The Red Mansion

Chapter 300 A Perfect Match, A Game of Chess to Welcome Spring
That evening, Yuan Yi sat alone in the inner study, in the Li Shen Zhai room.

The smoke from the Xuande incense burner rose slowly from the room, creating an auspicious atmosphere.

On the large sandalwood desk, the Four Treasures of the Study are displayed.

Yuan Yi sat upright in a rosewood armchair, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his expression solemn. He held a wolf-hair brush and slowly wrote on a piece of dark blue paper. The gold ink flowed gently on the paper, transforming into neat lines of scripture, like golden scales swimming in blue waves, creating a truly dignified atmosphere.

"When Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva practiced the profound Prajna Paramita, he saw that the five aggregates were empty and was able to overcome all suffering..."

Yuan Yi had been copying scriptures for nearly a month, setting aside time each day to write in a quiet mind, and today was no exception. He was calculating that in three days it would be the fifteenth of June, when he should go to Changchun Garden to perform the "New and Full Moon Ceremony," at which time he would respectfully present the Empress Dowager with the forty-nine copies of the Heart Sutra and one copy of the Infinite Life Sutra, copied with genuine gold ink and blue magnetic paper.

At this moment, he wrote the line, “Therefore, the Prajnaparamita mantra is recited, and the mantra is: Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha”, and then he completed another copy of the Heart Sutra.

He paused to rest his pen, when suddenly he saw a flash of white light outside the window, like a silver snake tearing through the sky, followed by a deafening roar, as if the heavens and earth were collapsing.

His hand trembled slightly with the wolf-hair brush, but he quickly composed himself and gently placed the brush on the jade brush mountain.

Just then, a sudden gust of wind rose outside the window, snapping the trees in the courtyard. In an instant, large raindrops began to pelt down, pattering like pearls on the glazed tiles and falling like beads onto a jade plate on the bluestone slabs. In a short while, a curtain of rain wove between heaven and earth, hazy and misty, obscuring the shapes of the pavilions and towers in the garden.

"What a downpour!" Yuan Yi stood by the window with his hands behind his back, muttering to himself.

Before he could finish speaking, another flash of lightning illuminated his face, casting flickering light; then came a thunderclap that seemed to explode right on the roof, causing even the window frames to tremble slightly.

At this moment, Xiangling, who was serving outside, walked in lightly. A pearl flower, a gift from Yuan Chun, adorned her dark hair, making her appear even more beautiful and charming. Seeing Yuan Yi standing by the window and turning to look at her, she smiled sweetly and said softly, "Fourth Master, you must have been frightened. The rain came so suddenly, and I thought the windows here weren't properly closed..."

Yuan Yi nodded: "Turn them all off. The rain is fierce."

Xiangling hummed in agreement, quickly closed all the windows, and turned to ask, "Fourth Master, would you like to put on another layer of clothing? It's getting a bit chilly after this rain."

Yuan Yi shook his head and said "No need," then strolled to the back door and gazed absently at the rain-soaked sky. The rain pattered like a stampede of horses, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth, mingled with the aroma of ink from the study, creating a unique atmosphere.

Xiangling walked over lightly, and after a while, she heard Yuan Yi say, "Put out all the lights here."

Xiangling hurriedly extinguished all the lamps in Lishenzhai.

Suddenly, the study darkened, with only the occasional flashes of lightning outside illuminating the room.

Yuan Yi remained standing at the back door, watching the rain glisten in the lightning and the thunder roll in from the clouds.

Xiangling stood quietly to the side, watching Yuan Yi's figure, dressed in a flowing blue robe, watching the rain with his hands behind his back. In the flashes of lightning, he looked like a celestial being, and she couldn't help but admire him inwardly.

……

……

Despite the torrential rain, Yuan Yi, wearing oiled satin rain boots and holding a blue cloth umbrella, went alone to Jing Qing's residence.

The courtyard gate was ajar. He pushed it open and went inside. He saw that the main room was brightly lit and he could faintly hear a woman's voice. His heart stirred, and he deliberately walked over quietly.

Upon entering the main room, no one was in sight.

Lifting the floral curtain in the inner room, the room was filled with a warm and fragrant aroma. Jingqing and Yingchun sat facing each other in front of the chessboard, while the three maids, Hongxia, Lüyi, and Siqi, watched the game from the side.

Everyone was startled by the sound of the curtain being drawn, and when they saw that it was Yuan Yi, they hurriedly stood up and bowed.

Yuan Yi laughed and said, "How lively! It turns out there's a whole different world here."

Jing Qing smiled and said, "I'm playing chess with Yingchun right now." She then added, "Fourth Master once said that Yingchun is a very skilled chess player, and I can play against her whenever I want. I've always remembered that."

Yuan Yi looked at Yingchun with gentle eyes: "That is indeed true. Moreover, I have also told Yingchun that if she is bored on weekdays, she can often ask you to play chess to pass the time."

As he spoke, he carefully examined Yingchun.

Yingchun lowered her head involuntarily, her face slightly flushed, feeling embarrassed. Firstly, she respected Yuan Yi; secondly, Jing Qing was Yuan Yi's concubine, and with Yuan Yi here at this time, she, as an "outsider," seemed out of place.

Seeing Yingchun blush and remain silent, Yuan Yi turned to Jingqing and asked with a smile, "Have you been playing chess with Yingchun a lot lately?"

Jing Qing instructed Hongxia to brew hot tea and personally served it to Yuan Yi, replying, "This is the fourth time today."

Yingchun recently moved into the Duke's mansion. Although she was away from the murky waters of the Rongguo Mansion, she couldn't help feeling bored and often felt melancholic about the downfall of the Rongguo Mansion's eldest branch. Only when playing chess could she temporarily forget her worries within the black and white squares of the board. Recently, Jingqing first invited Yingchun to play chess; later, Yingchun returned the invitation; and Jingqing then took the initiative to play chess with Yingchun in her courtyard. Today was their fourth chess game.

Yuan Yi asked with a smile, "Which of you two is better at chess?"

Jing Qing replied without hesitation, "Sister Yingchun is better than me. I lost twice in three games. And I lost this game just now as well."

Yingchun then raised her head and said softly, "Sister Qing told me to let it go, it's not true."

Jing Qing laughed and said, "Good sister, why are you being so modest? In the game just now, you first feigned an attack on the lower left, but actually focused on the center. By the time I realized it, the game was already lost. Such a wonderful strategy is beyond what you can achieve by simply giving way. In particular, your move 'Small Flying Guards the Corner' really caught me off guard."

Yuan Yi judged that what Jing Qing said was probably true, and sighed inwardly: Yingchun may look weak and timid, but she is actually quite intelligent.

He looked toward the chessboard and saw that only six pieces had been placed on it, black and white, clearly distinguishable, like stars just beginning to appear.

Jing Qing explained softly from the side, "We just lost a game, and this is the second game that started. We didn't expect Fourth Master to come suddenly, which caught us off guard."

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "You two just finish this game. I'll watch quietly from the sidelines and take this opportunity to learn from the two female masters."

Jing Qing and Ying Chun said in unison, "Fourth Master is joking."

The sound of welcoming spring is as faint as a mosquito's buzz, and her cheeks are flushed with rosy clouds.

Yuan Yi said solemnly, "The saying goes, 'Observers should remain silent while playing chess.' You must all give it your all and not hold back just because I am here. Only in this way can I witness your true skill."

After saying that, he sat down on a chair next to the chessboard.

Jing Qing and Ying Chun continued their game of chess.

Jing Qing's slender fingers picked up a black piece and placed it steadily on the star position.

Yingchun lowered her head and looked demurely, holding a white cup and responding with a small gesture.

The two exchanged moves, quickly placing more than ten pieces. Although Yingchun was timid by nature, and even more shy in front of Yuan Yi, once she immersed herself in the game, she seemed like a different person. Her slender fingers picked up the pieces as if picking flowers, and her bright eyes gazed at the board as if shimmering with rosy clouds; every move was carefully considered.

Yuan Yi observed closely and saw that Yingchun's chess style was calm and unhurried. Although she was not aggressive, she could set up clever moves without anyone noticing. In one instance, Jing Qing clearly had the upper hand, but Yingchun did not fight for it. She only made a light touch on the outside. After a few moves, the brilliance of this move became apparent. It turned out that she had already laid a trap in the enemy's formation.

Jing Qing also gave it her all, sometimes resting her chin on her hand in deep thought, sometimes gently biting her lips, her sleeves fluttering in the wind as she placed her pieces, her jade pendants jingling softly. One of her moves, "Big Flying Guarding the Corner," was particularly brilliant, even Yuan Yi couldn't help but secretly applaud her.

The two were evenly matched, and the game gradually became a close and evenly matched contest.

The flickering candlelight cast their shadows on the pink wall, creating a captivating picture of two beauties playing chess.

Seeing that Yuan Yi was indeed watching the game silently, the maids Hongxia, Lüyi, Siqi, and others held their breath, afraid of disturbing Yuan Yi's enjoyment of the game.

Yingchun glanced at Yuan Yi and saw that he was watching intently. She thought to herself, "I must perform well today and show Fourth Master my true skills." With that thought, she used a variation of the "Inverted Lotus" move. This move was risky and could easily be countered if the subsequent changes were not anticipated.

When Jing Qing saw Ying Chun suddenly change her move, she was taken aback at first, but then she understood and, not to be outdone, responded with a move called "Suppressing the God's Head".

The two players went back and forth, and the game was full of twists and turns.

Yuan Yi was so engrossed in watching that he unconsciously leaned forward.

Yingchun suddenly let out a soft "Eh!" It turned out that Jingqing had set a trap, almost causing her to fall into it. Fortunately, she was quick-witted and saw through it in time, turning the tables with a "jade pillar" move to stabilize her position.

Seeing that her plan had been exposed, Jing Qing was not discouraged and smiled, "My sister is indeed clever." As she spoke, she placed a piece, intending to compete with Ying Chun for control of the central area.

Yingchun, however, did not confront her directly. She merely made a light touch from the outside, which seemed insignificant but actually concealed a deadly intent.

Seeing this, Yuan Yi's lips curled up slightly, thinking to himself, "Yingchun is most likely to win this game!"

As expected, Jing Qing fell into a disadvantageous position. Although she tried her best to maneuver, Ying Chun's strategy was ingenious and she had already gained the upper hand. In the end, when counting the pieces, Jing Qing lost by only three pieces.

"I lost to my sister again." Jing Qing pushed the chessboard and laughed, but there was no anger on her face. "I think I did my best in this game, but my sister is just one step ahead."

Yingchun quickly replied, "Sister Qing, you're too kind."

Yuan Yi then spoke, praising Jing Qing, "What a wonderful game! Sister Yingchun's strategy was profound, and your quick wit and adaptability have truly broadened my horizons." He then looked at Yingchun, "Especially that last move, the 'corner point,' the timing was just right."

Upon hearing his praise, Yingchun's composure during the game vanished instantly, replaced by a shy demeanor. She whispered, "Fourth Master, you flatter me."

Jing Qing smiled at Yuan Yi and said, "Since you've been watching for so long, why don't you join in yourself?"

After watching Yingchun and Jingqing play chess, Yuan Yi was impressed by Yingchun's superb skills and became interested. Now, seeing Jingqing's suggestion, he smiled at Yingchun and said, "It's still early, not time to go to sleep yet. I wonder if Sister Yingchun would still be interested in playing a game with me?"

Upon hearing this, Yingchun's eyes lit up, and she lowered her head and said softly, "It is my honor that Fourth Master does not reject me." Before she finished speaking, a blush rose on her cheeks.

Yuan Yi smiled and said, "I've only recently started learning chess, and my skills are far inferior to yours. It would be natural for you to beat me; it would be pointless if you deliberately let me win. Therefore, you must give it your all, so that I can improve my skills." He paused slightly, then added, "If you win, I will reward you!"

Yingchun was secretly delighted, but she remained humble and said, "Fourth Master has already shown me the greatest honor by playing chess with you. I dare not ask for any more reward."

Yuan Yi waved his hand and said, "It's more interesting if there's a reward. Tell me, what reward do you want?" As he spoke, he looked at her gently.

Yingchun couldn't help but recall the poem "Partridge Sky - A Poem Presented to Jingqing While Playing Chess" that she had seen before. She had always loved poetry and envied Jingqing for receiving a poem personally inscribed by Yuan Yi. Upon hearing of the reward, her first thought was to ask for a poem written by Yuan Yi himself. However, she was timid by nature and felt that Jingqing was Yuan Yi's concubine, while she was ultimately an outsider, making it difficult for her to ask.

While he was hesitating, Yuan Yi smiled and said, "If I were to reward you with gold and silver, it would be too common. Last time, I played chess with your sister Qing, and she beat me, so I rewarded her with a poem I wrote myself. If you beat me today, I will write a poem for you on the spot, how about that?"

Yingchun's eyes sparkled with delight, and she said shyly, "That's wonderful... Thank you for your kindness, Fourth Master!"

Yuan Yi laughed loudly: "Don't be in such a hurry to thank me. You must defeat me first."

The game needs to be reorganized now.

Yingchun plays white, Yuanyi plays black.

At the start of the game, Yingchun was still hesitant and made her moves with extra caution. Yuan Yi noticed her restraint and said, "We agreed that you must do your best. You will only be rewarded if you win!" Only then did Yingchun gradually loosen up and play more freely.

The game is in turmoil, and hidden strategies lie within.

Once Yingchun is immersed in the game, she seems like a different person. Her move of "invading the territory" is perfectly timed, followed by a "small knight's move to defend the corner," which completely neutralizes Yuan Yi's attack.

Although Yuan Yi tried his best to maneuver, his chess skills were ultimately inferior, and within a quarter of an hour, his defeat was already evident.

When it came to the final count, Yingchun had won by a margin of seven points. Only after finishing did she realize she had played too hard, and she stood up to apologize, "Fourth Master, I didn't know my limits!"

Yuan Yi laughed and said, "You're very good! This kind of dedication shows your true character. If you were to give in, it would be boring."

Immediately, Jing Qing personally went to the desk to grind ink and lay out paper.

Yuan Yi pondered for a moment, then picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote the poem in one stroke:

"Chess Gift to Welcome Spring"

Before the chessboard, who says a woman is gentle? With a light tap of her jade tablet, she decides the course of battle.

A three-foot-long book of wisdom contains exquisite brocade; a thousand thoughts weave together the ups and downs of life.

Do not lament your bad luck and shed tears; just watch as the master chess player raises his head high.

If one day I spread my wings and fly high, I shall grant you permission to travel to the Phoenix Pool.

This poem praises Yingchun's chess skills and also offers encouragement, addressing her timid nature.

Jing Qing, who was watching from the side, praised repeatedly: "What a wonderful poem, 'Who says a girl is gentle before the chessboard? With a light tap of the jade tablet, she decides the battle strategy!' Fourth Master's poem truly brings Yingchun's talent to life."

Yingchun accepted the poem with both hands. The handwriting was strong and vigorous, the poem's meaning warm and profound, and its encouraging message resonated deeply with her. Remembering how she was often bullied in the Rongguo Mansion because of her timid nature, and now, living under the roof of this Duke's mansion, she received this poem of encouragement personally written by Prince Yuan Yi, the Duke himself. Her eyes reddened, and she choked out, "Fourth Master's kindness... Yingchun doesn't know how to repay it..."

Yuan Yi laughed and said, "This is what you deserve." He then added, "Having witnessed your chess skills today, I will come to learn from you often in the future."

Yingchun's eyes lit up; she felt both joy and anticipation...

(End of this chapter)