"Prince is just too concerned about me, so I hope teacher Zhen won’t mind," Yang Mengchen said with a smile, "It’s my honor to learn from teacher Zhen. Please, teacher Zhen."
Master Zhen waved his hand joyfully, "Prince Chen and Princess Chen have such deep affection for each other; of course, I don’t mind it." Even if Princess Chen hadn’t agreed, he couldn’t have said anything. Now that Princess Chen had agreed, he was too happy to care about anything else.
Once Mengchen agreed, Long Xuanmo naturally wouldn’t object, and he sat down next to her.
The Emperor also stayed as he was curious to see just how exquisite daughter-in-law Jiujiu’s chess skills were?
The Empress Dowager and the Empress then returned to the palace.
The envoys from various countries also stayed.
The people who hadn’t left upon hearing that Master Zhen was going to spar in chess with Princess Chen, and her acceptance, all stayed to watch; those who had walked a little distance ran back.
You must know that Master Zhen’s chess skills are famous throughout the land, but living far away in Nanping and seldom playing against others, now was a rare opportunity to witness Master Zhen’s chess skills.
Yang Mengchen was a master of chess. Ever since she knew about the chess competition, aside from Old Hai, nearly all the judges were chess masters. She had Hai Tang gather detailed information about them, thinking of sparring with them when time allowed, as she hadn’t played a game of chess with anyone since arriving in this time and space.
Master Zhen was sixty-nine this year; he started learning chess at six and possessed extraordinary skills. To match wits with such a master was a very joyous matter.
"Please, teacher Zhen," Yang Mengchen respectfully urged Master Zhen to make the first move.
Mengchen’s modest attitude was much appreciated by Master Zhen, but he didn’t take advantage of his age and let her go first.
Mengchen, not being pretentious, moved the first white piece.
Even though it was expected that Mengchen’s chess skills were extraordinary, after a few moves, Master Zhen was still surprised. He looked up at the calm and smiling face of Mengchen across the board, who showed neither joy nor panic, her demeanor remained as tranquil as water.
Seeing this, Master Zhen inexplicably felt as if the person sitting opposite him was not a seventeen-year-old girl but an old soul who had weathered great trials and achieved inner peace. It was a strange feeling but the most sincere one in Master Zhen’s heart.
Master Zhen’s fame was widespread, so naturally, Mengchen didn’t underestimate her opponent, knowing that Master Zhen’s style was always steady. She played with equal composure.
Old Hai and the other onlookers watched with growing astonishment.
The entire world had less than a handful of people who could defeat Master Zhen. That Princess Chen’s chess skills were comparable to Master Zhen’s? How could they not be utterly shocked? Nonetheless, they all watched silently and intently.
"What an exquisite game! Princess Chen truly has great talent!"
The audience watched the large chessboard, praising continuously, analyzing in detail the intricacies and brilliant moves of their game.
The players were wholly focused, the commentators were lively, and the audience was mesmerized.
Princess Yashuang and the others who had played against Mengchen before had a sudden revelation. It was clear that Princess Chen had held back earlier, probably to save their face and avoid too much embarrassment. They felt no indignation, but rather gratitude.
Xiahou Muyang and Wu Zhenglie also realized what had happened. They felt ashamed and sincerely admired Princess Chen’s generous spirit.
Qi Zonghao, Prince Duan, and Prince Jing watched Mengchen on the stage with increasingly fervent gazes. freewebnσvel.cѳm
Even though Mengchen was highly skilled in chess, she lacked the age and experience of Master Zhen. If the two continued to play a steady game, she would inevitably lose. Thus, two hours later, Mengchen stopped worrying about matching her opponent’s rhythm and took control of the chessboard.
Having made up her mind, Mengchen quickly shifted from a stable to a more aggressive strategy. In general, it was chaos. Just as in battle between two armies, one must strike unexpectedly to gain the upper hand and find victory amidst the disorder.
Indeed, Master Zhen started to find her moves unpredictable and grew somewhat flustered and hasty. Mengchen seized the opportunity, gained the advantage, and took control of the game.
Another two hours later, Mengchen won against Master Zhen by half a point.
Standing up, Yang Mengchen gave Master Zhen a bow, "I’m thankful for your leniency, teacher Zhen."
"Princess Chen is a great talent, and I happily concede," Master Zhen didn’t put on airs and also stood up, smiling as he returned the gesture, "Having the chance to play against Princess Chen is indeed one of the great fortunes of my life! I haven’t enjoyed a game of chess as much as I did today for a very long time! Hahaha..."
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