After leaving Wan City, the carriage traveled for half an hour before reaching the ferry crossing. The party then switched to boats to continue their journey to Ruyang.
Lian Yue was assigned to a narrow room on the boat, approximately two square meters in size. The bed was spread with a mat and bedding, just enough for one person to rest.
Given the small size of the boat, having a private room couldn’t be considered neglectful treatment.
She opened the window in her room, allowing the river breeze to blow against her face. Her gaze fell upon the deep green water surface, with wilderness and mountain forests lining both banks.
From Peng City to Liao City, then from Liao City to Wan City, and now on the road to Ruyang.
In just half a year, she had drifted through several places.
Lian Yue closed her eyes, feeling the cold wind scraping against her face. With a “bang,” she shut the window.
Originally, she wasn’t familiar with Yuan Jing, but since he was Gu Quan’s closest friend, if she wanted to know about the war situation in Wan City and Xiang City, she would have to interact with him to get information from his mouth.
Lian Yue took out her flute again and began playing a folk tune.
It remained harsh and unpleasant to the ear.
She pretended not to know how terrible her flute playing sounded, playing with great enthusiasm, completely disregarding the suffering of others on the boat.
Before long, there was a knock at the door.
Lian Yue put down her flute and opened the door to find Shao Qing leaning against the doorway, a smile on his face as he cupped his hands in greeting: “Moon Consort, I’ve long heard of your reputation.”
“Long heard of my reputation?”
“You are Duke Lu’s favored concubine. He often tells people that you possess peerless beauty unmatched in this world, so of course your fame precedes you.” He paused before adding, “Seeing you today, you truly have nation-toppling beauty that dazzles the eyes – it’s just that you’re not particularly skilled in music.”
Lian Yue pretended to be embarrassed: “I’m afraid I’ve made a fool of myself before the Diviner.”
When she had seen him from afar before, she thought he appeared detached and refined, like a transcendent master. But after this brief interaction, she discovered he had a sharp tongue and wasn’t particularly polite.
Shao Qing raised his hand: “No need to call me Diviner. My surname is Shao, given name Qing, courtesy name Zili. You may call me by my courtesy name.”
Lian Yue: “Ah?”
Was that appropriate?
Shao Qing’s gaze rested on the young woman’s face, his eyes profound. He straightened up and said: “Forget it, you’d better call me Diviner Shao. If someday you feel we’ve become familiar enough, then you can call me Zili.”
Lian Yue cupped her hands: “Diviner Shao.”
He looked somewhat displeased, his lips pressed tightly together as he prepared to turn and leave. Then he looked back: “Stop playing the flute. It really sounds terrible.”
Lian Yue: “Alright.”
Shao Qing added: “You must be quite bored alone. A Jing and I are playing chess. Why don’t you come join us for a game?”
She appeared somewhat tempted but also hesitant: “Would it be inappropriate for me to join?”
Shao Qing crossed his arms: “Stop being coy. Close your door and come with me.”
Having said this, he pulled Lian Yue by the sleeve and walked out, only releasing her after seeing the door closed.
Lian Yue followed behind Shao Qing and indeed saw Yuan Jing sitting before a chessboard, tidying up scattered pieces.
She bowed to him.
Yuan Jing returned the courtesy.
Only then did Shao Qing remember to ask: “By the way, Moon Consort, do you know how to play chess?”
Lian Yue shook her head: “I only know the rules. I haven’t played much.”
Shao Qing: “Since we have nothing better to do, play a couple of games with me.”
“Me?”
“Don’t worry, we’ll have A Jing be your strategist. You won’t lose too badly.”
Lian Yue felt speechless inwardly. This man was truly confident.
Tsk tsk.
She inwardly grumbled, but on the surface, she cast a delicate and fragile glance at Yuan Jing, asking, “Perhaps Young Master Yuan should take over? I’ll just watch from the side.”
Yuan Jing had already sorted the black and white stones into their respective baskets. Seeing her hesitation, he yielded his seat and reassured her, “It’s alright. Play with the State Diviner. He suffered quite a defeat earlier and, hearing you’re a beginner, wants to regain some confidence against you.”
Huh?
She turned her head in confusion to look at Shao Qing.
He had already assumed a ready posture but, upon hearing this, appeared somewhat guilty before raising an eyebrow defiantly. “Don’t listen to his nonsense. I noticed you seemed bored on the boat and thought I’d find some amusement for you.”
Lian Yue: “Very well.”
Yuan Jing summoned a servant to refresh their tea.
Shao Qing said, “Since you’re a beginner, how about this: you make the first move and take the black stones.”
Lian Yue shook her head. “With Young Master Yuan here as my strategist, I’d prefer to take the white stones instead.”
“You actually trust him?” Shao Qing remarked. “Even facing A Jing, I might not necessarily lose.”
Lian Yue simply smiled.
She preferred to let others make the first move—to discern their patterns before delivering a decisive strike.
Shao Qing: “Fine, I’ll go first.”
They began their game. In less than half an incense stick’s time, Lian Yue placed a stone that captured a crucial black piece, turning the tide of the match.
This didn’t seem like a beginner’s play.
Shao Qing had to take it seriously now and couldn’t help commenting, “Moon Consort, are you truly inexperienced at chess?”
Lian Yue: “Only superficially.”
Shao Qing’s face stiffened, unable to maintain his composure. He forced a dry laugh. “You’re being modest.”
By now, Lian Yue had fully grasped Shao Qing’s chess style. Holding a white stone between her fingers, she pondered whether to let him off lightly or end the game decisively.
Yet, whether in victory or defeat, a chess game could always be reset. Beyond the board, however, the stakes were human lives—something she couldn’t afford to lose.
A person must excel in at least one skill to earn others’ respect; otherwise, they’re merely an empty vessel with a pretty face.
The white stone descended from the lady’s fingertips. Anyone with even basic chess knowledge could see that the territory now belonged to the white stones, with the black pieces cornered and struggling in vain resistance.
Shao Qing exclaimed in surprise, “I’ve lost.”
Lian Yue lowered her head. “You were too generous.”
He couldn’t comprehend his defeat. “Moon Consort, your musical skills may be modest, but your chess prowess is remarkable.”
Lian Yue quickly replied, “It’s only because I feigned weakness from the start, and Diviner Shao went easy on me in the opening. Otherwise, I could never have beaten you.”
Yuan Jing studied the board, his expression thoughtful.
A skilled chess player excels in strategy.
One’s character is also revealed on the chessboard—this woman was cautious, observant, capable of spotting opponents’ weaknesses, and bold enough to act.
His gaze when he looked at Lian Yue now held an entirely different quality than before.
Shao Qing insisted, “Unacceptable. Another game.”
Lian Yue: “Alright.”
Several pots of tea were replenished as they played until dusk. The weather turned unpredictable, with strong winds whipping across the river, causing the boat to rise and fall violently.
The chess pieces scattered everywhere.
Shao Qing, thoroughly defeated and drained of spirit, quickly stood up. “The river is growing rough. It seems we can’t continue our game. I should return to rest.”
With those words, he hurried away, leaving only Lian Yue and Yuan Jing staring at each other.
Well, now.
How could he just run off like that? Wasn’t that rather improper?
Lian Yue wanted to leave too, but seeing Yuan Jing gathering the scattered pieces, she felt too embarrassed to follow suit. Instead, she picked up a chess basket and knelt to collect the white stones.
Yuan Jing said, “The river is turbulent, Moon Consort, and you’re still injured. You should return to your quarters and rest.”
Lian Yue tightened her grip on the chess piece in her hand and looked up at the other person, only to see his indifferent expression and an even stronger sense of detachment about him.
With her head lowered, she stood up and said, “Then I won’t disturb Young Master Yuan any further.”
The young woman placed the chess basket aside and was about to walk out when a wave struck the river, causing the boat to sway and tilt sharply.
Lian Yue’s hand grasped at the air as she stumbled backward. In her panic, someone grabbed her hand, pulling her entire body into a broad embrace. The other person shielded her head as they both fell onto the wooden deck, rolling twice.
She lay on top of him, her head and waist held firmly by his arms, pressed so closely together that she could even feel the rise and fall of his chest with each breath.
The boat continued to sway violently.
Lian Yue looked up, wanting to see Yuan Jing’s expression, but instead met his cool, detached gaze.
She said awkwardly, “S-sorry.”
Yuan Jing tightened his arm around her waist, catching the faint fragrance from the woman. He lowered his gaze and said, “The wind and waves are strong at night. I’ll escort you back.”
Lian Yue said, “You… you should let go first.”
Yuan Jing released his hold: “Be careful…”
Before he could finish, the young woman tried to stand up by holding onto the wooden deck when another wave hit. With the roar of waves crashing against the boat, she lost her balance again and fell back into his embrace.
Both remained silent.
Lian Yue took a deep breath: “I didn’t do it on purpose.”
Yuan Jing closed his eyes briefly: “I know.”
Holding her body, he noticed how slender her waist was. Though her back felt bony, her body was surprisingly soft. Now lying obediently against him with her gentle breathing, it was indeed difficult for a man to maintain composure.
As the wind and waves grew stronger, the sailors took down the sail, and the boat gradually stabilized.
Yuan Jing released her: “You can get up now.”
Lian Yue made a sound of acknowledgment and quickly stood up, her face still somewhat uncomfortable: “Then I’ll return to my room now.”
Yuan Jing could still feel the lingering warmth in his embrace, a strange feeling flashing through his heart as he stood up and followed behind her.
Lian Yue turned around and realized how tall he was—she only reached his chest. Looking up, she said, “Thank you… for earlier.”
Yuan Jing said, “No need to thank me. I promised A’Quan I would take good care of you.”
Lian Yue said, “He is him, you are you. Since you helped me, of course I should thank you.”
Yuan Jing made a sound of acknowledgment and said, “I observed that your chess skills are quite good. If you truly want to thank me, during these days on the boat, come play chess with me every day to relieve my boredom.”
Lian Yue smiled: “Alright.”
She had been looking for an opportunity to get closer to him, and he had provided the perfect chance. Could this be considered an effortless gain?
After returning to her room, Yuan Jing left.
Lying on her bed, Lian Yue thought about the map Lu Xun had shown her earlier and began planning her next move.
If Gu Quan failed to capture Xiang City, that would be one thing. But if he succeeded, Wu Yuru would never return to Liao City again.
After seeing her back to her room, Yuan Jing took two jars of wine to Shao Qing’s room: “You ran away quite quickly.”
Shao Qing asked: “Did you find out anything?”
Yuan Jing countered: “When did I say I was going to test her?”
Shao Qing opened a jar of wine and cautioned, “Anyone with eyes can see that Moon Consort isn’t as simple as she appears on the surface. Whether she’s a femme fatale is another matter, but she truly makes it hard for anyone to dislike her. Her delicate appearance even makes people unable to bear harming her—this kind of innate ability is remarkable. Be careful not to fall for it.”
Yuan Jing sat down: “Stop nagging.”
In Peng City.
Xuan Yao had already roughly investigated the events from back then. Deeply concerned for his lord’s safety, he immediately whipped his horse into a gallop back to Wan City.
On his return journey, only one thought occupied his mind.
That old man was right—women who manage to escape from the Bandit Lair are indeed formidable characters.
My lord is in danger!