[{"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-384":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},2289219,4475,"Chapter 384: The Truth Within","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-384",384,"\u003Cp>At dawn, Jiang Mingyu stood at the tent entrance, squinting at the dense rows of troops beyond the camp. The sky was still early, shrouded in thin mist, the entire camp immersed in hazy morning light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soldiers were already bustling in the cold wind, preparing their gear, the clanking sounds rising and falling in rhythm. Their eyes held resolve and defiance, their expressions solemn, every movement radiating lethal intent. This stirred memories in Jiang Mingyu of a bloody battle years ago with his archenemy—the very time when he was at the peak of his vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, his chest rising slightly beneath his armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned, his gaze falling on the long sword standing in the corner of the tent, its blade glinting coldly in the morning light. A fierce battle-lust flared in Jiang Mingyu’s eyes; he strode forward, grasped the hilt, feeling its familiar texture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“March out,” he ordered in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The column marched noisily through Tagang’s city gate, heading toward Lingtaicheng. Lingtaicheng lay nearly seven hundred li directly east of Tagang, separated by the vast Starflow Sea. Jiang Mingyu stood before his horse, gazing at the endless mountain range ahead. To sever He Jing’s supply lines, this campaign was bound to be perilous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To reach it, they must cross the towering, continuous Guanlang Mountains to the north—where towering trees blocked the sky, jagged peaks jutted abruptly, paths twisted treacherously, and wild beasts roamed, making troop movement extremely difficult. Thinking of the hardships ahead, Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly, his right hand instinctively tightening around his sword hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three days of continuous marching, the army finally encountered a downpour. Rain poured relentlessly, triggering constant mudslides cascading down the mountains. Jiang Mingyu had no choice but to order a camp established on a flat stretch midway up the slope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood inside the main tent, gripping his saber’s hilt tightly, staring out at the torrential rain. His brow was deeply furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety and unease. This sudden storm had delayed their advance, and he was desperate to reach the front and command the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long until this rain stops?” Jiang Mingyu asked his adjutant, his voice strained with impatience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty,” the adjutant replied, head bowed, voice low, “it’s the plum rain season—likely several more days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu let out a sharp “tsk,” strode to the tent entrance, and immediately rain splashed onto his shoes and pant legs. He glared fiercely at the thick curtain of rain, his fists clenching with a crunching sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The adjutant stood silently beside him, face troubled. This sudden rain had indeed disrupted the army’s schedule, and days of grueling travel had lowered morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. As commander, he knew he must not show anxiety or discontent before his men. To boost morale, he needed to appear composed and unshaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send for the generals. Hold a meeting.” He ordered his adjutant in a low tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the tent was filled with officers. Jiang Mingyu scanned the room and spoke bluntly: “This sudden change will inevitably slow our advance. We cannot assume He Jing won’t exploit this chance to regroup.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He narrowed his eyes, gaze piercing: “Gentlemen, how should we respond? We need a decisive strategy now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo tilted his head slightly, about to speak, when Jiang Mingyu raised a hand to stop him: “Wait. If anyone has objections, speak freely—I’ll weigh all views.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The generals exchanged glances, each lost in thought. After a moment, Feng Xi furrowed his brows and spoke slowly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi furrowed his brows and spoke slowly: “The rain certainly hampers our march, but He Jing is equally hampered. I suggest we press forward at full speed, strike while he’s unprepared, seize his vital points, and capture his commander in one blow—isn’t that feasible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell over the tent. Some muttered to themselves, others whispered, weighing the plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, Che Gang shook his head: “That’s too risky. He Jing is a seasoned commander—he won’t be careless. If we force our advance, our supply lines will collapse, and we’ll trap ourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, his gaze deliberately fixed on Jiang Mingyu: “This bad weather is fate. Your Majesty, why not halt the southern campaign, rest our troops, and resume once the rain clears?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu listened in silence, his brow tightly knitted. He pondered long before sighing deeply: “Your words are sound. I originally intended a swift victory in the south, but weather is fickle, and fate unpredictable. It seems He Jing will live a few more days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he swept his sleeve and rose, striding to the tent entrance. The wind had scattered the rain; dawn’s first light glimmered on the horizon. In his silver armor, his figure stood straight and imposing, like a god descending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s decided,” he said in a low voice. “Three days after the rain stops, we march south. Regardless of whether supplies arrive, we’ll storm the key positions and take He Jing directly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” The generals chorused in unison, their voices brimming with fierce determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chilling aura of killing intent flashed in Jiang Mingyu’s eyes. He gazed southward, sneering softly: “He Jing… you won’t escape this fate…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days passed. Fortunately, Shi Zhuo had sent men through the rain to deliver grain—the army’s Chuiyan  had not gone out. When Jiang Mingyu learned the supplies had arrived, he exhaled in relief, his tense expression softening. “We’ve made it through. Hold on a few more days—we’ll reach the enemy.” He told his soldiers. The troops relaxed their grim expressions, beginning to count and distribute the rations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two more days trudging through muddy roads—just thirty-four days from reaching Lingtaicheng—Shi Zhuo’s messengers arrived again. Jiang Mingyu frowned, stepping forward: “Didn’t we already receive grain? Why are you here again? Has Zhuge Yu’s army arrived?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger shook his head quickly: “Your Majesty, it’s not that. Minister Tian has sent me with a message.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A message? Jiang Mingyu’s gaze sharpened instantly: “What message?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger pulled a sealed letter from his chest and offered it with both hands. Jiang Mingyu tore it open, scanned the contents, and his face turned ashen, his lips tightening into a thin line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Tong, after leaving Tagang, had headed straight for the coast, intending to sail south to Baocheng. But when Wei Yangyao heard Jiang Mingyu had ordered Jia Tong to surrender, he flew into a rage and executed him on the spot. Shi Zhuo had confirmed the truth through a northern merchant caravan before sending this urgent report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s hand trembled slightly as he slammed the letter onto the table. It fluttered to the ground like a broken kite. He spun around and stormed out. Rain soaked his hair and robes again—but this time, Jiang Mingyu didn’t notice. His gaze fixed on the distance, lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Tong’s death had been expected. A traitor like him had little chance of survival. Jiang Mingyu had clung to a sliver of hope—that Wei Yangyao might listen to reason. Now, with Jia Tong dead, that last hope was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That bastard! He got what he deserved!” Tu Kesiluo exploded in rage, fists clenched, wishing he could kill Jia Tong himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jing snorted coldly: “Wei Yangyao is a hypocrite—he’s gambling everything on a final stand against us. But his thuggish bravado won’t last long!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll flay him alive myself!” Che Gang growled, eyes glinting with icy hatred. He hated Wei Yangyao most of all—this feud demanded vengeance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tent erupted in curses against Wei Yangyao. Only Jiang Mingyu remained silent, his face unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough!” He slammed his fist on the table, making the teacups jump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices died instantly. All fell silent, not daring to make another sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our goal is to reclaim our own empire—not waste time on Wei Yangyao, a stray dog.” Jiang Mingyu scanned the assembled generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right now, the priority is capturing Lingtaicheng as soon as possible. We’ve already wasted too much time.” He stood, his expression resolute, voice unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty’s decision is flawless! We’ll win this war!” The generals chorused in agreement. Che Gang, He Jing, and Tu Kesiluo all calmed their arrogance, nodding in submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath, then exhaled heavily. It didn’t matter. Jia Tong was just a minor player—his death a small footnote in this power game. The real enemy was Wei Yangyao, a wounded beast. And Jiang Mingyu was determined to deliver the final blow himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned, his eyes no longer shadowed by sorrow—only unwavering resolve. Yes, this was not over. He still bore the duty to win this war and reclaim his empire. Whether Wei Yangyao held firm or resisted, Jiang Mingyu would arrive on schedule—and end this conflict once and for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu swept his sleeve and ordered the army to march north immediately. Military victory mattered far more than revenge. Perhaps Wei Yangyao was momentarily triumphant—but Jiang Mingyu was certain he would soon regret his foolishness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he had countless times on the battlefield, Jiang Mingyu led his troops forward again. Weary but blazing with spirit, they surged toward Lingtaicheng, the enemy’s stronghold, with thunderous speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu and E Bu struggled through the muddy, slippery road. Jiang Mingyu’s face was grim, his thick eyebrows knotted together, sharpening his features into a stern mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes fixed ahead, strategizing, when E Bu spoke in a low voice beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, we’ll reach Lingtaicheng’s territory tomorrow. How do we break their defenses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression grew complex. He frowned slightly, a flicker of concern in his eyes. When he looked at E Bu, his gaze hesitated, as if choosing words carefully. After a few seconds, he answered firmly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I’m not certain. He Jing commands ninety thousand troops, entrenched in Lingtaicheng’s defenses—his position is formidable. He likely already knows of our movements. If we seek aid from Wei Yangyao now, the situation will only worsen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, E Bu paused, his eyes brightening as if struck by an idea. He leaned forward eagerly: “Why not hear Che Gang’s thoughts? He knows the southern terrain intimately—his strategy may surpass mine. Perhaps he has a clever plan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu pondered, his furrowed brow easing slightly. He nodded: “Your suggestion is sound. Summon Che Gang at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Che Gang strode in, calm and composed. Jiang Mingyu briefly recounted his conversation with E Bu, then asked: “What’s your plan for taking Lingtaicheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang didn’t answer. He chuckled twice, smirking mysteriously. He narrowed his eyes, speaking with deliberate weight: “Besiege it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu blinked, puzzled: “Why? Lingtaicheng faces the sea—Wang Yi can send reinforcements easily. Wei Yangyao won’t stand idle. We might end up trapped instead.” He frowned, eyeing Che Gang skeptically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang remained unruffled: “Your Majesty considers all angles—but there are details you don’t yet know.” His tone was calm, his gaze confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s brow twitched. Interest sparked in his eyes. He leaned forward slightly, curious: “What details? Tell me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang straightened, speaking with fluent confidence: “Your Majesty, here’s how it is...” He gestured animatedly, his thick eyebrows and bright eyes full of intensity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He explained that Lingtaicheng’s terrain was too uneven for large-scale farming; locals had long survived on fruit and minor crops. Almost all grain had to be imported, much like the old firewood shortages in Tenglong County. Military supplies were even worse—shipped from Baocheng, a logistical nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo frowned heavily, growing impatient. He interrupted: “I asked about siege tactics, not a geography lecture! Waste of time!” He yanked his horse’s reins to a stop. Li Goudan and others also looked skeptical, confused by Che Gang’s rambling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang startled, quickly pleading: “Your Highness, please, let me finish—you’ll understand my point.” He clasped his hands together, face earnest. Tu Kesiluo snorted, but seeing Jiang Mingyu didn’t object, waved him on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang continued: Due to grain shortages, Lingtaicheng and Baocheng had long-standing tensions. They clashed repeatedly over supplies, even dragging disputes to court—everyone knew. Since He Jing and Wang Yi took command, the feud had intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scouts reported that He Jing constantly sabotaged Lingtaicheng, trying to gain advantage. But Wang Yi was no pushover—he gave He Jing no quarter. Once, Wang Yi deliberately delayed grain shipments, nearly causing He Jing’s anti-bandit force to be annihilated. He Jing stormed to Wei Yangyao and accused Wang Yi. Wei Yangyao flew into a rage and punished Wang Yi severely. Since then, their relationship was outright hostile—Wei Yangyao pretended not to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang’s expression turned grave: “Your Majesty, I know Lingtaicheng’s situation inside out. Its grain stockpiles won’t last more than ten days. Once we fully encircle it, they’ll run out in ten days. Wang Yi will refuse to help—even if He Jing has ninety thousand troops, they’ll have only two choices: surrender or starve.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s expression showed lingering doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander Che, if Lingtaicheng faces the sea, why doesn’t Wei Yangyao supply grain by sea instead of land?” Jiang Mingyu asked, frowning slightly, testing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang fell silent a moment, as if weighing his words. Then he turned slightly, speaking slowly: “The Starflow Sea east of Lingtaicheng differs from the Pingliu Sea to the west—it’s plagued by massive storms.” He gestured as if painting waves crashing violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the founding of the southern kingdom, they did try sea transport—but losses were catastrophic. They abandoned it out of necessity.” Che Gang’s tone carried regret; he shook his head, a trace of sorrow in his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. He could almost see the scene: grain-laden ships swallowed by monstrous waves, vital supplies lost forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So,” Che Gang concluded, voice firm yet resigned, “whether it’s Feng Xi’s supply route or your earlier troop movement—sea transport is impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi’s brow tightened further. He lowered his head, thinking, then raised it again, eyes gleaming with defiance: “Even so, how can you be certain He Jing won’t break out once we encircle the city?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice quickened, edged with agitation: “You yourself said he’s arrogant and reckless. How could he tolerate us parading outside his walls?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo smiled at Feng Xi, eyes sharp with understanding. His tone was calm, but every word cut like a blade: “If He Jing dares to come out, even better—we eliminate him faster and save ten days of rations. Why not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu froze slightly, glancing at Tu Kesiluo, his gaze heavy. Feng Xi also frowned. Though the reserve forces were ample, he knew the army’s losses from the Dàyá campaign hadn’t fully recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang shook his head gently, breaking the silence: “No. Including Baocheng, we’ve now seized five of the eight southern provinces.” He paused, scanning the room, choosing his next words carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He Jing may be corrupt, but he’s shrewd—otherwise he wouldn’t hold the position of Lingtaicheng’s commander. Our forces are at their peak. Even the famed Du Jianmu fell in battle. He won’t dare emerge anytime soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, acknowledging Che Gang’s assessment. Feng Xi no longer pressed his view; his face revealed no emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the rational response,” Che Gang concluded, voice certain. “And He Jing needs this time to find our weakness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, a faint sneer curling his lips: “And that… is our opportunity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tent fell utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long moments passed before Jiang Mingyu slowly raised his head, scanning the generals, and asked in a low, commanding tone: “What do you all think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was calm, yet carried undeniable weight and pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo glanced at He Jing; both men’s eyes held restrained approval. They looked at E Bu and others, then nodded silently in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face remained neutral, but excitement gleamed in his eyes. He lifted his chin slightly, a flash of confidence and satisfaction in his gaze—seeing no objections, he could finally breathe easier. The southern campaign’s momentum was now unstoppable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flicked his green silk cloak lightly, rolled it up, concealing his noble features, leaving only two bright, resolute eyes: “Since no one objects, it’s settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, lips pressed tightly, speaking with solemn gravity: “Our grain is still sufficient. March immediately to Lingtaicheng. We’ll trap He Jing inside until he starves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Jiang Mingyu straightened his spine, ready to move. His movements were swift, decisive—radiating absolute confidence in this mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tu Kesiluo and Feng Xi exchanged a glance—each saw unwavering resolve in the other’s eyes. This southern campaign, through all its trials, had finally reached the dawn of victory.\u003C\u002Fp>",2754,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","685560df951fd9c3d8bbb78c06acb7dc0cb9cd6598c657c5be88d21231657878","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-385","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-383",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]