[{"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-58":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},2288893,4475,"Chapter 58: Pay for Your Stupidity","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-58",58,"\u003Cp>The birthmark man’s face changed, his brows knitted tightly, and a flash of cold light suddenly appeared in his eyes. His voice turned icy and resolute: “Jiang Mingyu, what do you mean by that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu felt a momentary unease at the birthmark man’s sudden grim hostility, but he quickly regained his composure and replied calmly: “What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man sneered, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He adopted a cunning, calculating posture and spoke slowly, in a warning tone: “I don’t believe you’d really dare kill my brother and me?” His lips curled upward, as if mocking Jiang Mingyu’s weakness and incompetence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve seen plenty of scenes with big knives and axes. Don’t try to scare us with that—it won’t work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man continued, his tone brimming with arrogance and contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu frowned, wondering if the man truly had some hidden strength to rely on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me tell you straight, my brother and I are well-known figures in the Yasmo Regional Military Commissioner’s office.” The birthmark man said proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu thought the man’s capacity for empty boasting was excessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not only does Prince Qi trust us, but so do many high-ranking officials—they’re all our friends.” The birthmark man went on boasting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve heard of the Nine Gates Commander, right? He’s my older brother. And there are plenty of other little brothers—I won’t even list them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Put simply, if you offend us, you won’t live to see tomorrow. Understand, Jiang Official?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man deliberately stretched out the last three words, his tone laden with warning, making Jiang Mingyu’s heart tighten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stutterer tied aside joined in: “Y-yes, my b-brother’s r-right…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I-if you offend us, you won’t g-get… a g-good d-death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing nearby, Tukesulu bit his lip, frowning hard to suppress his laughter. He silently cursed these two as genuine frauds—no one could match their skill at bluffing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing their boasts, Jiang Mingyu’s expression remained calm, but his eyes narrowed slightly and a faint cold smile touched his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stayed silent, already having devised over a dozen ways to deal with these two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu deliberately widened his eyes, feigning shock, as if he’d just heard some earth-shattering news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sized them up from head to toe, clicked his tongue, and said: “Good. Very good. I never would’ve guessed you two were such high-ranking figures. Truly, one cannot judge a man by appearance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone dripped with deliberate flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man, pleased by the praise, grinned broadly: “Of course, just look at us, my brother and I—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-sentence, he suddenly grew alert, his face darkening: “You bastard—you’re mocking us in circles!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu realized the man had seen through his sarcasm—he wasn’t as foolish as he appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man gritted his teeth, eyes blazing with fury, fists clenched so tightly his veins bulged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glared at Jiang Mingyu with murderous intent, as if ready to devour him alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You blind dog, get us out right now!” he suddenly roared, his voice thunderous, making Jiang Mingyu’s eardrums ache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu remained unmoved, glancing at the birthmark man with cool detachment—he knew the man was desperately hiding his inner terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let us go, and we’ll plead for you before Prince Qi,” the birthmark man threatened again. “Otherwise, you’re dead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu raised an eyebrow, studying him—he saw fear in his face, and knew this was all bluster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stutterer added: “Y-yes, don’t l-let us go, and you’ll j-just wait t-to d-die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man continued taunting: “Don’t think being an imperial envoy makes us afraid of you—you’re nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Yasmo Regional Military Commissioner’s territory. Calling you an official is already an honor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dog from the capital—you’re not even fit to carry my boots!” the birthmark man sneered further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu didn’t take offense—he read the man’s nervous uncertainty, realizing the man feared his true identity being exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just said it right—we were sent here to deal with you. So what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We ended up in your hands because that old bastard tricked us. Otherwise, you’d be dead eight times over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let us go, and we promise—not only will we not harm you this time, we’ll even plead for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes held mockery: “And if we don’t?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man sneered: “If we don’t return on time, Prince Qi, who trusts us so deeply, will come himself to punish you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that point, not just you, Jiang Mingyu—all of you will be torn to pieces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve said all I needed to. You, Jiang Mingyu, are smart enough—decide for yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stutterer echoed: “Y-you… think… think… think clearly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu let out a soft snort, his eyes full of mockery. He studied the two men, seeing through their deception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To describe Prince Qi’s two dogs as such noble figures—what an impressive tongue you have,” Jiang Mingyu said with sarcasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man’s face flushed red; he clenched his fists tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu narrowed his eyes and nodded thoughtfully: “If Prince Qi trusts you so much, why send you to die?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you two really his most capable men? Even your Nine Gates Commander brother is dragged out?” Jiang Mingyu countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man froze, a flicker of panic crossing his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu saw his inner wavering—he now knew the man was bluffing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Given your boasts, Prince Qi should enshrine you in a temple with burning incense,” Jiang Mingyu continued to mock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sending you out in this freezing weather? It’s like using a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken. I hope you don’t catch cold.” Jiang Mingyu added dry humor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his lies unraveling, the birthmark man coughed awkwardly: “We were sent because Prince Qi trusts us. You wouldn’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough talk. Let us go now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you lay a finger on us, you’re declaring war on Prince Qi. Think carefully about the consequences.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you hurt us, not just Prince Qi—every brother in Yasmo will come personally to chop you into pieces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slowly wiped his smile away: “You realize you’ve talked too much? Do you think you’re funny?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me say it again: since you fell into my hands, you’ve lost the chance to see tomorrow’s sun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You claim Prince Qi relies on you? Then I’ll make it my mission to cut you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d like to see how this powerful Prince Qi plans to take my life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stared at each other, horrified—they realized Jiang Mingyu didn’t fear Prince Qi at all. They finally understood they could no longer maintain their bluff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for your so-called brothers and cronies—come for revenge whenever you like. I welcome you all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re worried they won’t know you died in Linzhang, I’ll send your heads back myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression grew colder, his voice devoid of warmth: “That way, when they come for revenge, they won’t mistake the path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the birthmark man’s pupils shrank sharply, his face turning ashen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The icy resolve in Jiang Mingyu’s tone confirmed their fate was sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you said, enough talk. Tukesulu, send these two dignitaries on their way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu spoke not a word—he drew his saber instantly: “Gentlemen, ready?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold blade instantly threw the birthmark man into panic: “Jiang Mingyu… n-no… Imperial Envoy, Jiang Official—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s talk this over—make him lower his blade. Don’t be hasty. Stay calm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stutterer fared worse—instantly upon the saber’s draw, his pants and shoes were soaked, dripping steadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu coldly asked: “What’s wrong? You two great men, used to grand scenes, now afraid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wonder what your brothers and cronies would think if they saw you like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—you’re dignitaries. I won’t mistreat you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My man here is skilled—he’ll make sure you feel no pain. Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tukesulu step closer, the birthmark man panicked—he slammed his head against the wooden post behind him, as if begging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he banged his head, he finally dropped the act: “Jiang Official, please—don’t! Those things I said… I made them up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re just servants in Prince Qi’s mansion—we’re not some damn big shots.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We lied to scare you into letting us go alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was Prince Qi who ordered us to harm you—we had no choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve a ninety-two-year-old mother and a baby brother still nursing—treat us like a fart and let us go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Official, we’re pitiful people…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninety-two-year-old mother, nursing brother—Tukesulu stumbled backward. What a breeding machine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes were filled with ice: “Pitiful people? Pitiful people who’d sell their souls to kill me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To win two scraps of meat from Prince Qi, you’d blindly try to take my life without a second thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who do you think you are? You think your connections scare me? Pathetic!” Jiang Mingyu’s voice dripped with mockery and disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man’s face turned deathly pale; the stutterer trembled violently, his face etched with terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stepped slowly closer, his eyes gleaming with icy light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re servants in Prince Qi’s mansion—nothing but cowardly dogs. Utterly laughable!” Jiang Mingyu’s voice was cold and merciless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man and the stutterer both stepped back, feeling the killing aura radiating from Jiang Mingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You think your connections protect you? Let me tell you—I’ll make you suffer every agony!” Jiang Mingyu’s voice was low and resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man and the stutterer’s faces grew even paler—they felt the shadow of death closing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu slowly raised his hand, a cruel smile flickering in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You will pay for your stupidity. Now, prepare to meet your death! Tukesulu—kill.” Jiang Mingyu’s voice brimmed with malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man and the stutterer trembled, their faces drained of all color—they knew their despair had come, and escape was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Imperial Envoy, n—” The words were cut short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu swung his saber without mercy—blade flashed, and two arcs of blood sprayed into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthmark man and the stutterer collapsed lifelessly—their lives taken by Tukesulu’s blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tukesulu sheathed his saber, coldly staring at the two corpses—his eyes held no pity, no lingering sentiment.\u003C\u002Fp>",1664,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","897f43b7c8845378f93e8deef20c0ddc3da8ff1664337680057aae121683907f","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-59","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-57",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]