[{"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-358":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},2289193,4475,"Chapter 358","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-358",358,"\u003Cp>Jiancheng is located within Jiangzhou in the northwest of Dajiang, a fortress linking Dajiang and the Southern Frontier. The city is small, but its walls are tall and thick, surrounded by pine trees that provide a natural barrier for the garrison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Tukesiluo heard the distant cries of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grew tense at once and hurriedly turned to his troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Faster, faster…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it turned out he had been overly anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After frantically racing to the East Gate, he saw Feng Xi and Li Goudan leading troops in pursuit of the few remaining enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The East Gate had been on the verge of collapse because Jiang Mingyu had taken all his troops out of the city to confront Yan Hang in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Feng Xi and Li Goudan returning to defend, the Southern Frontier’s force of merely 40,000 men quickly fell into disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Dajiang reinforcements arrive, the Southern Frontier officers at the East Gate immediately assumed Yan Hang at the South Gate had been annihilated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likewise unsure how to explain his failure to Ke Bin, he launched a suicidal charge toward Jiancheng’s East Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their numbers were too few; less than half an hour passed before even their leader was felled by a single arrow from Feng Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining Southern Frontier soldiers, seeing this, immediately abandoned resistance and fled toward Jiangzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi and Li Goudan naturally did not miss this opportunity—hence the scene Tukesiluo had just witnessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Tukesiluo had no qualms—he spoke directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quick victory, charge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the remaining ten thousand Southern Frontier soldiers were completely surrounded by Tukesiluo’s and Feng Xi’s forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than another quarter-hour passed, and all Southern Frontier soldiers fleeing from the four directions lay dead on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the battle over, Jiang Mingyu, standing atop the city wall overseeing the fight, shouted to the troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clear the battlefield, tally casualties, and reorganize the troops as soon as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To not return a favor is impolite; since Ke Bin had sent troops, Jiang Mingyu could not afford to delay his assault on Jiangzhou—it would seem disrespectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, we have repelled the enemy. The city is now secure.” Feng Xi, bow slung over his shoulder, reported the battle’s outcome with weary expression. Jiang Mingyu scanned the ground, littered with the corpses of Southern Frontier soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well done!” he praised. “Patrol both the East and West Gates. Assess enemy and our own status. We will counterattack soon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” Feng Xi replied. Hearing the order to counterattack, he perked up, swinging his longsword eagerly. “My lord, rest assured—I’ll bring you the enemy commander’s head!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched Feng Xi speed away with a smile, then reached into his chest and touched a blue sapphire brooch. It was the token Yi Fei had worn when she left—now he did not know where it had fallen. He took a deep breath and carefully tucked it away. “When we reach Jiangzhou, I will find Yi Fei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Liu Yifei was still in Jiangzhou and Ke Bin discovered her true identity, the consequences would be unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind and sand howled as Jiang Mingyu stood atop Jiancheng’s wall, gazing at the endless desert, his thoughts swirling. Then, the clatter of hooves drew near, accompanied by a call: “Big Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned to see Tukesiluo riding toward him. He hurried forward to meet him; the two leaned on each other’s shoulders as they gazed toward the deep desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother, let me report our losses from this battle.” Tukesiluo shook dust from his clothes. “Our forces suffered over twenty thousand casualties. The cost was heavy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded knowingly, yet remained calm. “This victory was hard-won; the cost was bound to be high. But what in this world comes free? I say, the loss remains within manageable limits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo frowned. “Manageable? We lost so many brothers—how can you call this good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen carefully,” Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly. “First, we destroyed a hundred thousand Southern Frontier troops at the cost of thirty thousand of our own—this ratio the Southern Frontier cannot bear. Second, the troops we annihilated were reinforcements from Jiangzhou, directly weakening Ke Bin’s strength. Third, the people witnessed our power firsthand, and with the benevolent policies I plan to implement in Jiancheng, we can now pacify the region. Is this not good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo nodded firmly. “You’re right, Big Brother! Since Jiancheng is secure, it’s time to march on Jiangzhou!” His eyes blazed with murderous intent—he longed to fly there and kill Ke Bin with his own hands for his fallen comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two spoke, Feng Xi hurried over. Before he could speak, Jiang Mingyu ordered: “Return to camp and reorganize. We march on Jiangzhou tomorrow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi’s face darkened. “My lord, we still lack clear intelligence on Jiangzhou. Rushing in risks disaster. I suggest sending scouts first to assess enemy strength before committing troops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dare pretend caution now, Feng Xi?” Jiang Mingyu’s brow twitched. “Ke Bin just lost a hundred thousand men—how many could be left in Jiangzhou? I’ve made my decision. No further debate! We march at dawn. Go prepare. No more words!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi wanted to argue further, but seeing Jiang Mingyu’s resolve, he sighed and turned away to prepare for the campaign. He felt uneasy—this advance seemed reckless. He hoped his misgivings were merely baseless fears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark clouds rolled across the sky; thunder cracked in Feng Xi’s heart. He stared at the black, churning clouds rolling from the west, murmuring: “Heaven seems to be going mad. This rain won’t be avoided…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than rain poured down like a waterfall, mud surged, tiles flew through the air. Feng Xi raised his hand to shield his face and strode toward Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, the rain is too heavy and sudden—should we delay tomorrow’s departure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood in the rain, sword in hand, expression resolute and calm. “No storm, however fierce, shall halt Dajiang’s iron cavalry! Departure time remains unchanged. Go deliver the order!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi opened his mouth to speak again when Tukesiluo shouted beside him: “Big Brother is wise! This rain will end eventually. We strike while the enemy is complacent—they’ll be caught off guard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, glancing at Feng Xi. “Our troops’ morale is high. How could we betray their fervent hope? The heavens are against us now—but heaven will not forever oppose us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi fell silent, realizing further pleading was useless. Then Li Goudan clapped his shoulder and laughed: “Little Xuewei, that’s the spirit! A surprise attack in this downpour—Ke Bin the old fox won’t know what hit him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi shook his head helplessly. “If everyone says so, I have no grounds to object… I only hope we don’t end up getting the short end of the stick.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though still anxious, he clasped his fists and muttered, “Your Majesty is wise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was merely a surrendered general from Beiliao. To say more might invite suspicion of treason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Jiang Mingyu said nothing more—he simply addressed the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then go prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s strategy that day was to swiftly conclude the Southern Frontier campaign at maximum speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhuge Yu had said that day, Dajiang’s treasury could no longer endure prolonged warfare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the others departed, Jiang Mingyu sent for Shi Zhuo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gray sky hung heavy, as if about to unleash a deluge. Jiang Mingyu stood alone atop Jiancheng’s wall, gazing at the drifting clouds on the horizon, burdened with thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei’s image kept flashing in his mind—she wore a red gown, her peach-blossom eyes bright with stubbornness, the look on her face as she waved goodbye still vivid. He worried endlessly—was she safe?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, what are your orders for your humble servant?” Shi Zhuo’s voice came from behind. Jiang Mingyu turned to see him bowing deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow I march on Jiangzhou. I entrust Jiancheng entirely to you. Implement the benevolent policies as planned, win the people’s hearts. While I am away, you alone must hold the interior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant accepts the mandate! I shall spare no effort to fulfill it!” Shi Zhuo replied, his tone brimming with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two discussed administrative arrangements in detail until the last sliver of sunset vanished beyond the horizon. After Shi Zhuo took his leave, Jiang Mingyu remained alone on the empty wall, his figure stark against the dark sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently whispered Liu Yifei’s name, eyes blazing with resolve to rescue her. Even the lonely wall seemed to radiate strength from his determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Jiang Mingyu tossed and turned, unable to sleep. His mind replayed Liu Yifei’s departure; his worry remained unrelieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his sleep, a thunderclap shook the heavens. Jiang Mingyu jolted upright. He looked up—and froze. The ceiling beams were already engulfed in flames, crackling sparks illuminating the night. The blazing fire stood in stark contrast to the torrential rain outside, refusing to extinguish, as if untouched by the dampness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fire! The house is burning!” The cries of guards and the frantic footsteps of servants drew nearer, confirming the sudden blaze. Jiang Mingyu guessed lightning had struck the building, igniting the fire. Though from the modern world, he still felt momentarily helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Tukesiluo burst in, spear in hand. He roared, kicked open the door, and the frame collapsed with a crash. He frantically searched for Jiang Mingyu, fearing for his life. Seeing Jiang Mingyu unharmed, Tukesiluo exhaled in relief, directing men to extinguish the fire while cursing the servants who failed to act, threatening to flay them alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the fire was extinguished through collective effort. Jiang Mingyu was unharmed, though he could only smile bitterly. He moved to a side hall to sleep, dismissing the fire entirely. Yet he did not know that the bizarre tale of “Your Majesty struck by lightning” had already spread rapidly through the city, growing wild and absurd in retelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the tent, fifty-six soldiers huddled around a firepit, discussing the recent “Your Majesty struck by lightning” incident. Leading the group, Li Changgong roasted meat and sighed: “If this isn’t a divine warning, what is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Xiao Ma immediately agreed: “Exactly. Our Majesty’s authority is too great—he’s angered Heaven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changgong snorted. “I say he brought it on himself. Insisting on attacking the Southern Frontier in this weather—he’s asking for death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ma jumped. Glancing around, he whispered: “Third Squad Leader, don’t say that! Someone might be listening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Second Squad Leader Zhang Dashan interjected: “Li Changgong, you’re asking for trouble! You spend your days slandering our Majesty!” Li Changgong replied sternly: “Dashan, I speak truth. These past years, our Majesty has campaigned east and west, but beneath his loyalist title lies greed and tyranny—you know it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tension flared between them. Then Fifth Squad Leader Bai Baizi entered, smiling as he calmed them: “Enough quarreling. I think this lightning strike was Heaven’s warning—to shake our Majesty out of his folly. We must fight, yes, but we must also consider the bigger picture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ma asked eagerly: “Fifth Squad Leader, what do you mean? Is there still hope?” Bai Baizi leaned close, mysterious: “What Dajiang lacks is a wise counselor—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense!” Zhang Dashan roared. “Our Majesty is brilliant and unmatched—why would he need a counselor? You’re speaking treason!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They erupted into fresh argument. Li Changgong slapped Xiao Ma’s shoulder: “Look at these old men—always defending the throne. We young ones must stay clear-eyed.” Xiao Ma wiped sweat from his brow, eyes sharpening. More soldiers joined the discussion; voices rose and fell, filling the crude tent with heated debate…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, Jiang Mingyu prepared to head to camp through the rain when Shi Zhuo hurried in, followed by several soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I heard the Inspector’s residence was struck by lightning last night—is Your Majesty unharmed?” Shi Zhuo asked anxiously. Since Jiang Mingyu resided in the Inspector’s residence, Shi Zhuo had been forced to stay elsewhere. Jiang Mingyu had not publicized the incident, so Shi Zhuo only learned of it when daylight had fully broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu waved his hand dismissively, indicating he was fine. But Shi Zhuo’s concern did not fade. “Your Majesty, forgive my frankness: yesterday’s thunder brought divine fire. For an army about to march, this is no auspicious omen.” Most people of this era still believed in celestial portents, seeing them as Heaven’s warnings or punishments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu remain silent, Shi Zhuo continued: “Your Majesty, the tale of this heavenly punishment has spread wildly through the city. Especially among the troops—they’re whispering all kinds of things…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recounted several versions he’d heard on the way. The most extreme claimed Heaven was punishing Jiang Mingyu, foretelling his campaign’s failure. Another speculated it was Southern Frontier witchcraft. Each version sent chills down the spine. As he finished, Shi Zhuo’s face grew even more troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, should we not first stabilize morale before marching? Otherwise, even if we depart today, our troops’ fighting spirit will be severely diminished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the rumors originated mostly among his own troops, Jiang Mingyu’s face darkened. If common citizens spread such nonsense, he could understand—they were newly conquered, their minds unsettled. But these soldiers were his veterans, the very men who had followed him from Beiliao to the Southern Frontier. For them to join in such base gossip was intolerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu no longer heeded Shi Zhuo’s counsel. He swept his sleeve and ordered his men to prepare for the camp. Seeing he would not be dissuaded, Shi Zhuo followed closely behind, running beside him, urging him not to rage, to give the soldiers a chance to explain. But Jiang Mingyu’s face was storm-dark, utterly deaf to his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Jiang Mingyu’s carriage arrived at the camp outside the city. The banners fluttered in the wind, but the camp lacked its usual vigor—instead, an eerie atmosphere hung thick. Soldiers stood or sat in small groups, whispering. At the sound of hooves, they hastily formed ranks to greet Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiancheng Camp. Rain poured relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Jiang Mingyu arrived, the fifteen-thousand-strong army, fresh from brutal battle, stood in formation under the rain. Tukesiluo, Li Goudan, and He Jing all looked grim—they had heard the rumors of “heavenly punishment.” Feng Xi, expression unreadable, stood silently beneath his rain cloak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu refused the guard’s offered rain cloak and strode into the downpour, his gaze sweeping over the troops. Around him, silence fell—only the patter of rain on oil-paper umbrellas could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve all heard about last night. My quarters were indeed struck by lightning,” Jiang Mingyu said gravely. A collective gasp rippled through the ranks. Though rumors had reached them, hearing Jiang Mingyu confirm it firsthand stirred deep emotion. But seeing his grim expression, all held their tongues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know this. And I’ve heard your whispers,” Jiang Mingyu sneered. “Some say my bloodshed angered Heaven. Yet here I stand—why has Heaven not struck me dead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under his piercing gaze, the soldiers lowered their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no reply, Jiang Mingyu continued: “What is Heaven? I am Heaven. What is Heaven’s will? I subdued Dafeng in half a year, crushed Xi Xia with a snap of my fingers—that is Heaven’s will! What is Heaven’s punishment? My wrath is Heaven’s punishment! A Son of Heaven’s anger brings corpses strewn across the land—that is Heaven’s punishment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes blazed with supreme disdain. “Since I rose in Shangmu, I have been invincible. Where my army marched, enemies crumbled. Had I not braved arrows and stones to overthrow Fei Hou’s tyranny, would any of you even be standing here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain had soaked his hair; rivulets streamed down his temples, yet he felt nothing. Jiang Mingyu pointed at the hundred-thousand-strong army and roared: “Without me braving snow and wind, your eighty thousand Xi Xia soldiers would have starved to death in the blizzard! Now you live in comfort, yet accuse me of excessive bloodshed? Ungrateful wretches!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think—who provides your pay and your families’ security? Among you, who still wishes to serve under me? Then take off your armor and leave! From this day forward, you have no tie to me or Dajiang. Whether you surrender to the Southern Frontier or die alone, it is none of my concern!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I rose, only Tukesiluo stood with me. Yet we still conquered Dafeng and Xi Xia! Even without you, I will take Jiangzhou! Decide now—give me your answer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s voice, harsh as a storm, struck terror into every soldier. Behind him, a metallic dragon’s cry rang out—the Mongol Imperial Guard arrived fully armed, scythes, spears, and halberds encircling the troops, their eyes filled with murderous intent. They had heard his rage and now looked ready to devour the soldiers alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing this fury, the veteran generals lowered their heads in shame. Then Li Goudan suddenly raised his head and shouted: “Long live the Majesty! We swear to follow Your Majesty in conquering the world!” The other officers echoed him: “Long live! Long live! Long live!” The thunderous roar drowned out the storm, echoing in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>",2840,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","46738d153ac0bad73075e015afb7576d058d13290ef0e38ec884812852415844","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-359","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-357",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]