The First Lackey Under The Empress

The cold winter wind blew in through the gaps in the crowd.

Accompanied by shouts of "National Master Chen!", the onlookers around the small chess stall, their faces previously numb, showed signs of excitement.

Zhao Du'an raised his eyebrows, vaguely recalling the name.

The emperors of past dynasties had a tradition of nurturing talent, such as the scholars of the Hanlin Academy, who initially came from such backgrounds.

Among them, those with exceptional chess skills were summoned to the palace to accompany the emperor and the princes in chess games, known as "Chess Attendants."

Commonly referred to as "National Masters" among the people.

This title did not refer to a single person. Among the several National Masters of the current Great Yu Dynasty, Chen Jiuyan was vaguely regarded as the best.

"National Master Chen has actually come! Who could have specially invited him?" A nearby chess player was overjoyed.

As if welcoming their backbone.

Zhao Du'an frowned, however, showing no joy.

"Doesn't it seem like Young Master Lin is very surprised?" Princess Wenzhu, with her keen observation skills, keenly noticed Lin Ke's expression, which was noticeably different from the other onlookers.

Logically speaking, as a citizen of Great Yu, seeing their own National Master appear to subdue the arrogance of the Western Region monk should bring joy.

Tsk... Aunt, you're very sharp, keeping such a close eye on my reactions... Zhao Du'an exhaled softly, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"If National Master Chen doesn't play, there's still room for maneuver. If he does, we can't afford to lose."

At first glance, these words sounded somewhat profound, but Princess Wenzhu was exceptionally intelligent. Her eyes lit up, and her evaluation of Zhao Du'an rose another level.

Dan Che's unexpected challenge did indeed catch the imperial court off guard.

But as long as the National Master didn't play, the impact wouldn't be significant. People would only think that the little monk was indeed skilled, but only capable of defeating ordinary chess players in Huangting Alley.

However, the Chess Attendant's appearance would push the situation to an extreme.

If he won, everything would be fine.

If he lost, it would be enough to create a major issue in diplomacy.

In times of peace, chess diplomacy... was never a new thing. Zhao Du'an, as an official with a keen political sense, almost certainly judged that this Chen Jiuyan was not sent by the imperial court.

In all likelihood, someone had notified him, without reporting to the palace or an official of sufficient rank, and he had come on his own.

If it had been reported, any official with a brain would immediately order the "Chess Attendant" to refrain from appearing.

...

"During today's winter snow break, I heard that a foreign chess player is displaying great prowess in Huangting Alley. How curious."

The young man named Chen Jiuyan had ordinary looks, but his demeanor carried the pride of a great National Master, with a strand of white hair at his forehead.

Arriving amidst the crowd's support, his eyes looked down upon Dan Che, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly:

"Chen is eager to learn the skills of the Western barbarian monk."

Wearing a red monk's robe, appearing as a young boy, and seemingly humble and polite but actually equally arrogant, the little monk Dan Che placed the lunch box in his hand back into the bamboo basket. For the first time since arriving, his expression revealed solemnity.

However, his pupils, slightly different in color from those of the Yu people, revealed a strong fighting spirit.

Clearly, he was no stranger to the name of Chen Jiuyan, the Chess Attendant.

"Please."

Dan Che gestured for him to take a seat, and Chen Jiuyan gladly accepted.

In the blink of an eye, the two sat facing each other. Chen Jiuyan smiled and said:

"You can eat your fill before playing chess, so that outsiders won't say that Great Yu is bullying the small with the large, using a gauntlet match against you."

Dan Che smiled innocently, but retorted with a smile, saying nothing, only gesturing again to invite him to play.

Chen Jiuyan stopped wasting words. Both sides placed two pieces on the star points at opposite corners, occupying the seats to limit the advantage of the first move.

Then, Chen Jiuyan, as the challenger, took white and moved first, starting with three-six.

Dan Che sat upright, like a newcomer learning chess for the first time in a chess hall, picking up a black piece with standard movements and responding at nine-three.

"Tap."

"Tap."

"Snap."

"Snap."

The two took turns placing pieces in succession, their speed comparable to lightning compared to the previous chess players.

Chen Jiuyan had always been known for his "fast chess", but the little Red Sect monk from the Western Regions, making his first challenge to the chess players of the capital, was not at all at a disadvantage.

The crowd suddenly fell silent, completely silent, as each spectator held their breath, afraid of disturbing the Chess Attendant from the palace.

Some even stood in the cold winter, warming their frozen brushes in their mouths, pulling out blank chess scores, and copying this game, which was likely to go down in history, without blinking an eye.

Zhao Du'an stood in the crowd with his hands behind his back, squinting to watch the game.

Qian Kerou, disguised as a maidservant, whispered to Lord Hou and Shen, who quickly retreated. Before long, one of them returned carrying two small stools.

Zhao Du'an and Princess Wenzhu each took one, allowing them to sit down and watch the game.

"Thank you." Princess Wenzhu was stunned for a moment, then smiled softly.

Then, she gently lifted the hem of her cashmere skirt, her full, round buttocks straining into an astonishing curve, and sat on the small stool with her legs together.

Zhao Du'an smiled, thinking that the people around him would probably never imagine that he, Zhao Yanwang, and this highly respected princess from the Western Regions were squatting beside the chess stall in this manner.

The tall female warrior was annoyed that she didn't have the foresight. The servants of Yu were truly good at serving people.

And soon, when Shen Juan returned from a nearby restaurant with a packed food box, set up a small table, and took out the steaming braised beef, warm fruit wine, mutton pancakes, and large bowls of hot soup.

Not only the female warrior and others, but the other onlookers around were also staring with wide eyes.

Thinking: Good heavens, you wealthy people really know how to enjoy yourselves!

The chess game continued.

After a dozen or so fast moves in the opening stage, which were steady and did not follow the paths of predecessors, the two players gradually slowed down.

Chen Jiuyan first revealed his sharpness on the thirteenth move, taking the lead in launching an offensive, intending to seize the initiative, causing the first wave of shouts from the crowd.

Dan Che responded with a calm face. The next few moves seemed to be passive defense, but in Zhao Du'an's eyes, they were unhurried and slowly accumulating momentum.

Sure enough, when the two players reached fifty moves, the little monk Dan Che unleashed an unremarkable move, and the situation suddenly changed dramatically.

The Chess Attendant, who had always been confident, finally showed a hint of solemnity for the first time. The time he spent in deep thought was also several times longer than before.

"It's dangerous..."

"How could it be? The situation was clearly very good just now."

The crowd had a small range of commotion, and some even argued in low voices. After all, this was not a well-ordered chess hall.

It was difficult to restrain people from discussing.

However, Chen Jiuyan was clearly in a state of concentration, unaware of the noise from the outside world, frowning tightly and thinking hard.

On the other hand, the little monk Dan Che actually had time to take out the meat pie wrapped in cotton cloth from the bamboo basket again, eating it mouthful by mouthful, washing it down with cold wine.

Zhao Du'an frowned. The contrast between the two was a bit too stark.

He turned his head to look at the "aunt" squatting next to him, who was seriously staring at the black and white pieces on the chessboard, and said softly:

"What do you think?"

Princess Wenzhu came back to her senses, turned to look at him, and the woman's eyebrows were filled with heavy worry, saying:

"Chen Jiuyan is in trouble."

Zhao Du'an was silent, which coincided with his judgment.

Princess Wenzhu seemed to be explaining, or sighing:

"When I was... over there, although I had heard of the little monk's chess skills, I didn't expect him to be so powerful."

Well, according to micro-expressions, it can be judged that she is not lying, and there is no need to lie... So, the Western Region Buddhist sect is really hiding a powerful weapon, is it that they don't think the debate with the Shenlong Temple is hot enough?

First, buy a hot search on the capital's headlines? To create momentum for the follow-up?

These bald donkeys are plotting a lot... Zhao Du'an had many thoughts flashing through his mind, but he didn't speak.

The chess game became slower and slower, but more and more people gathered in Huangting Alley.

Before long, the entire alley was almost filled with people who had heard the news.

The topic of "The Great National Master vs. the Western Barbarian Monk" was really eye-catching.

It was already noon, and many people were hungry, but they couldn't squeeze out at all, or they were reluctant to leave.

Zhao Du'an and Wenzhu each ate some meat and drank some soup, distributing the remaining pancakes to the three Pear Blossom Hall Jinyi and the female warrior, who made do with a bite.

The promised treat was unexpectedly delayed by this sudden game of chess.

"Tap."

"Tap."

The sound of the chess pieces hitting the wooden chessboard was very clear in the noisy sound.

Perhaps because there were too many people, the cold air around was dispelled, and Zhao Du'an even felt hot, pulling open his collar.

Princess Wenzhu next to him was also flushed with heat, taking off her scarf and unbuttoning her collar.

Chen Jiuyan was covered in sweat, his back gradually getting wet, but his face was becoming paler and paler.

After a hundred moves, the confidence he had previously had in winning had vanished.

After one hundred and fifty moves, the veins on Chen Jiuyan's forehead bulged, and the situation showed a state of stalemate and defeat.

After one hundred and eighty moves, he suffered a crushing defeat. The white pieces were cut into sections, barely clinging to life.

Although it had not reached the final conclusion of the game, and it seemed that he could still struggle a bit, the chess players with higher skills in the field had already seen that the Great National Master was powerless to turn the tide.

"Snap."

Dan Che took out a sweat towel and wiped his red and hot bald head, while casually dropping a piece, and said:

"You lost."

There was dead silence.

As if the scene was reappearing, the president of the chess academy not long ago seemed to perfectly overlap with the Chess Attendant with a strand of white hair on his forehead at this moment.

Chen Jiuyan stared at the situation, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and slipping into his eyes, blurring his vision!

His face gradually turned pale, mixed with fear!

That was not just the fear of losing a game of chess. As an imperial Chess Attendant and a Yu National Master, he had lost many games in his life.

But this game in front of him was different!

How could he not know what kind of adverse effects it would have if he, as a Chess Attendant, lost to a Western Region person without authorization?

Whether it was due to pride and confidence, or political immaturity, before this, he had never thought that he would lose to an unknown Western Region teenager.

He could almost imagine what kind of thunderous anger would befall him when the news reached the palace and the Empress learned of it.

And the surrounding crowd had also become agitated, and unbelievable voices instantly drowned out the entire Huangting Alley.

"National Master Chen has also lost!"

These six words were like a sharp sword, piercing the hearts of all the Yu chess players present.

Completely cold!

Chen Jiuyan, the most famous of the current imperial Chess Attendants, the Great National Master, had actually lost to a Western Region person in public!

This was a result that neither the big figures in the court nor the common people could accept!

"Play another game! Play another game!"

Chen Jiuyan suddenly excitedly supported the chessboard and said loudly, his blurred eyes staring at Dan Che:

"Next game, I won't be careless again!"

The young monk, who had been sitting calmly on his stool, slowly stood up and pointed to the inconspicuous wooden sign stuck in the ground, with the four crooked words "One Game Per Person."

He said in a loud voice, "According to the rules, you can come back tomorrow."

Chen Jiuyan leaned back, almost falling to the ground, his body limp, and he didn't say a word.

The young monk looked down at the disgraced grandmaster, frowned, and said seriously:

"A Go player shouldn't be like this. You disappoint me. Is there no one stronger than you in Yu Country?"

No… he wasn't breaking down because he lost a game of Go, but because he was thinking about the cruel consequences he would have to bear next… Zhao Du'an sighed softly.

Princess Wenzhu also showed a complex expression mixed with pity and disappointment.

As a princess married to a foreign land, she couldn't favor any side in terms of position, but in her heart, she undoubtedly hoped that Chen Jiuyan would protect the honor of Yu Country.

Dan Che looked around at the faces, and at the densely packed Huangting Alley, and said calmly:

"Next, who else is there?"

No one answered!

Even the dignified grandmaster had been completely defeated, so who else would dare to come up?

"Someone has already gone to invite the other grandmasters. Little monk, don't be arrogant!" someone scolded.

Immediately, a few people echoed.

But more people were silent and pessimistic—after so long, the other grandmasters must have already received the news, but none of them had come.

Even if someone did come resolutely, given that Chen Jiuyan had lost so unequivocally, could replacing him with other 'Chess Attendants' reverse the situation?

After today, the news that the Yu Country's Go scene had been swept away by a Western Regions teenager would probably spread throughout the streets and alleys.

It was a great humiliation, but there was no way to resist.

Princess Wenzhu sighed deeply, feeling desolate for a moment, and slowly stood up, preparing to leave.

The little monk Dan Che looked around at the crowd again and smiled, "Is there no one to fight?"

However, in the midst of silence, Chen Jiuyan, who was slumped on the ground, suddenly felt a powerful hand press on his shoulder.

Then, the distraught grandmaster heard a strange, yet somewhat familiar voice in his ear:

"Hou Da, help him go to the side to rest."

Zhao Du'an dusted off his robe, took the still-warm seat, looked helplessly at the stunned little monk Dan Che, and smiled:

"Please, this young master will play a game with you."

Dan Che blinked, his eyes passed over him, and looked at Princess Wenzhu who was about to leave.

"Young Master Lin? !"

Princess Wenzhu's expression froze, and she looked at Zhao Du'an in shock.

She felt that this Young Master Lin was messing around. You're a young master who's even visiting Huangting Alley for the first time, why bother making a fool of yourself in public?

Even chivalry should be within one's capabilities.

This was not as simple as beating up a few hooligans or saving a few poor people.

However, Dan Che misunderstood Princess Wenzhu's meaning, thinking that she had found a powerful Go player, and did not dare to be careless. He nodded and gently waved his hand.

The black and white pieces rustled back into the Go box.

"Please advise," the young monk said.

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Du'an made a move: "Stop talking nonsense, I'm in a hurry."

… …

… …

The Western Regions delegation was staying in a post house in the capital, specially used to receive Western Regions officials.

It was called "Golden Wind Pavilion."

The continuous snowfall had covered the roof of the entire post house building with a layer of snow.

When the sun came out, the snow on the roof melted, making it particularly cold.

"Creak."

Inside the Golden Wind Pavilion, the window of a pavilion was opened, revealing a monk standing by the window with dark skin, like an old monkey.

The red monk's robe and the red monk's hat on his head were particularly bright in the snowy scenery. The rosary made of white ivory hanging on his neck shone, and his sunken eye sockets were full of contemplation.

The Red Sect monk's master, "Holy Monk," felt the cold wind pouring in from outside the house, and his spirit was shaken.

Behind him, on the desk, was a thick stack of "information."

It included the recent situation and trends of the Shenlong Temple, as well as a detailed investigation of relevant personnel.

More of it, however, was a list of figures who had risen to prominence in the capital this year.

In order to find "Wisdom," the old monk had people collect and investigate after entering the city.

There were many names on the list.

Not surprisingly.

It had been less than three years since the Empress ascended the throne. The court had been turbulent this year. A long list of officials had fallen, and when someone fell, someone would naturally rise to the top.

The change of power in the court, when passed down to the bottom, was an even wider range of power replacement. For example, when Pei Kai fell, the many forces and figures in the capital who depended on him were also replaced.

This led to the emergence of many newcomers.

On this list, the first place was undoubtedly Zhao Du'an.

"The Empress's favorite… could he be the World Honored One incarnate in the world?"

The Red Sect master murmured, and then laughed at himself, shook his head, and crossed out this biggest suspect.

Although Zhao Du'an perfectly matched the time point when "Wisdom" appeared, after careful examination by the old monk, he first eliminated this person.

One of the reasons was similar to Princess Wenzhu's judgment, both believing that Zhao Du'an's achievements were too exaggerated.

There were obvious traces of the Empress deliberately gilding him.

Another more important and core reason was:

The Buddhist World Honored One is a compassionate god, how could he incarnate as a treacherous minister with bad character, full of evil deeds, and called "King Yama" by the people of the city?

This was too unreasonable.

Not to mention, Zhao Du'an suppressed the Shenlong Temple in the battle between Buddhism and Taoism… even if "Wisdom" did not know his true identity as "Buddhist World Honored One."

In summary, the Red Sect master suspected some people behind Zhao Du'an even more.

For example, the talented scholar of the Xiuwen Pavilion, "Han Zhou," was very suitable for imagination. The only thing that was not right was that although Han Zhou had only entered the Xiuwen Pavilion this year and his status had been improved, he had already been a famous talented scholar before, and there had not been much change.

"Sure enough, 'Wisdom' cannot be easily found by us believers. If it can be seen at a glance, it is false instead."

The Red Sect master said softly, revealing an almost fanatical conversion under his old monkey-like skin:

"However, as long as the 'Debate Sutra' with the Shenlong Temple begins, 'Wisdom' will definitely appear. As the World Honored One walking in the world, even if he has lost the memory of being a god, he must have strong Buddhahood and wisdom, and will be attracted by Buddhism…"

"Therefore, as long as the momentum of the 'Debate Sutra' is large enough to let the people of the entire capital know, 'Wisdom' will definitely come."

The Red Sect master suppressed his impatient impulse, took a deep breath, and suddenly heard footsteps coming from the stairs:

"Master, the Shenlong Temple monk, Bianji, is here to see you."

The old monk raised his eyebrows, turned around and put away the information on the table, and then went down the small building himself.

Soon.

In the reception hall of the Golden Wind Pavilion, he saw the Dharma Master Bianji, dressed in a white cotton robe, waiting here.

… …

Bianji was as handsome as ever, with red lips and white teeth, in stark contrast to the Red Sect master who had been ravaged by the rough wind of the Western Regions for many years.

"Amitabha." Bianji smiled and saluted the people of the ancestral court.

The Red Sect master also put his hands together and recited the Buddha's name in return.

Although the Western Regions ancestral court and the Shenlong Temple lineage had intense conflicts, they still maintained superficial peace on the surface.

After the two sides met, the Red Sect master smiled and said:

"Dharma Master Bianji actually came in person. Could it be that you want to catch us off guard and debate scriptures and doctrines with me here today?"

Bianji smiled freely, as if he didn't hear the other party's teasing, and said with a smile:

"Holy Monk, where are you speaking? Although you and I live in the East and West, we ultimately belong to the same lineage and respect the Dharma together. Is it not possible to visit except for fighting?"

The Red Sect master laughed loudly:

"Of course it is possible. If the Dharma Master wants to come, feel free to come. If you want, it would be good to come to the Western Regions. I believe the Dharma King will definitely welcome you."

Bianji slowly restrained his smile and sighed:

"Speaking of which, this poor monk has not been to the Western Regions for many years. The last time I left the border, I was accompanying Abbot Xuanyin.

In a blink of an eye, many years have passed. I have been in the capital for a long time, and I am entangled in worldly affairs, so it is difficult to travel, unlike the Great Purity Master of my Shenlong Temple, who can travel freely."

The Red Sect master's expression changed slightly, and he slowly restrained his smile:

"What does the Dharma Master mean by this? Could it be that you think that the Great Purity has gone to the Western Regions?"

Bianji smiled and said nothing.

The Red Sect master said seriously:

"We only learned after entering the capital that the Great Purity Master of your temple had assassinated court officials and disappeared, which angered the Yu Country's emperor and caused the whole country to ban Buddhism… We express our deep sympathy."

Hehe… sympathy? You are probably gloating over our misfortune. It sounds like coming to debate scriptures at this time is not to suppress us… Bianji was expressionless.

It's just that if the other party doesn't admit it, it can only be a muddled account.

"There is no need to mention this matter again. I came here this time on the order of Abbot Xuanyin to notify the Holy Monk that the date and location of the Debate Sutra have been determined…" Bianji took out a post from his sleeve.

But at this moment, a Western Regions monk hurried in from outside the hall and said in the Western Regions language:

"Master! Dan Che is in Huangting Alley, playing Go with the Yu Country's grandmaster Chen Jiuyan, and he has won a complete victory!"

"Really?" The Red Sect master got up and showed a bright smile: "Where is Dan Che?"

The monk said: "He is still there, accepting the challenge of the Go players."

"He has already won, why hasn't he come back yet?"

The dark old monk said, then looked at Bianji who was frowning next to him, and suddenly smiled:

"That's good too. Such a great victory, I will personally pick him up. Dharma Master, why not go together?"

Dan Che?

That old fellow's disciple?

He beat Chen Jiuyan in Go? When?

Bianji's face changed slightly, he got up and said, "Okay."

… …

Outside Huangting Alley.

"Little Heavenly Master" Zhong Pan stood under the plaque of the almost empty Kyoto Go Academy. Behind him was the great sword "Red Tide" slung across his back, and his fierce face was covered with a face towel.

"The six arts of a gentleman are interesting." Zhong Pan raised his eyebrows and grabbed a Go player who ran out of the Go Academy:

"What happened? Why is it so lively?"

The Go player was startled and said: "In Huangting Alley, someone is playing Go with a Western Regions monk, and everyone has gone to watch."

Little Heavenly Master showed an interested expression.

… …

At the same time, in Huangting Alley.

"Pa da."

Zhao Du'an dropped another piece, looking at Dan Che, who looked like he was facing a formidable enemy.

The game was halfway through.

— —

First update, then typesetting