[{"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-54":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},2288889,4475,"Chapter 54: Dog-Eyed Contempt","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-54",54,"\u003Cp>He Dachuan’s eyes lit up when Jiang Mingyu said “no taxes needed,” his face breaking into a cruel grin as if he already saw his income surging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overwhelmed with excitement, he clapped his hands eagerly: “Lord Jiang, you are truly wise! I, He Mou, am utterly humbled! Rest assured, the gift I promised you will be delivered by tomorrow morning!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in his imagined triumph, He Dachuan continued boastfully: “Lord, rest easy—I’ll spare no effort to aid you in Shangmu. Should any enemy threaten you, I’ll gladly spend money and manpower to protect you!” His tone dripped with unmasked greed and cunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai, watching from the side, felt a sudden surge of inexplicable anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fixed his gaze on Jiang Mingyu, trying to discern his true intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s face still wore that gentle smile, causing Murong Yunhai to silently mock his own earlier misjudgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This imperial inspector, it seemed, was no different from the rest—just another man chasing money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Murong Yunhai drifted in thought, Jiang Mingyu spoke slowly, a sly smile playing on his lips: “Master He, you’ve misunderstood me. I said you won’t pay taxes anymore because all your property will be confiscated. When you’re left with not a single coin, what will you pay taxes with?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Jiang Mingyu finished speaking, He Dachuan’s face went blank, then twisted into disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt as if he’d walked into a meticulously laid trap, his mind in chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, he stammered: “Confiscated property? Then where will I live... where should I go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai watched He Dachuan’s reaction, his heart soaring—as if dawn had broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied Jiang Mingyu again, desperate to see the man’s true nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu seemed pleased with He Dachuan’s reaction; his smile widened as he replied gently: “Why worry about shelter, Master He? I wouldn’t let you suffer. The most spacious, comfortable cell in the county jail has already been prepared for you and Master He Mu-chen—it’ll be more than cozy enough for you and your pig of a son!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, there’ll be plenty of work ahead—building roads, repairing walls. Perfect for you and He Muchen’s strength. After all, Shangmu County is short on hands. Exercise is good for health; maybe you’ll live two more years and contribute more to your hometown. Your descendants should thank you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jiang Mingyu spoke, He Dachuan realized he was being mocked—his fists clenched, fury radiating from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ground his teeth, wanting to devour Jiang Mingyu alive: “Jiang Mingyu, you dare mock me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced down his rage and threatened: “Do you know who stands behind me? Prince Qi! You’re just a lowly imperial inspector—you can’t handle this! Cross me, and you’ll regret it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his words brimmed with confidence, He Dachuan’s heart was already retreating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Jiang Mingyu’s move wasn’t accidental—he had to find a way out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu, hearing the threat, didn’t flinch; he sneered: “Save your threats. Even if you truly have Prince Qi’s backing, I fear nothing. If you’re dissatisfied, have Prince Qi come himself—we’ll settle this properly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s laughable. A corrupt official like you dares to argue with me? You should be ashamed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s disdain and courage made He Dachuan realize the gravity of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never imagined this passing imperial inspector could be so formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s ridiculous—a tax evader and lawbreaker daring to bluster before me. You have no shame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Jiang Mingyu calmly ordered: “Tukesiluo, lock these two villains in the dungeon and seize all He family property!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the situation beyond repair, He Dachuan, enraged and humiliated, shouted: “Jiang! You’ll regret this—I’ll make you regret it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked up lazily, turning his teacup in his hand: “By the way, I forgot to tell you—since the moment you threatened me with foreign powers, I decided to punish you. Jiang Mou never breaks his word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By nightfall, the He father and son were dragged off to the dungeon, still screaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu noticed Murong Yunhai’s hesitation and asked: “Speak your mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the moonlight, Murong Yunhai, embarrassed, whispered: “Forgive me, Xingqiu Brother—I misjudged you again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled knowingly, unbothered: “You thought I’d back down? You’ll learn who I am in time. Don’t overthink tonight—rest now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in his room, Jiang Mingyu soon fell into a sweet sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, he slept soundly, knowing he’d removed another plague from the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, Jiang Mingyu opened the county office door and saw a familiar man—Liu Dagang, now dressed as a yamen runner, standing inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu froze, rushed forward, and scrutinized him—confirming he hadn’t mistaken the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was utterly unexpected, leaving him momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had guarded the coal mine for him at Qinglongzhai was Liu Dagang, father of Liu Churan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did Jiang Mingyu understand—he felt a flood of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To repay Jiang Mingyu for saving his daughter’s life, Liu Dagang had resolved to serve in the yamen, at Jiang Mingyu’s command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu had wanted to refuse, but seeing Liu Dagang’s determined gaze, he nodded in acceptance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the yamen was short-handed—having such a capable assistant was welcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After giving Liu Dagang clear instructions, he left for Qinglongzhai to resume his guard duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched his retreating back, silently marveling at fate’s strangeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Wu Xiao’s thin figure slipped in, grinning broadly: “Lord, everything’s arranged—we can leave at once!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu remembered—he’d ordered yesterday to hurry with the coal matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the He father and son temporarily dealt with, it was time to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu looked at Wu Xiao and asked softly: “Have you found the person?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Xiao patted his chest: “You can trust me! He’s been waiting there since early!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu nodded approvingly: “Then let Murong and Tu handle the coal mine. You and Gou Dan dispose of the He family’s house and belongings—every silver coin must go into the county treasury. This matter is critical—no carelessness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finalizing all arrangements, Murong Yunhai and the others followed the old man Wu Xiao had brought, and departed swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu watched them leave the yamen, thinking: This time, Shangmu’s coal will spread across the land, benefiting the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tenglong County lies south of Shangmu County; both fall under the Yasmu Regional Military Commissioner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the founding emperor of the Da Feng Dynasty rose to power here a century ago, Tenglong has always been favored by the court and remains prosperous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legend says the name “Tenglong” was written by the emperor himself, symbolizing the dragon soaring in heaven, the tiger crouching in might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Wu Xiao said, Tenglong households buy firewood from afar—far richer than Shangmu County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Tenglong’s peace and prosperity rely entirely on Shangmu County, which stands as its shield against foreign threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of Shangmu’s hardship in defending the frontier while Tenglong luxuriated in comfort, Murong Yunhai seethed with resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way to Tenglong County, Murong Yunhai had already decided—he’d seize this chance to extract a heavy toll from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, he’d betray Jiang Mingyu’s trust in entrusting him with such a vital mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo looked uneasy: “Lord Murong, are you certain the coal will sell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai, facing the cold wind, coughed and pointed to the old man beside him: “That’s up to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later, the group arrived in Tenglong County, dusty and weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai glanced at the sky and said: “First, find an inn to rest. Tomorrow, we’ll pay our respects to County Magistrate Song.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magistrate’s name was Song Yusheng; he’d taken office five years ago. Murong Yunhai knew a little about him, having pursued coal sales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After settling into the inn, Murong Yunhai, though exhausted, lay awake planning his strategy for meeting Song Yusheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew this mission’s success would directly shape Shangmu County’s future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To repay Jiang Mingyu’s trust, he must give everything—he couldn’t fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, as Murong Yunhai packed, he found a silk cloth had somehow slipped into his bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked it up in surprise, muttering: “How did this get here? Must’ve been caught up when I folded my clothes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to tuck it away when Tukesiluo pushed in: “Lord Murong, time’s running out—we must leave!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai nodded, didn’t think twice, and shoved the silk into his sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to the old man behind Tukesiluo: “Do you remember what I told you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man bowed respectfully: “Lord, rest assured—I’ll remember every word, without fail.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, after days of contact, Murong Yunhai felt the old man was shrewd and deceitful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially his cloudy eyes—like an old fox, seeming to see through hearts, hiding endless scheming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the old man left, Murong Yunhai and Tukesiluo stepped out of the inn, heading for the county office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, Murong Yunhai said calmly: “You’ll understand soon—let’s hurry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo shook his head and sighed: “Lord Murong, you’re just like Lord Jiang—you always drag things out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the county office, Murong Yunhai marveled at the building—twice the size of Shangmu’s: “Money really does make a difference.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yamen runner at the gate, seeing their ragged clothes, snapped: “Who are you? Daring to point fingers at the county office?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the two men in coarse cotton robes looked pitifully poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai thought: If we sell this coal and make a fortune, I’ll buy myself some decent clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I was once a top imperial scholar—dressed like this, I’m disgracing myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing they didn’t move, the gate guard stepped forward: “If you don’t state your business, get out now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai replied calmly: “I am Murong Yunhai of the Silver Yi Department, Shangmu County, sent by the imperial inspector to pay respects to your County Magistrate Song. Please announce me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard sized him up, sneered: “You? Representing the imperial inspector? You’re mad. Get lost—I’ve no time for your nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai didn’t flinch—he pulled out his official letter from his robe: “Please take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard glanced at it—his face turned pale: “Forgive me, my lord! I was blind—please forgive this lowly servant!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Yunhai sighed softly: “My attire is too shabby—you mistook me. No blame. Please inform your magistrate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard rushed inside, then returned quickly: “Lord Murong, please enter—our magistrate awaits you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before they entered the main hall, voices inside were already buzzing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is this? Dressed like a beggar—how can he be a lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quiet! He’s from Shangmu County!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense! That’s a lord? Even the beggar chief is nobler than him! Hah...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Tukesiluo’s darkening face, Murong Yunhai shook his head: “See? Even officials without money are looked down upon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is what they mean—bitter as coptis, but poverty is worse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesiluo growled: “Dog eyes judge by clothes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yusheng looked to be in his thirties—a tall, stout man with a pale, clean face, two small, glossy black mustaches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>County Magistrate Song’s thin mustache curled upward as he squinted, sizing up Cloud of the Murong from head to toe, his face radiating disdain and contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frowning, he spoke in a nasal tone: “The Imperial Envoy did not come himself, yet sent you—a man in tattered, filthy clothes—what is the meaning of this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard Shangmu County was poor, but seeing your attire, I now know it is utterly destitute. As a county official, how can you let yourself dress like this, disgracing your own dignity? Don’t you realize you make all of us officials look foolish?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve long heard Shangmu County is impoverished; today’s sight confirms it entirely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At best, this will embarrass the Imperial Envoy before outsiders; at worst, it could tarnish the face of His Majesty, who governs the capital far away, and undermine the dignity of the imperial authority!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If every official dressed as slovenly as you, where would the dignity of our office lie? Where would the court’s decorum stand? This is outright disrespect to His Majesty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough, enough, sit down. I am busy with official duties every day and have no time to waste on you—get to the point quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made no gesture to offer Cloud of the Murong tea or any hospitality, showing outright disregard for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Private Secretary behind the County Magistrate immediately bowed respectfully and flattered: “Shangmu’s poverty is entirely because there has never been a wise and mighty official like you to govern it! If you were fortunate enough to take charge, it would be utterly transformed within half a year!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Song’s face immediately lit up with a broad smile, his eyes gleaming—he clearly relished the praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he quickly feigned modesty: “Oh, no, no—truthfully, you should speak less of such things in the future. In front of Lord Murong, to heap such praise upon me will surely make him feel uneasy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, I have served here five years; the townsfolk live in peace and prosperity, proving my governance has yielded results. If Lord Murong does not mind, I would be delighted to share the governance experience I’ve accumulated over the years, to cultivate your abilities—this would be Shangmu County’s humble contribution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong still wore a gentle smile, his demeanor humble and courteous: “Lord Song, so generous—I do have a few questions I would be honored to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>County Magistrate Song rested both hands on his bulging belly, thrusting out his chest, his face beaming with pride, his eyes sparkling with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! I never thought Lord Murong, so young, would be such a diligent learner, eager for knowledge—rare indeed, truly rare!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ask whatever you wish—given my years of accumulated learning and extraordinary wisdom, I shall surely provide you with a satisfactory answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, of course—whether you can grasp and absorb the essence of my wisdom depends entirely on your own insight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I trust Lord Murong’s talent will not disappoint me—certainly not like the poverty of Shangmu County! Come, come, ask your question quickly—I’m already eager to hear it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong bowed slightly with respect, speaking in a humble, inquisitive tone: “Grateful for your lofty vision, Lord Song—I wish to ask: when the border is invaded by foreign tribes, how should a local prefect effectively organize defense, protect the homeland, and strengthen frontier security?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With your profound knowledge and exceptional wisdom, you must surely have a perfect answer for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>County Magistrate Song’s smile froze on his face, his fat cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he stammered: “T-this… I am merely a civil clerk by training—how could I possibly understand military training or warfare?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cloud of the Murong let out a cold laugh, his tone turning sharp: “Lord Song, you are mistaken. My three predecessors in Shangmu County who died defending the border were also civil officials who knew nothing of marching or battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet, to protect their homeland and ensure the peace of Shangmu’s people, they laid down their brushes, donned armor, sacrificed their lives, and defended our home with blood and death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three county magistrates have fallen in succession; Shangmu’s people have sunk to this poverty today—but they exchanged their lives for your comfortable, sheltered existence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since I entered this door, you have mocked my tattered clothes repeatedly. Your comfort, your food and clothing—all of it is thanks to the blood of Shangmu’s county officials and common folk, who extinguished the border fires and halted the enemy’s iron hooves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Without their sacrifice, Lord Song, could you truly sleep peacefully today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing County Magistrate Song’s face turn pale then red, Cloud of the Murong changed his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I had intended to offer you a lucrative deal, but now I see it is best to forgo it. Rather than waste more time here, I shall take my leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>",2609,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c9fffec51ef2776dbc0ee89cff8f908c2329685f4b6e1a1e56af0850ed6c4679","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-55","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-53",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]