Chapter 65: Six Harmonies Island 3

Ping'er went on to say, "The young lady and I had been searching everywhere for the public scroll without success. Later, we accidentally crossed paths with that eccentric man. Learning from our conversation that he was well-versed in chess, we began to discuss matters of the game. That eccentric man claimed his skill was matchless under heaven, and that the art of chess had reached its absolute limit in his hands. However, if he could find a grandmaster in this world who could defeat him, he would seal his Go stones forever and retire into seclusion. To our surprise, that strange man actually uttered the name of the public scroll."

Hearing this, Fang Guohuan asked in astonishment, "So the grandmaster eunuch Li Ruchuan was searching for me at the same time!?"

Sun Qi interjected from the side, "Ever since you deployed the Heavenly Origin formation outside the Dushikou Pass to drive back twenty thousand Jurchen armored cavalry, your fame in the realm of Go has spread far and wide across the world. It is only natural that the grandmaster eunuch would have heard of it. Driven by the innate nature of a Go player, he would certainly seek you out as a true opponent to play a match, wishing also to showcase his murderous ghost Go."

Hearing this, Fang Guohuan nodded and said with a solemn expression, "I never imagined that both Li Ruchuan and I were searching for each other. This is excellent!"

Ping'er continued, "The young lady was startled at the time, having already guessed that this person was the legendary grandmaster eunuch capable of killing with chess."

Fang Guohuan asked in surprise, "Since Lady Lu knew the other person's identity and that he was an extremely dangerous figure, why did she still challenge him to a game?"

Weeping, Ping'er sobbed, "The young lady did this entirely for the sake of the public scroll."

"For me?" Fang Guohuan was immensely surprised.

Ping'er said, "Aside from her own profound Go skill and the intrinsic nature of a Go player who refuses to fully believe that chess can kill, the young lady undertook this risky challenge primarily for your safety in any future matches against him. Fearing that his murderous chess might prove detrimental to you, she wished to discover his weaknesses and the secret behind his lethal game so that she could warn and protect you in the future. She tested the lethal chess with her own person, but never did she expect..." At this point, Ping'er broke down and wept bitterly once more.

By now, Fang Guohuan was completely stunned. He had never imagined that Lu Ziyun would risk her life in mortal danger for his sake against the murderous ghost chess. Feelings of gratitude and sorrow intertwined within him, accompanied by overwhelming regret and profound grief. He looked up to the sky and let out a long sigh: "Lady Lu! Escaping a fatal disaster once was already difficult enough. Why bother taking such risks for someone like Fang? What virtue or ability do I possess that you would forfeit your life for me over a game of chess?"

Then, Fang Guohuan made a solemn vow: "Li Ruchuan! My respected teachers and old friends have all been destroyed by your ghost chess. No matter what terrifying magic your lethal game possesses, in order to uphold the orthodox elegance of the Way of Go, I swear to find you in this lifetime. Even if it means destroying our chess skills together and perishing alongside you, I shall not hesitate!"

This legendary tale between Fang Guohuan and Ziyun deeply moved Lian Qiying and Sun Qi, leaving them saddened and heavy-hearted.

Lian Qiying then spoke, "Brother Guohuan, things have come to this; do not grieve too deeply. Lady Lu Ziyun was truly admirable, and since she died for your sake, it was not in vain for the romance of Go that the two of you shared. That grandmaster eunuch Li Ruchuan is utterly odious for using chess to kill. It is only right that we stand irreconcilably opposed to him, and we will certainly not spare him in the days to come."

Sun Qi said, "Gongshu, do not let this matter disturb your mind. The Supreme Leader has already issued orders to all branch associations of the Alliance throughout the realm to thoroughly investigate the whereabouts of the grandmaster eunuch Li Ruchuan. There will surely be news in the near future. Gongshu can rest easy here on the Alliance Island, and wait until the time comes to defeat him over the chessboard."

Seeing that Fang Guohuan's mood was heavy and that it was unsuitable for him to wander alone, Lian Qiying said, "Mr. Sun's words are reasonable. Let the Alliance handle the search for that eunuch, and Brother Guohuan should no longer trouble himself with seeking him out alone. Moreover, if that eunuch reveals himself to play against you, it will be a life-and-death struggle over the board. For the sake of safety, we must have a foolproof plan by then. Your sister can no longer rest easy letting you handle this matter alone."

Upon hearing this, Fang Guohuan felt a surge of gratitude and nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Lian Qiying and Sun Qi felt slightly more at ease.

Learning that Lu Ziyun had unexpectedly perished by Li Ruchuan's ghost chess, Fang Guohuan was overcome with grief. He then said to Ping'er, "Ever since the Lu family manor, I have been bringing trouble upon Lady Lu, never imagining it would lead to today's tragedy. This debt of the chessboard is something I shall resolve upon the chessboard in the future. Ping'er, I am sorry. It is I who harmed your mistress and you."

Tearfully shaking her head, Ping'er replied, "Gongshu, please do not say such things. It is simply that my young lady had a bitter fate. However, if she has awareness in the netherworld and knows that Gongshu has not forgotten her, she will surely find some comfort. After arriving on this island, I have been fortunate enough to receive the care of the Supreme Leader and the boundless tenderness of Madam Luo; everything is well, only that I constantly miss the young lady."

Fang Guohuan felt another wave of sorrow. He inquired about the location of Lu Ziyun's grave so that he could pay his respects in the future, comforted Ping'er once more, and told her to settle in peacefully. Lian Qiying then had someone escort Ping'er back to Gong Ying'er's quarters.

After seeing Ping'er off, Fang Guohuan returned to the hall and sat down, feeling utterly lost and desolate.

Sun Qi remarked at this moment, "I heard that upon your arrival, Gongshu Guohuan stayed at Mr. Zhuge's place in Fengyang for a few days."

Remembering something, Fang Guohuan hastily said, "That is correct. I was detained in Fengyang for four days. Mr. Zhuge extended his generous hospitality, but..."

Lian Qiying interjected, "Last night, Alliance Leader Zhang Linping already told me everything that happened in Fengyang. Zhang Linping is a busybody; why did he need to linger in Fengyang and stir up trouble for Brother Guohuan? Zhuge Rong has harbored rebellious intentions for a long time. Ever since the battle outside the Dushikou Pass, he has been urging me to take the opportunity to raise the banner of rebellion. I stopped him, but he remains resentful. Alas! Nowadays, the realm is fraught with crises, which inevitably stirs up wild ambitions in people."

While speaking, Lian Qiying suddenly displayed an inexplicable melancholy and an unusual sadness. Neither Sun Qi nor Fang Guohuan noticed this subtle change.

Sun Qi smiled and said, "Zhuge Rong's strenuous efforts to curry favor with Gongshu Fang this time are clearly aimed at Gongshu's ability to transform military strategy through chess. He does have some insight."

Fang Guohuan shook his head and said, "Mr. Sun knows me well. Aside from navigating the chessboard, what do I know about marching troops into battle?"

Sun Qi smiled. "Gongshu's chess has reached the realm of perfection and can align with the art of war. Deploying the Heavenly Origin formation and winning a single battle is proof of its miraculous efficacy. It is not that Gongshu cannot do it, but rather that you are unwilling to do so."

Fang Guohuan shook his head. "The battle of Tianyuan relied entirely on Mr. Sun's proper combination of Sun Tzu's military formations to achieve victory with inferior numbers. I merely consolidated the grand formation; that risky move was done out of sheer necessity, a matter of sheer lucky success."

Hearing this, Sun Qi smiled and remained silent.

Fang Guohuan then said to Lian Qiying, "When this junior passed through Fengyang, Mr. Zhuge Rong repeatedly asked me to convey to Sister Lian that she should consider his proposal, and Zhuge Rong has already made preparations in this regard."

Hearing this, Lian Qiying sighed softly and said, "I am well aware of everything Zhuge Rong has done. Furthermore, he has been secretly cultivating and expanding his forces in Shaanxi with long-laid plans."

Hearing this, Fang Guohuan asked in astonishment, "Since Sister knows everything, why not stop him? Aren't you afraid that once his wings are fully grown, he will set up his own faction and thereby split the Alliance?"

Lian Qiying shook her head with a bitter smile. "People have their own aspirations, and one cannot force them. Zhuge Rong's ambitions are wild and frantic; his sights are set on the empire, how could he care about a mere Alliance? He no doubt ridicules me for having the benevolence of a woman without the grand ambitions of a real man. It is only a pity that Mr. Zhuge does not know..."

At this point, Lian Qiying shook her head and sighed without finishing, as if harboring some unspeakable hardship.

Seeing that Lian Qiying did not harbor much defensive wariness toward Zhuge Rong, but instead displayed a rather troubled expression, Fang Guohuan felt perplexed and ceased to bring up the matter. After chatting idly for a while longer, Lian Qiying's demeanor became unsettled once more. Seeing this, Sun Qi exchanged a glance with Fang Guohuan, and the two took their leave.

Leaving the He Xuan pavilion, Fang Guohuan asked, "When the matter regarding Mr. Zhuge Rong was brought up earlier, why did Mr. Sun remain completely silent?"

Sun Qi let out a long sigh and said, "This matter is complex. Please, Gongshu, accompany me to my humble quarters for a chat."

With that, he led Fang Guohuan to his residence. It was a quaint and secluded little courtyard with red walls, elegant rooms, and shaded by weeping willows—ancient, simple, and tranquil.

Inside the study, Sun Qi said to Fang Guohuan, "In the world today, crises lurk on every side. The Ming Dynasty's fortune is nearing its end, and those harboring different ambitions with a solid foundation are secretly gathering strength and plotting for the future. The Alliance's hundred-odd branch associations now boast a force of two hundred thousand; momentum has been established, and we possess the strength to contend for the realm. Yet for some unknown reason, Supreme Leader Lian remains merely content with this pugilistic enterprise and lacks the ambition to conquer the empire. I have hinted at this before, but the Supreme Leader always wears a displeased expression. Ever since the battle outside the Dushikou Pass, we have discovered that the imperial court has grown wary of the Alliance. We should have seized the opportunity to rise, yet the Supreme Leader still prefers to smooth things over. Ever since returning to the Alliance Island, I have often heard the Supreme Leader sighing, as if burdened by immense worries. It appears she is hesitating between rebellion and submission. The realm enjoys a temporary respite for now, but great chaos is bound to ensue in the near future. If the Alliance acts a step ahead, the empire is surely ours."

Hearing this, Fang Guohuan was secretly astonished that Sun Qi's ambitions were no less grand than Zhuge Rong's.

Sun Qi continued, "The victor is a king, the vanquished a bandit. When the realm changes hands, those with the ability shall seize it. Supreme Leader Lian is an extraordinary woman of this age, capable of becoming a second Wu Zetian and reigning over the empire! I once received great grace from the Supreme Leader. If the Supreme Leader makes a move, I shall assist her in seizing the empire; if the Supreme Leader remains still, I shall help her stabilize the Alliance. One need not exhaust all their talents while living in this world!" Having said this, he sighed with emotion.

At this moment, Fang Guohuan praised, "Mr. Sun possesses peerless learning, yet you are willing to submerge yourself within the rivers and lakes—something only a true grandmaster could achieve."

Sun Qi smiled and said, "One need not exhaust all their talents in life, otherwise the world would know no peace. Seeing that Gongshu inquired today, I have laid out my thoughts to find a moment of release."

Sun Qi went on, "Zhuge Rong is currently secretly hoarding troops, recruiting extraordinary talents, and has already established a certain foundation. Yet, feeling his strength insufficient, he dares not act rashly, hoping that all the Alliance branches across the realm will rise together. I am inherently a man of no grand ambitions; neither do I wish to start a rebellion that would bring disaster upon the common people, which is why I have mostly remained non-committal on this matter. Although Supreme Leader Lian herself is unwilling to lead the Alliance in raising the banner of rebellion, she has adopted a tolerant attitude toward Zhuge Rong's actions. Otherwise, Zhuge Rong would not dare so boldly to shout about rebelling day in and day out within the Alliance. Naturally, he wishes to drag the Alliance into the muddy waters, and the future fate of the Alliance remains hard to predict. What the Supreme Leader's true intentions are, I honestly cannot fathom."

Having spoken thus, Sun Qi shook his head.