[{"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-347":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},2289182,4475,"Chapter 347: The War Reignites","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-347",347,"\u003Cp>Inside the military tent...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu slammed his fist on the table, face dark with rage: “Wei Yangyao’s entire life is nothing but tofu residue! Can this tiny southern state of his even dream of coveting our Great Jiang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan sneered: “These barbarian lands dare to infringe upon our territory! This Cao Cao is truly cowardly and fated to repeat the tragedy of Bei Yue!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu asked the messenger in a low voice: “How is the Empress? Is she safe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger hurriedly replied: “Your Majesty, please calm yourself—the Empress has taken full precautions; the southerners will never discover her identity. She is perfectly secure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu relaxed slightly and ordered: “Return to the southern frontier at once. Tell the Empress to be extremely cautious—even if it means abandoning all business opportunities, she must withdraw safely, do you understand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger bowed repeatedly and departed. Jiang Mingyu fell into thought for a moment, then turned to the generals and announced: “I have decided to return home swiftly to rescue the three provinces!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely! Time waits for no one!” Tukeslu agreed. “Your Majesty need not personally lead the charge—let me take one hundred thousand troops. Within half a year, I will pacify the southern frontier!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These ragtag bandits are ready to be deployed at any moment,” Li Goudan added bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head, brow furrowed: “There is no time to waste. The entire army must return home within half a month. The southern forces are weak and their commanders cowardly, but if they harbor ill intent, the three provinces may not survive a single chance. Also,” he turned to Tukeslu, “order Fuxing Sword to stand ready at once—do not let anything slip!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood!” Tukeslu nodded vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moon hung high; three hundred thousand troops stood ready, horses neighing, soldiers shouting, a fierce aura rising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the blazing sun, three hundred thousand troops marched across the wilderness. Thick grass and dust coated Jiang Mingyu’s boots; he wiped sweat from his brow and rode slowly beside Tukeslu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother, I still don’t understand—why provoke our border now, when they know they can’t defeat us?” Tukeslu rubbed his chin, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen closely,” Jiang Mingyu patted his saddle. “The southern frontier is far from Xixia—just sending messages back and forth takes months. By the time they learned of my eastern campaign, Xixia was already within our grasp. Coupled with Crown Prince Ou Feng’s fierce opposition, Wei Yangyao hesitated for a long time before choosing this moment to strike.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s it!” Tukeslu suddenly understood. “Turns out this actually helps us—we can now launch a legitimate war against the southern frontier!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s probably not that simple,” Jiang Mingyu frowned. “Wei Yangyao may be cowardly, but if he’s declared war, he must have some backing. I must go to the front lines myself to prevent disaster before it strikes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu dismissed this, pressing: “Big brother, these ragtag bandits—do they really warrant your personal presence? Why not stay behind to guard the capital? Let me handle this battle—I guarantee they’ll collapse like a mountain falling!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head solemnly, speaking with gravity: “Never underestimate the enemy. Those who see their foes as fools are themselves the greatest fools...” His words carried the weight of responsibility for the nation, revealing his unwavering resolve to lead the campaign personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s firm stance, Tukeslu no longer questioned the necessity of the campaign, shifting instead to frontier defense: “Big brother, though the southern forces are ragtag, they border our land directly. The terrain of the three provinces is complex—if our garrisons aren’t vigilant, they may exploit weaknesses to breach our passes. Please instruct me: how should we strengthen the border defenses to prevent sudden attacks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned deeply, pondering long before replying: “You’re right. Fuxing Sword leading the main force may still be insufficient. Order the elite twenty thousand troops stationed at Baima Mountain to march south to reinforce them, under Deputy Commander Qin Kui, to help secure key positions. Also, all provincial garrisons must increase night patrols and outpost deployments—strictly prevent spies from infiltrating.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu bowed deeply in agreement, then raised the issue of supplies: “Big brother, we must also prepare thoroughly for grain and pay. This southern campaign will require at least ten thousand supply carts, plus massive reserves of grain, silver, and silk. What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded: “Exactly! I’ll immediately issue edicts to the Censorate and Ministry of Revenue to mobilize all resources for military supplies. No shortage in carts or provisions is acceptable. Only when funds and grain are abundant can our army demonstrate its unyielding valor!” The two discussed logistics and troop morale at length, making thorough preparations for the coming battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six days later, Jiang Mingyu’s army arrived outside the city. Shangmu’s walls loomed near; Feng Xi stood facing the wind, smiling, but his eyes betrayed deep concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped forward, studying Feng Xi’s wounds: “General Feng, have your injuries fully healed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi nodded firmly: “Thank Your Majesty for your concern—my wounds are no longer serious. But seeing the enemy at our gates, I cannot help but worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head: “General Feng, don’t blame yourself. Defending our land is a righteous duty. Now that I’ve arrived with the main army, we will surely protect our homeland and repel these invaders!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi’s eyes lit up instantly: “Your Majesty, time is critical! Please allow me to join the campaign and serve my country!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at Feng Xi’s resolute face and nodded: “General Feng, your spirit of dying for the nation is etched in my heart. We shall fight side by side to defend our homeland!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight days later, Jiang Mingyu’s army finally reached Jincheng. On the city walls, Zhuge Yu walked forward, his face exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu hurried forward, steadying his shoulders: “Chancellor, you’ve worked tirelessly these past days—I’ve been deeply concerned for you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu smiled bitterly: “Your Majesty is too kind. I’ve merely done my duty, easing Your Majesty’s burdens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu patted his shoulder: “Chancellor, your devotion to the nation deserves my gratitude. Let us now discuss the southern frontier situation in detail and plan our strategy together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu then laid out the full details of the southern invasion. Jiang Mingyu and Tukeslu both grew grim-faced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu hesitated: “Commander, the crisis in Guizhou is my fault for underestimating the enemy. Please issue orders for reinforcements at once!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu pondered, then said: “Guizhou is vital to the nation’s survival—we cannot afford the slightest negligence. General Tukeslu, we must swiftly devise a response and defend Guizhou with all our strength!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu added urgently: “Guizhou is in harvest season now—if it falls, the consequences will be catastrophic! Your Majesty, send troops immediately to cut off the enemy’s advance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s gaze hardened, and he shouted: “From today, issue a conscription edict! Mobilize four hundred thousand troops nationwide to strike directly at the southern frontier and annihilate every invader!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s nod, Zhuge Yu continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Therefore, from both strategic and logistical perspectives, rescuing Guizhou is imperative.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and pointed to the map: “My suggestion is a two-pronged strategy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One main force departs from Yizhou to press the southern army head-on; the other force detours through Jizhou to strike their rear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu spoke with confidence: “This way, the southern army will be unable to support both ends—they’ll collapse into chaos!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stared intently at the map, mentally simulating the battle. After a long silence, he tapped the table decisively: “Agreed! This campaign determines the nation’s survival—we must win!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhuge Yu, immediately contact Fuxing Sword. Have him prepare his reinforcement force. When our army arrives, launch a pincer attack.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu bowed respectfully: “Your servant obeys. Your Majesty may rest assured—Fuxing Sword will fulfill this mission excellently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned to Tukeslu, his gaze firm: “Lord Protector, return to camp immediately. Order the soldiers to prepare for march. Our two hundred thousand troops will set out southward at dawn tomorrow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukeslu bowed: “Big brother, rest easy! I’ll handle it immediately—I’ll ensure the troops are fired up and fully committed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chancellor, you must manage domestic affairs with great care during this campaign. If you need anything, say so without hesitation,” Jiang Mingyu said with solemn gravity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu smiled humbly: “I shall give my all, and never fail Your Majesty’s trust!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Tukeslu hurry away, Jiang Mingyu finally yawned lazily and casually inquired about court affairs. Hearing all was normal, he remembered another matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, isn’t Jiani’s time nearly due? Any news?” Jiang Mingyu asked eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu smiled: “Your Majesty, good news has arrived! The Lady Protector gave birth to a son a few days ago—Tukeslu wept with joy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu couldn’t help but chuckle: “Congratulations! This boy is truly fortunate—while our army marches out, he’s the first to meet his own flesh and blood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chancellor, prepare some auspicious gifts. When Tukeslu returns from camp, we’ll visit them together,” Jiang Mingyu’s smile deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Yu bowed and withdrew. Jiang Mingyu paused briefly, then ordered his attendants to summon Zhang Jiani’s family.\u003C\u002Fp>",1518,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d7a62f45f2f2284aada5cdc49e7ec05e187a92339b485b3def480e080d08989a","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-348","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-346",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]