[{"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-389":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},2289224,4475,"Chapter 389: Cannot Let Him Live","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-389",389,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s first act upon entering the city was to order Che Gang and E Bu to fully seize Lingtaicheng’s encampment and confiscate Wang Yi’s military tally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu strode into the encampment wearing a python robe, his expression icy. Che Gang and E Bu followed behind, nervously glancing left and right, fearing someone might seize the opportunity to sabotage them. When they reached the encampment gate, the two rushed forward—one snatched the gate guard’s tally and keys, the other barked a loud command—and thus, Lingtaicheng’s encampment fell into their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Wang Yi’s troops, they were dispersed and mixed with Cold Yang’s surrendered soldiers, then placed under strict surveillance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi led a group of military officers, standing in rigid formation on the training ground. The surrendered troops and Wang Yi’s men, bound tightly, knelt on the ground in terror. Feng Xi’s face was cold as he called out each name one by one, then randomly assigned them to different squads, assigning Zhuanren  to closely guard them, fearing any mishap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi could only smile bitterly; at this point, if he didn’t sincerely surrender, his head wouldn’t last many more days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi clenched his lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he forced back the tears in his eyes. He knew Jiang Mingyu had complete control of the situation—his fate now rested entirely in Jiang Mingyu’s hands. To survive, he must submit utterly; otherwise, his fate would be no different from that of the rebels...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the man kneel before him, utterly submissive, Jiang Mingyu finally nodded in satisfaction. Lingtaicheng was finally taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu crossed his arms, coldly watching Wang Yi kneel at his feet, his forehead nearly brushing the ground. After a long while, seeing Wang Yi had truly lost all will to resist, he gave a slight nod, signaling him to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After signaling Wang Yi to rise, he asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Wang, you’ve been stationed in Lingtaicheng and responsible for grain transport—surely you know the situation in Gebao City well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me,” Jiang Mingyu cut straight to the point, “what is the true situation in Gebao City right now?” His eyes blazed, making Wang Yi tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi had just surrendered and was eager to prove himself, to earn Jiang Mingyu’s trust—he immediately spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, as you know, Gebao City is the capital of the Southern Frontier, and the Wei family has ruled it for over a century,” Wang Yi answered nervously, terrified of saying the wrong thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After generations of Wei family rule, the city now holds no fewer than several hundred thousand civilians—it is extraordinarily prosperous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Previously, the city had two hundred thousand defenders, but after Your Majesty’s campaigns, only about eighty-nine thousand remain,” Wang Yi’s face flickered with fear—he recalled Jiang Mingyu’s thunderous conquests and shuddered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet Gebao’s grain reserves are abundant. According to my estimate, they can sustain the garrison for at least three years.” As he spoke, his tone carried a hint of regret, his eyes dimming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly. Though the enemy numbers were small, their grain reserves were terrifying. He rubbed his temples, his brow tightening, his expression darkening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Wei Yangyao conscripted another three hundred thousand new soldiers in the city, fortified Gebao, and trained them, they would soon become a formidable force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, Jiang Mingyu’s entire force—even counting the newly surrendered troops—amounted to barely three hundred thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every day, these men and horses consumed vast quantities of supplies, all of which had to be transported from distant Dajiang—a consumption rate beyond any number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, retreat was impossible. Even if Dajiang could afford the cost, it could not send reinforcements south to Gebao in the short term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If supply lines faltered, and Wei Yangyao’s new troops matured into a fighting force, Jiang Mingyu would face utter ruin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, even the estimate of three hundred thousand was optimistic—after all, there was still no word from Tuxesluo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiang had only fifty thousand troops, but no one knew the true caliber of its commander, Feng Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Tuxesluo suffered further losses, Jiang Mingyu’s difficulty in capturing Gebao would only increase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu fall silent and his mood sour, Wang Yi quickly bowed and slipped quietly out of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face turned ashen, his fists clenched, veins bulging. His breathing grew rapid and irregular—Wang Yi’s words had pressed him to his limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Yi left, Jiang Mingyu paced the hall, his mind racing for solutions. But Gebao City was simply too hard to crack—its difficulty far exceeded his expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi entered the hall, stepping softly, his expression grave. Jiang Mingyu sat on the main seat, chin propped on his hand, lost in thought. Hearing the footsteps, he lifted his eyes slightly. Feng Xi bowed deeply, then spoke bluntly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, the city’s treasury is piled high with grain—it seems the provisions Wei Yangyao sent to Yan Hao were indeed withheld by Wang Yi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu gave a quiet “hmm,” his gaze still vacant—he was still lost in thoughts of Gebao, indifferent to this news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi frowned, fell silent, then hesitated. After a long pause, he ventured: “Your Majesty, I have a remark—though I’m unsure whether I should speak it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu finally snapped back to attention, looked at Feng Xi, and waved his hand: “Speak freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi glanced around, confirmed no one was near, then stepped closer and lowered his voice: “Your Majesty, Wang Yi cannot be allowed to live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s interest stirred—he raised an eyebrow. “Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi’s face darkened, his voice hoarse: “Wang Yi is treacherous and cruel. His surrender today was out of desperation. He withheld grain from his own comrade Yan Hao out of personal grudge, watched Yan Hao’s defeat without remorse—this man is heartless and ungrateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Feng Xi’s eyes glinted with murder, his tone thick with bloodlust: “Your Majesty, consider—if our army ever suffers defeat, wouldn’t Wang Yi seek revenge for today’s humiliation? He’d surely turn on us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu pondered, sighed softly: “I’ve anticipated these concerns. But Wang Yi has just surrendered with his troops—if I execute him without cause, it would look unjust. Moreover, his loyalists make up the bulk of Lingtaicheng’s surrendered soldiers. Killing him now would spark fresh unrest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi, as if prepared, suddenly lifted his head, eyes flashing with cold light: “Then fabricate a charge of treason against him—it’s enough to end his life. And the surrendered troops will have no grounds to protest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s heart stirred. After a long pause, he nodded. He whispered to Feng Xi: “This must never leak—failure would be catastrophic.” Feng Xi bowed respectfully, his face alight with suppressed excitement, then strode out of the hall to begin his secret mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun sank lower, its slanting rays gilding Wang Yi as he sat alone in his chair, pale-faced, eyes hollow, lips twitching faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only ever held a personal grudge against Shi Zhuo—he had never plotted rebellion. He had even prepared to fight Jiang Mingyu to the death. But the imperial envoy gave him no chance to plead—he imprisoned his entire family and forced him to betray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi had hoped to profit during Jiang Mingyu’s southern campaign, never imagining his own base would be razed. Thinking of it, he clenched his teeth, fists gripping tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he brooded, a soldier’s voice called from outside: “Director Wang, His Majesty invites all Lingtaicheng officers to a banquet—you are requested to attend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi sneered inwardly—Jiang Mingyu was indeed eager to win hearts. But he had to show face. He tidied his attire and went to the designated location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the tent, all present were his former subordinates—but every face bore fear and despair. The sight made Wang Yi sigh inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to greet them, Feng Xi strode in abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentlemen, His Majesty is occupied and cannot attend—he has entrusted me to host you. Please take your seats.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officers exchanged glances but said nothing, sitting down. Feng Xi raised his cup and drank freely, uttering not a single extra word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi was puzzled—how could such a perfunctory gesture win loyalty? Yet Feng Xi showed no signs of intoxication, his eyes sharp, his movements lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other officers, seeing this, rushed to toast Feng Xi, hoping to curry favor with this powerful man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone raised their cups. Wang Yi forced himself to join. Feng Xi drank without pause; Wang Yi and the others soon grew dizzy and unsteady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the officers lay sprawled, unconscious. Feng Xi finally revealed a sly smile, waved his hand—and his personal guards filed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine in the jugs had been diluted with water—Feng Xi had never been drunk. He gave a knowing smile, signaling his guards to carry the drunken officers back to “rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened again—this time, only Feng Xi and a few guards emerged. The drunken officers had been taken away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi woke from a daze, his memory of last night’s banquet completely blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed his aching temples, straining to recall the banquet—but only fragmented images flashed before him. Why had the feast achieved nothing? Was this merely a routine gathering?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi racked his brain, growing increasingly agitated. He paced, seeking a rational explanation—but found none. Then, footsteps of military boots echoed outside. He froze—looked up—and saw Feng Xi leading a squad of soldiers bursting in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Yi, someone has accused you of plotting treason and gathering rebels. Is this true?” Feng Xi asked without warning, his voice icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Treason? This is a monstrous injustice!” Wang Yi’s face paled—he shook his head frantically. “I have already surrendered to Dajiang! How could I harbor such treasonous thoughts? This is clearly a malicious frame-up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clasped his hands together, pleading urgently: “Please, Commander, investigate thoroughly! Let me meet His Majesty and explain the truth. I am certain His Majesty’s wisdom will clear my name!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi’s desperation and terror were unmistakable—Feng Xi nodded slightly: “Then we must follow procedure and search your quarters. If no evidence is found, this misunderstanding will be resolved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi exhaled in relief, thanking profusely. He thought: if no proof is found, this false charge will vanish. He eagerly added: “Thank you, Commander—search away!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi ordered soldiers to ransack Wang Yi’s quarters. Once they left, Wang Yi privately schemed: if he survived this, he must strengthen ties with Feng Xi—gain his protection. Otherwise, such baseless accusations would surely recur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi acted the part of impartial official, ordering his men to turn the room upside down. Wang Yi watched his home torn apart—but breathed easier, believing the farce was ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, from the left study, a soldier cried out: “Commander! I’ve found something!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier held a crumpled, faded scrap of paper with messy handwriting. Feng Xi’s brow knitted, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. He snatched the paper and hurled it at Wang Yi’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this?” he demanded sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi’s face turned white—cold sweat broke on his back. It was a treasonous pact—though the script was sloppy, the name “Wang Yi” clearly stood at the top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The document claimed Jiang Mingyu had seized Lingtaicheng and stripped Wang Yi of his command, sparking widespread resentment. At the bottom, dozens of bloody fingerprints sealed the pact, proclaiming Wang Yi emperor, and plotting rebellion in ten days to overthrow Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi’s mind exploded. This was a pure fabrication! He had never written such a document, never conspired with anyone! Yet the signature—undoubtedly his own—was there... How?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi’s eyes turned bloodshot, his denials incoherent. Feng Xi’s face remained as cold as ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Evidence is clear. What more is there to say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unjust! This is a frame-up!” Wang Yi screamed. His eyes darted—he suddenly suspected the mastermind was Jiang Mingyu himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet had been a ruse. After everyone was drunk, they’d forged his signature. Only Jiang Mingyu could orchestrate such a cruel, cunning scheme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi, shaken to his core, trembled violently. He shoved away the soldiers holding him and shrieked: “Jiang Mingyu, you beast! I treated you like a son—and you’ve slandered me like this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi flew into a rage, barking: “Seize him! You’re not only guilty of treason—you dare slander His Majesty! Add another crime! Take him to prison—and arrest all his accomplices!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yi was slammed to the ground, bound tightly. He continued screaming: “Jiang Mingyu, I’ll make you pay! Feng Xi, none of you will die easy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day later, Wang Yi and over ten other former Lingtaicheng officers were bound and publicly beheaded, charged with “treason.” Jiang Mingyu publicly declared the ringleader eliminated, warning all other soldiers who had secretly colluded: any future dissent would be met with no mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, all surrendered troops fell silent, terrified of death. Wang Yi’s execution eased Jiang Mingyu’s breath—but soon, his brow furrowed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhao had arrived from Tagang and taken over Lingtaicheng—manageable. But what haunted him was the silence from Tuxesluo. He’d sent Feng Xi multiple times to scout Tuxesluo’s whereabouts—still no word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days passed. The scouts sent toward Jing Xiang remained silent as if swallowed by the earth. Jiang Mingyu grew anxious—had Tuxesluo encountered disaster in Jing Xiang?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reasoned: Lingtaicheng’s fall had surely reached Gebao. Wei Yangyao would reinforce Jing Xiang and fight to the death. Tuxesluo had only seventy thousand men—if he met the main enemy force, he’d be doomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Jiang Mingyu regretted letting He Jing accompany Tuxesluo. Both were impulsive—if they fell into a trap, they’d drag down the entire campaign. Now, only one course remained: accelerate training of the surrendered troops and march swiftly to relieve Jing Xiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu anxiously awaited news, Feng Xi’s scouts finally returned one by one, reporting. The lead scout knelt, exhausted from days of travel, yet his voice rang loud:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, five days ago, His Royal Highness captured Jing Xiang and beheaded Feng Cheng. The entire Jing Xiang region now lies under our control. I raced back day and night to deliver the victory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slapped his thigh, exhaled deeply, the heavy weight lifting from his chest. With Jing Xiang taken, the western barrier was secure. Tuxesluo had not disappointed him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout vividly recounted Tuxesluo’s conquest of Jing Xiang, drawing rapt attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began solemnly: “This great victory was entirely due to His Royal Highness’s brilliant strategy.” Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow—when had Tuxesluo learned strategy? He leaned forward, listening intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout continued: “His Royal Highness judged that Feng Cheng, with only fifty thousand men, would never risk an open battle. So he feigned exhaustion, secretly deploying Xu Zhanhong to ambush, while leading thirty thousand men directly toward Jing Xiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His troops shouted loudly, boasting they would raze Jing Xiang. Ten miles out, their threats reached Feng Cheng’s ears. Seeing our small force and no reinforcements, Feng Cheng sneered, dismissed all caution, and charged out with his full fifty thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, His Royal Highness feigned a panicked retreat. Feng Cheng, greedy for glory, pursued recklessly. For days, the two armies chased each other until Feng Cheng finally drove us into a valley, intending to annihilate us. But suddenly, troops rose from behind—surrounded from both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Cheng was stunned, too late to react—boulders, logs, and arrows buried him. His Royal Highness launched the final assault—fifty thousand Southern Frontier troops were annihilated in an instant, and Feng Cheng was slain on horseback...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan clapped in delight. E Bu merely snorted, saying he listened to military reports like folktales. Jiang Mingyu paid no mind—he nodded eagerly, praising Tuxesluo: decisive, masterful, now truly a general who could stand alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu had just relaxed when he frowned sharply: “Why the delay in reporting?” The scout sighed: “It was His Royal Highness’s order—he insisted on giving Your Majesty a ‘surprise.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu laughed bitterly. All those days of anxiety—what a true “surprise” that had been. Though annoyed, the weight was gone—he finally let go of this burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately summoned Feng Xi into the tent and ordered him to dispatch more scouts to infiltrate Gebao City—bring back the latest intelligence at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi bowed and left. Jiang Mingyu then ordered E Bu’s trusted officer, Sui Min, to lead fifty thousand troops to reinforce Jing Xiang. His officers wasted no time—they immediately mobilized and marched west.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Che Gang could no longer hold back: “Your Majesty, once our scouts return, will we launch a direct assault on Gebao City?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words left his mouth, his fists were clenched tight, his eyes gleaming with suppressed fury. He hated Wei Yangyao, his old enemy, with every fiber of his being—and now, Jiang Mingyu had finally nodded. Che Gang’s eyes blazed with murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that day is coming...” Jiang Mingyu’s expression was cold, his eyes blazing with an oppressive aura that nearly suffocated those around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Che Gang shuddered all over, barely suppressing his exhilaration. The other generals, seeing this, fell silent and held their breath, fearing that even a single misstep would be crushed by Jiang Mingyu’s current killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air was utterly silent. Jiang Mingyu’s gaze burned forward. Faintly, one could see flames dancing in his eyes—just like the roaring battle fury and hatred churning within him... This southern campaign, he would crush Wei Yangyao into dust and avenge every past conspiracy and betrayal!\u003C\u002Fp>",2901,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","166e855722332754478221ac96c8da7dbfeffb0b87d4049a6fc623c35081bd20","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-390","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-388",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]