A clear and melodious voice came from behind, breaking the tranquility of the small courtyard.
Jiang Xiu Ran and Yun Qing Song both turned around at the same time, only to see a young woman standing not far away in a moon-white dress.
Sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows over her. It only made her fair face appear even more refined, her bearing otherworldly.
“You are… the top scorer of this year’s entrance examination?”
Yun Shan Zhang’s eyes immediately lit up. He had read her exam paper—aside from slightly poor handwriting, both her essays and policy discussion had amazed him.
“Yes, student greets the Mountain Master.” Song Nian Yun stepped forward calmly and saluted.
Yun Shan Zhang’s eyes showed approval as he pointed at the chessboard.
“You said earlier… this game may not necessarily be lost?”
Song Nian Yun walked to the stone table and examined the board.
After a moment, she extended her slender finger and pointed to an inconspicuous corner.
“If Black plays here, it seems like a desperate move, but in truth it is a way to survive through adversity.
If White blocks, the center becomes hollow. If White does not respond, Black can form life here and cut White’s large formation in half.”
Her voice was clear, her analysis precise and penetrating.
Jiang Xiu Ran focused closely. The furrow in his brow gradually eased, and admiration appeared in his eyes.
He picked up a black piece and placed it according to her suggestion.
Yun Shan Zhang’s hand stroking his beard paused slightly, his expression turning serious.
After several moves, the originally one-sided situation actually began to balance out.
Although Black had not fully reversed the situation, it had achieved equilibrium.
“Brilliant move!”
Jiang Xiu Ran could not help but praise.
“This sacrifice-for-tempo strategy is truly exquisite!”
Yun Shan Zhang also smiled in approval.
“Who would have thought a young lady like you would have such chess strength. Jiang’er, step aside. Let this little girl play with me.”
Jiang Xiu Ran stood up to yield his seat, but he had forgotten that he had only just recovered from serious injury and poison.
As soon as he stood, dizziness struck him and his vision darkened.
Song Nian Yun quickly stepped forward.
She did not panic, nor did she retreat. Instead, she shifted her body slightly, supporting his elbow with one hand and stabilizing his shoulder with the other.
The force was skillfully neutralized.
In her previous life, she had learned some martial skills in the palace. Though not masterful, she understood how to redirect force.
Jiang Xiu Ran only felt a gentle yet steady force supporting him. A faint fragrance brushed past his nose.
He steadied himself and realized he had nearly fallen into her.
He immediately stepped back, his ears slightly red.
“Apologies.”
Song Nian Yun had already withdrawn her hands calmly, as if she had merely steadied a falling object.
She glanced at his pale complexion.
“You should return and rest.”
Jiang Xiu Ran then withdrew to the room.
Only Yun Shan Zhang and Song Nian Yun remained in the courtyard.
“Little girl, black or white first?” Yun Shan Zhang asked.
“Elder first.” She replied calmly.
“Good.”
The game began.
Yun Shan Zhang’s style was vast and powerful, each move heavy and steady, quickly forming an overwhelming formation.
Song Nian Yun, however, remained unhurried.
Her white pieces appeared scattered at first, even passive under pressure.
But as the game progressed, Yun Shan Zhang’s expression gradually changed.
The seemingly disorganized white pieces had quietly formed an interconnected net, both defensive and subtly offensive.
“Hmm?” Yun Shan Zhang frowned slightly.
He realized the situation was no longer as simple as it seemed.
The girl’s calculation depth was far beyond expectation.
He finally set aside his casual attitude and focused fully.
Inside the room, Jiang Xiu Ran did not rest. He watched through the half-open window.
At first, he also thought Song Nian Yun was being suppressed.
But as he observed further, his expression changed.
He had grown up learning chess from his grandfather and had extremely sharp judgment.
He could clearly see that Song Nian Yun’s white pieces were like deep ocean currents—calm on the surface, but containing immense hidden force and long-term planning.
“To force Grandfather to this extent…”
He was deeply shocked.
Such mentality, patience, and control of the overall situation were not something an ordinary young woman could possess.
In his life, he had only seen one woman with such brilliance and strategic mind.
Unfortunately, that woman was already no longer in this world.