"Then I wonder if the Pharaohs have all the information? For example, what about Luo Zhiheng's performance today? Her performance in the First Talent Competition, and her actions during the massacre in front of the Mu Prince's Mansion?" the old emperor asked step by step. He only had one younger brother. If he couldn't leave him anything to secure his future before he died, would his ambitious sons tolerate his brother's lineage?
No one but the Crown Prince can take it back! So this treasure absolutely cannot be taken back! That Luo Zhiheng is stupid. Instead of seeking help from the Emperor when such a big thing happened, she took out such a precious treasure to show off, which only caused him trouble!
"Hmph! What kind of performance can a good-for-nothing, who is ignorant, incompetent, talentless, and immoral, possibly have? I really didn't know her at all, but now that I do... I wish I could just chop that Luo Zhiheng up with a knife. What is she? Is that little brat Luo Ge her father? She's a disgrace to her father and to our family of military officers! The Emperor doesn't need to say anything more. If you're soft-hearted, I'll go and snatch that old man back myself, so you won't have a hard time!" General Murong stormed out, his anger blazing, his words revealing his utter dislike for Luo Zhiheng.
The other elders were also enraged. The emperor was clearly protecting the country. You can protect it, but you can't joke about the entire empire! This is intolerable! Absolutely intolerable! One by one, the elders stood up shakily, supporting each other, and without saying a word, they followed Murong Qingcheng out.
The Emperor, helpless yet unwilling to compromise, harbored resentment towards Luo Zhiheng. If she were as outstanding and reputable as her elder sister, things wouldn't have turned out this way! She certainly wasn't virtuous; could the rumors be true? Was Luo Zhiheng an unlucky person?
The emperor considered it but had to stop her. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he said, "Please wait a moment, everyone! Tomorrow is the final of the First Talent Competition. Luo Zhiheng has made it all the way to the finals to compete for the championship, so she must have some extraordinary qualities. Perhaps..."
"What nonsense about her talent!" General Murong was furious. He roared as he turned around and shouted, "Her talent is just her silver tongue, using nonsense to justify herself and cheat people! Her talent is that she's too stupid and foolish. She's utterly worthless, not even half a grain of salt, yet she dares to embarrass herself by going to some talent competition? The Mu Dynasty and the royal family have already disgraced the Silver Moon Kingdom!"
Silvermoon Kingdom, the nation of the mysterious race behind the First Talent Competition, a powerful and enigmatic nation that transcends the four kingdoms. Legend has it that Leng Aotian, the creator of the Dragon-Phoenix Harp and the only emperor in history to unify the entire world, hailed from Silvermoon Kingdom!
"But we are all men of status. We can't just openly rob a little child, can we? Besides, we can't disregard King Mu's reputation. Gentlemen, are you forcing me to be a king who breaks his word?" The emperor was also angry, but his anger was relatively mild; the matter at hand was not to be underestimated.
General Murong fell silent. He was focused on the battle; as for verbal disputes, those would have to be handled by the emperor's teacher.
The old man spoke up first: "The Emperor's words make sense. So, does the Emperor have a good way to let us get the things back legitimately and in a way that also saves King Mu's face?"
The emperor then smiled and said, "Yes! Tomorrow is the final of the First Talent Competition. Why don't we all go and see for ourselves what kind of person this infamous and incorrigible Luo Zhiheng is, and whether she is qualified to temporarily take control of that treasure? What do you say?"
"Hmph! It's just the cunning schemes of a clown. Surely the Emperor knows that Luo Zhiheng has been playing dirty tricks these past few days?" the old general said disdainfully.
The emperor smiled and had a eunuch bring out an exquisite chessboard. On it lay a game of chess that looked like a loose sand puzzle. At first glance, it was clear that the black pieces would lose, but the old emperor said, "Gentlemen, take a look at this game. Is there a solution?"
The old men all shared one thing in common: they could play chess, regardless of whether they were skilled in martial arts or intellectual pursuits. So they all gathered around to take a look, initially thinking it was some exquisite and rare game, but upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a poorly played endgame, worse than what a beginner could do. The old men shook their heads, sighing sadly, "The chess skills of the Mu Dynasty are declining. What kind of rubbish are these people playing these days?"
"Who was the idiot who made this move? Did a pig eat their brain?!" General Murong's mood worsened instantly upon seeing this game. He suddenly felt hopeless. What was wrong with the Mu Dynasty? Was it producing one scoundrel after another?
Seeing that everyone was pessimistic about the game, and that none of the old shrewd men, except for his teacher who was deep in thought, could see the intricacies of the game, the emperor couldn't help but burst into laughter and said mischievously, "Haven't you all noticed that this game is different from others?"
"He's truly unique; even his death is so unconventional. This is the first time I've encountered such a clueless chess player. Although the white pieces aren't great either, at least they have some strategy. And those black pieces... wait a minute?" General Murong's angry voice suddenly stopped, his cloudy eyes suddenly brightening as he stared intently at the chessboard. He finally noticed something strange, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. 12.
"Old man, doesn't the chessboard look mysterious and strange to you?" General Murong scratched the back of his head like a child, puffing out his beard and glaring at him as he asked.
The emperor's teacher was already staring intently at the game. He had noticed something was amiss long ago. He couldn't help but take a few steps forward and unconsciously picked up a black piece, trying to place it in any empty space on the endgame. Unfortunately, he couldn't find a place to play the piece, yet he always felt that something was missing from the game.
The teacher couldn't help but sit opposite the emperor, holding the black pieces and moving them back and forth, unable to put them down. Then, gradually, the entire Weiyang Palace fell silent, deathly still!
There are only two types of chess games where you can't place any pieces: one is a dead end, where the board is already full of pieces; the other is an isolated game, so perfect that placing any piece there would be superfluous, utterly impossible! 15458890
What Zhan Hainan, one of the leading Confucian scholars of our time, is so persistently studying must not be a dead end! So, is this an isolated situation?
For a century now, no single game has ever been played in such a state! Those who can play such a game are truly exceptional individuals, worthy of being called the greatest of all time! They are undoubtedly among the most brilliant minds!
Everyone held their breath, awaiting the answer from Zhan Hainan, the chess master. Then, Zhan Hainan's aged hand slowly lowered the chess piece, his eyes even slightly moist as he looked at the seemingly chaotic and ridiculous chessboard. Suddenly, a smile of relief and excitement appeared on his serious face, and he burst into laughter, trembling as he said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on obtaining such an exquisite endgame! Although I have seen the brilliance of this game, I cannot solve it!"
A deafening roar! The twenty-odd elderly men were utterly incredulous. Was there any chess game that even this great master couldn't solve? He was truly a chess saint!
"Where did the Emperor find this unique incomplete puzzle? Is there a solution? Who created it?" Zhan Hainan asked anxiously, eager to meet the person who created it.
Seeing the group of old men looking at him with excitement, eagerness, and disbelief, the emperor slowly picked up the black piece and, with a snap, placed it in the most easily overlooked position in the very center of the endgame. Instantly, the endgame came to life!
The old men exclaimed in disbelief. General Murong, stunned for a moment, then jumped up excitedly, pointing at the incomprehensible chess game and shouting, "Damn it, I'm impressed! This is possible? Who was this genius who came up with this? I'll definitely treat him to a good drink when I see him! Hahaha, so exhilarating! It's a pity I didn't get to witness the creator of this game playing it himself; it must have been an unprecedented spectacle!"
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! How could I not have thought of this move that could turn the tide of battle? The entire endgame was connected by this one brilliant stroke. It's truly ingenious! Such a talent is a valuable asset to our Mu Dynasty! Your Majesty, do you know who he is? This man must be kept. Someone who can execute such a miraculous move must be a great talent capable of manipulating the court!" Zhan Hainan praised him excitedly, then smiled with satisfaction, "I've reached the end of my reign as the Chess Saint. He has indeed surpassed his master."
Occupying Hainan Island makes a clear intention: they want to relinquish their position to the creator of this game! The Chess Saint—that's a supreme position with immense benefits!
The emperor's smile was enigmatic. The fact that both the civil and military leaders genuinely praised one person showed just how good that person was. It also revealed the emperor's cunning! He knew that if he had simply stated who had initiated the game, these people would have ignored him. By creating this commotion, he had piqued their interest, and he wanted to see their expressions later.
"Your Majesty, please inform me that I would also like to have a friendly exchange with this friend," Zhan Hainan earnestly requested.
The emperor chuckled casually, "Sparring isn't impossible, but it's a bit inconvenient. She's also destined not to be able to attend court, after all, there's a difference between men and women."
Yan's body was white. The emperor's words stunned the old men.
The words "men and women are different" hit the old folks like a ton of bricks, leaving them dizzy. What did that mean? It turned out the person who produced this unique copy was a woman?!
Zhan Hainan was also a little surprised, but he quickly calmed down and laughed, "Men and women don't matter. A chess master can be a woman, as long as she is truly talented. I wonder whose daughter this is? Could she be a talented woman selected from a talent competition?"
General Murong immediately burst into laughter: "Ha! I know who it is now, it must be that Luo Zhiheng's younger sister, Luo something-or-other Shuang, right? I heard that girl has been very talented since she was a child. Hahaha, it's really funny, these two sisters are such opposites, the older sister is so stupid, while the younger sister is so smart."
As the emperor admired the chess game, while they were still enjoying themselves, he casually uttered a statement that carried enough weight to crush the Forbidden City: "General Murong is mistaken. This game was actually created by Luo Zhiheng, whom you all despise the most. She is the creator of this unique game!"
The old men's excited, radiant smiles froze instantly! They were thunderstruck!
"Your Majesty, you must be joking! How could that good-for-nothing Luo Zhiheng possibly have created such a cutting-edge, unique book?!" But the emperor's gaze left them no choice but to believe him, and so the old men, led by General Murong, all wilted in dejection.
It's past midnight! We've already updated 18,000 words, so here's an extra chapter for today! Hua Sha is giving it her all! Please cheer her on, everyone! Please give her recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets! *kiss*
Chapter 145 That idiot's jealousy! He ripped off her clothes! (Bonus chapter for every 11,000 votes)
Updated: 2013-07-02 16:14:02 Word Count: 3447
Looking at the bewildered and utterly shocked old men, the emperor smiled and said, "That's why I say, don't condemn people based on a single blow. Those of us in positions of power should listen to all sides, not just one person or hearsay. We shouldn't easily believe what we haven't seen with our own eyes. Look at this chessboard, you're all shocked, aren't you? Let alone me?"
"Now you know why I didn't stop Luo Zhiheng when she came out showing off that thing, right? I can't bear to scold or punish such a talented person. Besides, I know the inside story better than you do. I know the whole story behind Luo Zhiheng taking that thing out today. Let me tell you in detail..." The emperor spoke earnestly, putting on a sincere and open-hearted demeanor, and began to launch into a long speech.
An incense stick had burned out, and the Weiyang Palace was deathly silent. Then, General Murong's sinister voice rang out: "Do you really have such audacity? You actually dare to touch the young prince?"
"That's true." The emperor nodded.
Others still disliked Luo Zhiheng's cruel methods, but General Murong was different. As soon as he heard about Luo Zhiheng's actions, he felt that this girl was a chivalrous person. However, he would not easily trust Luo Zhiheng.
"I'm not going back today. Tomorrow I'll go with the Emperor to see what other trouble that girl can cause. But Emperor, let's make this clear first: if that girl makes us old bones lose face tomorrow, we'll not only immediately take back that treasure, but we'll also make sure Luo Zhiheng shuts up and stops making a fool of herself." General Murong said straightforwardly.
Since the leading old man had spoken, the other old men naturally had nothing to say. Besides, they were really eager to see what kind of person Luo Zhiheng, who was rumored to be a good-for-nothing but had produced such a unique book, truly was. They firmly believed that with their discerning eyes, they could see through any monster or demon Luo Zhiheng might be.
"Alright, it's settled then. Tomorrow you will all come with me to watch the final of this year's First Talent Contest," the Emperor said. He was suddenly looking forward to Luo Zhiheng's performance, but he wondered if she could handle the competition question well.
War, a constant worry for the emperor.
Prince Mu's Mansion
The young prince's courtyard was already tidied up. The servants were given a lecture by Luo Zhiheng, who then left without even glancing at Mu Yunhe. She was anxious to prepare for the competition; she was determined to fight well in tomorrow's tough battle! They had already come this far, so she might as well strive for victory.
Mu Yunhe lay on the bed, quietly pondering the various pieces of information that had filled his mind that day, including Luo Zhiheng's performance at the competition. Luo Zhiheng seemed to be getting along very well with two women, even hugging one of them and spinning around the stage. For some reason, Mu Yunhe felt a little uncomfortable, thinking with disdain: If you can't dance, don't dance. Not only is it embarrassing, but hugging and cuddling with people is really… infuriating!
Mu Yunhe felt increasingly uneasy, a strange feeling settling in his mind. He even forgot the thrilling scene from just moments before. After waiting for what seemed like forever, and with darkness falling, the nude photos still hadn't returned. Finally, Mu Yunhe lost his patience: "Little Xizi! Get in here."
Xiao Xizi came running in, her face still pale, but she couldn't hide her beaming smile: "What is it, Master? I was just watching those timid servants do their work. The Princess Consort told me to watch them."
The moment Xiao Xizi mentioned Luo Zhiheng, he became incredibly energetic. Luo Zhiheng was so powerful today; she had subdued Xiao Xizi with a thunderous outburst. Following such a master, he could endure any mistreatment and be content; even being a slave for life would be worthwhile.
But Mu Yunhe couldn't stand Xiao Xizi's smug expression, so he puffed out his cheeks and snorted indifferently, "Go show off outside. Wait, are you going to let me out now that you have a choice? What about her?"
"Who? The little princess? Oh, the little princess is gone." Xiao Xizi chuckled foolishly, when a large pillow suddenly flew towards him, making him stagger a few steps. He hugged the pillow and looked at Mu Yunhe with a wronged expression.
Mu Yunhe was inexplicably furious. Hadn't they made up? Why did he leave? And so late at night? Based on past experiences of Luo Zhiheng running away from home late at night, he probably wouldn't be coming back to sleep!
Mu Yunhe suddenly felt uncomfortable all over, his chest feeling suffocated as if it were about to explode. He was displeased, and the atmosphere around him turned icy cold. He attacked the innocent Xiao Xizi with his icy gaze: "Where did she go? Didn't she tell you to watch over her? She actually let her go! You dare laugh? You dare cry? If you don't find her today, you can find someone else to be your master tomorrow." His words were sharp and piercing.
Xiao Xizi was innocently dragged into this mess and became cannon fodder. Limping and wiping away tears, he went to find Luo Zhiheng. He was still resentful, thinking to himself, "Master's personality has become increasingly strange lately, unpredictable and terrifying."
Mu Yunhe tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. The night grew deeper, but there was still no sign of Luo Zhiheng. What was even more infuriating was that Xiao Xizi hadn't returned either! Could that brat really not come back because he couldn't find her? Or had something happened to Luo Zhiheng again?
Mu Yunhe sat up abruptly, then collapsed back down, pounding the bed in frustration and rage. Still worried that Luo Zhiheng had gained the upper hand, he shouted, "Someone! Go find the little princess! Whether you find her or not, come back and tell me quickly!"
"Yes!" The old woman quickly withdrew. Qi Wan secretly peeked at Mu Yunhe from outside, and Mu Yunhe noticed her and let Qi Wan in.
"Why are you still here so late?" After all, he was her savior, so Mu Yunhe was still very gentle with Qi Wan.
Qi Wan, embarrassed but honest, said, "Miss asked me to protect the young prince. Don't worry, I will definitely protect you even more this time. Miss said you are her life, and Qi Wan will definitely protect Miss's life and will never let anything happen to you."
Mu Yunhe's face instantly melted, and he felt an uncontrollable joy. Although he had heard it before, now that Qi Wan said it, it gave him the feeling that Luo Zhiheng valued him very much. Luo Zhiheng regarded him as her own life. How could she easily say something like "making a deal" when she cared about him so much?
Mu Yunhe had mixed feelings of love and hate towards Luo Zhiheng. He chatted with Qi Wan for a long time with a smile. Although Mu Yunhe was simple-minded, he was quite shrewd. Qi Wan was no match for him. In no time, Qi Wan had told Mu Yunhe about all of Luo Zhiheng's habits, hobbies, and achievements from childhood to adulthood. Not only that, Qi Wan also told Mu Yunhe about the interesting childhood sweetheart story between Luo Zhiheng and Xia Beisong.
Mu Yunhe, who had been in a good mood because he had learned a lot about Luo Zhiheng, gradually darkened his expression. 12.
It's Xia Beisong again!
Putting this name together with Luo Zhiheng is really just plain annoying!
But despite disliking Mu Yunhe, he patiently listened to the whole thing. Not only that, he also subtly inquired about Xia Beisong, which made him even colder.
Although he didn't know how he felt, from Qi Wan's words, Mu Yunhe sensed that Xia Beisong's feelings for Luo Zhiheng were improper. Childhood sweethearts? Xia Beisong must like Luo Zhiheng! Mu Yunhe wanted to laugh at Xia Beisong for being blind. He had so many good girls to choose from, how could he fall for Luo Zhiheng? But he couldn't laugh; instead, he felt flustered.
As they chatted, Mu Yunhe lost track of time. It wasn't until Xiao Xizi returned and was scolded by Mu Yunhe, who told her that Luo Zhiheng was busy with the competition and wouldn't be coming back, that Mu Yunhe realized it was almost dawn. He then went to sleep with very complicated feelings.
When Luo Zhiheng returned in the morning, Mu Yunhe was still asleep. She had changed her clothes, and her appearance was a complete contrast to her previous frightening and flamboyant look. Just as she was about to leave, Mu Yunhe woke up.
"Luo Zhiheng!" Mu Yunhe's voice was hoarse and urgent.
"You're awake. Go back to sleep for a while." Luo Zhiheng turned around and saw that he looked a little dazed and confused in his sleep, so she couldn't help but smile.
Standing basking in the sunlight, she was different from the woman who deliberately made herself look ugly in the past. Today, she was so exquisite and beautiful that she could outshine any woman!
Those were Mu Yunhe's true feelings. The moment Luo Zhiheng turned away, Mu Yunhe's heart skipped a beat, and her smile made him feel breathless. Whether out of annoyance or dissatisfaction, the words that escaped his lips were: "Are you a reincarnated vixen? Going out like this and causing trouble for others, aren't you afraid of being struck by lightning!"
Luo Zhiheng chuckled shamelessly, ran up to him, and couldn't help but cup his cheeks in her hands and rub them hard, teasing him like a cat with her narcissism: "Little Hehe, admit it, you're actually jealous of those who have the good fortune to see my beautiful and radiant image today, aren't you? Have you already been captivated by my invincible beauty and handsomeness? Are you afraid that outsiders will also fall in love with me?"
Mu Yunhe felt a surge of heat in his head. Ignoring Luo Zhiheng's audacity, he raised his hand to pinch her cheek, his gaze icy, his teeth clenched: "Are you a reincarnated fox spirit? Yesterday you flirted with a young girl, and today you're going to flirt with someone's wife?" He paused, then remembered Xia Beisong from their conversation last night. His anger flared, and for the first time, he spoke with an unreasonable and domineering tone: "Quickly change this skin for me, and that face too! You'd better go out with that ugly face, or you're not leaving today!"
Luo Zhiheng was startled by Mu Yunhe's inexplicable and sudden domineering aura. As if she had discovered a priceless treasure, she frantically rubbed Mu Yunhe's face and said in a coquettish tone, "Be good, I'm going to have a showdown with Luo Ningshuang today, stop messing around, give me a good luck kiss, I'm leaving."
Mu Yunhe sneered as he grabbed her clothes. Qi Wan said that Luo Zhiheng liked red clothes because Xia Beisong said that red looked best in nude photos. "Looks best my foot!" He was determined to rip that red dress off her today! Mu Yunhe was a man of action; his hand was already moving. Following the fabric of Luo Zhiheng's clothes, he suddenly tore a large piece open!
Luo Zhiheng was horrified. What was this going to do? Indecent assault?!
It's past four o'clock. That's all for today. I've updated 21,000 words, bringing the total to 22,000. My darlings, please support Huasha with your recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets! Huasha will work even harder. Your support is Huasha's passion and motivation. Love you all!
146. The pre-match bet! Shocking all sides! This king is going to accompany her!