Chapter 17

Chapter 17

The Spring Terrace Chess Tournament was finally here.

A light rain had fallen the night before, but thanks to the canopies being set up in time, the chessboards, tables, and chairs beneath remained completely dry.

Moreover, the rain coaxed the peach buds inside and outside Huiyang Gate into full bloom. Pink and white blossoms crowded the branches, drenching the teahouses, taverns, peddlers, and porters in a night-long fragrance of peach blossoms.

Buoyed by this joyous occasion, Emperor Shunyuan's spirits lifted somewhat. Accompanied by Consort Zhen, he ascended the palace wall and scattered a hundred jade chess pieces, symbolizing the spreading of blessings and sharing joy with the people.

The commoners gathered outside the city wall finally caught a glimpse of the Emperor. They knelt en masse, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" with tears in their eyes.

Emperor Shunyuan was quite pleased. Leaning on the parapet, he smiled and waved to his subjects, whose faces he could barely make out from the distance.

Another wave of grateful cheers rose from the crowd below.

Soon, weariness showed on the imperial visage. His gaze swept over the officials below the steps, finally settling on Wen Zuo. He spoke with grave earnestness, "The Spring Terrace Chess Tournament concerns the dignity of our realm and embodies the magnanimity of our Great Qian. You must preside over it properly and ensure absolute fairness."

"Your servant will bear it in mind."

Emperor Shunyuan nodded. Eunuch Liu Qian hurriedly draped the great cloak over his shoulders, and the imperial carriage then slowly proceeded toward the inner palace.

The sound of hoofbeats had already begun outside the palace walls. Wen Zuo adjusted his court robes and was the first to step up into his carriage. The horses' hooves struck the bluestone pavement forcefully as they headed toward Huiyang Gate.

After a brisk ride, the officials arrived at East Huiyang Street. The officers of the Military Patrol Division had already cleared away bystanders and loiterers, inviting Wen Zuo to ascend the observation platform.

Wen Zuo was clad in crimson official robes, over which he wore a brocade-trimmed fur cloak. Under the sunlight, his bearing was commanding and dignified.

In his left hand, he held the imperial edict; his right hand lightly gathered the hem of his fur coat. Each step he took seemed to tread upon the heartstrings of the onlookers.

High-ranking official, dragon-like majesty and phoenix-like grace, brilliant talent—any one of these qualities was enough to inspire envy, yet he possessed them all.

Most of the chess masters from various provinces and prefectures were seeing a capital noble for the first time.

At the sudden sight of Wen Zuo's face, their minds were instantly dazzled, feeling as if in a dream, even forgetting the chess manuals they had memorized.

Some artists, frantically pulled out their brushes to sketch against the wind. The paper trembled lightly, their hands shook, nearly failing to capture the lines of the fur coat billowing in the breeze.

Only upon reaching the highest point of the observation platform did Wen Zuo slowly turn around, his gaze sweeping over the area below.

With a single glance, he spotted the familiar stall of Grandma Wang.

A large, steaming pot was set up outside. A dense crowd pressed around the pot, peering in. Grandma Wang was busy, her fingers flying as she stuffed steaming hot Jujube Cold Cake into oiled paper and handed them to customers.

Clearly, there were still six large steamers full, yet the "Sold Out" sign had been hung early on the door plaque. Still, the crowd gazed hopefully, wishing for a leftover portion to taste this capital delicacy.

He should have realized earlier. With so many outsiders entering the capital recently, Jujube Cold Cake must be hard to come by.

He wondered how much effort Shen Zheng had spent to buy them.

Wen Zuo imperceptibly withdrew his gaze and looked back at the thousand vigorous chess players.

"By imperial decree, it is hereby proclaimed to all: the Spring Terrace Chess Tournament commences its banquet immediately. Arbiter, have the players draw lots."

After speaking, Wen Zuo sat down. The other officials also took their seats on the observation platform, awaiting the start of the matches.

Truth be told, these first few days held little spectacle. With hundreds of chess tables, it was impossible to watch them all. Moreover, most participants were of a lower skill level, unlikely to produce particularly brilliant games.

Gong Zhiyuan led several members of the Xie School up onto the platform. Only officials of the first or second rank could sit on the highest level, so Gong Zhiyuan took a seat while the others stood behind him.

The Xie family of Nanzhou had long placed their bets on the Crown Prince. That was why Gong Zhiyuan had arranged a marriage alliance with the Xie family, and why Gong Yuwen had married Xie Langyang.

But Xie Langyang had not sided with the Crown Prince.

This was also part of Gong Zhiyuan's strategic foresight.

To navigate the Ministry of Personnel smoothly, Xie Langyang absolutely must not get too close to the Crown Prince. However, Gong Zhiyuan wasn't worried.

With Gong Yuwen married into the family, Xie Langyang's every move was under his surveillance. When the time was ripe, after removing Tang Guangzhi, if he wanted Xie Langyang to side with the Crown Prince, would Xie Langyang refuse?

Then, his Gong family would have the merit of supporting the dragon (the future emperor), surely earning them a princely title for a non-imperial surname. As for Xie Langyang, securing the position of Minister would be enough.

Gong Zhiyuan sighed with emotion, "Gathering of eminent talents, a hundred boats vying on the current, brocade robes and ragged garments sitting opposite each other—this calls for a poem."

The Xie School disciples were quick-witted and promptly flattered, "Chief Minister, with your brilliant talent, you are about to compose a masterpiece for the ages!"

Gong Zhiyuan stroked his beard, gathered his breath, and was just about to recite—

When he saw Wen Zuo lazily waving a folding fan, smiling as he said, "Let's not."

Gong Zhiyuan: "..."

He was like a leather pouch punctured by a needle tip, deflating with a soft *pfft* sound.

Gong Zhiyuan frowned deeply, suspicion growing in his heart.

Why was Wen Zuo, for no apparent reason, suddenly causing trouble for him?

Gong Zhiyuan had weathered the political storms for decades; his vision had always been sharp. He knew Wen Zuo indeed possessed some cleverness, otherwise he couldn't have risen several ranks within a few years. It was just that Wen Zuo had always maintained a stance of watching tigers fight from across the river, never involving himself in factional strife.

Initially, Gong Zhiyuan had also entertained thoughts of recruiting him. But despite his repeated hints, Wen Zuo remained impervious. He was somewhat baffled by this man.

Anyone with clear eyes could see that the Emperor didn't have many years left. When that time came, it would be the moment for a reshuffling of court factions. If Wen Zuo didn't place his bets early, was he waiting to be buried with the Emperor?

Gong Zhiyuan sneered coldly, "Is Master Wen in a foul mood today?"

Wen Zuo thought to himself, *Seeing you naturally puts me in a foul mood, you old thing. Sooner or later, I'll finish you off!*

He closed his folding fan and adjusted his sleeve. "Chief Minister Gong, with age, your eyesight is increasingly failing. Look carefully—are there any 'ragged garments' down there?"

Gong Zhiyuan's face stiffened.

Wen Zuo said calmly, "Traveling from various provinces and prefectures to the capital takes at least several days, often more than a month. The expenses incurred on the journey can amount to two years' harvest for a tenant farmer. Provincial graduates coming to the capital for the Metropolitan Examination receive local support and still find themselves strapped for cash, let alone a chess player in ragged clothes."

"Those who can appear before us now are none other than wealthy households, local gentry, or family members of officials. Locals can register, but weren't the spots all taken up by disciples of the Eight Veins? Where would ordinary families have the opportunity to study advanced chess techniques and see the vast world?"

Gong Zhiyuan's expression was already very unpleasant. After all, he was the Chief Minister, and Wen Zuo was giving him no face at all.

"Master Wen seems to know quite well."

Wen Zuo said nonchalantly, "It's just that the Chief Minister has been in high position for too long, only seeing 'coarse robes and ragged garments' in books."

The Xie School also belonged to the Eight Schools and naturally couldn't tolerate such talk. Someone stepped forward and said with a sarcastic, insinuating tone, "It seems Master Wen has many grievances about the Spring Terrace Chess Tournament. What's the use of showing off your authority here with us? If you have the nerve, let the Emperor hear it too!"

Wen Zuo turned his head and carefully memorized these faces.

There were two officials from other provinces, looking unfamiliar. But since they could stand behind Gong Zhiyuan, they were likely direct descendants of the Xie family of Nanzhou, close relatives of Xie Langyang.

Wen Zuo propped an elbow on the chair back, the fan ribs resting against his fingertips, assuming a lazy posture. "Fine. Then you go and report what I said to the Emperor."

That official wasn't cowed either: "Although I serve in Nanzhou, I am still entitled to submit memorials to His Majesty!"

Gong Zhiyuan said sternly, "Enough! His Majesty is preoccupied with the myriad affairs of state; let's not add to his troubles."

The man was taken aback, clearly not expecting Gong Zhiyuan to oppose this.

"This... Chief Minister?"

"Just watch the game," Gong Zhiyuan replied unhappily.

He knew full well that even if this matter were reported, His Majesty wouldn't do anything to Wen Zuo.

Back during the Cao Fangzheng case, His Majesty had turned a blind eye to Wen Zuo's harboring of the Rouge Bandits, much less a few complaints like today's.

In fact, if His Majesty saw the memorial, he might even blame the Xie School for stirring up trouble just to exonerate Wen Zuo.

Moreover, Wen Zuo was now running the Spring Terrace Chess Association. While he hadn't shown favor to any faction, that didn't mean he couldn't make trouble for any of them.

Offending Wen Zuo now was truly unwise.

The matches below had been underway for a while. Attendants from major chess houses in the capital, having obtained permits, entered the venue to seek out brilliant games. When they found one, they would display it in real-time at their chess houses, attracting capital residents to sip tea and watch.

Wen Zuo hadn't been sitting there long when he spotted Shen Zheng standing in the crowd, holding a packet of Jujube Cold Cake.

As no imperial princes had graced this first round, Shen Zheng hadn't revealed his identity and was just watching from the crowd.

However, his stature and bearing were truly exceptional, and dressed in luxurious robes, he was hard to miss.

How did he manage to snatch it with so many people around, and his robes still impeccably neat?

Wen Zuo noticed he was still holding that stone in his other hand, raising it up and down, and realized he hadn't been joking.

He couldn't have scared off the other customers by carrying the stone to grab the Jujube Cold Cake, could he?

He'd better not have frightened Grandma Wang!

His mind was racing, when a clear, familiar voice suddenly came from behind him.

"Director, long time no see. I've come specifically to pay my respects today!"

Wen Zuo spun around sharply, his spirits lifting: "Gu Weizhi!"

The newcomer stood tall and straight like a pine tree, dressed in plain cloth robes unadorned by any jewelry, his hair tied haphazardly with a green silk ribbon, yet his imposing demeanor remained undiminished.

"Director, please forgive my abruptness. It's been a long time. I've come on behalf of officials of all ranks from Bozhou's various prefectures to see you." Gu Weizhi had a square face and large eyes; though his complexion wasn't fair, it conveyed candor and integrity.

Wen Zuo quickly stood up, tossing his folding fan aside, and took Gu Weizhi by the arms with both hands, his eyes lit up: "I'm truly happy you've come! How is everything in Bozhou?"

When Wen Zuo served as the judicial officer in Bozhou, Gu Weizhi was his secretary, responsible for drafting official documents and managing seals.

Later, when Wen Zuo became prefect, he promoted Gu Weizhi to Vice-Prefect, overseeing household registration and taxation.

They had handled the Rouge Bandit affair together, making Gu Weizhi someone Wen Zuo could trust.

Besides Gu Weizhi, many officials currently in Bozhou were discovered and promoted by Wen Zuo himself, and they all held him in high esteem.

"The foundation you laid, Director, is solid; everything is well."

Wen Zuo nodded: "This is no place for conversation. Wait for me below. We'll discuss in detail after the chess meeting ends today."

The last time Gu Weizhi visited, Wen Zuo had been just as happy, and then he introduced Gu Weizhi to Shen Chen.

Gu Weizhi had considerable experience in collecting tax silver and handling funds. Before impeaching Wen Zuo, Shen Chen had sounded him out.

But Gu Weizhi said, "Anyone in the world may impeach the Director, but I cannot. The debt of gratitude for recognizing my talent, for the kindness shown—I could repay it with my life, but never by becoming a petty man."

Thus, Gu Weizhi was demoted by Shen Chen. As for what happened after, Wen Zuo didn't know.

"Good, I'll wait for the Director!" Gu Weizhi laughed heartily and turned to leave enthusiastically.

Shen Zheng's keen eyes missed nothing, including Wen Zuo actively grasping Gu Weizhi's arms.

He thought to himself, given the beautiful, treacherous minister's cat-like personality, he'd be this close with someone? Huh?

As Gu Weizhi came down, Shen Zheng approached with a faint smile.

Hiding the Jujube Cold Cake behind his back, hands clasped, Shen Zheng looked every bit the well-bred scion of a noble family, utterly harmless: "Are you and Master Wen very familiar?"

Seeing Shen Zheng's luxurious attire and extraordinary bearing, Gu Weizhi knew he was someone of status. The capital was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, making him rather nervous.

"I dare not claim that. I was the Master's subordinate in Bozhou."

Shen Zheng raised an eyebrow: "Oh... Coming to see him after so many years, it seems Master Wen was quite popular in Bozhou."

"More than that!"

Gu Weizhi gazed up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, sighing brightly: "Plum blossoms resemble snow, snow resembles people, both untouched by dust. Mountains resemble jade, jade resembles you, a shared smile brings warmth."

"..."

What kind of adoring fan look is this!