[{"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-388":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},2289223,4475,"Chapter 388","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-388",388,"\u003Cp>The next morning, 80,000 Da Jiang warriors stood ready to march, their silver-white armor glinting in the golden-red dawn. Jiang Mingyu stood atop the city wall, gazing at the departing army. He wore a black chainmail armor, a long sword with icy gleam at his waist, his eyes sharp as falcons, his expression resolute and fearless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Advance!” Tukesiluo raised his sword high, his voice clear and firm. The infantry formation marched forward in perfect order, followed by cavalry burdened with heavy armor. The iron hooves of 80,000 cavalry thundered like rolling drums, war drums beat relentlessly, banners snapped in the wind. This mighty force soon vanished into the golden dawn, heading toward the distant battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched the army depart, his expression grim. He turned to the generals behind him and ordered: “Remember, plant our Da Jiang flags everywhere in the city—maintain the illusion that our troops are still here.” Soldiers scrambled to carry out the order; the generals dispersed to relay the commands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stood with arms crossed, gazing at the scenery beyond the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a swift horse galloped in from the North Gate. Jiang Mingyu looked closely—it was Liu Yi’s messenger. He hurried forward, his expression both surprised and delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger reined in before him, bowed slightly, then smiled and said: “Her Majesty has opened many shops across Da Jiang; business is thriving, poised to sweep across all nine provinces. Recently, she dispatched large merchant caravans to reestablish trade with Xi Xia. They will soon resume operations. Xi Xia had a bountiful harvest this year—plenty of silver will flow in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed softly upon hearing this. Liu Yi worked so hard merely to accumulate more gold and silver. Yet he realized: it was precisely the continuous flow of military provisions and funds from Her Majesty’s caravans that sustained his campaign—without them, his army would have starved long ago in Jiangzhou. He felt genuine gratitude toward Liu Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him lost in thought, the messenger pressed: “General, shall I report back and urge the merchants to hurry and earn more military funds?” Jiang Mingyu waved his hand and said loudly: “Our army has already departed. No need to burden Her Majesty further. I only hope she takes care of herself—I shall return victorious soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a day’s march, inside the command tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu rested his chin on his hand, listening intently as Feng Xi reported, his face heavy with concern. Feng Xi stood with arms crossed, brows furrowed: “Your Majesty, scouts have just returned—Leng Yang’s army is nearing Lingtaicheng and will arrive within two days at most. Battle is inevitable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They come quickly!” Jiang Mingyu sneered lightly, a glint flashing in his eyes. “Wei Yangyao is desperate. Perfect—we must move swiftly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>E Bu immediately added: “Your Majesty speaks truly. Our army still has thirty-four days’ march to Lingtaicheng. If either Leng Yang or Wang Yi collapses before we arrive, all our efforts will be wasted.” Generals like Li Goudan and others nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slammed his hands on the table and growled: “Good! Issue immediate orders—accelerate the march. We must reach Lingtaicheng within three days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the autumn rains had passed; the sky remained clear. The army marched day and night, dust rising in clouds. Eighty thousand elite troops advanced with thunderous steps, surging toward Lingtaicheng like a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, Jiang Mingyu received a report from Tukesiluo: he had successfully entered the Southern Frontier and was rendezvousing with He Jing—all proceeding as planned, no complications. Jiang Mingyu immediately wrote back, urging him to strike swiftly and capture Feng Cheng and Jing Xiang before the main battle at Lingtaicheng concluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later, Jiang Mingyu’s army finally arrived at the outskirts of Lingtaicheng, concealing their camp within a dense forest. But scouts reported that Leng Yang and Wang Yi had fought only one battle—neither side had yet gained the upper hand. Jiang Mingyu smiled bitterly. Since he had arrived, he could only wait patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat in his tent, holding a feather fan, calm and composed. Feng Xi and the other generals inspected their troops, preparing for battle. Night fell; bonfires blazed across the camp. Eighty thousand soldiers rested in the woods, awaiting the dawn of their next victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the third morning, Jiang Mingyu sat deep in thought when a scout galloped in with urgent news: Tukesiluo had arrived at Jingxiang’s territory and was preparing to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes flashed with triumph. He smiled mockingly: “Good—the moment has come. Now, as Leng Yang and Wang Yi clash, I shall strike and reap the benefits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan frowned slightly and asked: “Your Majesty, when the two armies fight, how exactly should we intervene? Timing is everything!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was right. If we arrive too early, both sides will detect us and turn against us; too late, and whichever side wins will be fully prepared—we’ll lose the element of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu raised his feather fan to conceal his cold smile. “Rest assured—I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment: when Leng Yang fully encircles Lingtaicheng!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled the scout’s earlier report—Wang Yi had recruited twenty thousand new soldiers to oppose Leng Yang. Once battle begins, these raw troops won’t help—they’ll become a burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that moment, we march straight on Lingtaicheng and declare, ‘Wang Yi has surrendered!’ Then we launch a full-scale assault on Leng Yang’s army!” Jiang Mingyu’s eyes blazed. “Leng Yang will rage in retaliation, but once both sides are locked in stalemate, we strike—and claim victory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan and the others were stunned, praising their ruler’s strategic brilliance. Jiang Mingyu himself felt certain: this move would ignite Lingtaicheng into flames—and the military advantage would be his for the taking!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later that evening, Jiang Mingyu was dining in camp when Feng Xi, his single arm visible, burst in breathlessly, face flushed: “Your Majesty! Leng Yang and Wang Yi have finally clashed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu leapt to his feet, slamming his fist on the table, barely concealing his excitement: “Tell me—what happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi gasped for breath, steadied himself, then explained: “Scouts just arrived—Wang Yi and Leng Yang have met outside Lingtaicheng and engaged in full battle. Your prediction was correct: Wang Yi’s forces are now faltering. The two armies are locked in chaotic combat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes lit up. A smile curled his lips. He tossed his chopsticks aside, strode out of the tent without looking back, and ordered: “Quickly—send word to E Bu. Mobilize the entire army. March in secret to the battlefield. We cannot miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu mounted his horse. Behind him, eighty thousand troops surged forth like a tidal wave, vanishing swiftly into mountain trails. Jiang Mingyu urged them onward, fearing he’d miss this precious opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After nearly twenty li of galloping, the distant roar of battle reached his ears. His heart leapt—he’d arrived in time. He exhaled, then pushed them harder. He thought: Tukesiluo must be fighting too. Soon, our forces will strike Lingtaicheng from east and west. Thinking of Li Goudan’s triumphant grin, Jiang Mingyu couldn’t help smiling himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than an hour later, the chaotic battlefield came into view. Jiang Mingyu surveyed it instantly: Leng Yang’s army, attacking toward Lingtaicheng, clearly held the advantage. Wang Yi’s troops, bearing the “Marquis” banner, were retreating step by step, on the verge of collapse. The ground was littered with countless corpses in grotesque poses. Jiang Mingyu estimated at least fifty thousand dead—mostly Wang Yi’s rebel soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu felt a surge of satisfaction. He turned to Li Goudan: “Execute the plan—strike directly at Leng Yang’s rear and crush him. Prevent Wang Yi from retreating into the city. Move swiftly—we have only one chance!” Li Goudan and the others immediately split into three columns: Li Goudan charged Leng Yang’s main force; Che Gang and E Bu flanked from left and right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two armies fought fiercely, the sudden appearance of Da Jiang troops bearing their banners stunned them. For a moment, Leng Yang and Wang Yi stared blankly, minds unable to process what they saw. Seconds later, their faces twisted into terror. Their eyes widened; their mouths hung open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both had been consumed by the struggle for Lingtaicheng—they’d nearly forgotten Jiang Mingyu existed. Now, remembering him, both cursed their own negligence. Leng Yang clenched his fists, teeth gritted, face etched with self-reproach. Wang Yi pressed his hand to his forehead, as if about to faint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both realized at once: Jiang Mingyu intended to exploit their exhaustion and seize Lingtaicheng. This was disastrous—Jiang Mingyu, that cunning fox, wanted to steal their victory after all their hard work. Thinking of Jiang Mingyu’s calculating face, Leng Yang spat, “Tch!” and punched a nearby tree—bark peeled off in chunks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi had never colluded with Da Jiang. Now, seeing Jiang Mingyu arrive, he considered allying with Leng Yang to destroy him. He shot Leng Yang a glance, signaling alliance. But Leng Yang stared at him warily—as if saying, “I don’t trust you, traitor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wang Yi could speak, Li Goudan charged forward, roaring at the top of his lungs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Wang, don’t panic! My Lord has personally led the army to rescue you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Join forces with us—destroy Leng Yang’s army. You’ll be hailed as the hero who delivered Lingtaicheng. My Lord will reward you handsomely.” Li Goudan beamed with sycophantic glee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he raised his longsword high, its blade slicing through the air in a flash of cold light. His grip tightened, veins bulging on his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brothers, follow me—charge!” His roar echoed. Da Jiang soldiers erupted in thunderous cheers. Swords rang free, the air thick with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Wang Yi’s face turned green. He was caught—no matter how he spun it, he was guilty. His complexion shifted from green to blue to white, then ashen. He staggered backward, collapsing—only his guards’ swift catch kept him from falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Leng Yang, drenched in blood, looked even more ghastly. He screamed at Wang Yi, his crimson-streaked body glowing in the firelight. His voice, sharp as thunder, bit through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Yi, now Jiang Mingyu comes to save you? You traitor to your ancestors—what do you have to say?” He spat each word, as if ready to devour Wang Yi alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the fresh Da Jiang army behind him, having lost over twenty thousand men, Leng Yang knew his last stand had come. He glanced back—Da Jiang banners fluttered, killing aura surging. He understood: either die together, or die alone. He drew a deep breath—no trace of retreat remained in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t charge blindly. He intensified his assault on Wang Yi. Raising his sword, he lunged like lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brothers, kill Wang Yi! Take Lingtaicheng! Once inside, we still have a chance to turn the tide!” Leng Yang roared, voice booming. He knew: this was the only path to survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Leng Yang’s troops, eyes blazing, charged toward Wang Yi, E Bu thundered from the left flank. His hoarse cry pierced the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Wang, stand firm—I and Che Gang are coming to aid you!” A whistle pierced the air. Thirty thousand Southern Frontier troops surged forward like a flood. Spears and blades blocked every escape route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his hopes vanish, Leng Yang’s face darkened. His thin cheeks tightened with rage, lips trembling, eyes glinting with icy malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He screamed at Li Goudan and the others with all his strength: “Hurry! I’ll break out from within the city—we’ll crush these bandits together! Once we defeat them, I’ll surrender Lingtaicheng to Your Majesty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Li Goudan and the others hesitated no longer. They raised their weapons, roaring as they charged Leng Yang. Their faces were cruel, eyes greedy and bloodthirsty—already imagining the city fallen, treasures pouring into their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught between two fronts and hammered by Li Goudan’s assault, Leng Yang’s advantage collapsed instantly. Walls echoed with screams; corpses piled higher. The survivors, wounded or broken, retreated in disarray. Some even considered surrendering—survival seemed impossible now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Jiang Mingyu arrived at the battlefield’s edge with Feng Xi. He squinted and roared with all his might: “Men of Leng Yang! You’re surrounded! Resist, and you die! In the name of your valor, lay down your arms—I’ll spare your lives!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice echoed across the field. Silence fell. After a brief pause, a Southern Frontier soldier, on the verge of collapse, dropped his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yang’s face turned ashen. He knew his men’s nature: once one surrendered, the rest would follow. He snatched a crescent bow from his saddle, aimed at the kneeling soldier, and fired. The arrow whistled through the air—the soldier collapsed, lifeless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Leng Yang hadn’t anticipated this: his arrow, meant to intimidate, had the opposite effect. The surviving soldiers slowly raised their heads, eyes filled with venom and hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yang’s heart sank—he understood their meaning: if you force us to fight, give us a chance to break out. If you can’t protect us, we’ll die fighting our way free—we won’t obey you, “General Kuai,” anymore!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those hateful stares sent a chill through Leng Yang. Before he could decide his next move, E Bu had already drawn his bow. In one swift step, he loosed an arrow—straight through Leng Yang’s chest. Leng Yang’s face froze in disbelief, then he toppled from his horse, crashing to the ground, consciousness fading into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan saw Leng Yang fall. He raised his precious blade, his voice cold and commanding: “Leng Yang is dead! Surrender now, or meet the same fate! Drop your weapons if you want to live!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, Da Jiang troops stepped forward, shields and spears raised, faces blank, eyes locked on Leng Yang’s remnants—ready to slaughter them into pulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yang’s Southern Frontier soldiers exchanged glances—despair in every gaze. They knew: all hope was lost. Resistance was futile. Without hesitation, they dropped their bows, swords, and spears, and knelt, begging for mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, weapons littered the ground; men knelt in rows, bowing their heads to Jiang Mingyu, terrified of any slight provocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly, satisfied. Feng Xi immediately ordered soldiers to bind the captives and confiscate their weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu turned to Wang Yi, who had been watching from the sidelines. He sneered: “Director Wang, I’ve eliminated Leng Yang for you. Now, fulfill your promise—open the city gates and surrender to Da Jiang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi’s face turned deathly pale. He’d hoped to profit from their battle—yet Jiang Mingyu had emerged unscathed, Leng Yang’s entire army annihilated. He forced a grim smile, struggling to mask his embarrassment: “Your Majesty jests... Though I am unworthy, I have always kept my word. I pledged to surrender to Da Jiang—I will not renege.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, Li Goudan strode forward and seized Wang Yi’s arm: “The situation remains uncertain. Director Wang, come with us into the city—for your safety!” It was clear he didn’t trust him. Wang Yi’s face darkened further—he knew his remaining troops were no match for Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no choice, he forced a smile even uglier than before, voice trembling as he ordered the gate guards: “Open the gates.” The guards exchanged glances, understanding the tide had turned. Slowly, they lowered the drawbridge, allowing Jiang Mingyu’s army to flood into the city.\u003C\u002Fp>",2540,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","155664f4c8a5b51db2b1b8ffa213fe729270a93c1eae9764cbd996b2ab33fd5f","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-389","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-387",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]