Chapter 143: Hello Chang’an
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Chapter 143: Who Taught Her?
Cui Yuanxiang craned his neck eagerly, asking, “Did Lady Chang win or lose?”
Seeing Cui Yuanxiang's head stretched out in front of him, Cui Jing remarked, "…You might as well jump down and see for yourself."
Cui Yuanxiang responded, "Yes, sir," and reached out to widen the window frame, about to take action, but he hesitated and cautiously asked, "General, wouldn't this be a bit too conspicuous?"
Cui Jing looked at him without a word.
With a forced laugh, Cui Yuanxiang adjusted the window to a smaller opening.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the backyard; it was clear that the match had reached a conclusion.
Such an uproar usually only occurred when an unexpected outcome had taken place.
Yet, this result was not entirely surprising—victory and defeat in a game like this were rarely decided by a single move. Everyone had watched the match unfold, noting how the outcome had been determined from the beginning, through the middle, and finally to the end.
Looking at the board in front of him, Song Xian tried to keep his tone steady as he said, “I lost.”
He was almost bracing himself, waiting for the boastful young girl opposite him to show a hint of pride or say something provocative… she certainly had the right to do so now.
"Scholar Song, you’ve only lost this round," she calmly suggested. “We didn’t agree on a number of rounds beforehand. How about best two out of three?”
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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Song Xian looked up at her, surprised, puzzled, and skeptical... Was one round not enough? Did she want to beat him again, to make her victory even more complete?
But her gaze was calm and sincere, without the slightest hint of deceit.
After a brief exchange of looks, Song Xian found himself looking away awkwardly. As he focused again on the board, he felt as if he had been transported back to a silent battlefield—the experience of playing this game had made him feel as though he were standing on a real battlefield.
It was strange, as he had no real knowledge of what a battlefield was like.
Looking back on her "tactics," he realized they weren’t about aggressive attacks; instead, there was a surprising gentleness within her calculated strategy, almost a sense of restraint…
Though there’s a saying that “spectators see clearly,” no one could understand this feeling better than he, who had been in the midst of it.
Was it an illusion?
Why would she need to hold back or be subtle to save his face?
With everyone watching, wouldn’t it make sense for her to win as quickly as possible, to add to her fame and create more buzz? This would align with her usual approach, wouldn’t it?
In that instant, the girl in front of him—whom he’d always thought of as shallow and flamboyant—suddenly became enigmatic, as if he had never truly understood her…
This realization was more unsettling to him than the loss itself.
“Brother Song, why not play another round!”
“Yes, Brother Song, surely you were just a bit careless this time…”
“Brother Song, don’t hold back in this one…”
Hearing these words of comfort and encouragement, Song Xian’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Initially, he had underestimated his opponent, but the one who had held back wasn’t him.
“No need.”
Stiffly, he stood up. "A loss is a loss—it's true that I, Song Xian, lack the skill."
To make excuses now would only make him appear inferior.
When he acknowledged his defeat, the surrounding crowd grew noisy again.
Although the comments weren’t harsh, members of the Seeking Plum Society couldn’t help but look uncomfortable.
In contrast, Cui Lang’s words were biting: “So, you’ve admitted defeat? Are you going to fulfill your promise to become her apprentice?”
Cui Lang’s expression was openly triumphant.
His master had won, the Wuer Society had been preserved, and his home was safe! And he was about to have a junior disciple! Wait… was Song Xian really going to become his junior disciple?
Noticing the changes in Song Xian’s expression, Cui Lang suddenly felt it seemed unfair. “Master, making him your apprentice… doesn’t that seem a bit too easy on him?”
Back then, Cui Lang had prepared long and hard for his apprenticeship, even risking a beating. Yet now, this person merely loses a single game of chess and gains such a tremendous benefit!
How despicable, that there exists someone who reaps rewards without effort!
But Song Xian clearly didn't see it that way.
He knew he couldn't speak words of regret now.
Countless eyes were on him… Was Scholar Song truly going to take a young girl as his master?
And such a young girl at that.
Song Xian had already stood up, but the young girl still sat calmly in her place. Even as she looked up at the much taller Song Xian, she didn’t seem to be looking up at him in the slightest.
She spoke in an even, unhurried tone: "Scholar Song, you should know that standing tall doesn’t require looking down on others to prove it, nor should one entrap themselves in prejudices that cloud their vision."
Silence fell.
Was she already adopting the stance of a teacher?
Hearing her words, Song Xian felt a burning sting on his face.
“My apprenticeship with Head Master Qiao was indeed unconventional, and while it was a personal matter, I understand why Scholar Song might have felt disapproval; it’s only natural to harbor such feelings. I might have felt the same way…”
Her voice continued: “But whether this disapproval deepens or fades should depend on facts. Clinging to such prejudices and allowing them to distort one’s perception would be nothing but a disservice.”
Song Xian’s tense, chilled fingers trembled slightly before he clenched them.
So now that she had finished lecturing him, was she about to insist on making him her disciple?
"Only those who offer enlightenment can be a teacher," Chang Suining said as she stood up. “If Scholar Song finds my words illuminating, then I have served as his teacher today.”
She concluded, “Taking a master should be a choice born from mutual respect, not animosity. If Scholar Song isn’t inclined now, there’s no need to force it; if he ever finds himself willing, it will never be too late.”
Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd.
She had actually backed down, allowing Scholar Song not to bow to her as his master?
Some breathed a sigh of relief on Song Xian’s behalf, while others looked at the young girl with newfound respect.
Prince Rong was among the latter.
Cui Jing, however, looked on with a different, thoughtful expression.
"General, truly…" Cui Yuanxiang, having listened intently, returned to the present with a hint of admiration. “I feel that Lady Chang’s words… whether in worldly matters or for Scholar Song’s future career, would indeed be of great use. Even if he called her ‘teacher,’ he wouldn’t be at a loss.”
He may have suffered a minor setback today in this game of chess, but in the long run, it could save him from a much larger stumble.
Cui Jing observed the two standing across from each other at the stone table.
It was clear that Song Xian bore a grudge against her.
Yet she, in turn, showed remarkable patience and tolerance.
This was a stark contrast to her approach with people like Ming Jin and Chang Miao, where she would act rather than speak.
Whether through the game, her words, or her tactful control over the matter of apprenticeship, she had shattered the lofty pedestal of prejudice he had built while offering just enough protection—
Safeguarding the pride and integrity of this scholar from a humble background.
This was not softness born of equality, but a higher… appreciation for talent.
Such a temperament and insight, rarely seen in a young girl, caused a rare glimmer of confusion in Cui Jing’s eyes.
“Who taught her this?” he murmured to himself.
“Ah?” Cui Yuanxiang responded instinctively, “Head Master Qiao, perhaps?” Wasn’t Head Master Qiao Lady Chang’s teacher?
Cui Jing gave no answer.
Scholar Song, his expression complex, offered a stiff salute by the stone table before leaving in slight disarray.
“Brother Song!” Someone chased after him.
Meanwhile, his exasperated brother placed his hands on his hips, shouting, “If you don’t seize this apprenticeship today, there won’t be such a good chance in the future!”
After shouting at Song Xian’s retreating figure, Cui Lang turned to Chang Suining and said, “Master, if he tries to come back and ask for this apprenticeship later, don’t make it easy on him. I’ll be the one to handle it when the time comes!”
Hu Yi silently shook his head.
Seeing the situation, it seemed that Cui Lang truly wanted to close the door on any future disciples.
Cui Lang’s intentions were indeed less than friendly. If he couldn’t secure the position of final disciple, then surely he’d be the gatekeeper disciple, right?
“Ning Ning’s chess… is also this impressive?” Qiao Yubai couldn’t hide his astonishment—this newfound shock was just one of many!
“What’s the big deal?” Chang Sui’an casually replied with his usual explanatory answer, “You probably didn’t know, but Ning Ning’s specialty is turning others' strengths into her own!”
Qiao Yubai was speechless.
Was this ruthless ability truly real? Since her mind seemed to change, it was as though the heavens themselves had blessed her—not with a mere morsel but with an entire grand feast! Qiao Yubai looked at her with a complicated expression, wanting to ask, “With all this ‘food,’ Ning Ning, are you even able to handle it?”
“Lady Chang just mentioned that her chess skills were ‘decent’… isn’t that a bit too modest?” Tan Li couldn’t help but sigh—he had been worried for her, but now it was clear that his fears were groundless.
Chang Suining smiled, “Compared to my abilities in horseback archery, calligraphy, and painting, it’s merely passable.”
Tan Li fell silent.
This curious blend of humility that nonetheless couldn’t truly be humble was a state of mind few could attain.
Listening to the growing praise around her, Chang Suining’s expression remained calm.
To her, this wasn’t a true contest; in fact, her victory hadn’t been entirely fair.
It should be noted that while people may be equally talented, differences in upbringing and environment can mean that even with equal effort, outcomes will diverge. Back when she held the title of Crown Prince, albeit in a puppet role, she fought to ensure she received the privileges fitting of that position.
If chess was akin to warfare, then she had long wielded a peerless sword, blazing like the sun, while Song Xian held nothing more than a needle.
It had never been a fair competition.
But the vast rivers and lands need someone to guard them with flesh and blood, those who hold knives to carve, and those who skillfully wield needles to embroider with care.
They are not adversaries, nor are they perfect, and even if they do not tread the same path, each has their role.
“Let’s go, let’s go! Back to enjoy more tea!”
Cui Lang cheerfully invited everyone along, including Tan Li and his group—he liked people who could speak pleasantly without causing awkwardness!
Tan Li gladly accepted.
“Brother Tan, Scholar Song just left… isn’t this inappropriate?” someone next to him whispered.
“What do you want us to do, follow him and cry?” Tan Li replied in a low voice, “Right now, Scholar Song needs some quiet time…”
He had initially joined just to enjoy a meal, and he was only halfway through! The poetry gathering at Xunmei Club was clearly over, so why not find another gathering spot? Especially since this one was with Lady Chang!
Tan Li cared little about others’ opinions and blended in seamlessly with the group from Wuer Club.
As a courtesy, Chang Suining also extended an invitation to Prince Rong, who had been observing quietly.
“…Though there will be no alcohol at the table.”
“With my frail health, I’m better off not drinking anyway,” Prince Rong replied with a smile. “In fact, this way, I won’t risk dampening everyone’s spirits.”
Chang Suining smiled back, “Then please, join us.”
The group made their way to the bamboo courtyard.
Qiao Yumian walked slowly, holding her maid’s hand, while Cui Lang kept three steps behind, guarding her from the bustle around them.
As she stepped over the threshold, Qiao Yumian seemed to sense something and paused, turning her head in mild confusion.
Though he knew she couldn’t see him, Cui Lang still felt as though he’d been caught, and he stammered, fumbling around, “Ah! Where’s my fan?”
“Did you leave it by the table?”
“Hurry, go fetch it for me!”
Qiao Yumian felt oddly reassured.
So Cui Lang had been behind her all along.
A soft smile appeared on her face, “Xiao Qiu, let’s go in as well.”
After Chang Suining and the others left, the onlookers gradually dispersed, chatting amongst themselves.
One of the staff members approached the stone table, intending to clear away the chessboard.
“Hold on.”
The young man's cold and steady voice rang out, causing the attendant to turn and, although unaware of the newcomer’s identity, instinctively stepped aside and gave a polite bow before retreating.
The establishment frequently hosted officials and dignitaries, so the attendants had developed a keen eye for recognizing people.
Cui Jing approached, his gaze falling on the chessboard.
He silently watched, and before his eyes, the image of the young woman sitting and moving the pieces seemed to reappear.
The placement of the pieces formed a game, the strategy resembling that of military tactics...
And this military strategy, it seemed, resembled someone else's military method... It wasn’t immediately obvious, but because he had spent many years studying and analyzing the strategies of the “former Crown Prince,” he had this uncanny sense.
The calligraphy and drawing style could be replicated... but where had she learned military tactics?
At that moment, a yellowed ginkgo leaf spiraled down and gently landed on the chessboard.
Cui Jing raised his hand to remove the leaf, his long fingers touching the white piece it had covered, picking it up.
This must have been the final move made by her.
“...Big brother?!”
A shout suddenly came from behind, startling Cui Jing, who reflexively pulled his hand back, the piece now in his palm.
“Big brother, what are you doing here?” Cui Lang asked, walking over excitedly. “Did you come with Uncle Jiu?”
Cui Jing didn’t confirm or deny, instead asking, “What are you doing here?”
“I came to get my fan!” Cui Lang waved the folding fan in his hand. “I must’ve dropped it while I was pushed around earlier… By the way, did you see the match between Master and Scholar Song just now?”
Cui Jing nodded, his right hand, still holding the chess piece, resting behind his back.
Cui Lang, full of excitement, proceeded to recount the entire chess game again.
Cui Jing: “...”
So, was there any point in asking whether he had seen it...?
At the end, Cui Lang, gathering his courage, invited his older brother, “Big brother, would you like to come inside and sit for a while?”
Cui Jing glanced in the direction of the bamboo courtyard. “No need.”
He could sit down, but those scholars probably wouldn’t dare.
“Well then, wait here for a moment!” Cui Lang hurriedly bowed and ran off to the bamboo courtyard.
Cui Jing was puzzled. What was there to wait for?
Good night, everyone!
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