[{"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-4":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},2288839,4475,"Chapter 4: Paper Drunken, Gold Obsessed","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s appointment as Crown Prince’s Reader spread like wildfire, causing an immediate uproar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From then on, visitors came incessantly to the inn to pay respects and offer congratulations, bringing gifts and wealth of every kind—so varied and dazzling, they were beyond count!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was premium cotton cloth from Songhua, fine, soft, and light; colorful silk brocades from Suzhou and Hangzhou, radiant and brilliant; fresh grapes from the Western Regions, tart and sweet; exotic walnuts from foreign lands, fragrant and crisp; and precious gifts and rare goods from every corner of the land, too numerous to list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These gifts and treasures piled up like mountains, filling every corner of Jiang Mingyu’s inn room until not a single step could be taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, facing this mountain of gifts, felt a storm of emotions within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every high official in the capital vied to befriend this newly crowned top scholar and Crown Prince’s Reader, for everyone knew that when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the Reader would surely be promoted; and if he eventually entered the Grand Secretariat as Chief Minister, such an investment would never be a loss!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the next fifteen days straight, Jiang Mingyu had banquets every day and music and song every night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He visited every restaurant, tavern, and brothel in the capital; at every feast, he drank until he passed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This country scholar from the small southern county of Nanping had never in his twenty-seven years known such bustling, extravagant revelry—even before his reincarnation, he had never enjoyed such luxury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now, at last, had he truly opened his eyes and tasted the flesh and wine of city life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each morning, as soon as Jiang Mingyu opened his eyes, servants would report the time and location of that day’s banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At noon, someone would deliver the banquet attire, so Jiang Mingyu could change into it as a sign of respect to the host.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time he was fully dressed, the carriage was already waiting, ready to take him straight to the banquet hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the banquet, Jiang Mingyu was seated at the head table, surrounded by ministers and nobles, raising cups, reciting poetry, indulging in music, wine, and pleasure—the scene was wildly lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine wines and delicacies were laid out in long rows, dazzling and mouthwatering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, raised in the countryside and never having seen such opulence even in his past life, was momentarily overwhelmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing everyone around him laughing, smiling, and refilling their cups, Jiang Mingyu could only follow suit, draining three cups, breaking his usual restraint, and fully embracing this long-missed joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the banquet ended, Jiang Mingyu usually followed the host to a brothel to continue drinking and reveling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtesans threw themselves into his arms, gently caressing his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their beautiful faces and graceful figures stirred his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu had never experienced romance before; he was instantly intoxicated by this moonlit, floral ecstasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elegant dances, the seductive singing courtesans with eyes like silk—made his blood surge; one night of springtime pleasure was an unforgettable experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he awoke, scattered cups, leftover food, and disheveled clothes reminded him of the night’s debauchery; the pleasure and excitement still lingered in his heart, making him nearly unable to resist sinking back into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These fifteen days of luxury had plunged Jiang Mingyu completely into indulgence, letting him feel an indescribable **pleasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way of pleasure was utterly unlike his daily life, leaving him spellbound, almost losing himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when he finally sobered up did Jiang Mingyu realize he had grown accustomed to this dissolute lifestyle—how could his life have changed so drastically?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the sixteenth day, unexpectedly quiet, no visitors disturbed him; Jiang Mingyu gladly embraced the peace and began inventorying the gifts piled high in every room. Shortly after lunch, a servant arrived to announce that Compiler Tu Po of the Hanlin Academy had come to call!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu then remembered that over the past half-month, many officials had sent emissaries—some even from the Mei Chancellor and the Rabbit Chancellor—but not a single one from the Crane Chancellor. He thought: As expected, here he comes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Compiler Tu and Head Steward Zhang arrived one after the other. Jiang Mingyu, as before, warmly welcomed them into the guest chamber; but this time, he had gained some insight—he first brewed a pot of hot tea to serve them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compiler Tu, seeing the towering piles of gift boxes higher than a man, joked: “Oh? So this is a warehouse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, Master Tu, you’re teasing,” Head Steward Zhang retorted: “This isn’t a warehouse—it looks more like a general store!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the three exchanged pleasantries and small talk, Jiang Mingyu noticed they, unlike previous visitors, came empty-handed, sat down immediately, and began chatting merrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu said nothing, only felt slightly puzzled, silently wondering in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are these gifts crowding your room?” Compiler Tu, as if reading his thoughts, added: “We know your chambers are already packed to bursting, so we didn’t bring any more gifts to add to your trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your humble servant… to be honest…” Jiang Mingyu said, slightly embarrassed: “Looking at all these gift boxes, I’m truly uneasy—I don’t know what to do with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?” Compiler Tu was puzzled. This naive young man didn’t care that they brought no gifts, yet was utterly baffled by the mountain of gifts already here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Excellency,” Jiang Mingyu continued: “By law, officials who accept bribes face capital punishment! I’m afraid—” Before he finished, Compiler Tu and Head Steward Zhang burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Jiang, you’re overthinking!” Head Steward Zhang said: “You haven’t officially taken office yet—you’re not yet an official.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compiler Tu: “Every official in court gives gifts. If you refuse, where does that leave them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu: “Forgive this humble servant’s dullness—please, Your Excellency, enlighten me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Jiang, your character is truly noble—you truly are a talent meant to save the world,” Head Steward Zhang praised, then added: “Among fellow officials, exchanging gifts is customary, not bribery; your words are too harsh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compiler Tu, seeing Jiang Mingyu’s naivety, spoke plainly: “You fear punishment for accepting bribes—but do you fear offending the entire court by refusing gifts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compiler Tu and Head Steward Zhang, playing off each other, gave Jiang Mingyu a solid lesson in official conduct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… I truly have nowhere to store them… these gifts!” Jiang Mingyu said awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha…” Head Steward Zhang patted Jiang Mingyu’s shoulder: “Don’t worry—there’ll be space for them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, Head Steward Zhang said he had come on the Crane Chancellor’s orders, to take Jiang Mingyu to view his newly assigned residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu finally understood why they came empty-handed—they weren’t bringing gifts, but a house!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped into the sedan chair prepared by Head Steward Zhang, and the three left the inn, winding through the city until they reached the eastern quarter. Jiang Mingyu had been in the capital over a month, but mostly stayed in the south; this was his first time in the east.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the south, the east was filled with large estates, quiet and secluded; the streets, aside from patrol guards, saw few pedestrians—mostly wealthy officials in fine robes or well-dressed servants and retainers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sedan came to a stop before a grand mansion gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu stepped out, he was stunned by the massive red-lacquered gate before him—nearly thirty zhang wide!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gate tower radiated ancient elegance; its huge wooden panels were carved with intricate patterns, and golden-inlaid door rings gleamed brilliantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The majestic, imposing gate was something Jiang Mingyu had never seen in his hometown of Dongzhou—only the residences of high officials in Dongzhou ever boasted such grandeur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing through the gate, the scene inside grew even more magnificent, leaving Jiang Mingyu speechless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First came a vast, deep courtyard, with red walls and yellow tiles, dignified and grand, spacious and imposing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side were exquisite side halls, with carved beams and painted windows, elegant yet luxurious; the front hall and rear chambers connected seamlessly, arranged in perfect order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The garden and pond within were arranged like a fairyland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colorful flowers bloomed in dazzling competition, releasing intoxicating fragrances; the pond was crystal clear, lotus leaves floated, and brocade carp played among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rockeries and stone bridges dotted the scene, creating a tranquil, refined atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a grand three-court mansion, Jiang Mingyu had only seen in the homes of high officials in Nanping’s provincial capital—he had never seen its like in his Dongzhou hometown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Head Steward Zhang called out, summoning the steward. The steward then called out, and all eighteen servants in the estate dropped their tasks to come and pay their respects!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From now on, this is your master—the newly crowned top scholar, Crown Prince’s Reader, Jiang Mingyu, Master Jiang!” Head Steward Zhang extended his hand, fingers together, pointing to Jiang Mingyu beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Master!” Old Xie introduced himself plainly: “I’m Xie Er—call me Old Xie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I’m their master?” Jiang Mingyu asked, bewildered: “This grand mansion… is my new home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand mansion?” Compiler Tu snorted dismissively: “This is just an ordinary little house—hardly qualifies as a grand mansion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forgive me, Master Jiang…” Head Steward Zhang explained: “With time so tight, the only decent vacant residence we could find in the east within half a month was this one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu drew a sharp breath: “Is this house also a gift to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Head Steward Zhang: “Correct. You and your family may now reside here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu immediately refused: “No, no, no—this house is too large! I cannot accept it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compiler Tu laughed: “Too large? In the capital, this is perfectly ordinary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu: “The silk, rare treasures, exotic fruits—I can accept those—but this house… it’s far too valuable! I cannot possibly accept it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Head Steward Zhang: “If you’re truly uneasy, you may rent it instead…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu grew even more alarmed: “I don’t have money to rent it! I simply don’t have that much—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Head Steward Zhang: “Not expensive—only twenty taels per month…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face fell: “T… twenty taels! I don’t have that much—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compiler Tu, losing patience, cut in: “Twenty taels is a fraction of a fraction of your future income—stop refusing! Move from the inn tomorrow. The rest—leave it to Old Xie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Jiang Mingyu could process this, Compiler Tu added: “Don’t be so shocked—you’ll need to get used to this life. Next, we’re going somewhere else—there, you’ll be stunned again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Jiang Mingyu followed Compiler Tu and Head Steward Zhang out of the mansion, boarded the sedan again, and headed west.\u003C\u002Fp>",1756,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b705d6c2ed2a4339d17dda21f928d06ba9d53af9e852323bbbcbf652fae0c616","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-5","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-3",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]