Chapter Twenty-One: Hundred Streams Chess House

That day, Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan arrived in the capital, Beijing. The imperial city, the land at the feet of the Son of Heaven, was indeed unlike any other place. As soon as they entered, they were swept up in the bustling and lively atmosphere all around. The streets teemed with throngs of people and endless streams of carriages and horses. Men and women in exotic attire, speaking with accents from north and south, foreigners and travelers from the four corners of the world mingled together, everyone seemingly busy and in a hurry. Shops lined both sides of the avenue, their wares dazzling to the eye, with the shouts of vendors and the haggling of customers blending into a raucous din. Here and there, crowds gathered to watch martial performers, jugglers, or singers, their cheers booming, drums and gongs resounding to the heavens. In the distance, the eaves and corners of the Forbidden City’s palace could be glimpsed—where all the world’s splendor gathered, the home of the emperor and the wealthy, and, as the saying goes, the very center of a life of luxury and dissipation.

Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan had little idea where they ought to go, so they simply followed the flow of people, taking in the sights. Fang Guohuan, feeling hungry and thirsty, tugged at his companion who was absorbed in the spectacle and said, “Brother Bu, I’m famished. Shall we find something to eat first? We’ll be staying in the capital for some days—there will be time enough for sightseeing later.” Bu Yuan shook his head in wonder and replied, “What a sight! For over twenty years, I feel as though I’ve lived in ignorance.” Fang Guohuan smiled at this, and led Bu Yuan into a nearby tavern, where a friendly waiter greeted them promptly.

They followed the waiter upstairs to the second floor, where the tavern was bustling—nearly every table was full. As luck would have it, just then, a window-side table became available as its guests rose to leave. The waiter grinned, “You’re both lucky—just in time for a prime seat.” Pleased, the two took their places, with a sweeping view of the lively street below. The waiter quickly cleared away the previous dishes and wiped the table, then said cheerily, “Gentlemen, what would you like? Our tavern boasts renowned chefs and specialties from north and south—anything you wish for, we can serve.” Fang Guohuan replied, “Whatever local delicacies of the capital you have, just bring them out. We’ll settle the bill afterward.” The waiter was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, “Please wait a moment—it will be right up,” and hurried off.

In no time, several waiters returned, bearing platters and dishes, filling the table with an array of delicacies. The same waiter beamed and said, “The table’s a bit small for so much. If we brought out every specialty, we’d fill ten tables. Would you care for more? We can always add another table.” Fang Guohuan quickly waved him off, “This is plenty; we couldn’t possibly eat more.” The waiter chuckled, “If you enjoy the meal, come back another day to try the rest,” and left them to their feast. Bu Yuan laughed, “This should be more than enough for us to enjoy.”

Fang Guohuan said, “If you ever tasted a dish prepared by Miss Han Xing’er, the world’s greatest chef, you’d never spare a thought for these flavors.” Bu Yuan replied, “Is this the Miss Han you once told me about, the one who can make rare and marvelous dishes?” Fang Guohuan nodded, “Indeed. Her culinary skill is unmatched through the ages. To taste her cooking is a rare fortune in life.” Bu Yuan laughed, “If she’s as miraculous as you claim, she must be a goddess. I’ve no such luck.” Fang Guohuan replied, “If anyone is blessed in this world, it is Zhao Mingfeng, who is always first to taste her dishes.” Bu Yuan chuckled, “That food connoisseur you mentioned, with more silver than he knows what to do with, who’s become a lifelong glutton.” Fang Guohuan smiled, and the two drank together. The capital’s flavors proved truly unique, and they ate and drank with great pleasure.

When they had nearly finished, Bu Yuan said, “Brother, shall we try asking someone about the eunuch?” Fang Guohuan agreed, “Yes, that’s our true business here.” He turned to a gentleman at the next table and greeted him politely, “Excuse me, sir, might I ask if you know of a eunuch in the palace famed for his skill at chess, known as the Chessmaster Eunuch?” The man set down his chopsticks, shook his head, and replied, “A eunuch? Not my concern. I, Liu San, am only interested in the cloth trade, nothing else.” Then, in a confidential tone, Liu San added, “Silk from Suzhou is on the rise. If you want to make your fortune, buy a shipment for the capital—you’ll double your money.” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan exchanged a smile and shook their heads.

Just then, they overheard at another table someone sigh, “Life is truly unpredictable. He was only in favor for a short time, and now look at him—how pitiful!” Another replied, “Great fame brings more trouble than it’s worth. We’re better off living quietly—no great fortune, but no great calamity either. Unlike him, whose fame was so great even the spirits envied him, and who was suddenly struck by such a strange illness.” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan, puzzled by what they heard, paid their bill and departed.

Leaving the tavern, Bu Yuan said, “Brother, the capital is vast. What’s our plan?” Fang Guohuan replied, “We must seek out a fellow chess player—perhaps someone will know more, as outsiders rarely take notice of such things.” Then, brightening, he said, “Now that we’re here, we should visit the Royal Chess Academy at Anguo Mansion and pay our respects to Master Qu Liangyi, the Imperial Chess Champion. I’ve long wished to experience his legendary play. Moreover, Master Qu once played against the Chessmaster Eunuch Li, and may know something of his background—perhaps even a clue to our case. Given that a murder has occurred over a game of chess, Master Qu, as Imperial Champion, surely cannot turn a blind eye.” Bu Yuan nodded, “Makes sense. If we go straight to Qu Liangyi, things may be much easier.”

Bu Yuan added with a grin, “If you defeat the Imperial Champion at the Royal Chess Academy, perhaps the Emperor himself will bestow upon you the title of Divine Hand or Sainted Player—what glory that would be!” Fang Guohuan replied, “To sit across the board from the Imperial Champion is already a great honor, for Qu Liangyi was chosen by the Emperor from among the nation’s finest—beating him will not be easy.” Bu Yuan shook his head, “To think one can become a champion by simply moving little stones on a grid—how strange!” Fang Guohuan laughed, “Every craft is a world of its own. Though chess pieces are small, their moves are infinite, mysterious even to the spirits, and full of endless delight—beyond the grasp of ordinary minds.”

As they joked and strolled, they soon saw an old man approaching. Fang Guohuan stepped forward and bowed, “Excuse me, sir, could you tell us the way to the Royal Chess Academy at Anguo Mansion?” The old man looked startled, gave them a curious glance, and said coldly, “What business do youngsters have there? If you like chess, there’s a chess hall two streets ahead—go there and play.” With that, he walked away, leaving Fang Guohuan bewildered at the old man’s indifference to the famed Academy.

Bu Yuan fumed, “That old man! My brother is a chess master—why shouldn’t he visit the Royal Chess Academy?” Fang Guohuan remarked, “From his manner and words, it seems… could there be some trouble at the Royal Chess Academy?” He felt a growing unease. Bu Yuan said, “What trouble could there be? The Academy is imperial, with a new Imperial Champion, Qu Liangyi, whom everyone respects.” Fang Guohuan replied, “Something is strange. Since the old man mentioned a chess hall ahead, let’s visit and ask among fellow players for news.”

They crossed a street and, after asking for directions, made their way to the chess hall. Suddenly, from a nearby alley, someone dashed out, stumbled, and fell face-first into the mud, where he began eating dirt. Startled, Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan stared at the man—his hair wild, clothes disheveled, grabbing handfuls of mud and stuffing them into his mouth, heedless of filth, laughing and then sobbing uncontrollably.

They saw that despite his madness, the man’s features were refined and noble, his torn silk garments of the finest quality—not attire for ordinary folk. Just then, a boy of twelve or thirteen ran out from the alley, helped him up, and sobbed, “Master, let’s go back—please, let’s go back.” Passersby shook their heads and sighed as they walked away, accustomed to the sight. Suddenly, the madman leaped up, knocked the boy aside, cried out incoherently, and ran past Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan, the boy chasing after him in tears—a sight to break the heart. Bu Yuan sighed, “How pitiful! He must have been from a wealthy family, to come to this.” Fang Guohuan also sighed, watched the madman disappear into the distance, and then walked on with Bu Yuan.

They found the chess hall—a large mansion with intricately carved wooden columns flanking its gate. The couplet read: “Heaven’s circle gives rise to the two energies of yin and yang; Earth’s square moves the black and white stones of my hand.” The horizontal plaque bore the name: “Baixi Chess Hall.” Bu Yuan asked, “Is this the place?” Fang Guohuan nodded, “Indeed. I didn’t expect there’d be someone in the capital who’d make a proper craft of chess, opening a hall and taking pupils.” From within the half-open door came the crisp sound of chess stones being placed on boards. Bu Yuan asked in surprise, “People earn a living this way? The owner must be highly skilled.” Fang Guohuan replied, “Here in the capital, with its hidden talents, to open a chess hall at a time when chess is so popular, one must be a true master.” Bu Yuan remarked, “The couplet by the door is impressive.” Fang Guohuan said, “Writings reflect their author—there’s hidden meaning in these sixteen characters.” Bu Yuan peered inside, hesitating, “How should we pay our respects?” Fang Guohuan smiled, “With chess, we make friends!” and, taking Bu Yuan’s arm, entered the Baixi Chess Hall.

Inside, they were immediately captivated by the scene: under a dozen willow trees in the courtyard, scores of children, ten or so years old, were paired off in fierce matches. In the southeast corner, four girls played in two games, each focused intently on the board. Young men played under the eaves, deep in thought. Bu Yuan marveled, “The capital is extraordinary—everything is so well-formed.” Fang Guohuan was inwardly impressed by the hall’s owner, who had cultivated so many young players—he could not help but feel respect.

They wound their way between the tables to the main hall. Here, a dozen children of six or seven sat listening to a young man’s chess lesson. On the wall was a large chessboard, and the teacher, holding black and white stones, marked circles on the board, explaining simple moves and terms to his attentive pupils. Fang Guohuan was amazed by the hall’s size and the systematic teaching. Bu Yuan tugged his sleeve and whispered, “Even little kids are learning chess—looks fun. Maybe you could teach me a few tricks someday.” Fang Guohuan smiled and whispered, “Chess cultivates patience, unlike your mighty bow, which can split trees and rocks in a flash.” Bu Yuan nodded, staring at the children, and muttered, “Can you eat it?” No one in the hall questioned their presence.

After leaving the main hall, they entered the rear courtyard, which was smaller, with just a few tables under grape arbors, where middle-aged men played quietly. In one corner, a monk and an old man played alone. Flanking the courtyard were side rooms, and at the center, the main hall, its doors wide open. Inside, a crowd watched two masters in an enthralling match. Just then, a young man emerged from a side room to greet them. “Gentlemen, may I help you?” Fang Guohuan bowed, “I am Fang Guohuan, come to pay my respects to your master and make friends through chess.” The young man looked them over and replied, “So you are fellow players come to visit. My master has instructed us to treat all guests with courtesy. He is currently playing in the hall with Old Master Mu Yinquan. If you are not in a rush, you may wait.” Fang Guohuan thanked him, and the young man led them to the main hall.

Inside, the crowd was absorbed in a game between a kindly middle-aged man and a white-bearded elder. The young man motioned for silence, and Fang Guohuan watched, quickly realizing these were both masters—the white stones in particular displayed skill equal to that of Master Fayang of Tianyuan Monastery. The middle-aged man was Baixi Chess Hall’s owner, Liu Baixi, a renowned master; his opponent was Mu Yinquan, another local chess luminary.

At length, Mu Yinquan, after long contemplation, tossed his stone into the basket and sighed, “Master Liu, you always outplay me by a few moves—I concede.” Liu Baixi frowned, “Your play was ingenious today—victory is not yet certain. Why admit defeat?” Mu Yinquan replied, “In the last two games, I gained no advantage, and at the end, you seized the initiative. In this last match, I’ve given my all and still cannot surpass you. I accept defeat.”

Liu Baixi shook his head, “Why so modest, Master Mu? Are you sparing my feelings before my students, holding back a brilliant move, or conceding on purpose? No need for that.” Startled, Mu Yinquan examined the board. Fang Guohuan, watching, thought, “Liu Baixi is so magnanimous, pointing out his opponent’s best move—truly admirable. Too bad Master Mu may not see it.” Sure enough, Mu Yinquan studied the board, then laughed, “You jest, Master Liu. Your two white dragons control the board—my black stones are cornered. Where could there be a brilliant move? I’ve studied your games for years, hoping to beat you once; I would not miss the chance.”

Liu Baixi replied, “The outcome is not yet settled. You’ve created a subtle formation—if you add one more stone, the result could change.” Mu Yinquan’s face darkened. “Come, everyone, see if you can spot a miraculous move that might let me win.” The onlookers, all students of Liu Baixi and skilled players, shook their heads. One said, “The result is set—no need for further moves.” Another added, “Even a few more moves won’t change the outcome.” Mu Yinquan, displeased, said, “I’ve always admired Master Liu’s skill—I lose, and lose willingly. Please, no more comfort. When I improve, I’ll return for another lesson,” and left abruptly. Liu Baixi sighed, realizing his kindness had been misunderstood, and sent a student after him.

Liu Baixi muttered, “Just a single move apart—can it truly make such a difference?” Then, turning to his students, “Come, examine the board. Master Mu truly had a move that could turn the tables.” The students crowded around, pondering, but none could find it. Displeased, Liu Baixi was about to scatter the stones.

At that, Fang Guohuan stepped forward, “Master Liu, wait. There really is a marvelous ‘single stone traps the double dragons’ move here.” Everyone was astonished. Liu Baixi, rising, noticed the two unfamiliar young men and, surprised but pleased, asked, “Master, these are guests come to play chess,” explained the young man. Liu Baixi greeted them warmly. Fang Guohuan introduced himself and Bu Yuan, and Liu Baixi, having heard his insightful remark, realized a true master had arrived, and invited them to sit.

Tea was served, and Liu Baixi asked, “Master Fang, your ‘single stone traps the double dragons’ is precisely the key to this game. Would you show my students the move?” Fang Guohuan smiled, “Then allow me.” He took a black stone and placed it gently on the board. Liu Baixi exclaimed, “Exactly! This move brings the dead to life.” Two of the stronger students suddenly understood, exclaiming, “Marvelous! The game is saved!” The weaker players, however, still looked puzzled.

Liu Baixi, delighted, said, “Today, to meet a chess master like Master Fang is my great fortune. I dare to ask for a match.” Fang Guohuan replied, “I came today to experience your play, but after three games, you must be weary. Another day, perhaps?” Liu Baixi agreed, praising Fang Guohuan’s consideration. He instructed a student to copy the game record and send it to Master Mu, so he could see the brilliant move he missed. Fang Guohuan commended Liu Baixi’s magnanimity.

Liu Baixi said, “Chess is a refined art—it should never be the cause of strife. I have never cared much for victory or defeat, only for the joy of the game.” Fang Guohuan replied, “You have reached the highest realm of chess.” He then added, “The scale and system of your hall are truly impressive. To teach the young and make a living from chess is worthy of respect from all players.” Liu Baixi replied, “I have devoted my life to chess. The art, rightly practiced, can refine character and open the mind, and, if widely taught, can help the nation flourish.” Fang Guohuan exclaimed, “To use chess for the good of the world—that is true virtue!”

At that moment, the student who had followed Mu Yinquan returned, announcing, “Master, Master Qu is out again.” Liu Baixi’s expression changed, and he sighed. His students became somber. The student shook his head, “Such a tragedy—a great master struck by madness, his life and playing ruined, wandering the streets in delirium!” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan were shocked. Fang Guohuan asked urgently, “Master Liu, this Master Qu—is he…?”

Liu Baixi replied, “You do not sound like a native of the capital.” “Indeed,” Fang Guohuan said, “We arrived today.” Liu Baixi nodded, “Then you may not have heard: a month ago, a great event occurred here.” Fang Guohuan’s heart quickened. Liu Baixi continued, “You must have heard of the chess tournament half a year ago.” Fang Guohuan replied, “I heard tell of it—masters from across the land gathered, and one emerged above all: Qu Liangyi, now Imperial Champion and head of the Royal Chess Academy. But…” His heart sank. Liu Baixi nodded, “The trouble lies with him. A month ago, for no known reason, Imperial Champion Qu Liangyi suddenly lost his senses and went mad overnight.”

Bu Yuan exclaimed, “Was it that madman we saw on the street?” Liu Baixi replied, “Yes, you have seen him.” Fang Guohuan was astonished, “To think that was the Imperial Champion!” Liu Baixi sighed, “Qu Liangyi was unmatched—since his rise, he had no equal. The games he played to win the title were the talk of the city. But now, this tragedy is the misfortune of the chess world.” Fang Guohuan, shocked, asked, “Do you know what caused his sudden illness?” Liu Baixi answered, “His madness alarmed the Emperor, who sent the imperial physicians, but none could diagnose his illness or treat it. It is known that on the night before his breakdown, he played a game against someone. That very night, he began to act strangely, and by morning, was insane.” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan were horrified.

Fang Guohuan asked urgently, “Was his opponent that night the Chessmaster Eunuch, Li?” Liu Baixi was startled, “How did you know? Few are aware.” Fang Guohuan replied, “So it’s true! To be honest, my companion and I came to the capital to investigate a murder tied to this Chessmaster Eunuch.” “A murder?” Liu Baixi and his students were shocked. Liu Baixi realized, “Could Qu Liangyi’s madness be linked to that game with the Chessmaster Eunuch? How could that be?” Fang Guohuan replied, “It is all very mysterious. Master Liu, do you know anything of Eunuch Li’s background?”

Liu Baixi said, “That is a long story. I have seen him a few times when summoned to teach the crown prince chess. He entered the palace three years ago, introduced by an official, already over fifty. At first, he was a normal man, calling himself Li Wusan. He began teaching chess in the harem, and his skill was unfathomable—all other palace masters lost to him. The Emperor was delighted, and Li became extremely favored. Yet, two years later, for unknown reasons, he mutilated himself and became a eunuch—something none in the chess world could understand. Afterward, even stranger things happened: his chess skill soared, and he could defeat all comers without losing a single piece. When the Emperor summoned all masters for the chess championship, only Qu Liangyi and Li Wusan remained. They played seven matches before the throne, all draws—neither surpassing the other. These games were transcribed as ‘The Seven Matches of the Golden Hall,’ but are kept in the palace and not published. The Emperor, not wishing a eunuch to hold the public title, gave Li only the honorary name of Chessmaster Eunuch, and awarded Qu Liangyi the title of Imperial Champion. Li seemed struck by this and withdrew from view. After three months, he reappeared, seeking matches with other masters, but always in secrecy, never allowing spectators, and often destroying the board after games. His play became even more unpredictable, with strange new tactics that left opponents demoralized and shaken, some to the point of losing all interest in chess. There were rumors that Li Wusan wanted to challenge the Imperial Champion again. After their match, Qu Liangyi went mad for no clear reason.”

Bu Yuan said, “Qu Liangyi must have suffered something during the match. Why didn’t the Emperor arrest the eunuch and demand answers?” Liu Baixi replied, “After Qu Liangyi’s illness, the Emperor ordered the Embroidered Guards to investigate. When they learned Qu Liangyi had played a match with Li Wusan the night before, the Emperor summoned Li for questioning. But that very night, after their game, Li Wusan mysteriously vanished.” “Vanished?” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan were even more surprised.

“Yes,” Liu Baixi said, “Li Wusan disappeared without a trace—a palace mystery. Stranger still, at the same time, Commander Yu Ruoxu of the Embroidered Guards also vanished.” Bu Yuan was startled, “I know that man—his martial arts are unmatched, and he wields a sword with his left hand.” Liu Baixi was surprised, “When did you meet him?” Fang Guohuan answered, “If I’m not mistaken, Yu Ruoxu and Li Wusan once visited my late friend, Master Zhishan, to play chess. After their game, Master Zhishan died at the board—killed, I believe, by Li Wusan’s chess.” “Killed by chess?” Liu Baixi and his students were shocked.

Fang Guohuan continued, “It seems now that Li Wusan truly has the power to kill with chess, to disturb the mind and snatch the soul. Regrettably, I arrived too late to stop him, and Bu Yuan’s men were unable to catch him. We came to the capital to investigate Master Zhishan’s death.” Liu Baixi was stunned, “No matter how profound one’s chess—if you lose, you lose. How can chess drive a man mad or to death? Is there some sorcery? Chess is a refined art—how can it be twisted to evil?” Fang Guohuan replied, “It is baffling, but Master Zhishan died at the board, without any outside force—it must have been Li Wusan’s strange chess that killed him.” Liu Baixi shook his head, “Impossible. Unless there was trickery, there can be no fatal move on the board.”

Bu Yuan said, “If only we’d caught the eunuch then, we’d have answers.” Liu Baixi replied, “Yu Ruoxu is the greatest swordsman of the Embroidered Guards—known as the finest in the land. He uses his left hand not because he’s left-handed, but because his right is too fierce and deadly. So he restrains himself by using the left.” Bu Yuan nodded, “No wonder—when he struck, five or six of my men fell in an instant. He’s truly formidable.” Fang Guohuan added, “He seemed a man of chivalry—why does he follow a man of such questionable character as Li Wusan and protect him?”

Liu Baixi explained, “Years ago, Yu Ruoxu was ordered to recover a stolen imperial treasure. He succeeded, but out of pity for the thief—a martial prodigy—he let him go. The Emperor was furious and would have executed Yu’s whole family, but Li Wusan, then highly favored, and Consort Liu together begged for mercy. The Emperor spared Yu’s life, only demoting him. Out of gratitude, Yu followed Li Wusan ever since. But now, both have vanished. With Qu Liangyi mad and the case unresolved, the palace dares not pursue it further. Both Qu Liangyi’s madness and the disappearance of Li Wusan and Yu Ruoxu remain unsolved mysteries.”

Liu Baixi paused and mused, “With Qu Liangyi’s collapse, he was soon expelled from the Royal Chess Academy and now lives in a humble inn with a young servant—a wretched fate. Both his madness and Master Zhishan’s death are tied to games with Li Wusan, but with no evidence, the authorities do nothing. Li Wusan was once the palace’s pride, so no one dares act. We don’t even know what strange power his chess holds. With Yu Ruoxu protecting him, even private retribution would be difficult. Since their disappearance, they are impossible to find.” Fang Guohuan said solemnly, “Then let it be settled on the board. Even if I must search the world, I will find him for a match.” Liu Baixi was both troubled and impressed. He added, “If Li Wusan can kill with chess, he will not hide his skill—he has likely gone forth to challenge the world’s greatest players as he did Master Zhishan.” Fang Guohuan was alarmed, “Then all the masters of the land are in danger!” Liu Baixi, too, was startled. “If he brings disaster to the chess world, it is truly terrifying. Let us hope killing by chess is not real, or the consequences will be unimaginable.” All present felt a heavy weight settle upon their hearts.