Chapter 26#
Shen Zhen was not the only one bewildered in the hall.#
Gong Zhiyuan stroked his beard in contemplation; the scene before him was baffling.
He knew that the Xie clan hadn’t cheated in the final round, so while he didn’t know how Shen Zheng had obtained the chess game, playing against himself now was risky.
Shen Zhen seemed to be setting a trap for Shen Zheng, confident that Shen Zheng couldn’t handle it.
But Consort Liang and Concubine Yi were sworn sisters, and Shen Zhen had addressed Consort Liang as “Empress Mother” with great respect for years, doting on her. How could he strike so ruthlessly at her biological son?
When Shen Zheng readily agreed, doubts arose in Gong Zhiyuan’s mind. Could these two be in collusion, playing a coordinated game?
And what role did Xie Langyang play?
Gong Zhiyuan suddenly recalled that day in the Qingliang Hall, when Xie Langyang, visibly unsettled, had knelt to plead for Shen Zhen.
Today, he seemed to be cooperating with Shen Zhen again.
Could this be the work of Gong Yuwen?
But in Qingliang Hall, it was Wen Zhuo who refuted Xie Langyang, his words sharp and confrontational. At this Spring Terrace Chess Assembly, Xie Langyang insisted that Wen Zhuo was the puppeteer behind the scenes, with Shen Zheng merely a puppet on stage.
Looking at it that way, he didn’t seem to be acting in concert with Shen Zhen, but rather targeting Wen Zhuo. Could the Crown Prince be right—did Xie Langyang envy Wen Zhuo’s lofty position as a minister?
And what about Shen Zheng? After a decade as a hostage, had he actually picked up skills on the sly?
Thinking this over, Gong Zhiyuan felt his mind was a mess.
Emperor Shunyuan’s gaze swept across the hall, taking in the two princes’ high spirits, the national go masters ready to compete, and the righteous indignation permeating the chamber. It seemed impossible to refuse.
Besides, he was somewhat curious: why did Shen Zheng claim to have created his own school?
Every chess game in the world was rooted in the eight major schools, and their game records were treasures passed down through generations of ancient masters. Shen Zheng was only eighteen; how arrogant must he be to say such a thing?
Emperor Shunyuan coughed softly, the loose skin around his eyes trembling as he spoke. “Very well. Let it be self-play. Today, all the ministers in the Baohe Hall will be the judges, and together we will determine the top game!”
Shen Zheng bowed in salute, his voice clear and loud: “Thank you, Imperial Father!”
He turned around, his face full of calm confidence. Then he stretched out his arm and clapped Shen Zhen heavily on the shoulder: “Sixth Brother, you and Fifth Brother have the same idea. It seems that even after ten years apart, we brothers still think alike.”
A smile forced its way onto Shen Zhen’s face, his eyes feigning sincerity. His thin, frail frame tilted, dodging the force of Shen Zheng’s palm: “…Yes.”
Shen Zheng glanced at his own palm, then looked up again with a genial expression: “Have you eaten your fill, Sixth Brother?”
Shen Zhen’s heart was a tumult of doubt and alarm. The Shen Zheng before him seemed reborn, utterly unlike the dullard from his previous life, yet his words and actions were bizarre, unfathomable.
His shallow dimples appeared on his cheeks as he replied cautiously: “Yes… I’ve eaten my fill.”
“Good.” Shen Zheng’s eyes were deep and bright, and with his tall stature, he leaned over, picked up the untouched bunch of grapes from Shen Zhen’s table, and bit off two. Chewing, he leaned in close and whispered, “Then watch closely. You’ll see what a divine move looks like!”
Shen Zhen’s face changed colors several times, but he maintained his dignified smile: “I’ll be waiting for Fifth Brother’s stunning victory.”
Eunuch Liu Quan was about to order the servants to clear the tables and musical instruments when suddenly he heard Wukan’s voice: “Wait!”
Wukan appeared drunk, his steps unsteady, but his eyes were clear: “Your Majesty, these are all subjects of the Great Qian. Their hearts may be biased. This foreign envoy proposes that the contestants play their self-match games in a separate hall with the doors closed. The eunuchs will relay each move one by one, and we and the others will watch here in the Baohe Hall to select the best game.”
“Insubordination! Our great Qian court would never have cheaters! The envoy is judging the gentleman’s heart with a petty mind!” Chen Xiaoming was so angry that his whisk was askew, a tuft of white beard sticking out and fluttering.
“Fine! As you wish!” Emperor Shunyuan’s expression was solemn. With a wave of his hand, Liu Quan, catching his cue, immediately ordered the side hall to be prepared.
In the time it took half a stick of incense to burn, everything was ready.
Five national go masters of Great Qian volunteered to compete, plus Shen Zheng, who was determined to prove himself.
Nine go boards were set up in the side hall, and another nine were set up in the Baohe Hall. The ministers gathered around, and even Emperor Shunyuan, supported by Liu Quan, stood up to watch.
As the palace lanterns were lit, the door of the side hall slammed shut. Figures could be seen moving inside, but no one knew who was behind which board.
In the Baohe Hall, the ministers whispered among themselves—
“I heard that Old Chen recently worked out a brilliant game record. He’ll probably win today.”
“Song Chenghui is the head of the Song clan. He’s sure to take the top spot.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Minister Cheng Tiandong. He’s the youngest national go master in Great Qian, winning the Spring Terrace Chess Assembly at twenty-two.”
“Hmph, I want to see how this boy from Nanping can show off now that he can’t cheat anymore!”
“I said before that a nineteen-year-old couldn’t possibly achieve that. You all didn’t believe me at first.”
“But those three did seem unusually skilled. Let’s wait and see.”
…
Even the three Nanping players—Mu Yi, Mu Er, and Mu San—were being discussed. But no one gave a thought to Shen Zheng, who had been a hostage for ten years.
At this moment, Wen Zhuo alighted from his carriage. He noticed that outside the Imperial Palace’s main avenue, many newly arrived sedan chairs were parked. Several retired senior officials, leaning on canes, were tottering out of their sedans.
Bewildered, he stepped forward and asked, “Minister He, Minister Qian, coming to the palace so late—are you also attending the Special Grace Banquet?”
Qian Fang’s old eyes were dim. He squinted before making out a figure, and in the hazy night with its neon lights, it looked like a celestial being had descended. Who else could it be?
“Wen Wanshan, Wen Academy Head?”
“It’s me.” Wen Zhuo reached out to support him.
“Ah, we’re going to watch the chess game.” Qian Fang sighed. “At the Special Grace Banquet, they said there’d be chess to liven things up. The Nanping envoy wanted to reverse the verdict, to compete again with our Great Qian’s national go masters. Then the Sixth Prince came up with an idea—everyone should play self-match games so there’s no way to cheat. I heard the news and hurried over to take a look.”
“Self-match?” Wen Zhuo murmured, his mind racing.
He knew Wukan wouldn’t admit to cheating in the final three games, but that didn’t matter—Emperor Shunyuan wouldn’t believe him anyway.
Shen Zhen’s move was simply to reveal the Nanping players’ true skill, leading the Emperor to suspect the Spring Terrace Chess Assembly results.
Wen Zhuo gave him credit for having a brain, but the plan was half-baked, as if it were a desperate improvisation.
Even if the Nanping players won the self-match, that wouldn’t prove they didn’t cheat at the Spring Terrace Chess Assembly. Emperor Shunyuan had no way to explain the pre-existing game records.
He Shouyi added, “Ah, that Wukan also said the Fifth Prince had never touched a go board in Nanping, so he couldn’t have memorized any game records. The Sixth Prince and Gentleman Xie were indignant and recommended the Fifth Prince to join the self-match. To clear his name, the Fifth Prince boasted that by soaking up the environment in Nanping, he’d developed his own school. I’ve come to see if Great Qian can produce a ninth school.”
“…”
Wen Zhuo knew Shen Zheng’s skill level all too well. He wasn’t even good enough to qualify for the eight schools, let alone start his own.
If he had that ability, Wen Zhuo would have let him participate in the Spring Terrace Chess Assembly. Defeating Nanping in a stunning victory would not only debunk the accusations but also establish his standing in the Great Qian court immediately, catching the eyes of all officials. There’d be no need for a slow and steady approach.
But Shen Zhen and Xie Langyang assumed Shen Zheng had no foundation at all, relying entirely on Wen Zhuo’s manipulation. That assumption was wrong.
Though Shen Zheng wasn’t highly skilled, he did know how to play. And as long as he could play, it proved that he had indeed learned chess in Nanping—after all, when he left at that age, he only had a few poems in his head.
“Academy Head Wen, what urgent business brings you here at this hour?” Qian Fang asked.
Wen Zhuo smiled faintly: “I’m feeling a bit better, thought I’d come and enjoy the excitement.”
He used his robes to shield himself from the night breeze and, with the convenience of the two senior officials, took a small sedan chair. Guided by two young eunuchs, he made his way straight to the Baohe Hall.
He Shouyi remarked, “Academy Head Wen, you look pale and have a sheen of sweat on your brow. You should rest more.”
Wen Zhuo was in a hurry from the journey. He wiped the corner of his brow with his sleeve: “Thank you for your concern, Minister.”
Arriving at the Baohe Hall, he alighted from the sedan to find the side hall doors tightly shut, and the ministers crowded together in the main hall.
Wen Zhuo silently clutched the red pill in his palm, his expression calm as he stepped inside.
“Your subject Wen Zhuo greets Your Majesty.” He bent his knee to kneel.
When Emperor Shunyuan saw him, he quickly waved his hand. If there was anyone among the court officials whose health could rival the Emperor’s, it was Wen Zhuo. He took sick leave more often than the Emperor himself. Emperor Shunyuan feared he might be the one to see Wen Zhuo off first.
“Rise, Wanshan. Are you feeling better?”
“Much better. That’s why I didn’t eat tonight—I came specially to enjoy His Majesty’s fine meal.”
Emperor Shunyuan snorted with laughter: “Then eat first. Watch after you’ve eaten.”
Wen Zhuo’s eyes held a smile: “How could I dare, when His Majesty is already watching the game? I just heard from Elder He that today Great Qian might produce a ninth school. I wanted to see the Fifth Prince’s skill.”
He was the first person in the Baohe Hall to comment on Shen Zheng, bringing that name into the ears of all the officials.
In truth, Shen Zheng needn’t feel pressured. No one had any expectations for him. As long as he proved he could play, that would be enough. Wen Zhuo wasn’t too worried.
Wen Zhuo’s gaze swept the hall, quickly finding Shen Zhen and Xie Langyang among the crowd.
This was the first time since his rebirth that he had seen Shen Zhen in the palace. Without the royal robe to support him, Shen Zhen seemed to have reverted to his original form—still that cautious, fawning figure who smiled at everyone, utterly devoid of imperial majesty.
Wen Zhuo curled his lip in faint contempt.
Shen Zhen, seeing Wen Zhuo’s calm demeanor, felt a tightening in his heart.
He couldn’t help but worry: Could Wen Zhuo have predicted even today? Had he actually taught Shen Zheng some kind of game record?!
Impossible!
The Special Grace Banquet had never happened in the previous life. This assault was his own spur-of-the-moment idea. Wen Zhuo couldn’t have prepared for it.
He was certain that Shen Zheng had suffered humiliation in Nanping, with no chance to learn chess.
Suddenly, the clatter of go stones was heard from the side hall—the self-match had begun.
A young eunuch relayed through the door: “Board one: Black, first move, star point 4-4. White, second move, star point 16-4!”
“Board two: Black, first move, small point 3-5. White, second move, small point 17-5!”
“Board three: Black, first move, 3-3, 4-4. White, second move, tengen!”
“Board seven: Star and small point vs. double star opening!”
…
Bu Zhangyi frowned in commentary: “Playing tengen—Board three is too aggressive. They’re forcing innovation.”
Tang Guangzhi echoed him: “Board one is a flow-style double star opening. Steady and solid.”
Gong Zhiyuan whispered an explanation to the Crown Prince: “Board two uses opposing small points, avoiding the star positions. It’s an attempt to contest the corners. In the middle game, they can create differentiation through corner invasions, maneuvers, and side-corner transitions. Can Your Highness see the nuances?”
Shen Zhen was completely lost and mumbled, “I think Board seven is rather unremarkable.”
Time passed, and the announcements continued—
“Board nine: Black 17 takes the corner, White 18 extends 3!”
“Board six: White 21 invades the corner, Black 22 blocks!”
“Board four: Black 23 invades, White 24 envelops!”
“Board seven: Black 51 jumps into the center, expanding the eastern side. White invades. Black sticks on the right. White cuts on the right…”
…
Slowly, everyone began to notice something off: Board seven’s moves were coming much faster than any other game!
Xue Chongnian exclaimed, “Look closely. At first glance, Board seven seems ordinary, but White is unfathomable. They’ve been cornering Black until there’s no escape!”
He Shouyi had a different view: “I think Black is also resourceful, narrowly escaping each crisis and finding new life.”
Gu Weizhi asked in confusion, “Why didn’t White block just now? To press the advantage?”
Wen Zhuo analyzed for him: “If White blocks, Black blocks back. Then White sits, and Black can cut out from above. White’s position in the center wouldn’t be secure. So White’s cut on the right is a brilliant move. No matter how Black tries to break through—on the right-center, upper-right, or upper-left—the advantage remains White’s. And that White stone above doesn’t need to be activated urgently.”
Gu Weizhi’s eyes sparkled, and he clasped his hands in awe: “As expected of the Academy Head. I couldn’t have imagined all those subsequent moves!”
Wen Zhuo shook his head slowly and smiled wryly: “I couldn’t think of White’s move either.”
Gong Zhiyuan stroked his beard thoughtfully: “Who is Board seven? Their style doesn’t resemble any of the eight schools.”
Xie Langyang, his brow deeply furrowed, was already completely captivated by Board seven. This style, this strategy—he had never seen anything like it, not in his entire life.
“Indeed, there’s no trace of the eight schools.”
With their comments, everyone turned to look at Board seven. Even Emperor Shunyuan put on his spectacles for a closer look.
In just half an hour, Board seven had already reached 180 moves. Black’s four corners had been broken. When White laid down the 184th move, connecting the center, Black’s great dragon was completely trapped.
Black had no path left and had to resign. But the loss wasn’t humiliating; it was almost tragic. Had they not encountered such a miraculously skilled opponent, Black might have been invincible.
In the end, White won by a narrow margin of two points.
The Baohe Hall fell into utter silence.
Those less skilled in go, like the Crown Prince, had long lost track of Board seven’s strategy, feeling completely at sea.
But the renowned national go masters were deeply shaken, unable to calm down for a long time.
One thought filled everyone’s mind: Please, may Board seven not be from Nanping!
Wukan was also stunned. He had lost track during the endgame of Board seven, but he was certain that the three Mu brothers were nowhere near this level.
Another hour passed; it was deep into the night. All self-match games had concluded.
Eunuch Liu Quan lifted his eyes slightly and announced in a loud voice: “The players are waiting outside the side hall. Please, Your Majesty and the ministers, select the top game!”
The Crown Prince quietly asked Gong Zhiyuan: “Grand Secretary, which one is the best? Which should I choose to please Imperial Father?”
Gong Zhiyuan took a deep breath: “Your Highness should choose whichever gets the most votes. We don’t know who is on our side.”
Shen Zhen staggered back a step, his mouth parched. No matter the final result, the fact that Shen Zheng had completed a whole game meant his scheme had already failed.
Shen Zheng actually knew how to play go!
Could Wen Zhuo have taught him the Xie clan’s game records?
But none of these games were exact copies of any known record. Each board had its own ingenious touches, especially the seventh, which was profound and far surpassed the essence of the eight schools.
Gu Weizhi asked: “Academy Head, which one would you choose?”
Wen Zhuo said calmly: “It’s clear.”
Emperor Shunyuan’s expression was grave. He picked up the vermillion brush and heavily marked a check on Board seven.
An emperor could not lie in public. Even if this game came from an enemy, it was an unparalleled divine masterpiece.
Seeing this, the ministers in the hall made their choices one by one. More than a hundred unhesitatingly voted for Board seven.
Liu Quan maintained his composure: “Invite the players into the hall!”
The nine who had participated in the self-match entered the Baohe Hall one after another. Several national go masters looked tired, barely able to walk without stumbling. The three Mu players looked even worse, like dead men; as one of them walked, blood began to trickle from his nose.
Wen Zhuo looked through the layers of figures toward Shen Zheng.
But the moment his gaze touched Shen Zheng, the other seemed to feel it too, turning to look back.
Their eyes collided. First surprise flickered in Shen Zheng’s eyes, then a knowing smile spread across his face.
Wen Zhuo quietly gripped the hem of his robe under his sleeve and quickly looked away.
He thought to himself, how should he comfort Shen Zheng?
Tell him losing didn’t matter, that proving he could play was enough to break the situation?
After all, he was going to teach Shen Zheng to be a wise ruler, not a go sage.
At most… he would allow him, when no one else was around, to address him disrespectfully as “Wanshan.”
Just as Wen Zhuo had reached this thought, he saw Eunuch Liu Quan suddenly smile warmly, his expression kind, as he knelt to offer congratulations: “Congratulations, Your Majesty. Congratulations, Great Qian. Board seven was played by the Fifth Prince.”
Wen Zhuo’s eyes snapped up, as if a star had fallen into his pupils, glittering and trembling.
He was speechless, utterly lost for words.
Emperor Shunyuan, after a moment of astonishment, laughed heartily, exclaiming repeatedly: “Good! Good! Good!”
The ministers looked at each other in newfound respect and offered their congratulations: “The Fifth Prince is exceptionally gifted, his moves divine, elevating Great Qian’s prestige. Your subjects congratulate Your Majesty!”
Emperor Shunyuan glanced at Wukan, sneering: “Will the Nanping envoy still struggle in vain now?”
Wukan’s face had turned beet red. His cheeks twitched, his eyes full of shock. He took several breaths, then finally collapsed to his knees like a deflated balloon.
His drunkenness had completely worn off, replaced by a deep fear. Nanping had sent a fortune in treasures to bribe the eight schools, spending half a year’s effort, only to suffer total defeat. How could he face the Nanping Emperor?
His death was likely imminent.
Wukan played dumb: “I… I’m drunk. I’m really drunk. I think I’m going to faint.”
And with that, he really did fall backward with a “thud” onto the floor.
In his jubilation, Emperor Shunyuan couldn’t be bothered with him. He summoned Shen Zheng, taking his hand.
“Tell me, how did you learn such exquisite chess? I see no trace of the eight schools in it!”
Shen Zheng launched into his performance, his voice measured and full of emotion: “To answer Imperial Father, while in Nanping, I often thought of the teachings of Imperial Father and Mother Consort. I dared not slack off for a moment. I seized every opportunity to learn. By chance, I came across the game records of the eight schools. Then one day, I dreamed of two things, not human-shaped, battling in my mind as if playing a heavenly game. I memorized that game and brought it back to Great Qian, hoping that our chess art may flourish and spread far and wide!”
Emperor Shunyuan was intrigued and quickly called: “Astronomical Office! Astronomical Office! Explain this!”
The director of the Astronomical Office rushed over to blow some sycophantic smoke: “Your subject has observed the response of the earthly veins. Last night, sweet dew condensed in the courtyard. Grasses and trees suddenly took on auspicious forms. This is a sign of the spirit’s aperture returning to its place, divine protection, and the blessing of the Literary Star. Congratulations to the Fifth Prince for breaking through confusion. Congratulations to His Majesty for this heavenly omen. This is the nation’s fortune and the people’s blessing!”
Emperor Shunyuan patted Shen Zheng’s hand heavily, consoled: “So it was divine protection. Everything is fated!”
Shen Zheng smiled perfectly, playing along.
He wasn’t entirely lying. AlphaGo playing against AlphaGo Zero—those were indeed not human-shaped forms battling in a computer.
Emperor Shunyuan said: “This game should be shown to the people of Great Qian. It shall be our court’s ninth school of go. Has it been named?”
“Yes.” Shen Zheng bowed again, very seriously: “Your son believes it should be called Monte Carlo Tree Search.”
Wen Zhuo frowned slightly, understanding nothing.
All the ministers in the hall: “…”
Naturally, Emperor Shunyuan didn’t understand either, but he wouldn’t admit it. He decided on the spot: “Good! Great Qian’s ninth school of go will be called the Meng School! My fifth son, Shen Zheng, is the founder of the Meng School!”
The ministers, thoroughly confused, knelt and bowed: “Congratulations, Your Majesty. Congratulations, Fifth Prince.”
Wen Zhuo looked at the exultant Shen Zheng and slowly bent his knee.
The crisis of Jun Dingyuan… he seemed to have found a way.
So he lifted the corner of his lips slightly, pressed with force, and crushed the red pill in his palm.
Then the music and dancing continued until the small hours of the night.
When the revelry had not yet exhausted, Wen Zhuo slipped out alone to find some peace. Outside the hall, the night dew had already soaked the blue bricks. The sky above was heavy with stars, the full moon hanging high.
He had just been gazing for a while when suddenly a strong force pulled him into a damp, dark corner beside the hall.
Startled, he was about to snap when he saw Shen Zheng’s slightly tipsy face.
Shen Zheng’s features were even more pronounced in the dim light; his unruly hair curled at the tips, stained with a little wine, giving off a faint, clear bamboo fragrance. He stood with his hands behind his back, keeping a certain distance, staring at Wen Zhuo with a smile.
It was a look of brilliance, of pride, and of some indescribable, poignant longing.
The scent of bamboo wine filled Wen Zhuo’s nostrils. He raised his hand to push Shen Zheng’s chest, putting on his teacher’s air to warn him: “What are you doing? This is the palace. All eyes are on you now!”
The princes and their factions were still inside the hall, just one wall away. It was too dangerous.
Having said that, Wen Zhuo tried to shake off Shen Zheng and slip away.
Shen Zheng reached out to block him, half-pushing, half-coaxing, his eyes bright as if holding moonlight: “Hey, hey, I just want to say one thing.”
Wen Zhuo stopped: “What?”
Shen Zheng suddenly leaned close to his ear, his breath warm: “Teacher, I won.”
Wen Zhuo’s ears grew hot. He turned his head slightly, hiding his neck: “I know.”
A sound came from the side hall. The eunuchs who had finished cleaning up were carrying lanterns toward the Baohe Hall.
“Don’t forget,” Shen Zheng quickly grabbed Wen Zhuo’s arm, then slipped out of the corner, “I’m not the one who always loses games anymore. I’ll bring you a date cake tomorrow!”
What nonsense.
He really was drunk.
Wen Zhuo had only taken a few steps when he suddenly froze. A memory flashed through his mind of a conversation at the East Tower.
—I want to ask Teacher, what kind of person do you like?
—I don’t like people who always lose games.
“…”
Wen Zhuo never did go back inside to finish the Emperor’s meal.
He crouched by the hall, hugging his outer robe, flustered, trying to cool the waves of heat rising from his ears and neck.