[{"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-378":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},2289213,4475,"Chapter 378: Military Oath","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-378",378,"\u003Cp>At dawn, Jiang Mingyu had just opened the bedroom door when he felt the morning sun on his skin, refreshing his spirit. He stepped out briskly and immediately saw Tukesiluo striding toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo’s brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety. He closed the distance in three strides and said bluntly: “Big Brother, Qu Province is now fully under our control, and the townsfolk are behaving reasonably. What’s next?” His tone carried an undercurrent of urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened, fell silent for a moment, frowned slightly, and a trace of concern showed in his gaze. He sighed gently and said: “The most urgent matter now is to find a civil official to take over Qu Province’s administration—benevolent governance must continue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo was an outstanding military commander, but utterly inept in civil affairs. Hearing he needed to find a civil official, he scowled deeply, his face twisted with difficulty, his hands gesturing wildly in the air, his voice growing agitated: “Our army is full of roughnecks—how easy is it to find someone skilled in civil administration?” One hand nervously tugged at his scalp, the other waved frantically before his chest, his eyes clouded with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Jiang Mingyu sighed softly, but before he could speak, a soldier suddenly rushed over from nearby, panting: “Your Majesty, disaster has struck!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s gaze sharpened, his brow deeply furrowed. He shouted: “What’s wrong? Speak clearly!” He stood with his hands behind his back, leaning slightly forward, eyes locked on the soldier, waiting for his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier, intimidated by Jiang Mingyu’s presence, hurriedly replied: “Report, Your Majesty: scouts from outside the city report a force of at least twenty thousand troops is advancing toward Qu Province!” As he spoke, he made exaggerated gestures to indicate the enemy’s overwhelming numbers, his eyes wide with terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At their current speed, they’ll reach the city walls in less than half an hour,” the soldier added, wiping sweat from his brow, his expression still tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?!” Jiang Mingyu’s brow snapped shut. He muttered to himself: “How is this possible? Hasn’t Wei Yangyao’s reinforcement force even arrived yet, and now Taping is sending troops first?” His gaze instantly darkened, his murmured words betraying growing anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu strode outside and gazed into the distance, trying to discern movements beyond the city walls—but saw only trees and grass. Then he suddenly remembered something and murmured: “But if that’s true, why did Feng Xi’s scouts bring back no intelligence at all?” His expression grew heavier, his mind filled with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier, seeing Jiang Mingyu lost in thought, quickly added: “Report, Your Majesty: reconnaissance units have already been dispatched—they should return with news soon.” His tone carried a hint of hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo strode over to Jiang Mingyu’s side, punched the wall with his fist, eyes blazing with fury: “Big Brother, I’ll immediately rally the troops and prepare to meet them head-on!” His fists clenched, his entire body radiating battle-lust, as if ready to charge into the fray at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Liu Yifei stepped out, her face pale with alarm, her words jumbled: “What’s happened? What’s going on?” She looked between Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo, her eyes brimming with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed deeply, his expression grave as he briefly explained the situation to Liu Yifei and reassured her: “Return to the palace for now. Leave this to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though reluctant, Liu Yifei nodded and returned to the palace. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo stood at the doorway, gazing into the distance, both lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a rider galloped from afar, the horse carrying news of greater urgency. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo immediately rushed forward, their expressions tense...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, halt! Your Majesty, Empress—the scout has returned. The troops outside are our own.” It was He Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment He Jing spoke, Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo’s expressions changed visibly. Their furrowed brows eased slightly, their tension instantly melting. Jiang Mingyu rushed to ask: “What? The troops outside are ours?” His voice trembled with disbelief and joy, his eyes sparkling with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jing smiled faintly and nodded slowly: “Correct, Your Majesty. The scout confirmed the troops outside are from the Western Xia, dispatched by the Chancellor.” He paused deliberately, casting a meaningful glance at Jiang Mingyu before continuing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The scout has verified: the Western Xia situation has stabilized. Part of their garrison has been freed up. The Chancellor, aware your forces are dwindling, ordered them to march day and night straight to the southern frontier to reinforce you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s heart stirred. The Western Xia unrest had ended over two months ago—Zhuge Yu must have already secured control. This was timely rain, relieving his urgent crisis. He burst into laughter again: “So that’s it! Ha! My good disciple truly lives up to expectations—foreseeing danger, justifying my trust in him!” His eyes glowed with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Liu Yifei stepped out from the room, smiling warmly: “Jiang Lang, your student thinks ahead so thoroughly—it’s no wonder he’s learned your ways.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, flattered, shyly rubbed his nose: “Since I marched west, my disciple has handled all major state affairs—he’s done more than anyone. Once we’ve subdued the southern frontier and unified the six continents, I’ll reward him lavishly.” He made a solemn promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Tukesiluo and He Jing: “And you two—my valiant generals, who’ve rendered great service—every one of you will be rewarded. I won’t let you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo’s eyes lit up. He slammed his fist against the wall, speechless with excitement. He Jing nodded vigorously, fists raised high above his head, his face radiant with joy and anticipation—as if victory’s dawn had already broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei watched Jiang Mingyu and the generals with deep pride. Softly, yet with every word ringing clear, she said: “History is just beginning. We stand at the threshold of forging a new world. Brave warriors—this boundless era is yours to shape and advance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, Tukesiluo, and He Jing all stiffened, their expressions turning solemn. They suddenly realized: this was the rare, once-in-a-millennium chance to reshape heaven and earth, to achieve greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s smile faded. He clenched his fist tightly, silently vowing: “Wife, rest assured—I will not fail you. I will spare no effort to expand our borders and fulfill our dream. This battlefield shall be the foundation of my glory—the very ground where I carve my legacy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Tukesiluo and He Jing nodded firmly, their voices loud and resolute. Standing beneath the rising sun, they radiated vigor, their gazes unwavering—youthful, determined, charging forward. In that instant, Qu Province bloomed with life, symbolizing their lofty ambitions and limitless potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army outside soon entered the city. Jiang Mingyu personally welcomed them. When he saw the troops’ disciplined ranks, their synchronized steps, numbering over thirty thousand, he could not hide his delight—his eyes sparkled, his lips curved upward, his joy overflowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! Thirty thousand elite warriors! Excellent! My good uncle truly plans ahead—foreseeing danger!” Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, clapping Tukesiluo’s shoulder repeatedly. Tukesiluo grinned broadly, pounding his fists together with a sharp crack. “Big Brother, with these troops as backup, we’ll crush Wei Yangyao’s rabble with confidence!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded eagerly, about to speak—when a familiar figure stepped from the ranks: Shi Zhuo, who had been left behind in Jiangzhou! Shi Zhuo walked lightly, calm and composed, showing no fatigue. Jiang Mingyu froze, his mind flooded with questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shi Aiqing? How did you get here?” Jiang Mingyu exclaimed, rushing forward, his voice thick with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Zhuo smiled faintly, respectfully bowed: “Your Majesty, I’ve come under the Chancellor’s orders to assume the post of Governor of Qu Province. The Chancellor has already assigned civil officials to manage Jiangzhou—I’ve come south accordingly.” His tone was calm yet resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu understood at once. His disciple’s reach was vast—he’d already arranged everything. Then he thought: since Shi Zhuo had successfully implemented benevolent governance in Jiangzhou, he was the perfect choice for Qu Province. He shook his head slightly, a satisfied smile touching his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good! Since the Chancellor and Shi Aiqing have agreed, I have no objections,” Jiang Mingyu declared cheerfully, his expression radiating trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Zhuo bowed repeatedly, hands clasped, head lowered in humility. The ceremonial preparations began swiftly. Soldiers marched into the city, alert and orderly. Horses followed behind, carrying civil officials. Sunlight glinted off their official robes, dazzlingly bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Zhuo walked steadily to Jiang Mingyu’s side. He bowed slightly, fist pressed to his left chest, formally swearing in as Governor. The eunuch, without delay, presented him with the crimson Governor’s seal. Its dragon-and-phoenix engravings shimmered brilliantly under the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keep up the good work, Shi Aiqing!” Jiang Mingyu called out cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Shi Zhuo smiled. His expression was solemn, ambitious. He gripped the seal in his left hand, raised his right fist again: “I shall spare no effort to restore peace to this land as swiftly as possible!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Tukesiluo stepped forward, brows furrowed, his face contorted with anger. He growled: “Big Brother, Wei Yangyao’s reinforcements are nearly here. Shouldn’t we prepare to meet them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned, his worry unmistakable. He stroked his beard, his gaze deepening into darkness. “Precisely. We must destroy their reinforcements first—lest we face threats from behind.” His voice carried resolve. He lifted his head, staring fixedly at the horizon: “Otherwise, when we march on Taping, this rear threat will become a fatal flaw.” Every line of his face now bore anxiety—but beneath it, unwavering confidence in victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that instant, Che Gang strode in. He radiated confidence, lips curled, eyes gleaming with cunning and wisdom. “Your Majesty, by timing, Wei Yangyao’s reinforcements should arrive soon.” His tone was calm, steady—no trace of his usual frivolity. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo turned sharply to stare at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I request command of the assault—I will annihilate them outright and earn glory for Your Majesty!” He struck his left chest with his fist, his voice bold, his posture brimming with unshakable courage. Jiang Mingyu’s eyes widened. He stepped forward eagerly: “What’s your strategy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang smiled, revealing white teeth. “Your Majesty, I plan to deal with them at sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At sea?” Jiang Mingyu blinked, startled. He didn’t understand. “Explain clearly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang nodded, assuming an air of seasoned calculation. “Your Majesty may not know: unlike our Great Jiang or former Western Xia, the southern frontier is surrounded by sea on three sides.” He glanced around, as if recalling something. Jiang Mingyu and Tukesiluo followed his gaze, imagining the southern frontier as he described.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thus, the southern frontier has always prioritized naval strength. I, though unworthy, am its most skilled naval commander.” He crossed his arms, confident, proud, a smirk on his lips. Jiang Mingyu felt a flicker of awe—Che Gang, seemingly carefree, was in truth a formidable warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now Wei Yangyao, desperate to reinforce Qu Province, has forgotten my existence—and sent troops by sea. It’s suicide.” He sneered, eyes filled with contempt. “Outside Qu Province’s west gate lies a beach. General Du Jianmu has many warships. I request command—I’ll crush them in one blow.” His eyes blazed, radiating fierce battle-lust, face alight with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu was stunned. He hadn’t expected Che Gang—the man he’d won over through deception—to possess such exceptional naval skill. He shuddered inwardly, grateful he’d denied Che Gang access to ships back then. Had he not, Che Gang’s future naval damage could have been catastrophic. Jiang Mingyu resolved: he would promote this talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at Che Gang—this man who had outwitted enemies—and now regarded him with new respect. Che Gang described his naval strategy with calm dignity, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. Jiang Mingyu noticed: when Che Gang spoke of his naval victories, his scarred face broke into a bold, arrogant smile—pride radiating from his stern expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu understood the rivalries among ambitious generals. At this moment, he needed a commander he could trust completely. As Che Gang spoke of his naval mastery, he stood straighter, feet slightly apart, hands behind his back. His gaze grew sharper, yet shimmered with excitement—as if he could barely wait to charge into battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, Wei Yangyao not only fell for our trap by sending reinforcements by sea—he also underestimated me. He forgot my naval prowess entirely. I request command: to uphold Your Majesty’s honor and proclaim Great Jiang’s name across the seas!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu was awed. This man was not only a rare military strategist—he burned with passion, devoted to his nation’s cause. Jiang Mingyu began to believe meeting Che Gang might be fate’s blessing. He needed men like this—strategists and warriors—for the road ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded with a smile, showing his approval and trust: “Good! General Che, brilliant! I trust you’ll return victorious. I’ll give you fifty thousand troops to sail out and meet them. Is that enough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang bowed deeply, respectfully: “Thank Your Majesty’s favor. I shall spare no effort to bring victory to Your Majesty’s throne. With the forces Wei Yangyao has sent, fifty thousand are excessive—twenty thousand will suffice.” His eyes blazed, his gaze iron-hard, a righteous aura surrounding him—as if he’d waited for this moment too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s brows knitted tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“War is no game, Che Gang. Are you certain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang understood the weight of his words—but showed no retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I swear a military oath: if I fail, I shall present my head.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched Che Gang swear solemnly, then personally wrote the oath—his respect for Che Gang deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang picked up the brush and wrote in bold, sweeping strokes: “I hereby swear: if I fail to win, I accept military punishment.” Jiang Mingyu noticed his hand was steady as ancient roots—each stroke deep, forceful, ink piercing the paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu recalled: when they faced each other on the battlefield, Che Gang’s defenses had been ingenious, his formations baffling—impossible to breach. Now this man stood as his general. Fate was strange indeed—and perhaps, divine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Che Gang respectfully offer the written oath with both hands, Jiang Mingyu smiled inwardly, accepting it and examining it closely. Che Gang stood below, hands behind his back, eyes fixed on Jiang Mingyu, expression resolute, utterly calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This further strengthened Jiang Mingyu’s resolve to entrust him fully. He nodded: “Good. I trust your ability. This naval battle—I entrust it entirely to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang bowed deeply: “Immense thanks for Your Majesty’s trust. I shall repay your favor a hundredfold!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his head, eyes blazing—as if ready to shed his robes and don armor at once. His face remained composed, but Jiang Mingyu caught the fleeting spark of excitement in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This only deepened Jiang Mingyu’s confidence. Such a general—how could he fail to achieve greatness?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu remembered He Jing. “By the way, take He Jing with you. Let him learn naval warfare—he may prove useful later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang bowed respectfully: “Yes, Your Majesty. I shall seek counsel from General He immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He strode out, radiant with energy—evidently eager to reach the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched his retreating figure, a wave of satisfaction and joy rising within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these two generals, victory in this naval battle was certain. Che Gang was sharp and forceful; He Jing was steady and reserved. Together, they would achieve great deeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu planned: when Che Gang returned victorious, he would reward him lavishly—solidifying Che Gang’s loyalty and inspiring other generals to vie for his favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of the capable generals gathering under his command, Jiang Mingyu felt a surge of pride and delight—truly, human plans are no match for heaven’s design. Heaven aids me!\u003C\u002Fp>",2595,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","bbb7640535236f6d76a934e99abb553cc28c3de63f03127b4f8f19de055c7808","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-379","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-377",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]