On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Jiayan and Shen Jiarui went to the Jin Mansion with the New Year gifts they had prepared long ago.
In the main seat, Grand Tutor Jin showed a delighted expression: "You two brothers are so thoughtful to come and talk to me on the first day of the new year. Come and have some hot tea to warm yourself up."
"I shouldn't have come to bother you so early, but I have to go to war tomorrow and I don't know when I will be back. After thinking about it, I can only come today." Shen Jiayan looked apologetic.
Master Jin's brows furrowed slightly.
No wonder, in previous years the two brothers only came on the third or fourth day of the Lunar New Year, but this year they came on the first day. Sure enough, something was up.
It is really worrying that we have to go on another expedition.
After a while, Master Jin sighed softly and looked up at Shen Jiarui: "Are you going back to the border too?"
Shen Jiarui nodded, his eyes full of determination: "I, under the order of the Emperor, will set off for Fengchun tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Jin was filled with worry. He spoke earnestly, "The battlefield is merciless, and swords have no eyes. You must be extremely careful. Especially Jiarui, don't act rashly or impulsively. Be cautious and think twice before you act."
Shen Jiarui bowed and said, "Yes, I will remember your teachings."
He answered fluently, but felt annoyed in his heart.
Why did the Grand Tutor specifically instruct him?
Did they think he wasn't as smart and capable as his brother? Did they think he wasn't up to the task?
When he was young, he couldn't write well and couldn't memorize all the books, so he was often scolded by the tutor. Now he still hasn't left a good impression on the tutor.
The Grand Tutor definitely didn't like him. This made it even harder for him to marry the Jin family girl.
If I had known this, I should have studied hard and memorized the text, and shown myself more in front of the Grand Tutor...
The more Shen Jiarui thought about it, the more regretful he felt.
He never hides his thoughts, so his expression turned a little ugly at this moment.
Soon, the Taifu discovered something unusual.
"What's wrong? Are you worried about something?" the Grand Tutor asked bluntly.
Shen Jiarui shook his head: "No, no."
How can it be like nothing's wrong?
But it’s not a good idea to keep asking.
After thinking for a while, the Grand Tutor put down the teacup in his hand and said, "It's been a long time since I last played chess. Jiarui, play a game with me."
"Ah? Me?"
Shen Jiarui was bewildered: "He's not good at anything. He only knows the basics, nothing to be seen by others."
In the past, it was always my brother who played chess with the Grand Tutor, but now...
"I believe you are capable."
Master Jin did not give Shen Jiarui a chance to refuse.
Soon, the maid brought the chessboard.
Master Jin, holding the black piece, seized the initiative and occupied the center of the chessboard.
Shen Jiarui had no choice but to sit across from Master Jin and nervously picked up the white piece. He subconsciously cast a look at Shen Jiayan for help.
"A true gentleman watches chess without saying a word."
Master Jin's words left Shen Jiayan speechless.
Now, Shen Jiarui was at a loss.
After all, I have learned it before, so I vaguely remember some of it. Anyway... let's try it out.
Shen Jiarui thought carefully and chose a position that suited his taste and placed a white piece.
Master Jin said nothing and continued to follow.
The black and white pieces fall alternately on the chessboard, and the difference in strength becomes immediately apparent.
Obviously, Shen Jiarui's chess skills are not at the same level as Master Jin's.
But Master Jin did not kill them all, and he kept "losing his mind and making mistakes", giving Shen Jiarui many opportunities.
Shen Jiarui would think carefully before making a move. He knew his own abilities, but he would never give up, at least not until he lost too badly.
Master Jin did not urge him either.
The game time was prolonged.
"Grandfather, you called me?"
After a long time, Jin Wanrong walked in from outside.
She wore a frosty peony-patterned long coat, a white mink cape, and her long black hair tied up in a bun, accessorized with two tasseled jade hairpins...
She is already gentle, and now she looks even more majestic and lively.
Shen Jiarui couldn't take his eyes off for a moment.
At the same time, Jin Wanrong was also a little surprised.
When her grandfather sent someone to call her to the front hall, she thought it was some urgent matter. Unexpectedly, the two generals of the Shen family were also there.
"Two generals, happy new year." Jin Wanrong knelt down and saluted naturally and generously.
Seeing this, Shen Jiarui's heart was beating like thunder: "Miss, Happy New Year."
So nervous that the voice was stumbling.
As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Jiarui quickly averted his gaze. The hand holding the chess piece was shaking.
He tried hard to control himself, but he couldn't do it at all. So he became even more panicked.
It's so embarrassing!
He swore that he was not blinded by beauty, he just... just didn't expect to meet Miss Wanrong.
I wonder if he looks really miserable now, and if Miss Wanrong will dislike him...
All of Shen Jiarui's little movements were noticed by Master Jin.
Master Jin couldn't help but stroke his graying beard and laughed heartily: "Jia Rui, your chess skills are really too poor."
As soon as he finished speaking, he picked up a black piece and placed it on the chessboard.
Shen Jiarui smiled awkwardly: "I, I naturally can't be compared with you."
After saying that, he continued to make his moves.
Master Jin asked, "When did you learn these flattering words?"
"I'm not exaggerating. What the students said is the truth."
Master Jin smiled faintly and continued playing chess. But this time, he didn't show any mercy.
After a few rounds, the winner is determined.
It was obvious that Shen Jiarui was defeated miserably.
He felt a little embarrassed: "Oh, I held on for so long and still lost. Master, you are truly an expert in chess. I am convinced of your defeat!"
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