The Splendid Brocade of the Painting Physician – Chapter 169

Chapter 169: Palace Examination, Undercurrents Stirring in a Game of Blind Go

“Princess Consort, there are indeed about five or six suspicious individuals lurking outside the residence! There’s a sugar figurine vendor, someone pretending to be a beggar, and a few street peddlers…”

Ling Ye reported the situation outside Prince of Lanling’s Residence to Xiao Jinyu and Gao Changgong.

Xiao Jinyu nodded.

“This Lady Lu is so audacious that she disregards the law and even manipulates the Emperor’s authority. Since the law cannot punish her, we must resort to other means!”

Fenghuang’s expression showed a hint of guilt and sadness.

“Qing Gege, is there anything you need me to do?”

Xiao Jinyu shook her head.

“No, you can’t leave the residence for the next few days. Just pretend to be A’xiu.”

She turned to Ling Ye:

“Ling Ye, I need you to help me assassinate someone. However, I don’t need his life, just make him half-dead and bedridden.”

She then asked Fenghuang to bring a medicine bottle and handed it to Ling Ye. “The medicine inside can temporarily put him in that state.”

Ling Ye took the bottle without asking what medicine it was and only asked, “Who does Princess Consort want me to assassinate?”

Xiao Jinyu paused for a moment and replied:

“Xin Deyuan, the Assistant in the Secretariat!”

She stood up and explained to Gao Changgong and Fenghuang, “The Assistant in the Secretariat is considered a close official to the Emperor. Since Lady Lu has control over all the close officials around His Majesty, I will remove these pawns of hers one by one!”

“Let’s start with Xin Deyuan, the Assistant in the Secretariat, and then…” she smiled, “I will become the Assistant in the Secretariat!”

The Assistant in the Secretariat is responsible for drafting imperial edicts and participates in confidential matters. All memorials and reports are presented by the Assistant in the Secretariat, who also participates in their deliberation.

This is a true close official to the Emperor. Although not as powerful as He Shikai, the Third Rank Palace Attendant, the Assistant in the Secretariat needs to be by the Emperor’s side constantly.

Gao Changgong was a little worried when he heard this, but seeing her bright smile with pearly white teeth, he couldn’t bear to refuse her, so he nodded with a smile.

At this moment, Ling Ye acknowledged the order with a “Yes!” and was about to leave when Xiao Jinyu suddenly called out, “Wait—”

“There’s one more thing, Changgong, Fenghuang, I need to confess something to you!”

Gao Changgong and Fenghuang looked at her in surprise, and then heard her say, “I have some connections with the Xie Clan…”

“I know!” Gao Changgong interrupted, his eyes showing relief and trust.

Fenghuang also said with tears in her eyes, “I know too, Qing Gege, you don’t have to say more. No matter what little secrets you have in your heart, for me, you will always be my Qing Gege!”

Xiao Jinyu nodded with a smile, then turned to Ling Ye with a serious expression:

“Ling Ye, I also need you to send a letter to A’zhen and A’xuan in the Zhou State. I want them to help me establish our own intelligence network in the Northern Zhou territory!”

Then she looked at Gao Changgong and smiled, “And then, we also need to build our intelligence network here in Yecheng!”

Gao Changgong smiled and agreed.

Ling Ye was stunned for a moment, then cupped his hands and replied, “Yes!”

In his heart, he thought: So, Young Lady already trusts Prince of Lanling and this Xianbei youth to this extent. Her identity as a member of the Chenjun Xie Clan is a secret she can’t reveal to the public, and now, she’s willing to share even this secret with them.

Hopefully, these two won’t betray her like Chen Xu did. If that happens…

Ling Ye silently tightened his grip on the sword hilt and remained silent for a long time, as if recalling some past events. His heart was struggling and surging, until Xiao Jinyu called out to him again, and he suddenly came back to his senses.

“Ling Ye, what’s wrong?” she asked.

Ling Ye shook his head.

“Nothing, Young Lady. Take care. Ling Ye will go and clear the obstacles for you!”

✿✿✿

Xin Deyuan, the Assistant in the Secretariat’s residence, was located in the Zhongtan Ward, not far from Li Mi’s residence in the capital. Today, there was a joyous occasion in the Xin Residence, as Xin Deyuan was taking several concubines into his household. The place was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, bustling with activity. At night, during the wedding ceremony, the clamor and sensual music that filled the beautiful night were even more suggestive!

“What’s there to be proud of? She’s just a lowly maid from a brothel. The master is just momentarily infatuated. After a while, he’ll just abandon her in the residence and ignore her!”

A beautiful woman was tearing petals by the pond not far from the bridal chamber, talking to herself. Suddenly, a dark figure descended from the sky, and a chill ran down her spine as a sword was held against her neck.

The woman was so scared that her soul almost left her body. She stammered, “Don’t…don’t kill me, I’ll do anything you want…”

At this moment, a hand reached out from behind and handed her a package of medicine.

“No matter what method you use, make your master take this pill. I will be watching you from behind until you complete this task!”

It was a man’s voice, deep and cold, with a chilling murderous intent between the lines!

“Yes, I’ll do whatever you say, Master. Please…”

Ling Ye withdrew his sword, and the woman was so scared that she ran forward. But before she could run far, she saw a black-clad man wearing half a mask standing in front of her.

He didn’t draw his sword, but the man felt like a sharp, cold blade, making people tremble with fear!

The woman was so scared that she knelt on the ground again.

“Master, please spare me. I’ll do it right away, without hesitation!”

The next day, the first thing Xin Deyuan did when he woke up was to have another intimate encounter with his two newly acquired beauties. As if he wasn’t satisfied, he called for a maid.

“Master, this is the Five Minerals Powder you requested!”

The maid respectfully held a celadon porcelain plate, presenting a pill to him.

Xin Deyuan slightly opened his sleepy eyes and saw that the pill seemed different from before, so he asked, “Why does the Five Minerals Powder look different today?”

The maid raised her head and smiled, “Master, this is the newly tributed Five Minerals Powder from the East Sea. I heard it has special benefits. I got it from my brother!”

“Oh? What special benefits?”

“My brother said that this can enhance the intimacy between husband and wife, and it can make you…”

Before the maid could finish her words, Xin Deyuan had already swallowed the pill. After taking it, he felt a surge of strength and desire, and suddenly pulled the maid into his arms, pushing her down on the bed.

“You’re Shu’er, right? I remember you entered the residence three months ago. It seems I haven’t favored you for a while…”

With that said, under the fluttering bed curtains, they engaged in passionate lovemaking, and the sensual sounds continued.

However, no one expected that what was supposed to be a wild and romantic affair would turn into a laughable tragedy.

After Xin Deyuan, the Assistant in the Secretariat, had spent a night with three women, he suddenly suffered a stroke and became bedridden!

When this news spread, Gao Zhan, the Emperor of Qi, was personally examining scholars in the Taiji Hall. At that time, nearly a hundred renowned scholars from all over the empire had gathered in the Taiji Hall after receiving recommendations!

The gates of the Northern Qi imperial palace stood tall and imposing, with majestic eaves and decorative bells that chimed in the wind.

In front of the Taiji Hall, under the Chanhe Gate, was also the place where the Emperor practiced martial arts, reviewed troops, and ascended the platform to examine scholars. It could accommodate over a thousand people.

Towering ancient trees lined both sides of the imperial path, providing shade from the scorching sun and creating a refreshing atmosphere.

✿✿✿

At this moment, Xiao Jinyu, disguised as Xie Zhen, entered the Northern Qi imperial palace with Gao Changgong. After passing through the Chanhe Gate, they saw in the distance the magnificent hall supported by 120 large pillars, with a foundation about nine feet high. The entire roof was painted with walnut oil, and tassels and curtains hung all around, making it even more radiant and dazzling under the sunlight. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and respect!

It turned out that the Yecheng imperial palace was no less magnificent than Jiankang!

Xiao Jinyu sighed inwardly. She felt a warmth on her shoulder, sensing Gao Changgong’s concern and encouragement. She turned her head and smiled slightly, whispering, “Changgong, don’t worry!”

“Okay!”

Gao Changgong nodded, then led her to the front of the Taiji Hall. At this time, the hall was already full of people. In addition to civil and military officials, there were also many scholars in white robes who had received exemptions gathered here.

After being recommended, scholars in Qi had to go through a palace examination. Of course, if the Emperor himself was not willing to conduct the examination, the Ministry of Personnel could directly issue appointment documents.

Gao Zhan was indulged in pleasure and was not diligent in this matter. However, he was really curious about Xie Zhen, so he used this as an excuse to witness the talents of these scholars!

Seeing Gao Changgong bringing a young man in black robes into the hall, Gao Zhan’s expression changed slightly, and he squinted at the slender youth in black.

“It is said that Jiangzuo is a place of elegance, and the sons of the Wang and Xie clans are the most distinguished. Today, I have the opportunity to meet a son of the Xie Clan, and indeed, his temperament is extraordinary!”

Gao Zhan sincerely praised him and then asked, “I wonder what field Young Master Xie excels in?”

“Your Majesty, my Xie family has a collection of hundreds of thousands of books. Zhen has loved reading since childhood. I wouldn’t say I’m proficient in all schools of thought, but at least Confucius, Mencius, Zhuangzi, and Laozi are my teachers. Therefore, I have dabbled in Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Buddhism, Mohism, and medicine. I am also skilled in Go, musical instruments, calligraphy, and painting!”

As soon as she said this, whispers immediately broke out in the hall, some expressing surprise and admiration, while others scoffed in disbelief.

It was not easy for a talented person in this world to stand out by excelling in one field, let alone being proficient in all schools of thought.

This young man from the Xie family was too arrogant at such a young age!

However, Gao Zhan’s eyes showed a hint of intrigued surprise and curiosity. “You also understand medicine?”

“Xie Zhen” replied, “Yes, I have some knowledge.”

“That’s great. Our Qi’s Zu Ting, the Assistant Minister of the Secretariat, is also well-versed in various fields and is knowledgeable in music, painting, divination, medicine, and other areas. How about today’s palace examination, you compete with Zu Ting in talent? What do you think?”

“I am willing to accept the challenge and obey your command!”

Seeing that the young man answered without hesitation, his elegant eyebrows and eyes seemed to possess a strong confidence and control that was not inferior to that of a man. Gao Zhan was somewhat surprised and intrigued.

After a while, he said, “Then let’s start with Go!” He then turned to Zu Ting and asked, “What do you think, Assistant Minister Zu?”

Zu Ting also cupped his hands and replied, “I am willing to accept the challenge!”

As they were talking, Gao Zhan had already ordered someone to prepare the Go pieces. When seven or eight eunuchs arrived panting, carrying two boxes of Go pieces, everyone was stunned. How big were these Go pieces to be so heavy!

When the eunuchs took out the Go pieces from the boxes, they discovered that each piece was as big as a bowl!

At the same time, everyone realized that there was a Go board drawn on the floor of the hall, within ten paces.

Could it be that Gao Zhan wanted them to play on this floor as the Go board, with these two playing against each other!

How could they play like this?

With this Young Master Xie’s slender physique, he would probably have difficulty even picking up a Go piece this big!

Thinking this, some people couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

At this time, He Shikai actually said, “In order for Your Majesty to better see the battle situation on the Go board, I specially drew this Go board for Your Majesty, making it convenient for Assistant Minister Zu and this Young Master Xie to play!”

Was this called convenient?

Indeed, it was convenient for His Majesty to overlook the entire game from above!

Gao Zhan looked at “Xie Zhen’s” reaction with interest. Speaking of which, this idea was actually He Shikai’s sudden inspiration yesterday. He said it could dampen Zu Ting’s arrogance and test the intelligence of this talented Xie!

At this moment, he indeed saw the extremely rich changes in the expression on this talented Xie’s face, but it was definitely not the embarrassed expression of being overwhelmed by the situation, but a kind of “interesting,” “original,” “unique” sense of enlightenment. That expression seemed to say: Hmm! The Emperor of the Gao family is indeed extraordinary!

“In that case, let’s play blind Go! I won’t pick up the pieces. Please have two of Your Majesty’s eunuchs help me move them!”

Almost as soon as the words “blind Go” were spoken, the entire hall was in an uproar!

Even Li Mi, who was taking notes beside Gao Zhan, raised his eyes in surprise and looked at “Xie Zhen,” who was standing proudly in the hall.

Go, during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, was in a period of vigorous development. Almost every emperor loved Go. During the reign of Emperor Wen of the Southern Song Dynasty, there was a Go master named Chu Yin, who reached a high level of skill at the age of seven and was unrivaled at the time. Before he even reached adulthood, his Go skills had reached the highest level. He was also the first Go player in history to record and review games!

Even someone like him wouldn’t dare to boast about playing blind Go!

Lu Lingxuan remembered witnessing this person’s Go skills three days ago. They were indeed exquisite, but at that time, they only drew with her. Now, hearing that this person actually wanted to play blind Go, the surprise on her face was imaginable!

At this moment, Xiao Jinyu’s gaze also fell on her!

Lu Lingxuan saw a hint of panic and amusement in her ambiguous smile.

“Blind Go!” Gao Zhan was so surprised that he almost stood up. “Good! I want to see what blind Go is today!”

“Assistant Minister Zu, do you dare to play blind Go with him?”

Zu Ting’s face was a little embarrassed. Before he could answer, he heard “Xie Zhen” interrupt, “Your Majesty, Assistant Minister Zu can look at the Go board. Only Zhen needs to turn his back to the board!”

Hearing this, Li Mi’s eyes lit up even more!

Gao Changgong’s expression also changed in disbelief, and he couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat of worry!

“If that’s the case, even if Assistant Minister Zu wins, it wouldn’t be a glorious victory!” someone said.

“No, since I proposed to play blind Go, regardless of who wins or loses, Zhen will accept the result wholeheartedly!”

After saying this, Xiao Jinyu looked at Lu Lingxuan again, and Lu Lingxuan felt a chill from her slightly provocative gaze.

She suddenly called Mu Tipo to her side and whispered, “You must guard the Yecheng post station today. Anyone suspicious can be arrested!”

“Yes, Mother!”

Mu Tipo quietly left!

The surprised discussions in the hall became even louder. With Gao Zhan’s order, “Alright, let’s begin!” the hall suddenly fell silent. Xiao Jinyu, disguised as Xie Zhen, had already covered her eyes with a silk scarf, turned her back to the Go board, and faced the Emperor!

“Four-sixteen, star point!”

With Zu Ting’s words, the game began!

Everyone in the hall looked at the young man in black robes, and heard him say clearly:

“Three-four, star point!”

“Seventeen-sixteen, small corner!”

“Three-four, small corner!”

“…”

As the Go pieces were placed on the board, the expressions on the faces of the surrounding crowd changed. There were endless sighs of admiration. Beads of sweat gradually appeared on Zu Ting’s forehead, while Gao Changgong’s eyes gradually revealed joy. Even Li Mi wished he could clap his hands in admiration, and while recording the daily events, he silently wrote down every move on the Go board on a silk scroll.

Gao Zhan’s expression was indescribable. He just silently looked at the young man in front of him, who was facing him but blindfolded. The young man’s calmness and strong confidence even moved him.

So this is the favored son of heaven nurtured by a thousand-year-old clan?

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Lu Lingxuan’s face also became darker and darker. She suddenly thought of what this “Xie Zhen” had said about the art of strategy three days ago:

“Instead of clinging to pieces to survive, it’s better to sacrifice them to gain an advantage. Instead of forcing a move when there’s no opportunity, it’s better to adapt and strengthen oneself…”

What did he mean by that?

As the saying goes, a game can last until sunset. This game of Go had unknowingly been played for two hours until Zu Ting stammered, unable to utter another word.

Mu Tipo only returned as the sun began to set, whispering in her ear, “We still haven’t found him. Not only is that boy not at the Yecheng post station, but there hasn’t been anyone resembling him entering or leaving Prince of Lanling’s Residence either!”

“But I still captured a few people from the travelers passing through the Yecheng post station. They are said to have come to Yecheng with Princess Consort of Lanling!”

Lu Lingxuan was so startled that she abruptly stood up, looking at “Xie Zhen” with suspicion and surprise.

At this moment, Zu Ting bowed his head and said, “I lost!”

“In the past, I heard: Zichong’s conquest, Chu Yin’s Hanging Cannon, Che Xiang’s well-placed stones, the excellence of the central point. Today, I finally understand what it means to be a first-rate Go player!”

Zu Ting was willing to admit defeat and actually sighed these words!

As soon as he said this, there was an even greater uproar.

“First-rate?” Hearing this, Mu Tipo’s eyes showed surprise and disdain. “Assistant Minister Zu, aren’t you exaggerating? How can his Go skills reach the first-rate level at such a young age?”