Chapter 451 – Teasing The Cat

Liu Zhiliang could feel himself turning red at her comment. He could only nod fervently, “Understood. I’ll have someone dust it later, and have them purchase some fine tea leaves tomorrow.”

Ji Yunshu gave him a small smile, pointing towards the pear wood chair before her with her chin, “Lord Liu, how about taking a seat? Your legs will suffer if you remain standing the entire night.”

This –

Liu Zhiliang was taken aback, “Teacher Ji, are we to…” He pointed to the floor, “Sit here all night?”

“Lord Liu is as smart as I’ve heard. That’s right, we’re going to be sitting here all night. Don’t you want to witness the conclusion of the Zhang Estate murder case? Then how do you feel about starting the trial when dawn breaks?” She remarked playfully.

“Since Teacher Ji is so confident, this official would naturally remain here in anticipation of tomorrow.”

“Then have a seat, Lord Liu.”

Liu Zhiliang did not dare to sit, instead glancing towards Jing Rong and waiting for his nod of approval. But Jing Rong’s attention was elsewhere, eyes focused on the teacup lid in his hands. He placed it onto his teacup, then lifted it again, producing a bright, clinking sound each time he repeated this action. The high-pitched sound echoed through the quiet court, making their surroundings seem even more eerie in this long night. Not receiving the answer he was waiting for, Liu Zhiliang eventually just lifted his official robes and sat down on the chair Ji Yunshu had pointed at.

The court was so silent you could hear a pin drop! After about half an hour, Jing Rong suddenly ordered for a weiqi board to be brought in. He then pulled Liu Zhiliang to sit opposite him for a game. Liu Zhiliang had no other choice, but

should he win or not?

This question bothered him throughout his matches and he eventually chose to lose all of them, forehead dripping with sweat in the process!

The later into the night they played, the more awake the two of them became. Similarly, the yamen runners accompanying them were riveted as they watched the pair exchange move after move. True gentlemen would not have commented on another person’s game. These yamen runners however, were not gentlemen. They made snark comments dissing their own superior as they watched him go on a losing streak.

Since Ji Yunshu did not know how to play the game, she stood to one side in complete confusion, sometimes asking Jing Rong, “Why this move?”

Jing Rong replied patiently, “Because it has to be made.”

“Then, why this move?”

“It’s the only move.”

“What about this one?”

“It must be made.”

“Ohhhhhhh!”

Jing Rong handed her the white piece in his hand, “Here, sit down.”

Here, here, here! Have a go! Play! It’s all in your hands!

Ji Yunshu’s head was tilted to one side quizzically, but ended up taking that white piece anyway. After staring at the weiqi board for a long while, she finally made a move, placing the white piece onto one of the outermost squares. It filled up the missing link to make a full circle of other white pieces that surrounded several black pieces.

“So? Did I win?” She was jubilant.

Jing Rong only smiled and gestured towards Liu Zhiliang.

Your move!

Liu Zhiliang picked up one of his black pieces, pondering for a moment before placing his piece down, as if inspiration struck.

“It’s Lord Liu’s win.” Jing Rong spoke matter-of-factly.

He had finally won a game, but Liu Zhiliang had never felt more nervous in his life. He smiled awkwardly. “It’s all thanks to Teacher Ji.”

“Lord Liu’s weiqi skills are quite impressive.”

“Teacher Ji is being too kind. His Highness has won so many games, and I’ve only won but one.”

“Oh, then is Lord Liu suggesting that if this one didn’t meddle in the game, it would be His Highness who would have won this round?”

“There’s no doubt!” He was also an impressive bootlicker!

Ji Yunshu chuckled. Jing Rong said as he retrieved his weiqi pieces, “Lord Liu, since Teacher Ji has offered up such praise, you should accept them with thanks, why be so humble?”

“Understood, understood.”

“Then, shall we play a few more games?”

……

“Sure, sure, sure.” Liu Zhiliang likewise retrieved his own black pieces before they engaged in several more matches. Ji Yunshu had enough of the games and she strolled outside, looking up at the bright, full moon lighting up the dark, night sky…

They did not know how much time had passed before morning had arrived. The group of men were still observing the game between Jing Rong and Liu Zhiliang, but their red, bloodshot eyes betrayed their lack of sleep. They finally let out a sigh when Jing Rong placed his final, victorious move