Chapter Sixteen: The Champion of Both Chess and Scholarship

After the monk Unending finished his discourse on the Nine Palaces Game, he turned to Fang Guohuan and said, “The Nine Palaces Game created by Wuma Lian has already explored every possible route of play. If the legend is true, then only your transcendental mastery could match him. Should you ever have the chance to play against the Wuma clan, it would surely be the greatest match in chess history.” Fang Guohuan replied, “To meet a worthy opponent is one of the greatest joys for a chess player. If that elder of the Wuma clan were still alive and fate allowed us to meet, I would surely seek a game to experience the marvels of the Nine Palaces Game.” The monk Unending smiled and said, “Excellent! Such courage and willingness to face challenges is what makes a true chess master.”

Master Kuyuan sighed, “To apply the arts of Qimen Dunjia to chess is a mark of true genius. Wuma’s grand chess methods represent another pinnacle in the art. If you, Huan’er, were to play him with your transcendental skill, it would transcend mere victory or defeat—the experience would be otherworldly, almost immortal.” The monk nodded, “Perhaps that is the true path of chess.”

Just then, a voice called from outside the hall, “I wondered who it was—it turns out Master Unending has arrived.” As the words fell, Fawu strode in, having just returned from his travels. Unending, seeing it was Fawu, was delighted. “So it’s Nephew Fawu!” Fawu greeted him, then paid respects to his master and fellow disciples. Unending sighed, “Tianyuan Temple truly is a place where dragons hide and tigers crouch. Your martial prowess, Nephew Fawu, has shaken the martial world—I envy it greatly.” Fawu smiled, “Master, you are a sage above the world. You’ve seen so many skilled people—surely my little skills are nothing to you.” Unending shook his head, “Alas, I’ve wandered alone for so long and never taken a disciple. Seeing all you brothers today, I know now your master has great foresight.”

Master Kuyuan laughed, “You monk, are you trying to compete with me for disciples?” Unending shook his head, “A gentleman does not take what others love. I can only envy you and secretly swallow my envy.” The others all laughed at his playful tone. Unending then turned to Fawu, “In February, as I passed through Cangzhou, the renowned martial elder Xu Yuanjing inquired about you.” Fawu replied, “Ah, Hero Xu—we are old acquaintances.” Master Kuyuan added, “This disciple of mine regards martial arts as his foundation, chess as secondary, and often meddles in affairs of the martial world. He’s out and about for seven or eight months each year, which does stray from monastic discipline, but at least he does some good deeds, so I let him be.” Unending said, “Nephew Fawu is known as the ‘Flying Monk’—a hero of our Buddhist order. The good he’s done outweighs reciting the Diamond Sutra a hundred thousand times.” Off to the side, Fang Guohuan thought, “Senior Brother Fawu must be a true arhat, skilled in both martial arts and letters.”

At that moment, the guest monk came to serve tea, which everyone enjoyed. After drinking, Unending set his cup down. “I came to Tianyuan Temple not only to fulfill my three-year chess match with Master Kuyuan, but also for another matter.” Master Kuyuan smiled, “Though you’re a monk, you love to go wherever there’s excitement. What strange news have you brought us this time?” Unending replied, “You, the reclusive monk, never leave the gates and only cultivate in peace. Are you aware of the great event that happened half a year ago?” Kuyuan said, “I’ve ignored worldly affairs these last years to focus on Huan’er’s chess. I know nothing of the world’s changes—tell us what has happened.” Unending said, “This is a major event in the chess world.”

Fawu chimed in, “I’ve heard some rumors during my recent travels and hurried back to tell Master and my brothers, but my knowledge is patchy. Since Master Unending has traveled widely, please tell us in detail.” Unending began, “Let me start at the beginning. The current Wanli Emperor is a chess fanatic, obsessed with the game. In the harem, the empresses and consorts, eager for his favor, all learned chess and paid high prices for the best teachers, causing a nationwide chess craze. As always, what is popular in the palace spreads to the country. Thus, the chess scene is more vibrant than ever, surpassing even the Sui and Tang, and many remarkable players have emerged. Most astonishing is the rise of a ‘Grandmaster Eunuch’ Li, known only by his surname. Three years ago, he entered the palace as a chess instructor, hired by favored Consort Liu through a minister she wished to please. His chess skills are superb; he often wins every piece on the board. Thanks to him, Consort Liu outshone all other consorts in chess and won the emperor’s deep favor, making him a favorite of both. But here’s the odd part: before entering the palace, Li was a normal man. Two years after teaching chess in the palace, for reasons unknown, he mutilated himself to become a eunuch, claiming that remaining a man made it inconvenient to enter and leave the harem, so he did it to show loyalty and diligence. The emperor and Consort Liu were shocked but deeply moved and immediately promoted him to chief eunuch. His chess skills are peerless, and after this shocking act, his methods became even more profound and unpredictable, baffling even the best players until they had to be carried home in defeat, never to play again.”

By now, Unending saw everyone was captivated. He sipped his tea and continued. “The emperor, addicted to chess, decreed that every county must recommend its best players to compete in the capital, regardless of background or age. The winner would be named ‘National Chess Champion’ and put in charge of the Royal Chess Academy. This decree shook the land: people abandoned poetry and books to practice chess, leading to a ‘chess disaster’ in some places—farmers stopped tilling, scholars stopped reading, all focused on black and white stones. Any family that produced a top player was treated like nobility by local officials. Such was the temptation! But, though a thriving chess scene is a good thing, this degree of obsession will lead to chaos. Chess is an elegant art, meant for leisure. To stake one’s life on it is unwise, unless one achieves true mastery. Otherwise, it’s a waste. In this way, each region selected its best, from village to county to prefecture, until only a few hundred remained to compete in the capital, just like scholars vying for the top in the imperial exams—a chess event unprecedented in any dynasty.”

Kuyuan and Fang Guohuan were stunned, having never heard of this from their mountain retreat. Unending took another sip and went on, “Such a rare chess assembly attracted many masters. In the capital, I met the lightning-fast Zhong Shiyuan and the Southern Chess King Tian Yangwu.” Kuyuan said, “Oh! So both attended—truly a grand gathering.” Unending continued, “Seeing the heroes gathered, the emperor was pleased and appointed the Minister of Rites, Gao Yunlong, as imperial commissioner to oversee the Royal Chess Academy. Naturally, Eunuch Li was first to sign up, determined to prove himself the best. After a month of contests, the rankings of second and third place were decided. Only Li and a man named Qu Liangyi from Jiangsu remained for the final match. This Qu Liangyi was a newcomer, but his skill was astonishing—he breezed through every round, sometimes giving his opponents a head start and still emerging undefeated, quickly gaining fame. The whole court and capital pinned their hopes on him, for no one wanted the title to go to a newly-made eunuch. The emperor, seeing two masters left, ordered a single game to decide the champion. But something incredible happened: Li and Qu played seven games, each ending in an extremely rare draw—neither bested the other by even half a point. The emperor and court were amazed and quietly instructed the commissioner to award Qu the title. So, in the Golden Throne Hall, Qu was named National Chess Champion and Chess Doctor, to serve the court, while the twelve runners-up were made scholars of the Chess Academy. The next day, Qu rode through the capital in glory, and the nation was astir. As for Li, he had to swallow his own bitter fruit—his self-inflicted fate cost him the title.”

Unending paused to wet his throat. Fang Guohuan promptly served him another cup, and seeing everyone entranced, Unending said, “That was the end of the capital’s chess festivities. Since you enjoy the story, let me continue. The fame of Qu Liangyi, the imperial champion, spread quickly—even the Jurchens of Liaodong heard of it within half a month. The Jurchens, growing ever stronger, have long coveted our Ming lands. A prince named Ardu, trained by a Central Plains sage, was an exceptional chess player. Hearing of the champion, he came to the capital to challenge him. The court assigned Qu to receive him. First, Qu sent two Chess Academy scholars to test Ardu, but the prince beat them both and grew arrogant, demanding a match with the champion. Qu, seeing his skill, donned plain clothes and claimed to be the third-ranked player. After one game, in which Qu won by ten pieces, Ardu was stunned and Qu left smiling. Still unsatisfied, Ardu went to the Chess Academy’s gates, demanding to see the champion. He was told: ‘To see the champion, you must first beat the third, then the second, then the first. Since you lost to the third, seeing the champion is impossible.’ Ashamed, Ardu left for Liaodong that night—Qu had outwitted him and proved his brilliance. I witnessed all this, and it convinced me the matter was extraordinary, so I journeyed from the capital to Lianyun Mountain’s Tianyuan Temple to discuss chess with Master Kuyuan.”

Unending finished his tea. Seeing everyone eager for more, he shook his head and said, “That’s all.” The others, however, were still unsatisfied. Kuyuan said, “You make it sound so marvelous, monk. It seems that chess masters are now everywhere—beyond our imagination.” Fang Guohuan thought, “I never imagined such strange events could happen in chess. I must be cautious in the future—who knows what masters might appear?”

Fawu then said, “A friend told me that after the event, Tian Yangwu, the Southern Chess King, visited the Chess Academy, played a game with Qu Liangyi, and lost by two pieces.” Kuyuan was astonished, “Tian Yangwu is a master second to none in the south, one of the few I’ve ever admired, yet he lost to Qu. This proves Qu’s art had long reached the level of a grandmaster, hence his fame.” Unending added, “Qu is in his prime—his chess mastery is almost unbelievable. To become chess leader on his debut is unprecedented. It’s hard to find a second like him in history.” He shook his head, “A pity you, Young Master Fang, did not join the capital contest. Otherwise, the champion would surely be yours. Still, the emergence of such an invincible Qu is good—he’ll be your greatest opponent in the future.” Fang Guohuan said, “Hearing Master’s account, I realize the world is full of high masters. I am humbled and dare not think myself first; I only hope to meet such experts and taste their play.” Unending nodded, “Your vision is far beyond ours. With your transcendental chess, there is none today who can surpass you.” Turning to Kuyuan, he said, “Young Master Fang’s chess is now perfected; he should not remain long at Tianyuan Temple. Let him travel the world, experience all styles, and serve society through chess—that is how to use one’s hard-won skill.” Kuyuan nodded, “You speak true, monk. I have long thought so. I would not have Huan’er waste his time here. Chess is the great Way, the Way of Heaven, the way of the world. Life is like chess—let him discover its true meaning in the world. In time, I will arrange for him to leave.” Fang Guohuan, hearing his master’s intention to send him away, was silent and a little saddened.

At this point, Fawu said to Kuyuan, “On my way back, I passed Dongting Lake. The water bandits there, once rampant, were recently wiped out by the authorities. The leader was actually the master of Bright Moon Manor on Jun Mountain, and over two hundred people were involved—it’s shaken the court.” Kuyuan said, “Now the people of Dongting can live in peace. The cycle of Heaven brings retribution, and good and evil find their reward.” Unending said, “I heard of this in Hunan—several skilled heroes aided the government in eradicating the bandits.” Kuyuan replied, “When injustice is met, there will always be those who draw their swords.” Unending added, “Before I became a monk, I recall a distant relative living near Dongting. I haven’t seen him in decades—perhaps I’ll visit him tomorrow.”

That night, Fang Guohuan stayed at the temple instead of returning to White Cloud Cave, spending the night conversing with Unending, to whom he felt a deep affinity. Early the next morning, Unending took his leave of Kuyuan and the monks, setting off for Dongting Lake to visit relatives. Before leaving, he took Fang Guohuan’s hand and said, “If fate allows, we shall meet again in the world. Let me give you this advice: many extraordinary people live in obscurity. As you travel the chess world, be cautious—never judge by appearances.” Fang Guohuan thanked him, and together with Fawu, escorted Unending out of Lianyun Mountain.

Two days later, Kuyuan sent Fayang to White Cloud Cave to summon Fang Guohuan back to the temple. Once there, Kuyuan dismissed the monks and said privately, “Huan’er, you have been at Tianyuan Temple for over three years. Through your diligent cultivation, you have achieved transcendental chess and fulfilled my greatest wish. I am content! The path of chess is vast and profound, not a minor art, and its true meaning is not in victory or defeat. In life, you must fuse chess with the world, travel widely, and serve society. Now that your skill is perfected, you should not remain here—go forth and experience other masters, spread the art, and perhaps achieve even more. Only you can discover these things yourself—tomorrow, you must leave the mountain.” Fang Guohuan, hearing this, felt deeply sad. Since entering the temple, he had come to regard his master and brothers as family, and could not bear to part from them, tears falling unchecked. Kuyuan comforted him, “There is no banquet that does not end. This is for your own achievement; a true man must travel the world once his skills are complete. When you have leisure, return and visit us—we all hope for your good news, and that you will prove the true path of chess matches the path of the world.” He then presented Fang with a set of Arhat chess pieces. “This is a fine set, worth a fortune. Take it with you—you must not travel without them.” Moved, Fang bowed and accepted them, weeping.

The next day, the monks prepared his luggage and travel funds, all feeling sad and reluctant to part. Fanan wept openly, and Fayan had to secretly stop him. Fang Guohuan bade farewell to each brother, but when he sought out his master, Kuyuan was already gone. Fayang explained, “Master could not bear the sorrow of parting, so last night he went to White Cloud Cave to meditate. He leaves you these words: strive for progress, and achieve even more in chess.” Fang, hearing this, felt a pang of sorrow. He bowed toward White Cloud Cave, then hugged his brothers and left with Fawu.

Once outside the mountain, on the main road, Fawu gave him some parting advice about the world. Suddenly, Fang remembered something. He took out the bamboo signal arrow Fawu had given him and said, “Now that I am to travel the world, I return this arrow to you.” Fawu smiled, “Now you are free to roam, I envy you greatly. The world is dangerous—keep the arrow; it may prove useful.” Fang shook his head, “If I run into trouble and use the arrow, you may be thousands of miles away—how could you possibly come?” Fawu replied, “You don’t know—the arrow was specially made by a master. Its signal can be heard for miles. Even if I am not nearby, friends in the martial world who recognize it will come to help—just in case.” Knowing Fawu had a wide network, Fang was delighted. “So it’s even more useful! Before, it gave me confidence in White Cloud Cave; now it will do so in the world. Thank you; I’ll keep it just in case.” He tucked it away, and the two parted with reluctance. Fang set out on his own.

Leaving Lianyun Mountain and Tianyuan Temple, now a master of chess, Fang Guohuan traveled the world—not the drifting youth he once was, but light-hearted and free. He planned first to visit Liu Yishan in Liu Village, to thank him for saving his life and burying his late master, then to pay respects at his master Fang Lan’s grave, and after that, to meet Bu Yuan and visit Zen Master Zhishan at Maple Grove Cottage. Once these duties were done, he would seek out famous chess masters across the land, making friends and helping where he could. Three years had passed; he was grateful for and missed Liu Yishan, Bu Yuan, and Zhishan, knowing that without them, he would never have achieved transcendental chess and be where he was today. His heart was full, eager to see his old friends again, so he retraced the route he had once followed to seek his master at Lianyun Mountain, traveling north from Hunan toward Hebei.

One day, he reached a township and recalled that ten miles east lay Shiyan Village, home to the “World’s Greatest Chef” Han Yugong and his granddaughter Han Xing’er, whom he had once visited with the gourmet Zhao Mingfeng. Remembering the Three-Flavored Jade Soup and Tofu Banquet he’d tasted there, he seemed to savor the taste again. He thought, “I wonder if Zhao Mingfeng still lingers in Shiyan Village, sampling Han Xing’er’s cooking? The Hans are rare culinary geniuses; since we met, they are old friends. Passing by, I ought to visit.” He found an inn for the night, and at dawn set out for Shiyan Village.

Arriving at the Hans’ old home, he saw the house was gone, replaced by a large, elegant mansion with red gates and white walls, with pavilions glimpsed inside. Puzzled, he thought, “Have the Hans moved? Has a rich family bought the place and built a new house?” As he turned to ask someone, a man came out of the red gate, saw Fang waiting, and, after a moment’s surprise, called, “Are you Young Master Fang Guohuan?” Fang turned and, recognizing Zhao Sheng, exclaimed joyfully, “It’s you, Master Zhao!” Zhao Sheng was delighted. “It really is Young Master Fang—I thought my eyes deceived me!” Fang saluted him, then asked, “Why has this place changed so much?” Zhao Sheng laughed, “After you helped my cousin taste the ‘World’s Greatest Chef,’ he became utterly obsessed. He sent for money from Suzhou, built this mansion, and invited Han Miss and her grandfather to live here. He also brought in rare delicacies from all over the land for Miss Han to prepare for him. Touched by his sincerity, Miss Han now creates a grand dish every three days and a new flavor every two days, never repeating herself. My cousin has been so delighted, he hasn’t returned to Suzhou in over three years.”

Fang Guohuan was amazed. “So Mingfeng is so attached to fine food he wants to settle here for good?” Zhao Sheng smiled, “He truly does—he wishes to live here for life.” He then invited Fang into the house and told the gatekeeper, “Quick, inform the young master that a distinguished guest has arrived.” The man hurried off.

Zhao Sheng led Fang into the spacious courtyard. There were over ten rooms to east and west, with a stone path leading to a main hall, lined with willows and rare flowers. Between the west wing and the main hall was a beautiful moon gate leading to a back garden, with a two-story pavilion among the trees and flowers. As they neared the hall, Zhao Mingfeng, Han Yugong, and Han Xing’er appeared, beaming with delight. Zhao Mingfeng ran up and hugged Fang, exclaiming, “Guohuan, my dear brother, I’ve missed you so!”

Han Yugong smiled, “No wonder I heard magpies singing this morning—a noble guest has arrived.” Fang exchanged greetings with Han Yugong and Han Xing’er. Han Xing’er laughed, “Young Master Fang, you look even more spirited than before—you must have had good fortune.” Fang replied, “All thanks to your Three-Flavored Jade Soup—since tasting it, my path has been smooth and my wishes fulfilled.” Han Xing’er smiled brightly, and Han Yugong and Zhao Mingfeng invited Fang to sit.

A servant brought tea. Zhao Mingfeng asked, “Where have you been these years? We heard nothing from you—I missed you dearly.” Han Xing’er teased, “You didn’t miss him so much you lost your appetite, did you?” Zhao Mingfeng laughed, “With Miss Han’s cooking, how could I ever lose my appetite?” Fang smiled, “Brother Zhao has found his heart’s desire. I, though less accomplished, found a great master and have made progress in chess—my wish, too, is fulfilled.”

Han Yugong was delighted, “Excellent! I’ve developed some new tricks these years—later I must learn from you.” Fang agreed, “Splendid, I look forward to it.” Zhao Mingfeng, excited, said, “You’ve come at the perfect time. Yesterday, my father sent two treasures from Suzhou—camel hump and orangutan lips, rare delicacies among the Eight Rarities. With a letter saying that an old friend from the frontier presented them as a gift. My father invited every famous chef in Suzhou and Hangzhou—few knew how to cook hump, and none had ever seen, let alone prepared, orangutan lips. So he sent them here, asking the ‘World’s Greatest Chef’ Han and Miss Han to display their skills on these unique ingredients.” Fang was amazed, “Such rare and difficult ingredients exist?” Han Yugong explained, “The Eight Rarities are all unique and hard to find, so most chefs don’t know how to prepare them, and people think delicacies like bear paw and shark fin, though tasty, are not truly extraordinary. But since they are listed among the Eight Rarities, there must be special methods, and unique flavors. Especially orangutan lips—so rare and hard to cook that I have only made them twice, following my family’s ancient recipes. Anyone who tastes them is truly fortunate.” Fang was delighted, “Today I am blessed again.”

Han Xing’er rose, “Young Master Fang, please wait while I prepare these dishes for you to taste.” Fang thanked her, “To enjoy such delicacies again is a great honor.” Zhao Mingfeng stood, “These must be cooked in a unique way—let me watch! Brother, have tea with Master Han—I’ll be back soon.” But Han Xing’er frowned, “You’ve hovered around me for over three years and stolen all my cooking tricks—must you steal the last of my family secrets?” Zhao Mingfeng blushed in embarrassment, stammering, “Well, I...” Han Yugong laughed, “Xing’er, don’t make things difficult for Master Zhao. Without him, you might never meet orangutan lips in your life, and your family recipe would go unused. Let him watch—I have things to discuss with Young Master Fang.” Zhao Mingfeng was overjoyed and thanked Han Yugong, then followed the secretly amused Han Xing’er.

Left alone, Han Yugong confided to Fang, “Who would have thought Mingfeng would be so devoted to fine food? Since you left, he has obeyed Xing’er in everything, afraid to upset her. Xing’er, moved by his sincerity, cooked several grand dishes for him, and he grew more reluctant to leave. He sent Zhao Sheng home to fetch money, built this mansion, and invited us to live here. He bought every rare delicacy he could find, asking Xing’er to cook them, which allowed her to showcase her skill. The two are happier than anyone. Nowhere else will you find someone as devoted to food as Mingfeng.” Fang laughed, “Master Zhao and Miss Han—a gourmet and a master chef—are truly a match made in heaven. No couple could be better suited. Fate has brought them together—why not arrange their marriage?” Han Yugong replied, “Mingfeng wishes to marry her, and I am satisfied with his character. His father, the great merchant Zhao Chen, has also written, urging his son to bring Xing’er home. But Xing’er, not wanting to leave me in my old age, won’t agree, leaving Mingfeng waiting in vain. Zhao Chen, puzzled by his son’s absence, sent orangutan lips to test Xing’er’s skill: if she cooks it well, she can be a Zhao bride; if not, just a chef—hoping to hurry Mingfeng home. Mingfeng swore never to fail Xing’er—a true man.”

Fang nodded, “A marriage born of culinary passion will be a tale for the ages—a story for all time.” Han Yugong said, “Mingfeng is a noble’s son and cannot stay here forever. I hope you’ll help persuade them to marry soon and return to Suzhou, to ease my mind.” Fang agreed cheerfully, “This is a wonderful thing—I will do my best to help them.”