[{"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-391":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},2289226,4475,"Chapter 391: The Final Battle","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-391",391,"\u003Cp>When Peng Mu went to the city to muster troops, Li Goudan, clad in military armor, stared intently at Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, ordering the army to rest in place is part of the plan?” he crossed his arms, querying with keen interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded slowly, a sly smile curling at his lips. “Correct. I’m doing this to let the soldiers rest properly, for the coming battle.” He narrowed his eyes, his expression deep and unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for the second reason, it’s to make Wei Yangyao believe we’re arrogant—that we don’t take them seriously at all.” Jiang Mingyu lowered his voice, a hint of triumph seeping into his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I expect the enemy will seize the chance to raid our camp—thus drawing them out, wouldn’t that be perfect?” He raised an eyebrow, lips curving upward, as if he already held Wei Yangyao firmly in his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already told Tukesiluo this when giving orders—no matter which side the enemy attacked, they’d be prepared. Li Goudan let out a heavy snort after hearing this, as if in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But until nightfall, everything remained eerily quiet. Li Goudan thought Jiang Mingyu had misjudged and was about to mock him, but Jiang Mingyu kept insisting, “Wait a little longer,” his demeanor calm and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Autumn days are short; soon it was the first watch. At that moment, a scout suddenly rushed into camp, gasping for breath, reporting that Wei Yangyao had finally moved his troops. Li Goudan’s eyes widened, his face filled with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They came fast indeed! Perfect—the rat’s taken the bait!” Jiang Mingyu burst into laughter, his grin stretching nearly ear to ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than half a meal’s time, Peng Mu, leading five thousand cavalry, charged toward Jiang Mingyu’s dark camp like a gust of wind. Dressed in armor, Peng Mu reined in his horse, raised his spear, and glared with burning eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brothers, charge in!” he roared, leading the charge straight for the camp gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the chaos of battle, Jiang Mingyu heard Peng Mu had broken into the camp and was ruthlessly advancing toward the central command tent, intent on killing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Ebu suddenly led troops to block Peng Mu’s path. “Traitor general, how dare you bring just a few thousand men to die in our Great Jiang Army? Who gave you the courage?” he bellowed, menacingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Mu said nothing. His eyes burned red, his spear aimed straight at Ebu’s vital point, about to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, several times the number of Great Jiang troops were locked in fierce combat with the five thousand Southern Jiang soldiers, blades clashing, neither side gaining ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the night sky, steel clashed, screams echoed. The moonlight turned crimson with blood; the ground was littered with corpses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiang soldiers fought with fierce vigor; the Southern Jiang troops were clearly losing, collapsing into disarray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the last Southern Jiang soldier fell, Peng Mu was riddled with wounds, drenched in blood, barely clinging to life. His eyes burned red as he stared at the carnage of corpses and wounded around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebu glanced at the dying Peng Mu, and his voice carried a trace of respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give him a proper burial...” Before he could finish, Jiang Mingyu strode out of the tent, cutting him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait.” Jiang Mingyu raised a hand, his expression icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebu frowned, asking, “Your Majesty, they were brave men—they deserve honor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smirked coldly. “You’re right. But their heads still have great use.” He raised an eyebrow, his gaze dark and menacing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebu suddenly looked up, realization dawning. “Your Majesty intends to use this to terrify the enemy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu gave a slight nod. “Such a valuable thing—if we don’t make full use of it, wouldn’t that be a waste?” He narrowed his eyes, his gaze obscure and unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know you respect them. But you’re a soldier—we’re at war. I hope you understand.” Jiang Mingyu’s tone was calm, yet brooked no argument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebu fell silent for a moment, then nodded heavily, closing his eyes slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Ebu led his troops to the gates of Gebao City. He adopted an arrogant posture, ignoring the defenders’ reactions, and declared:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen up, men on the walls! I am Ebu, Regional Military Commissioner of Great Jiang. I’ve come today to deliver a gift to Wei Yangyao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, he waved his hand, and five thousand bloodied heads were carried forth by Great Jiang soldiers and hurled onto the ground below, kicking up clouds of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was deep night; the city walls were dimly lit. The defenders squinted downward but could barely make out anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Ebu sneered. “Can’t see clearly? Don’t worry—your commander will deliver them to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers picked up the heads and flung them violently toward the walls. Screams erupted instantly. The Southern Jiang defenders, upon seeing the faces frozen in terror, were stunned into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s... Commander Ren! That’s Commander Ren’s head!” one soldier shrieked, his voice trembling like a sieve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebu grinned savagely, throwing his head back and laughing loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right—your Commander Ren, and his five thousand men. My Emperor, in his mercy, has returned them all to you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone shifted instantly; his smile vanished. He roared, “Go tell Wei Yangyao: Peng Mu’s death is merely a warning. If you don’t surrender, this will be his fate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebu turned and walked away, giving the defenders no chance to recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news spread through the Southern Jiang camp; soldiers trembled with fear, wailing in despair. The Terracotta Warriors had been crushed—this was a clear message: death was within reach!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors spread further: that Peng Mu had acted on his own initiative, provoking the enemy and dooming five thousand brothers to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Southern Jiang soldiers glared at the palace with hatred and venom, as if they wished to grind its occupants to dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city’s officials, upon hearing the news, were paralyzed with terror, their hearts churning in shock. Many began secretly packing their belongings, preparing to surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the news reached Wei Yangyao, his face turned as white as paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn fool! Peng Mu, useless waste! He fails at everything and even dared to consider releasing Mu Qian—what delusions!” Wei Yangyao slammed his fist onto the arm of his dragon throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He claimed he’d boost morale—now look: not only did he fail to lift it, he shattered it completely.” He gnashed his teeth in fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately ordered the arrest of Peng Mu’s entire family, and had them publicly beheaded before all eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send orders at once to Huo Zhun: hold Gebao City at all costs. Any soldier who shows cowardice or opposes the war—execute him on the spot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city gates groaned shut. The Southern Jiang soldiers trudged wearily onto the walls, their future uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Jiang Mingyu’s camp blazed with lanterns, tents stretching endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Goudan rushed into the tent to report the latest developments, only to find Jiang Mingyu calmly sipping tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s working—the number of defenders on the walls has increased significantly. Clearly, Wei Yangyao is terrified.” Li Goudan snorted with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu chuckled softly, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately ordered Tukesiluo to rotate troops in and out of camp, creating the illusion of imminent assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll drain their energy and morale bit by bit—then our opportunity will come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so began the nightmare for Huo Zhun and the Southern Jiang soldiers...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, before the fourth watch, Tukesiluo donned his armor and personally led troops toward the western gate of Gebao City, spears and halberds raised, radiating lethal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city’s defenders panicked, shouting in confusion. Huo Zhun, alarmed, rushed to the walls with his sword, shouting slogans to rally morale while scrambling to reposition defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Southern Jiang soldiers stood ready, fully armed, prepared to fight to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the two armies closed to the brink of combat, Tukesiluo suddenly raised his hand. In an instant, his entire force turned and retreated, vanishing into the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Zhun exhaled deeply, his grip on the sword loosening. He knew: if they had truly fought, with morale this fragile, the Southern Jiang soldiers stood no chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo, seeing the defenders prepared, dared not launch a real assault and withdrew mid-attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The defenders on the walls breathed a temporary sigh of relief but remained vigilant, still watching the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before the fifth watch, fighting erupted at the eastern gate—Ebu had arrived with his troops. Huo Zhun, still shaken, rushed back to the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the enemy advanced menacingly and the Southern Jiang soldiers prepared to fight again, Ebu once again withdrew without engaging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Zhun ground his teeth in frustration, powerless. He dared not send out raw recruits, nor could he risk veteran troops leaving the walls open to Tukesiluo’s ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Day after day, Great Jiang generals took turns attacking. The Southern Jiang soldiers were exhausted, their future bleak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, seeing the Southern Jiang troops on the verge of collapse, Wei Yangyao reluctantly ordered them to rest briefly and deployed new recruits to the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these new recruits, having joined barely five days prior, were utterly overwhelmed upon reaching the walls, flailing helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disorder spread across the ramparts. Ebu immediately reported this to Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The enemy’s veterans have withdrawn to rest; fresh troops have taken their place—they’re at their weakest. The city will fall soon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then his eyes flashed with sharp brilliance. “The moment has come—we can strike decisively now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately sent secret orders to Tukesiluo: continue daytime raids, then set fire to the city at the third watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When chaos erupts, storm in and destroy their command center—wipe out their veterans.” Jiang Mingyu’s gaze turned icy, his killing intent unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then assigned specific targets to each general, vowing to crush the defenders and capture Wei Yangyao alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo and the others once again surrounded the city in show of force. The untrained defenders on the walls, utterly disorganized, had no response. Huo Zhun, frantic and helpless, could do nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun had sunk low; the defenders on the walls were utterly spent. Wei Yangyao could no longer hold back—he wanted to release Fang Wen to reverse the tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the moment he voiced this idea, Chancellor Cong Xian and others immediately shouted objections, speaking over each other, shaking their heads vehemently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, this cannot be done!” Cong Xian stepped forward, his tone fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fang Wen is treacherous—he’s a follower of the deposed crown prince. If he gains power, he’ll free the deposed prince. Your Majesty will be in grave danger.” His expression was grave, his voice resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, the war is dire—Jiang Mingyu could break through at any moment. We cannot afford internal chaos.” Other ministers echoed the opposition, each adopting a look of defiant resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, they all knew: if the deposed prince Ou Feng were freed, the first to perish would be them—the sycophants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they somehow escaped death, with Ou Feng’s popularity, he would surely rally forces to fight Jiang Mingyu to the death. Their fate would remain dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversely, as long as Ou Feng remained imprisoned, even if Southern Jiang fell, Jiang Mingyu would not harm them. With their accumulated wealth, they could live comfortably regardless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elderly minister with white whiskers stepped forward, pounding his chest and shouting loudly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Your Majesty insists on releasing Fang Wen, I shall smash my head against this golden hall! Your throne must not be shaken!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another portly official quickly chimed in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, the situation isn’t as dire as you imagine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister Ma smiled smoothly, offering a flattery: “Your Majesty’s wisdom has surely seen through all. Jiang Mingyu’s army has marched far—his provisions must be scarce.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, Your Majesty, endure a few more days. When their food runs out and their troops grow weary, we’ll strike and annihilate them. Then all Southern Jiang territory will be yours!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Yangyao was delighted, nodding eagerly. The chancellor and others praised the strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Jiang Mingyu’s supplies were cut off, Southern Jiang would surely be reclaimed! Wei Yangyao thought this, and finally abandoned the idea of releasing Fang Wen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers breathed a silent sigh of relief, laughing heartily. They knew: as long as Wei Yangyao held the throne, their positions were safe. Even if Southern Jiang fell, their wealth would ensure a comfortable life...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Southern Jiang court celebrated, Jiang Mingyu was in his main tent, discussing the attack plan with his generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first watch is near. Return to your camps and prepare. Strike precisely at the third watch.” His expression was grim, hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send swift riders to Tukesiluo—ensure he launches the assault on time. We cannot miss this chance. Our provisions are running dangerously low—we must end this swiftly!” Jiang Mingyu gritted his teeth, anxiety flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time slipped away; soon it was the second watch. Ebu returned with his troops to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, we made a racket at the walls just now—drove the Southern Jiang soldiers to exhaustion!” He laughed heartily, radiant with pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The enemy is surely sleeping now. This is our chance—don’t let it slip!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes flashed with sharp light, a cold smile forming on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the third watch, lead your archers to set fire to the city. I will lead the main army in immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As E Bu had anticipated, the city wall defenders were sound asleep, with only occasional soldiers rising to relieve themselves and whispering quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>E Bu waved his hand, and tens of thousands of flaming arrows leapt from bows, streaking through the air in brilliant trails before crashing into the city, instantly igniting countless fires.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The southern frontier soldiers on the walls jolted awake, scrambling in all directions, but it was already too late to turn the tide—the fire spread rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the West Gate, Sui Min also led his troops in setting fires; the inferno swiftly engulfed the old city. Homes and barracks were reduced to ashes, with countless dead and wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new recruits flailed helplessly, their chaotic efforts futile. Meanwhile, veteran generals like Huo Zhun and the main forces slept soundly in the main camp, waking too late to regain control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Yangyao, upon hearing the news, could do nothing but order all efforts to extinguish the flames. His own troops were demoralized and had no strength left to respond—they were left at the mercy of their enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, seeing victory within reach, rejoiced uncontrollably and immediately ordered all armies to charge into the inferno and strike straight for the heart of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the East Gate, Gou Dan and other fierce generals led their troops inside. At the West Gate, He Jing fired three arrows in unison, signaling Tukesiluo to launch the assault...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames blazed across the heavens as Jiang Mingyu’s soldiers, brimming with murderous intent, stormed into the city and annihilated the defenders in one decisive blow. The outcome of this battle hung on this single moment!\u003C\u002Fp>",2512,"2026-06-20T03:28:18.279Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","1dd7fdf8bef412ab37749e861c8b3931670d1864cc27e3dace74ac04fcece919","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-392","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-390",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]