Chapter 129: Chapter 129: Each More Formidable Than the Last
Master Lu was not someone conceited, thinking her chess skills were unrivaled in the world.
Many masters had impressed her in matches; she just disliked those charlatans who hid their master’s name and lied for a bit of vanity.
Being compared to such people, Master Lu felt her status was truly insulted.
Master Lu was aloof and proud in temperament, speaking with blunt honesty even with socialites like Fang Yuan, not fearing offense, "You, without reason, have eyes on your face, yet cannot distinguish right from wrong? Spouting nonsense in front of me."
Fang Yuan was baffled by the reprimand but dared not retort; the saying goes, "A teacher for a day is a father for life," so she held deep respect for her teacher.
After reprimanding Fang Yuan, Master Lu didn’t spare Pei Xiang, "Third Miss, I’ve noticed your chess skills have declined recently; during our match, you even forgot many basic concepts. I hear you’re engaged, but that isn’t an excuse to neglect your studies, wouldn’t you agree?"
Third Miss was so ashamed and embarrassed, her face turned red.
Master Lu finished speaking and then stood up to leave.
Only after she had gone did Fang Yuan dare to speak, "Is Master in a bad mood today? Why criticize one after another?"
Cheng Ru sighed, smiling, "You’ve grown so much yet can’t read people at all?"
Fang Yuan was confused, "Read whose face?"
Cheng Ru sighed again and shook her head, looking at Pei Xiang, "Just ask Third Sister."
Third Miss was still immersed in the shame of Master Lu’s criticism, too embarrassed to recover. Now hearing Miss Cheng’s words, she felt uneasy, "Actually, I don’t understand why Master suddenly became displeased."
Fang Yuan tugged at Cheng Ru’s arm, "Dear Sister, please just tell us the truth."
Cheng Ru, helplessly, said, "Neither of you realize Master dislikes Miss Qu?"
Both Third Miss and Fang Yuan were stunned, "Since when did this happen? How did I not notice?"
"I didn’t see it either. What did Fulan do to make Master dislike her?"
If Fang Yuan initially had prejudice against Qu Fulan, it was only due to her brother’s affairs. Later, she was won over by her abilities. Logically, Master should appreciate talented individuals, so why....
Cheng Ru said, "Last time, when Miss Qu played against Master, she was already unhappy."
Fang Yuan was very surprised, "Why is that? Could it be because Fulan won, and Master was upset?"
Cheng Ru lightly tapped her forehead with a folding fan, "You fool, Master is someone with high principles and a deep sense of justice, not that kind of person."
Third Miss, realizing this, frowned, "Master isn’t narrow-minded, so what issue could there be with Fulan?"
Cheng Ru explained, "Think about it, for Master to have today’s achievements took many days of hard work and dedication, yet she remains humble, never boasting of her skills. Miss Qu, being so young, claimed she learned for less than half a year and could draw with Master, just think carefully."
*
This time, Pei Ji’an and Xiao Shiqing cooperated and made achievements, once again showcasing themselves impressively among colleagues, to the envy of others.
Especially considering these two were both young, capable, and favored by the emperor, and crucially, both single.
Though Prince Xiao previously mentioned having a fiancée, the noble ladies later inquired, and Mrs. Xiao personally denied it, saying it was just a joke, not to be counted.
So he was single.
This made families eager to establish connections.
Whether it was Heir Pei or Prince Xiao, both were talents and beauties; calling them incomparable experts wasn’t an exaggeration. Walking down the street, which girl wouldn’t be moved by them? If one could win either’s favor, it would be a great fortune!
Previously, these two were stationed on the border, and though news of their achievements frequently came, the distance was too great. Having ideas was futile.
Now that these two heirs were to remain in the Capital City, if not acting now, then when?
If tardy, this fine prospect would be snatched away by others.
However, those who’ve interacted know that both heirs’ temperaments are daunting.
Take Heir Pei, he appears easygoing but is secretly ruthless.
And Prince Xiao, with a stoic expression, rarely speaks, yet when he does, it’s astonishing, exposing others’ hidden issues publicly, giving no room for face-saving.
They’re both difficult.
But they’re talented.
Talented people often have bad tempers, understandable.
Moreover, they’re said to be kind to family; becoming family would be beneficial, wouldn’t it?
Everyone had good ideas, but no one was willing to risk being the first to broach the subject, so they dropped hints before the emperor, suggesting he consider these two meritorious individuals’ marriage prospects.
One must say the ministers were all shrewd, bringing it up just after Heir Pei and Prince Xiao distinguished themselves, making it seem quite reasonable.
With contributions made, the emperor of course had to host a banquet to reward them, but since both consistently performed well, often receiving rewards, offering more gold or jewels seemed too plain now.
So this time, the emperor wanted to give something novel; the ministers’ suggestion arrived.
To arrange marriages for Heir Pei and Prince Xiao?
This idea was excellent.
At the court banquet, the emperor asked in turn, first saying to Heir Pei, "Pei, as the old saying goes, one should first establish a family, then a career. Now that your career flourishes, you need a companion for comfort, don’t you?"
This opening led to mentioning the daughters of ministers one by one, trying to make a match.
Pei Ji’an stepped out, bowing, "Your Majesty, the border remains unstable, with risks lingering over the next five years. For national stability, I have vowed not to marry within five years, only considering marriage once the border is truly secure."
Such patriotic speech was naturally moving to the emperor, yet the more moved, the more he felt apologetic, as his beloved minister delayed marriage for national stability—this couldn’t stand.
"Your concern is justified, but as they say, a harmonious family leads to prosperity. With a family, one can dedicate oneself to the state with peace of mind."
Pei Ji’an, without even a blink, improvised, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration, but as I’m still young and not yet ready, I don’t wish to rush, lest I disappoint a lady’s expectations, which would leave me uneasy day and night."
The emperor hadn’t expected him to so candidly admit his own dashing nature, unworriedly before ministers.
Yet the emperor himself was most gallant, with three thousand beauties in his harem, making it awkward to criticize a minister’s romantic inclinations.
So, with a cough, the emperor turned to Prince Xiao, "Xiao, virtuous and honest, often neglecting yourself in busyness, you too should find someone who cares to be by your side."
Xiao Shiqing had realized his fiancée excuse wouldn’t work, so, unfazed, he replied, "Your Majesty, as my age is similar to Heir Pei’s, if he’s not in a hurry, nor am I."
Clearly not expecting this answer, the emperor was once again at a loss.
Who would have thought, truly, that each could talk their way out of this!