Chapter 17 Two Men Compete for Love, Playing Chess Against Each Other; Now, A-Yu Only Loves Me...
Inside the academy, the sound of students reciting their lessons drifted from the adjacent church. The teacher, carrying books, walked solemnly past each student with his hands behind his back.
Chi Yanzhou was in the same church as Su and Liang, but their tables were not next to each other.
During breaks between classes, the three of them would usually gather together to discuss the lessons left by their teacher. Now, looking around, Su Zhiyao and Liang Xiaoyun were not in the church; they must have gone out for some fresh air.
Chi Yanzhou rested his chin on one hand, holding a brush and carefully writing the three characters "Cui Fuyu" on the rice paper, stroke by stroke.
He looked at his name, which was listed alongside the young lady's, and couldn't help but smile.
The soft light shone through the open window, falling gently and softly on him.
The main gate of Prince Gong's Mansion.
Zhao Jinghuan, dressed in purple with his long hair half-tied up and neatly secured with a jade hairpin, walked out with a spirited air.
He took the reins from the servant, leaped onto his horse, and galloped away.
He's been bedridden for days; he's practically ruined.
Now that the wounds inflicted by the love potion have completely healed, Zhao Jinghuan couldn't wait to go to the Chu Prince's residence to find Cui Fuyu.
In any case, Cui Fuyu can only be his.
If the love potion is gone, then find another one.
Whether by force, underhanded tactics, or coercion, the Cui family must be bound to Prince Gong's Mansion.
Zhao Jinghuan was going to the academy to find Chi Yanzhou today, as he had previously looked down on Chi Yanzhou.
But now Chi Yanzhou is his biggest rival!
He had also heard that a few days ago, Cui Fuyu had actually caused a scene at the horse farm for his sake, causing the farm to close overnight.
Zhao Jinghuan had to admit that Chi Yanzhou was quite capable.
He rushed to the academy, lifted his robes, and stepped through the academy gate with his head held high.
Uncle Zhong, the old man guarding the gate, stopped Zhao Jinghuan, got up from his recliner, continued to fan himself with a palm leaf fan, and asked with a smile: "This young master is a stranger. People cannot enter and leave the academy at will. Do you have a pass? If not, please go back. If you are looking for someone, please wait while I go and call the scholar out."
Uncle Zhong's meaning was very simple and did not imply any discrimination. He has always had a good temper and is gentle in his dealings with people and things.
Be polite and friendly to everyone.
But little did they know that Uncle Zhong's words had offended Zhao Jinghuan.
Zhao Jinghuan brandished the Prince's token and said coldly, "You have no right to speak here. Have your stewards come and greet this young master."
Zhao Jinghuan's attitude was cold and stern, leaving no room for Uncle Zhong to refuse. He then put away the token, stood with his hands behind his back, and stopped looking at the helpless Uncle Zhong.
He was arrogant and never paid attention to anyone; he was overly conceited.
Uncle Zhong shook his head helplessly and sighed, then followed Zhao Jinghuan's wishes and went to find the headmaster of the academy while fanning himself with a palm leaf fan.
Soon after, the headmaster arrived late with Uncle Zhong. Upon seeing Zhao Jinghuan, he gave him a perfunctory bow, then invited him inside and asked, "Is there anything important that brings Young Master Zhao to the academy?"
Zhao Jinghuan, annoyed that people were late, turned his face and walked ahead, leaving the headmaster behind. "It's nothing, just some personal business. I just want to talk to Chi Yanzhou from your academy."
Why did Zhao Jinghuan make such a big show of it, only to find Chi Yanzhou?
The headmaster's face darkened, he stopped in his tracks, and stared at Zhao Jinghuan suspiciously, his eyes seeming to say, "Are you sick?"
"Looking only for Chi Yanzhou?! If that's the case, why doesn't Prince Zhao go to the church to find him himself, or have Uncle Zhong call him out!"
The headmaster believed that he had come here on some important matter.
Zhao Jinghuan's behavior is a waste of his time.
Zhao Jinghuan sneered: "It's already an honor for you to be summoned to lead the way!"
Zhao Jinghuan showed no respect for others. Faced with his arrogant tone, the headmaster laughed in anger. However, being a member of the royal family, he still endured it and led the way for him.
Upon seeing Chi Yanzhou, Zhao Jinghuan greeted him with a smile, "Young Master Chi, it's been a long time!"
When Chi Yanzhou saw him, he was surprised. Why would Young Master Zhao come to find him?
Chi Yanzhou wondered: Did he come because of the young lady's matter?
Zhao Jinghuan briefly and amicably explained to Chi Yanzhou the purpose of his visit.
Chi Yanzhou pondered for a moment. He knew all the lessons for the rest of the day and could ask the teachers for help tomorrow.
It was still early, so he agreed to go out with Zhao Jinghuan.
Regardless of Zhao Jinghuan's purpose today, he will firmly choose the young lady.
Zhao Jinghuan led Chi Yanzhou not far, but instead went to a teahouse not far from the academy.
From the windows of the teahouse's private rooms, one can see the back mountain of the academy, with its green hills and clear waters, pavilions and flowing streams. The people scattered throughout appear as tiny dots, which occasionally move, making the beautiful scenery vibrant and full of life.
After Chi Yanzhou sat down, he subtly observed Zhao Jinghuan, but ultimately did not ask him any questions.
Just sitting quietly.
Zhao Jinghuan brought over the chessboard, holding the white jade chessboard in one hand. The jade was dull and lacked luster, indicating that it was not of good quality. He held the chess pieces in his large hand and looked down at Chi Yanzhou: "Young Master Chi, do you know how to play chess?"
Zhao Jinghuan's attitude was somewhat arrogant as he asked Chi Yanzhou a question.
Chi Yanzhou nodded and said modestly, "I know a little bit, so I can play a game with Prince Zhao."
He tried to take the chessboard from Zhao Jinghuan's hand, but Zhao Jinghuan stepped back to avoid his raised hand.
Chi Yanzhou's hand awkwardly froze in mid-air. After a moment of stunned silence, he withdrew his hand, picked up his teacup, and took a sip of tea. His eyes darted around, his expression inscrutable.
Zhao Jinghuan put down the chessboard and pieces, sat on the soft mat, stared straight at Chi Yanzhou, and chuckled: "I invited you out to play chess today, so it should be Young Master Chi who makes the first move."
Zhao Jinghuan waved his hand, placing the bulky sleeves that were in the way to his sides, and let his hands hang naturally on his knees.
Chi Yanzhou nodded slightly to him, then grabbed a black chess piece from his sleeve and took the initiative: "Ayu seems to be unfamiliar with the young master. How come I have never heard her mention anything about her cousin?"
Since Zhao Jinghuan's purpose in meeting him was impure, how could he continue to remain silent?
Chi Yanzhou added, "She has told me quite a bit about her brother. I wonder why the young master wants to marry Ayu, but I don't think he has any affection for her."
His words were like knives stabbing into Zhao Jinghuan.
Chi Yanzhou also understood that Zhao Jinghuan did not love Ayu.
Even if he and Ayu don't end up together.
He will not allow his Ayu to be engaged to or marry such a person!
Because Zhao Jinghuan's eyes were full of scheming against Cui Fuyu, he occasionally pretended to be affectionate to deceive her.
Such people are inherently bad.
Instead of being angry, Zhao Jinghuan smiled and said, "Yu'er and I have a bond that has lasted since childhood, which is incomparable to that of others. However, I have just returned to the capital, and Yu'er is still somewhat unfamiliar with me. Once the Zhao and Cui families start to get to know each other, my relationship with Yu'er will naturally become more familiar."
As they spoke, the two had already played several rounds of chess, each trying to capture the other without giving an inch, the whole game brimming with a murderous atmosphere.
You and I are constantly pushing and shoving each other's pieces.
Chi Yanzhou was pleased to see this, after all, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. The more aggressively the opponent pressed, the better he understood their strategy and the direction of their moves.
He easily cornered his opponent with the black pieces, capturing a whole group of his white pieces: "Your Highness, you must concentrate when playing chess."
Chi Yanzhou chuckled: "It's normal for the young master and Ayu to have a kinship bond. Ayu only respects the young master as an elder brother. She only likes me now. However, the young master doesn't know that Ayu's affection is really hard to resist."
As soon as Chi Yanzhou finished speaking, he captured another piece from Zhao Jinghuan. He smiled affectionately and took away the captured white piece.
Chi Yanzhou's words almost made Zhao Jinghuan lose his smile. After barely managing to maintain it, he placed a white piece and immediately counterattacked, swallowing the black piece representing Chi Yanzhou.
After the black pieces were removed, the board was instantly mostly empty.
Zhao Jinghuan said smugly, "Young Master Chi should focus on the present and stop talking about romance."
He sneered at Chi Yanzhou: "Yu'er is only new to you now. Once she gets tired of you, she will eventually discard Young Master Chi. Then Yu'er will still become my husband."
"I think it's quite good for Young Master Chi to be a plaything to relieve his boredom."
For a moment, Zhao Jinghuan touched Chi Yanzhou's heart. He clenched his hand hidden in his sleeve, pretending to play chess as if nothing was wrong. A sense of inferiority about his background welled up in his heart, but this was not a choice he could make.
Chi Yanzhou was only melancholy for a moment. "It's alright. It's better to be noticed by A-Yu and like her for a while than to rack my brains and still not win A-Yu's favor. Don't you agree, Your Highness?"
The silent battle between the men was also extremely fierce.
Although Chi Yanzhou appears to have lost the game, he still has room to maneuver, unlike Zhao Jinghuan who has effectively shut down his options.
In terms of words, Zhao Jinghuan also didn't fare well.
Chi Yanzhou constantly mocked Zhao Jinghuan by mentioning Cui Fuyu's preferences, but unfortunately, Cui Fuyu was now in love with him.
Zhao Jinghuan, despite wanting something from Cui Fuyu, could not gain Cui Fuyu's favor.
So what if he came from a humble background, or was treated as a plaything by Cui Fuyu?
Cui Fuyu really likes Chi Yanzhou!
Chi Yanzhou was also willing to be treated as a plaything by Cui Fuyu!
Zhao Jinghuan was momentarily speechless, his face ashen and extremely unpleasant: "You... Chi Yanzhou, don't be too smug! As the saying goes, everything has its limits, and water overflows when it's full. This young master wants to see your final fate, but..."
Zhao Jinghuan looked down at the dwindling number of white pieces on the chessboard, speaking clearly before changing the subject.
Zhao Jinghuan smiled confidently and said, "If you can leave Yu'er's side voluntarily, I might be able to help you if you encounter any calamities in the future. How about you leave Yu'er and never see her again in exchange for a promise from me?"
When Zhao Jinghuan's attempts to persuade or coerce failed, he resorted to offering Chi Yanzhou incentives.
"I heard your mother was burned to death, Chi Yanzhou. Think carefully about your mother's fate; it might be your fate too."
After he finished speaking, he and Chi Yanzhou exchanged a smile, as if they knew each other very well.
“Your Highness, disrespecting the deceased will bring bad luck. You should try to accumulate some good karma.”
Chi Yanzhou could no longer tolerate it and quickly placed his pieces, forcing him to his own destruction. The black pieces almost completely occupied the board.
"Please rest assured, Prince Zhao, Yanzhou will not leave Ayu easily unless Ayu says she doesn't want me. Besides, how can we be sure about the future? Your promise is insignificant." Chi Yanzhou revealed a satisfied smile, coldly watching the opponent's chess game crumble.
He won!
A note from the author:
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Zhao Jinghuan: Did you all miss me? [Dog head with rose in hand] I'm your dramatic cousin who loves to act!
Chi Yanzhou: Nobody wants you! Everyone just wants to see my sweet romance with Ayu!!! Get out of here! Everyone, please add this to your favorites so Ayu can come out soon! [droopy-eared rabbit head]
Me: My daughter loves herself the most, then the Cui family, and the male lead is probably last. [Laughing]
(Thank you everyone for collecting this, Yueyue is very happy [rainbow fart])
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