[{"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-74":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},2288909,4475,"Chapter 74: Mistress?","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-74",74,"\u003Cp>After returning to the county yamen, Jiang Mingyu remained lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind was filled entirely with the image of the woman he had seen at the Liu residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The violet-clad woman was exquisitely beautiful, standing still in the snow-flurried courtyard like a brilliant splash of color in a desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her jet-black hair cascaded down like ink, her delicate face lovely and captivating, her slender brows like distant mountains, her eyes shimmering with grace, her nose finely shaped, her lips small and rosy, slightly upturned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her snow-white skin was even more refined and pale than the accumulated snow in the sky; her slender waist and jade-like hands swayed like willow branches in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood there silently, radiating an indescribable elegance, as if a celestial maiden from the horizon or Chang’e descending gracefully from the Moon Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Jiang Mingyu, who had lived through two lifetimes of romantic entanglements, couldn’t help swallowing repeatedly, barely able to tear his eyes away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had only glimpsed her once, he still learned her name from Liu Ximen—Liu Yifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the time, Liu Yifei had been on her way to distribute grain to the people, merely nodding lightly toward Jiang Mingyu before vanishing into the snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu stared blankly, murmuring to himself: “One glance topples a city, a second topples a nation—truly a peerless beauty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Jiang Mingyu dreamed again of Liu Yifei. The two strolled together through sunlit spring fields, a gentle breeze brushing their faces, the scent of flowers thick in the air. Liu Yifei smiled like a blooming flower, laughing and chatting with Jiang Mingyu as they wandered among wild blossoms. They walked farther and farther until they disappeared from sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he woke the next day, Jiang Mingyu felt the entire world had grown beautiful again—aside from quietly changing his trousers, everything felt enchanting and full of hope. Liu Yifei’s smile still lingered in his mind, and he couldn’t help thinking how wonderful it would be to see her again in this lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the following days, Jiang Mingyu remained busy supervising house repairs. To Murong Tukesiluo’s delight, after three days of renovation, the once dilapidated and drafty county yamen was finally restored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carloads of coal kept arriving continuously in Longteng County and the state capital; Prince Qi also seemed to have settled down, and everything was moving in a better direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, Jiang Mingyu sent Murong Tukesiluo to Qinglong Village to train thirty selected laborers in martial arts. As Jiang Mingyu supervised street repairs, Liu Yifei suddenly appeared—after days of absence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was dressed once more in violet: a long purple skirt, a purple mink fur cloak, and even her delicate face flushed faintly red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because of Liu Ximen’s connection, the laborers repairing houses greeted her warmly as soon as they saw her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Liu Yifei walked gracefully over to Jiang Mingyu, her clear, melodious voice ringing out: “My lord, toiling so hard for the people—it’s truly admirable.” Her voice was like a golden oriole’s trill, sweet and enchanting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu forced back his heart’s flutter and managed a faint, calm smile: “Miss Liu, you flatter me—it’s merely my duty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, what brings you here specifically?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Liu Yifei could answer, a man’s voice rang out from afar: “Master, there you are!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, Jiang Mingyu turned to see Zhu Ge Yu’s jade-like face. Zhu Ge Yu looked unchanged—wide sleeves, white jade tall crown—but his face beamed with unmistakable excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his moment spoiled, Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly: “What are you doing here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Ge Yu’s gaze was already glued to Liu Yifei,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>lost in rapt fascination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him make such a fool of himself, Liu Yifei looked embarrassed. Jiang Mingyu cleared his throat loudly, displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu snapped back to himself with a grin: “Master, this must be the Mistress, right? She’s truly this… this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s unfriendly expression, Zhu Ge Yu quickly and shrewdly accepted the title of “wife” for his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, feigning deep thought, he recited: “Clouds yearn for her robes, flowers for her face; spring breeze brushes the railing, dew glistens thickly. If not…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words “Mistress” instantly made Liu Yifei’s already frost-reddened cheeks burn even redder; she grew utterly flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him go further and further off track, Jiang Mingyu glared at him: “Enough, enough, stop rambling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s winter—where’s the spring breeze? You’re talking nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know how you ever earned your reputation for talent. Miss Liu is my friend—watch your words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu immediately shrank his neck: “Master is right—I’ve erred.” Since successfully using Jiang Mingyu’s poems to impress people in the state capital, he had long held Jiang Mingyu in awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing them chat animatedly, Liu Yifei blushed and said gracefully: “My lord has a visitor—I won’t disturb you further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu couldn’t let her go so easily: “Wait, Miss Liu, you haven’t said what you came for yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yifei forced a smile: “I came with no purpose—just felt bored and stepped out for a walk, happened to meet you. Then I’ll take my leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her graceful departure, Jiang Mingyu shot Zhu Ge Yu a furious glare—everything’s ruined because of you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu sighed softly, turned to Zhu Ge Yu, and asked slowly: “Aren’t you always in the state capital? Why are you here now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing Jiang Mingyu, who knew his true nature, Zhu Ge Yu no longer put on airs or pretended to be a mysterious scholar. He bowed respectfully, beaming: “Forgive the intrusion, Master. I’ve come to deliver good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He blinked, looking like a child showing off a treasure, and probed: “Master, guess what the good news is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes helplessly, his tone impatient: “Guess what? I’m busy with official duties—if you have something important, just say it. Don’t beat around the bush.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undeterred, Zhu Ge Yu grinned and pulled several silver notes from his sleeve, beaming: “Master, take a look at this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ever since I used your poems to attract customers, visitors seeking your teachings have never stopped coming—my door threshold is nearly worn through.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s growing impatience, Zhu Ge Yu hurried on: “Visitors discovered your coal mine in Shangmu, then learned all the benefits of coal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, among scholars and literati in the state capital, burning coal for warmth and brewing tea with it has become a refined lifestyle—indispensable to their tastes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Recently, several customers asked me to order more coal from you—twenty-five ten-thousand catties in total.” Zhu Ge Yu looked expectant, waiting for praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These twelve ten-thousand taels in silver notes are the down payment—half the total order. The balance will be paid once all the coal is delivered.” Zhu Ge Yu spoke gleefully, the smugness of a successful seller evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu immediately frowned, sensing something off: “Why would the down payment for twenty-five ten-thousand catties of coal be so high? This accounting doesn’t add up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last time, ten ten-thousand catties of coal, plus your personal gift of ten thousand taels of silver, totaled only eighty thousand taels. Why is the down payment now twelve ten-thousand taels? The increase is enormous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu chuckled knowingly: “I know Master is short on funds and needs money for urgent matters, so I inflated the coal price to secure a higher down payment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those customers are immensely wealthy—their silver flows like water, useless if hoarded. Better to lend it to you for meaningful purposes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said this without a hint of guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Jiang Mingyu no longer hesitated—he took the silver notes: “Any other reports? Speak up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu grinned again, eager to please: “Master’s insight is as sharp as lightning—nothing escapes you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last time, I used all ten verses you gifted me to earn my living. Now I’ve run out—no new stock left. And since I’ve gained some fame in the state capital, if I don’t produce more exquisite poems, I’ll lose face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu’s expression was innocent, but his words carried a subtle plea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu smiled wryly: “So you came all this way just to beg me for more poems to restock your inventory?” “I’m busy now—wait your turn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his lack of enthusiasm, Zhu Ge Yu immediately pulled out his secret weapon: “Master, don’t refuse so quickly—you may not know how wildly popular your poems have become in the state capital!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you grant me a few new verses, I can compile them into a poetry collection—it will be a huge success.” Zhu Ge Yu’s eyes sparkled with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu chuckled: “You, a scion of a noble family—surely you don’t lack money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Ge Yu looked as if he couldn’t believe Jiang Mingyu’s ignorance: “I don’t lack money, but Master does, doesn’t he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think about it—once the collection becomes a sensation, you gain both fame and fortune. All the profits are yours—isn’t that a brilliant deal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Mingyu’s eyes lit up—yes, using Zhu Ge Yu’s name meant he wouldn’t have to reveal himself. And if Zhu Ge Yu truly soared, it would help build connections for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Jiang Mingyu needed more than money—he needed connections and potential allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly understood, swept his sleeve, and said: “What are you waiting for? Come with me to the county yamen.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1548,"2026-06-20T03:28:17.113Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","21d96af4b3868e9ddb5a5be9b5fcee04b8e29095e8fe6154d0f904f28ab838e9","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-75","the-top-scholar-of-da-ling-chapter-73",392,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-top-scholar-of-da-ling-cover.jpg"]