them away! We’ll resume interrogation tomorrow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing “bring them away,” Tukesiluo immediately protested! He shoved aside the militia guards restraining him and shouted: “You dare detain us? Your rank may not even surpass mine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou’s face flushed crimson and then pale at these words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This brat truly thinks himself important! Liu Ershou trembled with rage—he would make this insolent boy understand his place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou’s face hardened as he barked: “Bring someone to slap him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A yamen runner stepped forward and delivered two sharp, thunderous slaps across Tukesiluo’s face!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Crack! Crack!* The blows landed with full force, echoing loudly against Tukesiluo’s cheeks!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runner’s own hand trembled from the impact, as if the palm itself were burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Tukesiluo showed no change in expression—not the slightest flicker of pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued staring straight ahead, utterly indifferent, as if those two resounding slaps had never happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou was beside himself with fury—this brute was stubborn to the point of delighting in punishment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rage filled his chest; he wanted to tear Tukesiluo apart alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately ordered again: “Again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Crack! Crack!* The runner struck again with all his might, as if trying to knock Tukesiluo’s head clean off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Tukesiluo remained expressionless, unmoved, as if he felt no pain whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou’s head felt ready to burst—this man was utterly impervious to reason or force! Those slaps had been delivered with full strength—any ordinary man would have been half-dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Tukesiluo showed no reaction, standing firm with unyielding defiance—how infuriating!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough, enough—take them away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they were here, there had to be an end. Though the slaps hadn’t broken Tukesiluo, they had at least released some of his rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou waved wearily, ordering the runners to drag the three away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runners, having witnessed the scene, were stunned beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had never seen anyone endure such brutal blows without flinching—who was this Tukesiluo, to be so inhuman?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The runners exchanged uneasy glances, trembling inwardly, then hurried forward to drag the three away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou watched them being led off, his heart filled with both fury and helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the three were taken away, Liu Ershou resumed discussing with Xia Duo how to verify their true identities; the urgent task remained: they needed someone to decipher the golden token and the official document.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We could ask Wu Mr.’s student to read the letter for us!” General Xia Duo suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense!” Liu Ershou snapped, face reddening. “To have a child read for me? That would make everyone know… I can’t even read!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he said it, his face burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To let outsiders know he was illiterate—how unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he couldn’t read, as an assistant magistrate, he must retain some dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even reading a letter required someone else’s help, wouldn’t that be utterly humiliating?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ohhh… Second Uncle…” Xia Duo sighed helplessly. “Your illiteracy isn’t some great secret—everyone in the county knows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop, stop, stop!” Liu Ershou cut him off urgently. “Fine if the locals know—I just don’t want outsiders to laugh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou’s face flushed and paled in turns, his mind seething.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew his weakness—and understood how disgraceful it was for an official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But asking someone to read for him? That would be publicly displaying his ignorance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he endure it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou scratched his head in frustration, sighing deeply. He had no better idea—the memorial and golden token had to be examined, yet he was utterly powerless, and it pained him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>General Xia Duo watched Liu Ershou’s troubled face and understood his plight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He comforted: “Second Uncle, don’t panic—nothing is unsolvable. Let’s think slowly. It’s better than letting outsiders find out. You’ve served as an official for so many years—if you can’t handle this small matter, that’s what would truly be laughed at!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the two were at a loss, Liu Ershou noticed the braid tied at the back of Xia Duo’s head—and suddenly remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou: “I heard… there’s a zhuangyuan returning home to mourn his parents, near the western foot of Xueqiu Mountain. Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Duo: “Ah… I remember now. There is such a man—his name is ‘Murong Yunhai’—he was the zhuangyuan four years ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Liu Ershou’s furrowed brow relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they could find the former zhuangyuan, deciphering the document and golden token would be perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A zhuangyuan must possess extraordinary scholarship—he would surely handle this difficult matter with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This idea was brilliant—truly heaven-sent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou: “Do you know him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Duo shook his head. “No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Xia Duo didn’t know the zhuangyuan, Liu Ershou’s relaxed brow tightened again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Duo usually meddled in everything, always asking questions—how could he not know the zhuangyuan of Yinsi Tribe? This was too strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou: “Then how do you know he exists? Even his name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Duo: “There are people from Yinsi Tribe in our militia. I heard about him from them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou’s eyes lit up—he was ecstatic! So the zhuangyuan had been mentioned by others. Thank goodness Xia Duo was always listening and asking—otherwise, he’d never have thought of this. If they could find the zhuangyuan, this urgent problem would be solved!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou exclaimed excitedly: “Perfect! Heaven truly aids me! Tomorrow morning, you’ll accompany me to Yinsi Tribe to invite the zhuangyuan—he’ll surely resolve our dilemma!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, as dawn broke, Liu Ershou packed several chests of gifts—silver, silk, medicinal herbs—and set out with Xia Duo and a squad of militia, heading grandly toward Yinsi Tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the gift chests came exquisite pouches filled with gleaming silver; several bolts of fine Jingtailan silk, vividly colored and smooth to the touch; and precious medicinal herbs from the Western Regions—unguessed angelica, ginseng, white-mao ointment—each exuding rich fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also included were new teas from the south—said to be the finest Biluochun, the leaves emerald-green and fragrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou gazed at the gifts, feeling a quiet sense of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were carefully gathered treasures from all over—though not grand treasures, they were sufficient to show his sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed the zhuangyuan would surely appreciate them; even a discerning scholar like him could find no fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou stared at the gifts on the cart, imagining the zhuangyuan’s delighted expression upon seeing them—surely he would eagerly agree to help resolve their urgent problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the assistance of “Niulu Ezhen—Yasheng Ling,” Liu Ershou’s party quickly found Murong Yunhai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the zhuangyuan’s refined, scholarly demeanor, Liu Ershou was overjoyed. This man clearly possessed noble bearing—he would surely handle the document and golden token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou immediately dismounted and bowed deeply, pleading earnestly for the zhuangyuan to accept his gifts as a token of sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could hardly wait: “I have a critical matter to request—please, Master Zhuangyuan, lend your aid. Without you, I am utterly helpless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Liu Ershou’s earnestness, Murong Yunhai could not refuse and accepted the gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou, elated that the zhuangyuan agreed to help, immediately explained the matter of the golden token and document, begging for his assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai followed Liu Ershou’s party to the Shangmu County yamen, where Liu Ershou immediately presented the evidence for inspection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Murong Yunhai saw the golden token, his heart tightened!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was unmistakably the imperial token issued exclusively to imperial envoys—how could it appear here? Murong Yunhai’s hand trembled as he held it, his face paling—he knew if an imperial envoy had truly arrived, this was a dire crisis!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm and examine the token carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pure gold surface gleamed coldly; on the reverse side were engraved the four characters: “Silver Workshop Cast”—proving this was no ordinary object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai’s heart sank. He feared the consequences if he offended an imperial envoy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he took the document—and immediately his eyes locked onto the bold characters: “Jiang Mingyu.” Seeing those two familiar names, he nearly collapsed, shouting urgently: “Quick… bring him here at once!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Jiang my lord—if he had truly offended Jiang my lord, this was a catastrophe!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confused, Liu Ershou asked anxiously: “What? Is he truly an imperial envoy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know this Jiang my lord…” Murong Yunhai stammered, frantic. “Bring him here immediately—I’ll know whether he’s an envoy the moment I see him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, the runners brought Jiang Mingyu and the other two from the jail to the courtroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai instantly recognized Jiang Mingyu and urgently urged Liu Ershou to release him. He rushed forward, supporting Jiang Mingyu’s arm, his face filled with apology and concern: “Jiang Mingyu my lord, you’ve suffered! Come… come sit over here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai guided Jiang Mingyu toward the side chair reserved for observers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after only two steps, Jiang Mingyu turned, walked straight to the magistrate’s desk, seized the gavel, and slammed it down hard—*CRACK!* He pointed at Liu Ershou and Xia Duo and shouted: “Bring them to me—arrest them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai froze in place, stunned. What was Jiang my lord doing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding runners were bewildered, glancing left and right—no one dared move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They still didn’t understand why the assistant magistrate and General Xia Duo were trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the prisoner just dragged from jail had taken the magistrate’s desk and was issuing orders with arrogant authority!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched the runners exchange uncertain glances, their inaction filling him with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are these government-paid yamen runners blind to imperial orders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu lightly swept his sleeve, then picked up the golden token on the desk himself and declared sternly: “I am a Fifth-Rank Imperial Envoy, commissioned to investigate this case. Will you not obey? Arrest the corrupt official and the ringleader!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression was grim, his tone carrying an authority that could not be refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong looked at him, his heart filled with mixed emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, I discovered it in time—otherwise the consequences would have been unthinkable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Jiang Mingyu finished speaking, a long silence passed before the stunned yamen runners on either side slowly began to move; they gently but firmly pressed Liu Ershou and Xia Duo to their knees on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, having held back his fury all night, now unleashed it as official authority: “Who stands before me? State your name!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I—I—I am… the Assistant County Magistrate of Shangmu… Liu, Liu, Liu Ershou!” stammered Liu Ershou, terrified into a stutter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am the Commander of the Shangmu County Militia, Xia Duo of the Buli clan, single name: Ang,” said General Xia Duo, resentful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu leaned both hands on the magistrate’s desk, looking down at the two men kneeling before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He trembled with rage, wanting nothing more than to tear these two beasts apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Ershou, you are illiterate—how dare you wear a magistrate’s robe and mock the court?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes blazed with fury as he pointed at Liu Ershou and ordered sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring me someone! Strip him of his official robes and administer twenty strokes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the yamen runners on both sides froze in shock, none daring to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no idea what this official intended—how could he dare to rebuke the senior officials of Shangmu so harshly? Seeing Liu Ershou and Xia Duo restrained on the ground, they still could not decide whether to intervene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the magistrate’s desk, to the right, stood a bamboo tally cylinder containing four wooden tally sticks marked Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding. Jiang Mingyu, enraged, snatched all four and hurled them onto the floor before the desk. He shouted: “Tuke, administer punishment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By your command!” Tuke Sulu raised his Vajra Club and stepped behind Liu Ershou, raising the weapon to strike—when Cloud of the Murong cried out: “Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong watched Tuke Sulu raise the Vajra Club, his heart tightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power of the Vajra Club was plain to see—he knew one blow would kill Liu Ershou, maybe even two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong saw Liu Ershou’s terrified face, and remembered he had accepted Liu’s bribe—he could not bear to let him die on the court floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly pleaded: “Your Excellency’s order was twenty strokes—use the intimidation rod, not a weapon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuke Sulu glanced sideways at Cloud of the Murong, his tone hostile: “What’s the difference?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no interest in these tedious legal formalities; as long as the lesson was delivered, the tool didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong signaled Tuke Sulu to hold off, then hurried back to the magistrate’s desk to confer with Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong: “A strong dragon cannot suppress the earth snake, Lord Jiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu: “I am here to rid the people of this scourge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are new here, unfamiliar with the land and its people—do not offend local figures!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong pointed at the two men kneeling below, speaking earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A few strokes with the rod, just enough to assert authority—that will suffice. Spare them this time. Who knows? When you move about the region, you may yet need their help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression softened slightly after hearing Cloud of the Murong’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Cloud of the Murong’s reminder, Jiang Mingyu quickly realized: as a newcomer, he must not act rashly or offend locals lightly—he found the advice sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, these two “corrupt officials and ringleaders,” though they had offended him, would likely be necessary to govern this place effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu let out a cold snort, suppressed his anger, and his demeanor grew less rigid—he would treat today as an act of mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Cloud of the Murong stepped to Liu Ershou’s side and whispered: “Assistant Magistrate Gu, the Imperial Envoy’s twenty strokes are already leniency! Under Da Feng law, you wearing official robes while illiterate and presiding over cases—your head still on your neck is already due to ancestral virtue!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou broke into a cold sweat, realizing he had barely escaped death—solely thanks to Cloud of the Murong’s intervention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately kowtowed to Jiang Mingyu, bowing deeply and speaking respectfully: “Your Excellency sees through all things—I truly deserve punishment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu cast a cold glance at Liu Ershou and snapped: “I spare your life today only because I just arrived and cannot act rashly—I must accommodate local customs, and only because of Cloud Hai’s face. Had it been anyone else, you’d already be a ghost!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Jiang Mingyu’s tone carried a hint of resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Ershou nodded frantically, knowing he had narrowly escaped death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled how he had just befriended Cloud of the Murong this morning—and now, with the situation turning, his life was saved. Even heaven was helping him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, seeing Liu Ershou’s obedient demeanor, no longer pressed further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though new to the region, he was no fool—he must accommodate local customs to win hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s harsh treatment of Liu Ershou had delivered a warning to the locals—letting them know he was not to be trifled with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu snorted coldly: “Death is spared, but suffering remains. Spare your life—bring me the rod! Twenty strokes!”\u003C\u002Fp>",2769,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","aa28782fc3be84b103587b182e4fec1f73763ccc101d076244b0905d9bed18cb","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-33","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-31",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]