The first poetry contest had already concluded, with everyone completely defeated by Qingyao. Now, the second contest was a chess game, and whoever could solve it would win.
Then Qingyao made a gesture, and Dongzhu and others brought out three chess games with broken ends. Everyone present could try, and whoever could solve the game would be the winner.
When the chess pieces were served, everyone came forward with great interest to check out the three endgames. At first, everyone was very excited and wanted to solve the endgames, but after looking at them for a while, they found that it was really difficult to see the direction of the endgames.
The Grand Tutor and the Crown Prince looked at each other, smiled bitterly and shook their heads. Then, everyone lowered their heads and began to discuss what was going on with the remaining chess pieces.
The first game that Qingyao asked someone to serve was a thousand-year-old chess game called "Seven Star Gathering", commonly known as "Seven Star Chess". Each side has seven pieces. After more than ten rounds of "preliminary battles", the game becomes a practical endgame of a big fight between chariots and soldiers. The side that moves first has the illusion of easy victory, but in fact its moves are very detailed, and it is known as the "King of Endgames".
The following are some of the more popular thousand-year chess games:
"Seven Stars Gathering": This is the first chapter in the "Hundred Games of Xiangqi," commonly known as "Seven Stars Chess." Each player has seven pieces. After more than ten rounds of preliminary battles, the game develops into a practical endgame of chariots and pawns. The first player may appear to win easily, but in reality, the moves are meticulous, earning it the title of "King of Endgames."
"Wild Horses in the Fields": Also known as "Wild Horses in the Fields," this game features a battle between chariots and pawns. Its moves are complex and varied, with the initial illusion that the Red side's two chariots and a single horse can achieve a combined kill. This game is a favorite among Jianghu board game artists.
- "Earthworm Conquers the Dragon": The two chariots are likened to dragons, and the three pawns are depicted as earthworms, with the two chariots being pinned down by the two pawns. The game features a unique and ingenious layout, with numerous and complex moves throughout, and the outcome is a draw.
The second game is "Wild Horses in the Field", also known as "Wild Horses in the Field". The theme is the fight between chariots and horses and pawns. The moves are profound and varied. At the beginning, there is an illusion that the red side can kill with two chariots and one horse.
The third game is "Earthworm Conquers the Dragon". The two chariots are likened to dragons, and the three pawns are described as earthworms. The two chariots are restrained by two pawns. The layout is peculiar and the conception is ingenious. The whole game has many complex and varied moves, and the outcome is a draw.
On that chessboard, the remaining pieces were like the silent embers of a war. The few pieces were scattered around, as if silently telling the story of the fierce battle in the past.
The boundary between Chu and Han is still clear, but it seems to be stained by gunpowder smoke, revealing solemnity and desolation.
The red and black chess pieces, some isolated and helpless, others facing each other, appear simple yet conceal hidden mysteries. Each piece, like a weary warrior, scarred yet steadfast in its position, carries with it both the hope of a breakthrough and the threat of defeat. It seems as if a single movement could unleash a thrilling intellectual storm, silently unfolding hidden strategies and struggles.
Everyone looked at the three endgames with solemn expressions, not knowing where to start.
The Emperor also saw these three endgames from the corner of the third floor through his inner strength, and a solemn expression gradually emerged on his face. He didn't know where Qing'er got these three endgames. In the past, just one endgame was enough to attract everyone to chase it. Now that there were three, this teahouse must be prosperous in the future.
Thinking of this, the Emperor looked in the direction of Qingyao with a doting look. No matter where Qingyao came from, the Emperor knew that there was only this woman in his heart, the woman who could make his heart beat.
Qingyao seemed to sense something, and she turned her head slightly to look in the direction of the Emperor, and smiled at him. Seeing this smile, the Emperor's heart instantly calmed down.
Yes, no matter what Qingyao did, she would always be his. Therefore, the Emperor knew that Qingyao could handle everything, so he left without worry. He still had to go back and prepare for the assassination of the Crown Prince tonight.
Qingyao naturally knew that the Emperor had left. After the Emperor left, she could start to deal with the next matters with peace of mind. She glanced at Dongzhu, and Dongzhu understood Qingyao's meaning and immediately bowed slightly and stepped back.
Dong Zhu's mission tonight is to assist the Emperor in assassinating the Crown Prince. He doesn't ask to kill him, but at least cripple his hands and make him lie in bed for ten days to half a month.
After seeing Dongzhu leave, Qingyao returned her attention to the present. The Grand Master and the others, watching the incense burner nearing its end, volunteered to approach Qingyao and said, "Miss Qingyao, we are truly unable to solve these three endgames. Could you please provide your solution?"
Qing Yao then leaned forward slightly and said, "I will not solve all three of these endgames today. I will only solve one. As for the remaining two, you are welcome to solve them in the future."
The Grand Master and the others smiled bitterly upon hearing this, then looked at Qingyao and said, "I hope the young lady can find a solution."
Qingyao then stepped forward and solved the first endgame. Qingyao placed a piece under a black piece in a certain position in the middle, and the chessboard instantly came alive. Everyone then showed an expression of sudden enlightenment and looked at Qingyao with admiration.
At this time, the daughters of the noble families present saw Qingyao shining again and showed a little unwillingness, especially Xu Qingqing. She pinched her palms slightly, and her fingers turned white. She looked at Qingyao indignantly, then snorted helplessly, brushed off her sleeves, and returned to the private room on the third floor.
The prince looked at Qingyao and became more and more satisfied. He thought that such a talented woman should be his princess.
Everyone expressed their admiration for Qingyao in words and praised her endlessly.
The prince even stepped forward, looked at Qingyao lovingly, and said, "Miss Qingyao, your talent and intelligence really impressed me."
Qingyao bowed slightly and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, thank you for the compliment." At this time, the atmosphere in the hall was very lively, but Xu Qingqing on the third floor was so angry that she smashed the teacup in the private room.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com