[{"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-383":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},2289218,4475,"Chapter 383: The Old Woman Who Died to Prove Her Conviction","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-383",383,"\u003Cp>The back courtyard of the mansion was silent; Jiang Mingyu was just about to ask where the woman had been placed, when a heart-wrenching scream suddenly echoed from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu jolted in shock, snapping his head up to locate the source. A middle-aged man, streaked with tears, stumbled out of the house—he was the guide who had led them into the city yesterday. His face was deathly pale, his eyes bloodshot, a trickle of blood seeping from his lips; he looked like a stray dog, utterly broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned pale with horror, instantly realizing something had happened to the old woman. He rushed into the courtyard with several attendants and found the old woman lying inside, blood dripping from her lips, a deep, bone-exposing gash visible on her neck—the vile old woman had slashed her own throat! The guide knelt beside her, tearing at his own hair in agony, screaming uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother! Why... why did you do this? Your son is now alone and helpless—how will he survive?!” He wept uncontrollably, his words incoherent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face drained of color; he immediately ordered his men to summon a physician. But the guide suddenly lifted his head, eyes blazing red, screaming hysterically: “It’s useless! Useless! My mother bit out her own tongue—no physician can save her!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bit out her own tongue? Jiang Mingyu drew in a sharp breath. He hurried forward to ask what had happened—how could such a kind old woman suddenly commit such an extreme act?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide clenched his lips tightly, tears streaming endlessly from his eyes. He raised his head and glared at Jiang Mingyu with venomous hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t all this your doing, Your Majesty of Dajiang?!” He pointed at Jiang Mingyu, roaring, his eyes burning as if he wanted to carve him into a thousand pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu froze, filled with confusion. What did this have to do with him? Could the old woman have killed herself because he had captured the imperial capital?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My mother heard I betrayed my ancestors and led you into the city... she couldn’t bear to live anymore... so she bit out her tongue.” He choked on his words, unable to continue, collapsing into sobs as he clutched his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Jiang Mingyu understand. It was because the guide had been disloyal and unfilial, betraying his own country, that his mother had cursed him—and this had driven her to despairing suicide. Jiang Mingyu felt a pang of sorrow and regret for the innocent woman who had died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She was but a humble commoner, yet she held a faith more steadfast than ours.” Jiang Mingyu thought silently, his face filled with grief. For an ordinary person born and raised on this land, the ancestral territory was inviolable. This noble woman had defended her most sacred belief even in death—she deserved the highest reverence from all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu was lost in thought, the guide suddenly pulled a sharp dagger from his robe and plunged it unhesitatingly into his own chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother... your son is guilty, he has betrayed your teachings... I come now to join you and atone...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide murmured softly, crimson blood gushing from his chest. He leaned sideways and slowly collapsed beside his mother’s corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stared, frozen, at this horrific scene, unable to speak for a long while. It had all happened too suddenly—he had no time to react. He mechanically ordered his men to take the two bodies for a proper burial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu shook his head with a heavy sigh, his heart filled with desolation. For him, conquering the land and fulfilling his ambition was the greatest dream of his life. But for this poor old woman and her son, defending their ancestral territory was the noblest mission. They were mere commoners, yet they died to prove their conviction, honoring truth through sacrifice, giving their lives to defend their faith. Any victory or ideal paled before such fierce national pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu suddenly realized his campaigns had not broadened his vision—they had only deepened his confusion. When an ordinary person holds the same intensity of national pride as an emperor, all ideologies grow pale and hollow. This was a moment of clarity for Jiang Mingyu, forcing him into deep reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His resolve to wage war remained unshakable, yet a profound emptiness lingered in his heart. He understood that different pursuits inevitably led to different outcomes, especially in such chaotic times. This mother and son had faced fire and death without fear, their unyielding faith commanding Jiang Mingyu’s solemn respect. To drink poison to quench thirst, to swallow a blade to end life—such tragic, furious endings were the inevitable fate of those born in chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked up at the sky: the sun was sinking, the heavens dyed crimson by twilight, just like the blood spurting from the guide and his mother. The blood-red sky seemed to speak of the cruelty and impermanence of this age. Jiang Mingyu sighed deeply, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He turned, his gaze returning to the two corpses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dead had lost all color, their faces as pale as paper. The mother and son clasped hands, as if fused into one. They had chosen to defend their faith with blood and life—but had received only this desolate, sorrowful end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stared at the two solemn corpses on the ground, his heart a barren wasteland. In a daze, he saw the old woman’s lips still stained with drying blood, glimmering with a haunting beauty in the last rays of the sun. The guide’s grip on his mother’s hand had loosened slightly, his fingers curling faintly—as if whispering his unspoken regret and anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu gently closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. He felt more exhausted than ever before; the cruelty and desolation of this age had seared themselves into his soul. Life had been lost defending faith, yet the end was only cold corpses. The price of blood had been this agonizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked up again—the sun had fully set, the sky now a deep crimson. He remembered how, when he first captured the imperial city, the same sunset had bathed the banners on the walls. Yet now, there was no joy, no pride in conquest. Jiang Mingyu suddenly realized: no matter how many victories or lands he gained, his heart would remain empty and desolate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tragic end of mother and son seemed to speak of the chaos of the age. Jiang Mingyu drew a deep breath, brushing away his confusion. The corpses had lost their warmth—it was time to give them their final rite. Jiang Mingyu reverently covered both bodies with white cloth and ordered his attendants to carry them away slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard fell silent once more, save for the faint rustling of evening wind brushing the corner of the wall—like the last breath left behind by the dead. Jiang Mingyu stood rooted in place, unable to move. The sun had vanished completely; dusk deepened, and his shadow stretched long and blurred. In that moment, Jiang Mingyu realized: in chaotic times, the gap between ideal and reality was immense, and all before him felt insubstantial and illusory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sea wind from Tagang blew in; Jiang Mingyu stood alone on the harbor’s heights, gazing out at the ocean, waiting for the troops dispatched by Zhuge Yu. Five days had passed—they had finally arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu noticed the newcomers moved hurriedly, their expressions weary and disheveled. The leader stepped forward, took a brief rest, then bowed deeply. Jiang Mingyu recognized him as Wang Dongming, Assistant Minister of Revenue from Jincheng’s Six Ministries. Seeing Jiang Mingyu remembered him, Wang Dongming was overcome with emotion, tears welling in his eyes, his voice trembling:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty’s discernment is far-reaching—I am in awe!” He clasped his hands together and bowed low, performing the most respectful salute to Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu waved his hand, signaling he need not be so humble; Wang Dongming hastily rose, his face still flushed with excitement. Jiang Mingyu nodded knowingly, forgoing further pleasantries, and cut straight to the point:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Dongming, once Feng Xi’s scouts return, our army will march north to meet the enemy. For now, you will oversee civil affairs here. The other three will be assigned duties soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu then detailed numerous specifics regarding benevolent governance; Wang Dongming and the other three recorded every word. Jiang Mingyu explained patiently, occasionally asking for their opinions and implementation suggestions. Though visibly nervous under scrutiny, Wang Dongming and the others carefully considered each policy’s feasibility and cautiously offered their thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the administrative matters concluded, Wang Dongming stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back, his expression filled with genuine emotion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, Chancellor Zhu Ge has already mobilized fifty thousand troops from within the realm—they are rushing to the front lines! Please rest assured!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, understanding fully. Zhu Ge had indeed read his mind, having made thorough preparations—he need not worry over military affairs. Thinking of this, he sighed deeply:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With Chancellor Zhu’s aid, the southern rebels will be crushed in no time. You’ve all worked hard; it’s late—rest now. I will soon organize the civil administration, after which you may fully assume control of these lands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dongming and the others bowed again, deeply moved. Watching their retreating backs, Jiang Mingyu allowed himself a faint, satisfied smile. These young men would surely achieve great deeds in expanding the realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing alone by the seashore, Jiang Mingyu let the sea breeze wash over his face, cleansing the fatigue of recent days. He had slept little these past days and now felt a faint weariness. His tightly strung nerves finally relaxed for a moment. Far off, several seagulls skimmed the water, their calls sweet and clear. Jiang Mingyu squinted, a long-missed sense of peace rising within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a raven landed silently on the rocks beside him and let out a piercing cry, startling Jiang Mingyu awake. He opened his eyes sharply—the raven was gone. Jiang Mingyu smiled wryly. Having promised others to achieve glory, he could afford no slack. Gathering his composure, he strode away from the shore, a surge of determination rising in his chest. The harbor of fame and achievement lay ahead—he would press forward bravely, fulfilling their expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Wang Dongming, newly appointed Governor of Tagang, fully assumed civil control; the other three became his trusted aides. The situation unfolded as Jiang Mingyu had anticipated: the moment the benevolent policy reducing corvée labor was announced, the townspeople erupted in joy. Even the shadow of Dajiang’s conquest began to fade beneath the people’s praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people, long oppressed under southern rule, now breathed freely, their spirits bright. The once desolate streets regained prosperity, filled with laughter and harmony. Jiang Mingyu occasionally took time to walk around, and seeing the joy on the people’s faces, his heart swelled with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, Jiang Mingyu saw a ragged little girl playing with a cloth doll, her expression innocent and carefree. Her mother stood nearby, smiling for the first time in years. Jiang Mingyu sighed softly—this simple joy was the ultimate purpose of his territorial expansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two more days passed, and Feng Xi suddenly reported: the scouts had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the scouts had returned, Jiang Mingyu instantly perked up. He had been lounging lazily on the dragon throne, idly propping his cheek with his right hand, his gaze distant. At Feng Xi’s announcement, he sat bolt upright, his eyes blazing with sharp intensity, like a tiger awakening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bring him in at once!” His clear voice rose sharply, laced with unmistakable excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi promptly responded and strode out of the hall. Soon, he returned leading a scout clad in rough leather armor, his face caked with dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout glanced nervously around, then knelt before the dragon throne, trembling with fear. Jiang Mingyu stepped forward eagerly, his fine brows slightly furrowed, his face etched with anxious anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quickly—how is the situation in Lingtaicheng?” His clear voice trembled slightly; his jade-like fingers involuntarily curled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout hurriedly reported: “Your Majesty, Yan Hao commands ninety thousand troops...” His voice stuttered, shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s fine brows tightened as he listened; his grave expression revealed his careful assessment of the situation. After a long silence, he murmured: “Ninety thousand troops...” His long fingers idly twirled his soft beard, his cold eyes narrowing as if lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This man has always been arrogant, cruel to the people, and brutal in action,” the scout reported, voice trembling. He had been bowing his head, but now raised it suddenly, his eyes blazing with fury:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I witnessed firsthand: Yan Hao’s men seize any young, beautiful woman they encounter—often dragging them into their quarters, one after another, to be raped. Those who resist are immediately executed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the scout clenched his fists, trembling. After a pause, he spoke slowly: “My neighbor, Li Er’s family—his daughter Li Rong, only seventeen, stunningly beautiful—three days ago, Yan Hao’s soldiers stormed their home, dragging her out by force...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He choked, tears bursting forth: “Li Er and his wife blocked the door, begging for mercy—they were stabbed to death right there in the hall! The monsters dragged Li Rong onto a cart and took her away, then set fire to the Li home... Now the Li household is only ruins; Li Er and his wife have vanished without a trace...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished, the scout could no longer contain his grief. He collapsed to the ground, weeping uncontrollably. The hall fell deathly silent—only his sobs echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout’s cries reverberated through the empty hall, stirring pity. After a long while, Jiang Mingyu spoke softly: “Rise. You have served faithfully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout rose, tears still welling in his eyes. Jiang Mingyu’s gaze burned as he asked sternly: “In Lingtaicheng, how many more tragedies like Li Rong’s are unfolding?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout sniffled, then answered slowly: “Your Majesty, similar cases happen frequently... Yan Hao’s men take whichever girl they desire, forcibly dragging them away...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These monsters!” Tu Kexiluo exploded in rage, “I’ll flay their skins and tear out their hearts myself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this vengeance is not paid, I will not live as a man!” Jiang Mingyu’s eyes blazed red, his voice cold as iron: “I will avenge the people of Lingtaicheng! Tomorrow, we storm the city—Yan Hao will not live!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. A mere drunken sack of flesh, daring to abuse his military might!” Tu Kexiluo sneered. “Brother, you handle it. As long as we avenge the people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Victory is not assured—this battle will not be easy,” Jiang Mingyu said gravely. “Though Yan Hao is a paper tiger, his ninety thousand defenders are no mere rabble.” His slender fingers tapped lightly on the table; a flicker of concern crossed his refined face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, he raised his head, his eyes radiating authority: “We must strike with full force, seize the initiative, and take Lingtaicheng! Wang Dongming will remain to guard this city. I will lead one hundred thousand troops—tomorrow, we march directly to Yan Hao’s lair!” His voice rang clear and firm, radiating unshakable confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One hundred thousand troops?” Tu Kexiluo frowned. “Brother, we brought only ninety thousand from Qusheng—the rest are surrendered troops from Jia Tong. Their loyalty is uncertain—I fear they may turn...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tu Kexiluo, do you still recall the origins of these garrison troops?” Jiang Mingyu asked calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This...” Tu Kexiluo paused, then remembered: “Of course—they’re all local peasants from around Tagang. Jia Tong had no way to recruit troops from distant lands to garrison this city.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Precisely,” Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. “Our benevolent policies have already borne fruit, deeply loved by the locals. These soldiers’ families and kin are the greatest beneficiaries of our reforms—how could they harbor disloyalty toward Dajiang? Rest assured—they will serve us wholeheartedly, defending their homes and country to the death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kexiluo suddenly understood, nodding vigorously, a relieved smile spreading across his face. With Jiang Mingyu’s approval, he immediately issued orders to prepare for battle. Outside the hall, the rhythmic sound of drills rose sharply; weapons gleamed coldly under the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled faintly, stood, and adjusted his military robes. The march was imminent—he must maintain his fighting spirit. Calming his last unease, he strode out of the hall, the war banner behind him fluttering wildly in the wind. This northern campaign—he would surely triumph!\u003C\u002Fp>",2730,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8320df84dd5017360a27dcb50af78e6b7a688bc669082acc9e4e623fbfa842f0","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-384","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-382",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]