Chapter 20

Chapter 20

"Players, please draw your lots—"

The herald's voice boomed like a temple bell, piercing the silence of Huiyang Gate, startling flocks of birds and drawing all eyes to the dais.

The viewing platform was overflowing today; nearly every official in the court had crowded onto it, their gazes fixed intently on the dais, their very breaths seeming to tangle with the fateful lots.

Wen Zuo, too, was no longer seated; he stood to the side, his robes gathered around him.

Crown Prince Shen Zhen, representing Emperor Shunyuan, had come alongside Prince Xian to boost the morale of Da Qian's players. Yet, the expressions of both men were grave.

Yesterday, upon hearing of Nanping's successive victories, Emperor Shunyuan had coughed up blood in his fury. This morning, he had grasped their hands, insisting he must see Da Qian triumph and restore the nation's prestige.

But the Crown Prince and Prince Xian saw the situation with crystal clarity: turning this battle around was as difficult as scaling the heavens.

They had not personally dirtied their hands with those sordid affairs.

Such unsavory tactics were always handled by underlings running about. As lords, they needed to maintain an appearance of virtue and righteousness to command the respect of the officials.

If it were known that the Heir Apparent was a man who would sell out his country for power, devoid of any bottom line, wouldn't the entire court and country be thrown into chaos?

Yet, to know and not speak out was to give silent consent. When the truth inevitably came to light, they need only push those underlings who handled the dirty work forward to take the blame, thus preserving their own pristine reputations.

No matter what, their personal standing must remain untarnished.

Transmission Commissioner Xie felt his heart leap into his throat. He abruptly reached out and grabbed his son, who was about to step forward to draw a lot. "My son..."

Xie Qian, pulled off balance, couldn't help but laugh. "Father, what are you worried about? Just because the Xiao School, Yang School, Zhu School, Cheng School, and Song School lost doesn't mean I will! Those Nanping rats are repulsive and contemptible, nothing to fear. Wait until I wipe them out completely and bring glory to our Xie School!"

The Transmission Commissioner gnashed his teeth in anger, wishing he could beat his son into the infirmary to avoid this match. "What time is this for you to still be underestimating the enemy!"

Xie Qian remained utterly oblivious to the gravity of the situation, lowering his voice. "Father, those Nanping devils have only had the secret manuals of the various schools for a few months. The mysteries within the Eight Schools' game records are profound and intricate—how much could they possibly have learned? Your son has received the true teachings of the Xie School since childhood and has mastered them thoroughly. Naturally, I am invincible. I think officials like Vice Minister Yu and Zhou Mingze lost precisely because they, like you, Father, puffed up the enemy!"

"..."

The Transmission Commissioner then turned his hopeful gaze to Xie Langyang beside him. "Hengze, quickly talk some sense into your cousin! He must not underestimate the enemy!"

Xie Langyang was there as a member of the Xie School to show support for Xie Qian. Yet, his face was etched with weariness, his eyes sunken, a shadow of stubble emerging, lending him a somewhat disheveled air.

Looking at the self-important Xie Qian, he felt nothing but indescribable bitterness and resentment.

As a junior of the Xie family, he could not refuse marrying Gong Yuwen. He was powerless to stop the Xie School from aligning with the Crown Prince. He could only watch helplessly as his elders engaged in partisan strife, colluding with the enemy and betraying the nation.

Since childhood, his elders had taught him the ways of Confucius and Mencius, speaking of 'establishing the heart for Heaven and Earth, securing the life for the people, continuing the lost teachings of past sages, and opening peace for all generations.' He followed this path, passed the imperial examinations with the highest honors, and was poised to make his mark in the court, only to be told that the words of the sages were merely tools to control and restrain the common people.

That the people endured hardship without complaint, suffered injustice without hatred, and faced death without regret—all relied on the teachings of the sages.

Later, Wen Zuo had told him: "If you can't learn it, then don't. I'll learn it for you. Chaotic times need strategists; times of peace need wise ministers. You just follow your conscience and be your principled official."

But now, with no Wen Zuo to rely on, he had to learn what he could not learn.

For the sake of the Xie Qian before him, for the grand enterprise of the one he served, he would have to shatter his former self with his own hands and be stained with sins he could never wash clean in this lifetime.

"No need to advise," Xie Langyang uttered three faint words.

The Transmission Commissioner was stunned.

Xie Qian, however, was delighted. "See? Even Cousin says so. Father, you're just overthinking!"

Xie Langyang's eyes were empty. "Whether you underestimate the enemy or not is irrelevant. Go."

After all, the consequences would be borne by someone, the sins shouldered by someone. He, dragged into this for no reason, didn't even know whom he should resent.

Was it Nanping? The Xie family? The Crown Prince? Shen Chen? Or perhaps Wen Zuo, who had proposed the plan in the first place? Or maybe Jun Dingyuan, who had provoked Nanping's desire for revenge, or even Shen Zheng, who had thereby escaped the tiger's mouth only to fall into the wolf's den?

Before leaving today, Shen Chen had specifically gone to the princes' quarters to check, confirming that Shen Zheng had been sleeping all along and had not gone out.

Although Shen Chen said this Shen Zheng was different in this life, everything seemed to be progressing along the predetermined trajectory, without the slightest deviation.

"Hengze, this..." The Transmission Commissioner could only watch as Xie Langyang turned and walked towards the viewing platform.

Xie Qian adjusted his sleeves, straightened his back, and strode towards the chess arena. At the dais, he drew the crucial lot.

A streak of vermilion at the bottom of the lot stick was like fresh human blood, making the eyes smart.

Xie Qian raised the bronze lot. The herald announced loudly, "Player Xie Qian, versus Nanping's Mu Yi."

A wave of murmurs swept through the viewing platform.

As if fate were playing a cruel joke, all of Da Qian's players had drawn Nanping opponents, setting the stage for a true "three versus three" battle to the death.

Some had previously hoped the Nanping players would eliminate each other, so even if Da Qian lost a match or two, they could still offer a barely acceptable outcome. But now, if they lost all three battles, it would be a complete and utter humiliation.

A night rain had fallen yesterday, and today a capricious wind had sprung up, the weather turning chilly.

Wen Zuo tucked his hands into his sleeves and looked up at the sky. The sun was obscured by thin clouds, leaving only a blurred outline, devoid of any warmth. It seemed it would be a while yet before the clouds parted to reveal the sun.

"It begins," Wen Zuo said, a faint smile touching his eyes.

Shen Chen wondered if he was paying too much attention to Wen Zuo's reactions. Seeing Wen Zuo smile now, his heart gave an inexplicable lurch.

What did Wen Zuo have to smile about? Now that the draw was set, Da Qian's defeat was irreversible. Shen Zheng was destined to be the scapegoat, the Marquis of Yongning's estate was destined to fall under his control, and Wen Zuo was utterly powerless.

Could it be that Wen Zuo intended to find someone else to blame this time, or make the Eight Schools shoulder the responsibility themselves?

But he had no evidence to prove the Eight Schools had colluded with Nanping, and Nanping would never admit their victory relied entirely on the stolen manuals.

By then, the three judicial offices would all be staffed by the Crown Prince's, Prince Xian's, and the Third Prince's people. Shen Zheng's conviction would be inevitable.

Shen Chen mentally reviewed every step of the Spring Terrace Chess Association, confirming there were no oversights. Only then did his anxiously suspended heart slowly settle.

On the field, the players now stood on either side of their chess tables. Following Da Qian's etiquette for matches, the players bowed to each other before sitting down to begin the battle.

As soon as Xie Qian bowed, he saw the Nanping player opposite him move with puppet-like stiffness: first lowering his head inch by inch, then slowly bending at the waist. That face remained a livid, ashen gray, expressionless, like a corpse from a funeral parlor returned to life.

Xie Qian watched as a lock of hair detached from Mu Yi's sparse scalp, fell onto the chess table, and was then carried away by the wind.

A patch of Mu Yi's head was instantly bald, yet he seemed completely unaware.

Xie Qian couldn't help but break out in goosebumps.

What kind of monstrous thing was this!

The players all took their seats, and the match began. The clerks from the various chess houses stationed at Huiyang Gate also sprang into action.

Each had eyes like hawks and moved with swift strides, riding fast horses back and forth to announce the moves made on the field.

"Board one, black stone, upper right star point!"

"Board Two, white stone, upper right star point!"

"Board Three, black stone, lower right komoku!"

...

Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, dedicated scribes recorded each move, transmitting them via carrier pigeons so that Emperor Shunyuan could view the game with a delay of only half a *ke*.

The officials on the viewing platform couldn't help but comment on the game—

"Ah, why did Xie Qian play at Tengen?"

"Indeed, Tengen is the center of the board. While it doesn't directly secure territory, it can influence all four directions and control the overall situation. This is the Xie School's strategy."

"Exactly! The black stone makes a small knight's move to secure the corner, solidifying the upper right territory while echoing Tengen, forming a pincer formation! Looking at it this way, Xie Qian has the advantage in the opening."

"After all, Xie Qian has been immersed in the art of Go for six years longer than the Southern Screen player. Naturally, he is more steady and solid."

"Look! The black stone pushes out sharply from Tengen, connecting with the upper right influence while restricting the white stones' development toward the center. Killing two birds with one stone!"

"As expected of the Xie School—focused, deliberate, the formation gradually takes shape, building momentum. This move is truly exquisite!"

...

The officials of the Xie School relaxed slightly, silently praying that Xie Qian could maintain his initiative until he won this game.

Xie Langyang ascended the viewing platform and, almost involuntarily, moved closer to Wen Zuo. A thousand words swirled in his chest, but in the end, they condensed into a heavy, silent gaze.

Wen Zuo leaned casually against the railing, his posture relaxed, and suddenly clapped his hands. "Xie Qian's play is quite brilliant. It truly makes this Master view him with new respect."

The Transmission Commissioner, who was halfway through the crowd, perked up. He hurriedly pushed through the throng, squeezing his way to Wen Zuo's side, and asked sincerely, "Does Master Wen truly think so?"

Wen Zuo tilted his head to look at him, his gaze so fluid it seemed to make the air fragrant.

He smiled effortlessly, his teeth white as jade, possessing a natural divine grace that always carried a hint of mesmerizing charm.

"Indeed, I think a talented young man like Xie Qian will surely win the match. There's no need to worry, sir. Just watch."

The Transmission Commissioner seemed to have swallowed a dose of reassurance. He cupped his hands and laughed, "I'll borrow your auspicious words, Master."

Xie Langyang stood several steps behind Wen Zuo, his heart churning. In the world today, only he, Wen Zuo, and Shen Chen knew the true outcome of today's game. How dare Wen Zuo speak like this?

Seeing the same sinister machinations from his previous life about to unfold again, did he not feel a shred of shame or remorse in his heart?

If he hadn't suggested framing Shen Zheng to secure the support of the Marquis of Yongning, how would Shen Chen have thought of it?

If Shen Chen hadn't thought of it, Xie Langyang wouldn't have to be in such an awkward predicament today.

"The talented young man from the Xie family plays well. Why does Vice Minister Xie look so gloomy?"

Xie Langyang turned at the voice and found the speaker was actually the Marquis of Yongning, now living in retirement at home.

Back in the day, the Marquis of Yongning had dominated the northern frontier, his achievements so great they shook the sovereign. Emperor Shunyuan, uneasy, recalled him to the capital and confined him to the bustling city to 'enjoy his later years.'

The Marquis of Yongning was very astute. To prevent the emperor's suspicion, he voluntarily surrendered his military authority and never again concerned himself with battlefield matters.

Along with him, Duke Liu, who had once helped the emperor ascend the throne, was also stripped of his military power.

But Emperor Shunyuan soon paid the price for his suspicions. Southern Screen seized the opportunity and captured seven cities of *Da Qian* in one fell swoop. With no capable generals available, *Da Qian* had to endure the humiliation and send a prince to Southern Screen as a hostage.

The Marquis of Yongning personally watched his eight-year-old grandson being sent away. Heartbroken and disillusioned, he resigned from his post. No matter how Emperor Shunyuan summoned him, he refused to return to office, citing old age and poor health.

But his son, Jun Dingyuan, couldn't swallow this grievance.

Jun Dingyuan traveled alone to the southern border, starting as a probationary centurion. Relying on his courage and strategy, he rapidly grew into a commander whose might secured an entire region.

In the twenty-second year of Shunyuan, Southern Screen invaded again. Emperor Shunyuan originally wanted to seek a peaceful resolution, but a general in the field does not always follow the emperor's commands. With lightning speed, Jun Dingyuan gave the emperor no time to react and directly launched an attack.

By the time the capital received the news, Jun Dingyuan had already driven the Southern Screen forces back over a hundred *li*, achieving a great victory.

The family of the Marquis of Yongning were indeed each loyal, courageous, and born military talents.

Looking at this amiable old general, Xie Langyang felt ashamed and reluctantly replied, "The Mourning Crane."

"Oh? What does that mean?" The Marquis of Yongning had a good impression of Xie Langyang because he was the only one in the Xie School who hadn't sided with the Crown Prince and was known for his straightforward character.

The current Crown Prince is incompetent, just like the emperor. An incompetent emperor feels insecure; insecurity leads to suspicion of meritorious officials and capable generals; suspicion ruins the court; a ruined court leads to national decline.

Xie Langyang glanced in Wen Zuo's direction. Given the distance between them, he was certain Wen Zuo could hear his words.

He didn't know what emotion drove him, but he urgently wanted Wen Zuo to know his thoughts and feelings.

"I once saw a crane, blind in both eyes, that had mistakenly entered a farmyard. However, in front of the courtyard was a jackal, and behind it was a dog, both baring their teeth, glaring and eager to pounce. The crane wandered alone, completely unaware of the approaching disaster. Yet, the farmer stood by the gate with folded arms, watching coldly with a sidelong glance, showing no trace of compassion."

Wen Zuo indeed heard. A faint smile still lingered in his eyes as he glanced back out of the corner of his eye, catching sight of Xie Langyang's gaze, as pedantic and conceited as ever.

He understood perfectly that in Xie Langyang's story, Shen Zheng was that crane, currently imprisoned and in peril yet completely unaware, and only Xie Langyang was offering useless pity.

Wen Zuo was that coldly observing farmer, utterly devoid of compassion.

"Oh?" The Marquis of Yongning detected an allegory in his words but didn't connect it to his own grandson. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Perhaps one could throw a stone to startle the crane."

"What?" Xie Langyang withdrew his gaze from Wen Zuo's back and looked directly at the Marquis of Yongning.

The Marquis of Yongning smiled. "Since Vice Minister Xie is present and pities the blind crane, why not throw a stone into the yard to startle it into flight? However fierce the jackal and dog may be, what can they do to a crane that has taken wing?"

"This... I cannot..." Xie Langyang stood stunned. "I meant that farmer—"

The Marquis of Yongning was puzzled. "The farmer is the master of the jackal and dog, so naturally he won't rescue it. But why does Vice Minister Xie hesitate?"

Xie Langyang hurriedly defended himself. "The farmer's heart is cold as iron, watching someone die without saving them. But I am constrained by circumstances I cannot speak of and cannot go to rescue. How can you equate the two!"

Xie Langyang staggered as if struck a heavy blow, standing dumbfounded, speechless.

The Marquis of Yongning's words were too sharp. For the first time in his life, he glimpsed the baseness within his own heart—so difficult to utter, so dark and unsightly.

In his past life, he knew what Shen Chen and Wen Zuo were doing but didn't stop them, deceiving himself into thinking that as long as he didn't participate, he remained pure.

In this life, when it was his turn to act, he could again excuse himself, claiming he was constrained by unspoken circumstances and acting out of necessity.

But in the eyes of others, what difference does it make?

Wen Zuo couldn't help but think that having the Marquis of Yongning say these words was perfectly fitting.

The blow Xie Langyang received today was probably heavier than the day he returned to Qingliang Hall.

Wen Zuo turned around, a faint, ambiguous smile on his lips. "This story is interesting. The farmer, devoid of integrity and shame, is naturally cold-blooded. But Vice Minister Xie, so full of compassion, must be planning to do as the Marquis of Yongning suggested and throw a stone to startle the crane, right?"

Xie Langyang dared not meet Wen Zuo's eyes.

Wen Zuo took a step closer, his gaze icy. "If Vice Minister Xie can truly follow his conscience, he would indeed be a paragon among the upright. I, the Hanlin Academy Director, would feel ashamed in comparison. Presumably, the crane is still trapped at this moment. If Vice Minister Xie steps forward to rescue it, there's still time."

Xie Langyang involuntarily retreated a step, calling out softly, "Wanshan... I know I have many faults."

Just then, someone suddenly exclaimed—

"Oh no! The white stones forcefully broke out, breaking through the black stones' blockade!"

"Xie Qian's black stones are at a disadvantage in the ko fight. He wants to solidify his outer influence, but the white stones made a sharp move, preventing the black stones from establishing a base!"

"Xie Qian tried to split the white stones and open a new battleground, but the white stones captured the black stones!"

"Disaster! Xie Qian fell into a trap! This is a feint—the white stones are about to invade the right side of the black territory and reduce it!"

"Xie Qian is panicking! He wants to abandon this formation, expand the lower territory, and open another battleground. Now the white stones already have the advantage!"

In just one hour, the game had taken a drastic turn. The Nanping player seemed utterly emotionless—neither discouraged when losing momentum nor anxious when gaining it. In contrast, Xie Qian, despite being six years older, appeared far less composed than Mu Yi.

"The Shi School is also in trouble! Mu Er counter-cut Shi Qingjiu, forcing him onto the defensive and leaving him no time to launch a siege!"

"The Helian School is in even greater peril! Helian Qiao is locked in a brutal corner fight, and the board is already a tangled mess. His last move shouldn't have been that flying enclosure on the upper side!"

Watching the Xie School, Shi School, and Helian School fall into dire straits one after another, the light in the Crown Prince and Prince Xian's eyes gradually faded.

The sky grew increasingly gloomy, and the chill after the rain seeped into the bones—it was a bad omen if there ever was one. Could today truly become a calamity for Da Qian?

Perhaps they could only hope His Majesty would show leniency, downplay the matter, and not investigate deeply. After all, His Majesty's health was poor, and he might not have the energy for a thorough investigation.

But Shen Zheng was determined to shatter this illusion of hope.

He rolled out of bed, dressed properly, and headed straight to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to see Emperor Shunyuan, who was staring at the Go board in distress.

Eunuch Liu Qian saw Shen Zheng striding over and was about to greet him when Shen Zheng grabbed him by the shoulders.

"Eunuch, listen to me. I have urgent news for Father Emperor. It concerns the outcome of today's Go matches. Father Emperor must hear this!" Shen Zheng's expression was grave, his tone so urgent it seemed as if Da Qian would fall tomorrow.

"..."

Liu Qian said helplessly, "Fifth Prince, please release this old servant. I will go and announce you immediately."

Everyone needs psychological comfort, and the emperor was no exception. Seeing the games turn increasingly unfavorable, Emperor Shunyuan was beginning to doubt everything. Could it be that Da Qian, with all its masters, was truly inferior to Nanping's three so-called geniuses?

At that moment, hearing there was news to report related to the match outcomes, his heart leaped into his throat, and he nearly rose from his chair.

"Summon him in."

As soon as Shen Zheng entered, he saw three Go boards set up in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the games already halfway through. A young eunuch was untying a note from a pigeon's leg, placing stones on the board according to the message.

Shen Zheng glanced at it, then cupped his hands, bowed his head, with a pained expression. "Father Emperor, seeing today's games, I was shocked and horrified. There is something I must say!"

Emperor Shunyuan frowned deeply, leaning forward anxiously. "Speak quickly! What is it related to the outcome?"

He even forgot to reprimand Shen Zheng for not performing the proper kneeling ceremony.

Shen Zheng stole a glance at the emperor's expression, then feigned hesitation. "This matter involves many people. I fear Father Emperor may not dare to listen..."

Emperor Shunyuan was already somewhat angry. "No matter who it involves, tell me!"

Seeing the emperor's emotions were sufficiently stirred and his curiosity fully piqued, Shen Zheng pointed at the Go boards. "These three games... I have seen identical ones in the Nanping imperial palace!"

"What did you say?" Emperor Shunyuan's eyes widened in shock.

"I dare not deceive Father Emperor. Identical games, along with a thick stack of game records. The Nanping eunuchs had people memorizing them day and night. When I was a hostage in Nanping, serving them tea and water, I accidentally witnessed it. They treated me as if I were invisible, muttering, 'With these game records, we will surely defeat Da Qian this time and crush their military prestige!' It concerned Da Qian, so I dared not neglect it. I secretly memorized them. At first, I didn't notice anything amiss, until today's final matches... I never expected this!"

Shen Zheng's performance was vivid and dramatic, full of shocks and surprises, making Emperor Shunyuan's heart race up and down as if listening to a storyteller.

Eunuch Liu Qian subtly shifted his gaze, carefully observing this returned Fifth Prince for the first time.

"Identical? Could it be that our Da Qian players are secretly colluding with Nanping? That's impossible!" Emperor Shunyuan couldn't believe it.

"Father Emperor, please look."

Shen Zheng walked to the board, took stones from the young eunuch's hand, and began placing them rapidly.

He had long memorized the games thoroughly, able to replay them even with his eyes closed. Now, placing stones as swiftly as filling in a crossword puzzle.

He didn't play one game at a time but all three simultaneously.

Emperor Shunyuan watched dumbfounded, feeling Shen Zheng placed stones more deftly than eating a meal—certainly not something fabricated on the spot.

At that moment, carrier pigeons flew in through the window one after another. The young eunuch hurriedly untied the notes and read aloud, "White 71, center sharp move. Black 72, lower side contact. White 73, lower side connect..."

The young eunuch grew more shocked and fearful with each word he read. If not for his duty, he would rather blind himself than know of this court scandal.

Eunuch Liu Qian looked at the board and said softly, "Your Majesty, they all match."

Emperor Shunyuan didn't need him to say it; he could see clearly. The messages from the Huiyang Gate matched Shen Zheng's moves exactly.

Shen Zheng wiped the thin sweat from his hands, stood back with his hands behind him, leaving the stage to Emperor Shunyuan.

All three games resulted in Nanping victories. Emperor Shunyuan's face grew darker, his rage almost bursting through the top of his head.

Any ruler hates being fooled by their subjects. Moreover, this time, he wasn't fooled by just one person.

Meanwhile, Gu Weizhi rode in a carriage straight to the East Tower on Guanqi Street. Inside, it was already packed to the brim. Concerned about the reputation of Da Qian's Go players, nearly everyone in the city who understood Go had crowded into various Go houses.

The day Nanping entered the capital, their arrogance had already angered everyone. People were hoping Da Qian's players would teach them a lesson and show them their place.

But now, it seemed Da Qian was the one being shown its place?

"Terrible moves!" someone cursed.

"Exactly! I could do better than Xie Qian!"

"To squander the advantage of playing first like this is truly disgraceful!"

"Has Shi Qingjiu been bewitched? Or is he infatuated with Nanping's ghosts?"

"Hah, Helian Qiao is playing even worse than those two. What kind of garbage are in the Eight Schools nowadays?"

"Isn't it because they're cultivating their own factions instead of selecting true geniuses? Now we see the bitter fruit."

"Refund our money!"

"If they lose today, those three should dash themselves against the pillars to atone!"

...

Gu Weizhi stumbled through the crowd, rushing to the center of the hall. "Everyone! Everyone! I am Gu Weizhi, Vice-Prefect of Bozhou, here in the capital for the Spring Terrace Chess Association, temporarily staying at Qinghua Lodge!"

Gu Weizhi bowed repeatedly as he turned, brandishing three sheets of rice paper, each bearing a complete chess game drawn in ink.

"The Nanping players have been winning successive victories. I felt indignant, so I loitered under a pretext outside their room, never imagining I would discover these three chess games! Seeing the masterful game, I carefully memorized it. Who would have thought that today, it would match the final game at Huiyang Gate move for move! Horrified, I made off with the game records and rushed straight to the East Tower! Please, everyone, take a look! Look at this!"

Gu Weizhi shouted himself hoarse, fearing someone might not hear him. Then, casting aside all decorum, he vaulted onto a table, holding the rice paper high for everyone to see.

The East Tower manager, a master of drawing a crowd, quickly ordered the papers to be hung beside the chessboard for easy comparison.

The matter proceeded unusually smoothly, with no one stepping forward to stop Gu Weizhi, because deep down, the people of Da Qian were more willing to believe that the Spring Terrace Chess Association was involved in foul play.

Soon, attendants continuously relayed the latest moves from Huiyang Gate—

"Black 74, press on the upper side; White 75, connect on the upper side..."

"White 78, counter-press on the left; Black 79, connect on the left; White 80, peep in the center; Black 81, connect in the center..."

"Game ends at move 96. Young Master Xie Qian, playing black, has a total of 181 points; Mu Yi, playing white, has 182 points. With komi for black's first move, white ultimately wins."

The moves reported by the attendants matched Gu Weizhi's game records exactly!

"Exactly the same, they are truly identical!"

"When did the Spring Terrace Chess Association start rigging games?"

"Better ask how someone could collude with the Nanping players to win this match!"

"There are traitors in the court, conspiring with foreign enemies! Are the patrolling censors here? We must report this to the court!"

"How laughable, how infuriating! If not for Lord Gu exposing Nanping's scheme, wouldn't Da Qian's reputation be ruined?"

"Hah, the Eight Schools colluding with Nanping—Da Qian has already lost all face!"

...

They lost.

Xie Qian and the others slumped in their chairs, eyes vacant, stunned into a prolonged daze.

Xie Qian felt as if an invisible hand had him in its grip, trapping him like a cricket in a cage. No matter how he struggled, he couldn't escape the predetermined predicament.

Shi Qingjiu felt the same. The esoteric techniques of the Shi School had been thoroughly discerned by the opponent. All his moves seemed laughable to them. This feeling of being constrained at every turn was truly suffocating.

Gong Zhiyuan let out a long sigh and slowly closed his eyes.

His worst fears had come to pass.

The capital's commoners had witnessed Da Qian's defeat firsthand. By now, the palace must have received the news, and the emperor would surely be furious. An imperial summons would soon arrive, summoning them all to the palace to explain themselves.

This would be their final chance. He had to devise a flawless plan to protect everyone.

But given the circumstances, how could it be easy? Gong Zhiyuan, after all, was not a deity.

The Crown Prince looked at Gong Zhiyuan, bewildered and at a loss, instinctively turning to him for guidance. "Chief Grand Secretary, this... this..."

Gong Zhiyuan wearily waved him off. "Your Highness, do not panic. Allow your servant to think it over, to think it over."

Shen Chen stood in the crowd, his face a mask of frustration and anxiety. "How could this happen? Da Qian has so many masters. I know Xie Qian and Shi Qingjiu's skills—there must be something amiss. Perhaps they are unwell today?"

He grabbed officials from the Xie and Shi Schools, as if grasping at straws, seeking some hollow comfort. "Minister Xie, Minister Shi, speak up! Is it because they caught a chill today, leading to poor performance?"

The two men, flushed with shame, hung their heads. "Our disciples are unworthy, failing to live up to the expectations of Your Highness and the people of Da Qian."

Shen Chen's eyes reddened, as if dealt a severe blow. "I don't believe it! How could those three defeat the elite of our Eight Schools? There must be a problem. Gentlemen, go and inquire quickly!"

While pretending to wipe his tears with his sleeve, he stole a glance at Xie Langyang, his gaze lingering for a moment.

Xie Langyang keenly caught that look and understood—he could stall no longer.

Why choose Shen Chen, knowing he was fickle and ruthless?

Was it truly because Shen Chen employed upright officials, suppressed maternal relatives, and could become a wise ruler?

Perhaps he wasn't as principled as he imagined.

Shen Chen was his brother-in-law. Though Shen Chen had used this to coerce him, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. It was precisely because of this kinship that he could ascend to the position of Chief Grand Secretary and hear Shen Chen's words: "What I hope from you is to illuminate the mountains and rivers."

He yearned to achieve something, to realize his ambitions, to leave his name in history as a renowned minister of his generation.

And only Shen Chen could make this dream come true for him.

Xie Langyang walked toward Gong Zhiyuan, his legs feeling heavier than a thousand pounds. Each step crushed his conscience a little more.

He finally reached Gong Zhiyuan's side. He knew Wen Zuo was watching him, watching him walk the same path he himself had walked, swallowing all those lofty accusations.

From now on, the death of the Fifth Prince would no longer be related to Wen Zuo, but to him, Xie Langyang. He could no longer boldly claim Wen Zuo was to blame, nor did he have the standing to demand that Wen Zuo cleanse his sins.

Xie Langyang hung his head, lightly touched Gong Zhiyuan's arm, his throat seemingly blocked by cotton, and spoke with difficulty, "Mentor, a word in private."

Gong Zhiyuan opened his eyes. Seeing it was Xie Langyang, he still patiently followed him to a corner.

"Hengze, what is it?"

Xie Langyang seemed as if his soul had left his body, letting another shell speak for him. His voice was calm, almost venomous. "Shen Zheng can be framed."

Gong Zhiyuan's eyes suddenly narrowed. In that flash of insight, it was as if he had found a path to survival through layers of confusion.

He was astonished by his son-in-law's precise grasp of the situation and his thorough understanding of the emperor's thoughts. He was even more shocked that Xie Langyang could concoct such a desperate plan to save the Eight Schools in such a short time.

He couldn't help but reassess this son-in-law. Perhaps he had always underestimated Xie Langyang's strategic acumen.

There was no time to delve deeper now. Gong Zhiyuan firmly grasped Xie Langyang's hand. "Hengze, after this matter, come see me."

He intended to formally bring Xie Langyang into the Crown Prince's faction. With Xie Langyang's counsel in the future, the Crown Prince could advance further.

Subsequently, Gong Zhiyuan pulled Bo Zhangyi into the corner as well. Given the circumstances, only by turning conflict into harmony and unifying their statements could they avoid mutual destruction.

After hearing Gong Zhiyuan's plan, Bo Zhangyi's expression changed several times. Finally, with some doubt, he slowly nodded.

Just as they were speaking, the emperor's oral decree arrived—

All officials at Huiyang Gate, along with Xie Qian, Shi Qingjiu, and Helian Qiao, were to enter the palace for an immediate audience.

The officials rushed to the Palace Avenue—some by carriage, some on horseback. Passing by Guanqi Street, they found it in chaos. The crowd was in an uproar, and inside the East Tower, the noise was deafening, with everyone red-faced and shouting, curses flying incessantly.

Gong Zhiyuan had no time to look closely, thinking it was just a lost chess game—how vulgar the common people were.

He closed the carriage curtain and said impatiently, "Faster."

The sky was still that same dull gray, casting the long avenue to the palace in a deep hue. The wind picked up, swirling peach blossoms that struck the face with a surprisingly sharp sting.

Within the palace, the atmosphere was solemn to the point of suffocation.

Imperial guards were lined up in formation outside the hall, blades in hand, while red-scarved archers guarded both sides of the long steps.

Emperor Shunyuan was in full regalia. Beneath the Imperial Crown, his eyes were icy and profound, brimming with murderous intent.

Wen Zuo held a chess piece tucked within his sleeve, which he had warmed with his own hand.

Just before entering the hall, he saw Commissioner Xie's legs give way as he knelt with a thud before the emperor, tears streaming down his face: "The Xie School has betrayed Your Majesty's great trust! This subject deserves death ten thousand times over!"

"But this subject must report one matter! During today's chess match, the three Nanping players seemed to know our Xie School's playbooks inside out. They even managed to avoid several closely guarded secrets! This subject truly suspects that someone secretly leaked our school's chess strategies!"

Bo Zhangyi exchanged a glance with Shi Yuan from the Dali Temple. Catching the hint, Shi Yuan also stepped forward and knelt: "This subject shares the same feeling! When Mu Yi faced Xie Qian, he used techniques from our Shi School. This subject suspects the Shi School's chess manuals have also been leaked!"

Seeing the direction the wind was blowing, the Helian School members also knelt one after another: "We have witnessed the same! We implore Your Majesty to conduct a thorough investigation!"

Nearly all the officials had gathered, and several chess players were already kneeling before the hall, trembling.

Eunuch Liu Qian looked down the length of the palace avenue. Seeing no one else coming, he turned back and asked with a smile, "Master of the Academy, why have you not yet entered the hall?"

Wen Zuo, lightly tapping the chess piece against his leg with two fingers, replied casually, "No hurry."

Eunuch Liu Qian said no more, offering only a quiet reminder of "Master, beware of the wind," before silently retreating into the hall.

Gong Zhiyuan slowly raised his head and stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the leak of the Eight Veins' chess manuals is indeed shocking. But Nanping is distant from our dynasty, separated by mountains and rivers. How could they obtain such secrets?"

Even before the truth was investigated, he had already prejudged the case.

Seeing Gong Zhiyuan take the lead, Bo Zhangyi also stepped out from the ranks: "Your Majesty, none of the Eight Veins disciples participating in the Spring Terrace Chess Association have ever been to Nanping, nor are they acquainted with anyone from Nanping. There is absolutely no possibility of them leaking secrets! This subject dares to ask, why did the Fifth Prince not go to Huiyang Gate to watch the chess match today?"

In the court, a group of Eight Veins disciples with ulterior motives saw the situation and began to chime in—

"Yes, we haven't seen the Fifth Prince these past days."

"The Fifth Prince spent ten years in Nanping. He'd be the one most familiar with Nanping among us?"

"Could it be... That's unthinkable!"

"The Fifth Prince has been back in the capital for over a month. Logically, he indeed had the opportunity to obtain the Eight Veins' chess techniques."

"He and the Nanping envoys both resided in the guesthouse, making it more convenient for him to contact them than for others."

"But why would he do this?"

"Perhaps Nanping treated him generously? Perhaps he harbors resentment towards Da Qian? Or perhaps Nanping simply promised him some benefit? This... I dare not speculate further."

...

The officials spoke one after another, piecing together Shen Zheng's motive, method, and opportunity for the crime. Their logic was seamless and utterly plausible.

Shen Chen concealed his inner triumph, quietly waiting for Emperor Shunyuan's wrath to erupt and for Shen Zheng to be taken to the Dali Temple for rigorous interrogation.

Yet one minute passed, and Emperor Shunyuan remained silent.

A quarter of an hour passed, and Emperor Shunyuan still said nothing.

The emperor's aged, sinister gaze slowly swept over the assembled officials in the court. Gradually, a layer of cold desolation rose within his pupils.

Shen Chen inadvertently met those eyes and felt a chill shoot from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, making him shudder convulsively.

Wen Zuo lowered his gaze, his light tapping motion ceasing. His two fingers relaxed, allowing the black piece to roll from between them.

With a crisp *ding*, the black piece fell onto the marble floor, then clattered down the smooth steps.

Within seconds, the piece had dissipated its residual warmth, utterly swallowed by the gloomy sky.

Wen Zuo stepped into the Wuying Hall. At that very moment, Emperor Shunyuan's icy voice rang out: "Take all members of the Eight Veins in the court into custody and deliver them to the Dali Temple to await trial!"

Shen Chen and Xie Langyang turned pale, gaping in shock.