Chapter 59: The Game of Chess

“Brother Wenda, whom are you planning to play against?” Even before entering, Yang Bofang’s voice carried into the room. Moments later, Yang Bofang, dressed in purple robes, pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Liu Yitiao hurried to his feet and bowed in greeting. Entering a study without the master’s permission was always an impolite act—much like coming or taking unannounced, it left an uneasy feeling.

Gongsun Wenda, however, remained leisurely seated, arranging the chess pieces as he smiled at Yang Bofang, “Bofang, you’ve come at just the right time. Come, come, stand by your elder brother’s side and help me hold the line. I’m about to engage in a fierce battle with my talented nephew, Yitiao.”

This old man truly didn’t see himself as an outsider.

Yang Bofang took no offense, first nodding to Liu Yitiao and casting him an approving glance. To have connected so quickly with one of Sanyuan County’s most prominent families—this young man indeed had promise. He walked to the table and teased Gongsun Wenda, “You? A hopeless chess player, and you want to play against our talented nephew? Old brother, take your younger brother’s advice and put those pieces away, lest you go home in tears later.”

“Go on, away with you! Always spoiling the fun. Hopeless chess player, you say? When it comes to national chess, aren’t you always defeated by me?” Gongsun Wenda ignored Yang Bofang and warmly beckoned to Liu Yitiao, “Come, talented nephew, shall we begin?”

Liu Yitiao glanced at Yang Bofang, saw him nod, and sat down again, bowing to Gongsun Wenda, “Please, Uncle Gongsun, take the first move.”

“Very well, knowing your skill is exceptional, I won’t stand on ceremony.” Gongsun Wenda, beaming, made the first move, “Watch me open with the cannon!”

The cannon moved to the center, setting the stage.

“Knight’s leap!” Liu Yitiao responded, a classic move—knight poised, both offensive and defensive.

“Elephant’s flight!”

“Bring out the chariot!”

“……”

Back and forth they went, battling fiercely, their contest evenly matched to the casual observer. Yet Yang Bofang, watching from the side, discerned the subtleties: though Liu Yitiao moved many pieces, in truth he relied only on two—the chariot and the knight.

To challenge an entire army with just two pieces, and do so without revealing it, Yang Bofang nodded approvingly. At such a young age to understand how to conceal one’s strengths—rare indeed.

Three rounds passed, each ending in checkmate, yet each time Gongsun Wenda played with great satisfaction, entirely free from the frustration of defeat. It was far more enjoyable than playing with the other old fellows.

“All right, talented nephew, let’s end here for today.” Gongsun Wenda put down his chess piece, smiling, “It’s nearly midnight. I shouldn’t linger any longer. We’ll continue another time.”

“As you say, Uncle Gongsun.” Liu Yitiao nodded in agreement, then began to tidy up the board.

“I’ll see Brother Wenda out!” Yang Bofang, knowing Gongsun Wenda’s temperament, did not insist on keeping him, but saluted him as he departed.

Gongsun Wenda waved his hand, “No need for ceremony; coming and going, it’s all trouble. I’ll go alone.” With that, he strode out of the study, heading straight for the gate of the Yang residence.

“Yitiao, sit down.” Seeing Gongsun Wenda disappear into the night, Yang Bofang smiled at Liu Yitiao, “That old rascal is always like that—straightforward. Don’t mind him. But tell me, how did you come across him? He’s always elusive, hard to find.”

Liu Yitiao answered, “That’s all thanks to Ertiao. He went out to buy a lantern and drew that great Buddha over.”

“Oh? Did he go to sell lanterns again?” Yang Bofang immediately grasped the key. “He must have. Every Lantern Festival, that old rascal refuses to stay quiet, always going to the market to sell lanterns. But the riddles on his lanterns are truly clever—few can solve them. Hmm, Ertiao was lucky to buy one.”

Liu Yitiao smiled, not arguing. Smelling the strong scent of wine on Yang Bofang, he asked, “Uncle Yang, has my father drunk himself drunk?”

“Yes, but don’t worry. Your father’s tolerance is low; though he’s drunk, he didn’t drink much. He’s already been helped to his room to rest. He’ll recover by morning.” With that, Yang Bofang stood up, “It’s late—go to sleep. Anything else can wait till tomorrow.”

“Your son greets the Emperor.” Li Tai came in crying, no less wretched than when Li Chengqian arrived. He entered and knelt directly, unable to speak for his sobs.

“All right, rise.” Seeing him thus, Li Shimin felt a pang of sorrow and instructed, “Sit beside your elder brother and wait. The three of you are born of the same mother. Your mother’s illness is not unrelated to bearing you three. Stay here and serve together.”

“Yes, Father!” The three brothers replied in unison.

Li Tai climbed from the floor, bent to salute the Crown Prince, then sat beside Li Chengqian. Li Chengqian, though slightly displeased, shifted to make room for him.

Once seated, Li Tai bowed to Li Shimin, “Father, it’s cold so late. You must take care of your health. Why not rest for a while?”

“Yes, Father, you have state affairs to attend to tomorrow. There’s no need for you to stay here. The three of us brothers are enough for Mother. Please go back to the palace and rest.” Li Chengqian, not to be outdone, urged him as well.

“All right, no more,” Li Shimin waved them off, “If the Empress’s illness can be alleviated, what does it matter if I don’t sleep for a night or two?”

“Your Majesty, Lord Wang, Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, requests an audience.” A palace attendant entered to report.

“Let him in!” Li Shimin descended from the bed, stepping quickly to greet him.

Wang Zikui personally brought in a bowl of freshly prepared medicine. Seeing Li Shimin, he bent to salute, but Li Shimin stopped him, “No need, Lord Wang. Just give me the medicine. I wish to feed the Empress myself.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Wang Zikui straightened, carefully passing the bowl, “The medicine is warm, meant to induce sweating and expel evil. Please be careful in feeding it.”

“Yes, I know as much. No need to worry.” Li Shimin took the bowl to Empress Zhangsun’s bedside, handed it to Li Chengqian, gently propped Zhangsun upright in his arms, then spooned the medicine, feeding her mouthful by mouthful.

Just then, another attendant entered to report, “Your Majesty, Duke Qi, Lord Zhangsun Wuji, has arrived.”

“Oh.” Li Shimin nodded, instructing the attendant, “Bring him in!”