Chapter Twenty-six: Gathering at the Qu Family (Part Two)

After traveling for another two hours, the caravan finally arrived at a bustling market town, home to thousands of families. At this moment, Qu Ning’er leapt joyfully from the carriage and exclaimed with delight, “This is Qu Family Town! We are finally home.” Bu Yuan smiled and said, “Then, young brother, please lead the way.” Qu Ning’er pointed to a large residence up ahead and said, “It’s right there.” Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng raised their heads and saw an impressive mansion before them. Though it did not quite reach the level of opulence and grandeur, it was clear that the family was prosperous and well-off.

The group drew up before the gate, where a child of about six was playing with a servant. Upon seeing them, Qu Ning’er rushed forward, threw his arms around the child, and burst into tears, crying, “Young master Qu Cao, your father has returned!” The child, startled and then overjoyed, cried, “Brother Ning, you’re back!” The servant nearby was taken aback to see Qu Ning’er and seized him anxiously, demanding, “Qu Ning’er, you say the master has returned—where is he now?” Qu Ning’er pointed back to the carriage, sobbing, “The master is inside... in the carriage, Brother Qu Fa, please go and inform the mistress, as well as the second and third masters—tell them the master has been brought home by these three benefactors.” Qu Fa, surprised by Qu Ning’er’s sudden return and his disjointed, tearful manner, looked at the carriage and saw that Master Qu Liangyi lay silent within, while three unfamiliar horsemen stood nearby. Sensing something was amiss, he turned and ran inside to deliver the news.

Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng dismounted and approached. Fang Guohuan observed the child’s delicate features and lively charm, sensing the same refined air that Qu Liangyi possessed, and asked Qu Ning’er with a smile, “Is this the young son of Master Qu?” Qu Ning’er replied, “Indeed, this is our young master, his name is Qu Cao.” Then he turned to the boy and said, “Young master, you must thank these benefactors; if not for them, your father might never have come home.” With that, Qu Ning’er broke into sobs again. Qu Cao gazed timidly at Fang Guohuan and his companions with wide, unfamiliar eyes and whispered, “My father…” Bu Yuan smiled and commented, “You’re right, this little one is truly adorable, and does resemble Master Qu.”

Just then, a clatter of hurried footsteps sounded from within the residence, and two men rushed out. They stopped short, startled by the sight of three strangers standing outside, with Qu Ning’er by Qu Cao’s side, tears in his eyes. One called out anxiously, “Brother! Where is Brother?” Qu Ning’er, upon seeing them, wailed loudly, “Second Master, Third Master, the master has returned—he’s in the carriage!” Shocked, the two men hurried to the carriage, lifted the curtains, and cried out in unison, “Brother! Brother! What has happened to you?” One turned back to Qu Ning’er and demanded harshly, “Qu Ning’er, come here! Why is my brother in such a state?” Qu Ning’er, frightened out of his wits, stood there wailing, unable to respond.

Fang Guohuan quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, “I am Fang Guohuan. Greetings to you both. There are many things that require explanation.” The two brothers steadied themselves, returned the greeting, and one said, “So you are Master Fang. I am Qu Liangcai, and this is my younger brother, Qu Liangchen.” By now, Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng had also approached and exchanged greetings. Qu Liangcai, still bewildered, asked, “Master Fang, was not my brother at the Imperial Chess Academy in the capital? How did he end up returning in such a condition? Has he fallen gravely ill?” Fang Guohuan replied, “Do not be anxious, gentlemen. This matter is rather complicated…”

At that moment, a throng of maids and servants emerged from the Qu residence, escorting a dignified lady in haste. Qu Liangcai hurried to meet her, saying, “Sister-in-law, why have you come out as well?” Lady Qu, troubled, asked, “Qu Fa said your brother and Qu Ning’er have returned. What has happened? Why are you all back so soon?” Qu Liangcai replied nervously, “Brother… he is in the carriage. Sister-in-law, you should see for yourself.” Lady Qu, baffled, hastened to the carriage and found Qu Liangyi half-reclined inside, his clothes disheveled, hair unkempt, his gaze vacant, murmuring to himself—clearly lost in madness. Lady Qu, horrified, climbed into the carriage, cradled her husband, and wept, “Husband! Husband! What has happened to you?”

Qu Liangcai, unable to bear the sight, immediately ordered the servants and maids, “Quick, help the master and mistress to the rear courtyard to rest.” He then turned to Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng, bowed, and said, “Gentlemen, please come inside so we may speak.” Leading them into the house, Qu Liangchen sternly beckoned to Qu Ning’er, “You, come in first.” The maids supported the weeping Lady Qu, the servants carried Qu Liangyi, and all went inside; the carriage, horses, and driver were left in the care of the household staff.

The Qu brothers invited Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng to be seated in the main hall, with Qu Ning’er standing timidly at the side. Bu Yuan, moved by pity, drew Qu Ning’er over and said, “Young brother, you’ve had a long journey today; come, sit and rest.” Qu Ning’er glanced up at the Qu brothers, afraid to sit. Qu Liangchen waved his hand and ordered, “Sit, Qu Ning’er, I’ll speak with you later.” Only then did Qu Ning’er sit down hesitantly. Maids served tea, and the Qu brothers urged their guests to partake.

Qu Liangcai then bowed and said, “This has all happened so suddenly. Please forgive us if we have been discourteous.” Fang Guohuan replied, “It is perfectly understandable; there is no need for self-reproach.” Qu Liangcai asked, “But what exactly happened? How did my brother contract such a strange illness and return home like this? I implore you, Master Fang, to explain in detail.” Fang Guohuan replied, “Master Qu Liangyi won the national chess championship at the capital, and was appointed the foremost chess master, his fame spreading far and wide. Two months ago, a eunuch came into possession of a demonic chess manual and developed a wicked style of ‘ghost chess.’ He visited the Imperial Chess Academy, challenged Master Qu to a game, and, alas, Master Qu’s mind was unsettled by this evil technique, falling into madness as a result.” The Qu brothers were aghast. Qu Liangcai exclaimed, “My brother is unmatched in chess—how could he be so harmed at the board?”

Fang Guohuan explained, “The matter has shaken the capital and become a great unsolved case. To this day, no one knows that the champion was harmed at the chessboard; most believe his illness was self-inflicted. I only know that Master Qu fell victim to this ‘ghost chess,’ his mind disturbed and his spirit exhausted. As to how that eunuch could wield such a deadly technique on the chessboard, and how it can harm, that remains a mystery.” Qu Liangchen, shocked and furious, declared, “Chess is a noble art—how could such sorcery arise? That eunuch must have lost to my brother and, out of spite, resorted to dark magic. Otherwise, how could my brother have suffered so? Where is this villain now? I will find him and avenge my brother!”

Fang Guohuan said, “This eunuch, Li Wusan, vanished mysteriously after his match with Master Qu. It is believed he is now wandering the land, seeking out chess masters to kill for his amusement.” The Qu brothers were stunned. Qu Liangcai asked in disbelief, “He can kill with chess?” Fang Guohuan nodded, “Indeed. A friend of mine was killed in such a match—when the game ended, so did his life. To uncover the truth, I traveled to the capital with Brother Bu Yuan, and by chance found Master Qu and Qu Ning’er destitute in the streets, learning that his madness was also inflicted by this Li Wusan’s ghost chess. As a fellow devotee of the game, I could not bear to see Master Qu suffer in a foreign land, so I escorted him and his servant home.” The Qu brothers were left speechless with shock.

Qu Ning’er sobbed, “If not for the righteous aid of Master Fang and his companions, my master and I would likely have perished in the capital and never returned.” Deeply moved, the Qu brothers fell to their knees, and Qu Liangcai said gratefully, “So you are the great benefactors of our family—please accept our humble gratitude.” Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng quickly helped them up. Fang Guohuan said, “Please, this is unnecessary. Master Qu is a celebrated chess master; it was only right that we bring him and his faithful servant safely home, sparing them further hardship.” Urged by Fang Guohuan, the brothers returned to their seats, their gratitude overflowing.

Qu Liangcai then asked, “Was not my brother at the Academy? How did he end up on the streets?” Fang Guohuan replied, “When a man falls from favor, even tea loses its warmth. After Master Qu was harmed by the ghost chess, the Academy lost its prestige, and some petty souls cast him and his servant out. Thankfully, young Qu Ning’er remained loyal and never left his side; otherwise, Master Qu’s fate would have been even more tragic.” On hearing this, Qu Liangchen was moved; he rose, embraced Qu Ning’er, and said, “I misjudged you, Ning’er. You have suffered greatly with my brother.” Qu Ning’er could no longer hold back and wept aloud, while Qu Liangcai, shedding tears as well, came to comfort him. Fang Guohuan and his companions were equally touched.

Qu Liangchen then strode to the main hall and tore down a congratulatory proclamation in anger, exclaiming, “What use is this now? When my brother was in glory, they all celebrated; now, they cast him out. We have nothing to boast of anymore.” He tore it to pieces. Qu Liangcai sighed, “After my brother won the chess championship, the news was sent home by express messenger and the whole household rejoiced—a great honor for our family. Officials from the county and prefecture visited to pay their respects. All of Qu Family Town was proud to have produced a national chess champion. We were all overjoyed that our family had brought such glory to our name. But now—alas…”

At this, Qu Ning’er added, “Second and Third Master, you may not know this, but on our way home, we were attacked by a band of robbers who tried to abduct my master. If not for the courage of Brother Bu and Brother Lü, who fought off the bandits, the master would not have made it home.” The Qu brothers were alarmed. Qu Liangchen exclaimed, “What? They tried to abduct my brother? Why?” Fang Guohuan explained, “Some villains sought to use Master Qu’s fame for their own nefarious purposes. Were it not for the bravery of Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, the consequences would have been unthinkable.” Upon hearing this, Qu Liangcai was even more shocked and, together with his brother, bowed once again in gratitude.

Qu Liangcai said with feeling, “You three have not only returned my brother home, but risked your own safety to save him once more. Such grace and kindness—how can we ever repay you?” He knelt again, and Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng quickly helped them up.

Once all were seated, Qu Liangchen sighed, “Had we known my brother would end up like this, we would never have urged him to enter the capital’s chess tournament.” Qu Liangcai shook his head in regret and said to Fang Guohuan, “My brother lived for chess, devoting his life to study and practice. He never sought fame, but whenever he heard of a new master, he would travel any distance to learn and exchange knowledge. Day and night he studied, often forgetting to eat or sleep; to him, chess pieces were as precious as life itself—he could not bear to be parted from them for even a moment.” Fang Guohuan could not help but feel deep respect.

Qu Liangcai continued, “Half a year ago, when the Emperor called for chess masters to gather, everyone of skill was eager to respond. We, too, persuaded my brother not to hide his talents and waste his life’s work, but to make his name known. Inspired by his love of the game, he went to the capital, emerging as champion among the finest in the land. He was awarded the title of National Chess Champion and put in charge of the Imperial Chess Academy, influencing chess culture across the nation. But now, after all this hardship, what is left of those honors?” He sighed deeply. Then Qu Liangchen rose and said, “I’ll go check on my brother and sister-in-law. Please, make yourselves comfortable.” He departed.

Qu Liangcai then asked, “Is there any hope of curing my brother’s madness, inflicted by that eunuch’s evil chess?” Fang Guohuan replied, “Even the palace’s best physicians are helpless. It seems we must search for miraculous healers across the land.” Qu Liangcai shook his head in sorrow and asked further about their journey, to which Fang Guohuan recounted the events, drawing further thanks from Qu Liangcai.

When Lady Qu learned all that had happened, she was deeply grateful to Fang Guohuan and his companions for their righteous aid and came out, supported by maids, to offer her thanks; the three men quickly rose to receive her. Once seated, Lady Qu lamented, “My husband left home for less than a year, yet returned in such misery and disgrace. He always sought to make his mark in the world of chess, but just as he achieved the highest honor, fate dealt him this cruel blow. Truly, Heaven is unjust!” She wept bitterly.

Fang Guohuan consoled her, “Please do not grieve too deeply, madam. Master Qu is a chess master of rare talent, but has fallen victim to evil sorcery. This is a tragedy in the world of chess, but we will not rest until justice is done and his wrongs avenged.” Lady Qu bowed in gratitude, then sighed, “A few months ago, my husband wrote from the capital, promising to bring us there to share in his success. I never craved wealth, only his safety. It seems fate had other plans.” Fang Guohuan offered words of comfort, and the Qu brothers persuaded Lady Qu to return to her room and rest.

The brothers then dismissed the carriage driver, to whom Fang Guohuan gave ten taels of silver as compensation for his troubles. Overjoyed, the driver departed with his carriage and horses. The Qu brothers then arranged a banquet for Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Lü Zhufeng, expressing their gratitude at every turn.

After the feast, Fang Guohuan went to the rear chambers to visit Qu Liangyi. The master’s mood was stable but he remained mute and unresponsive, as if devoid of all feeling. Fang Guohuan, unable to bear the sight, paid his respects and withdrew. He then met with Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng to take their leave, but the Qu brothers pleaded with them to stay; Lady Qu, upon hearing this, also came to beg them to remain. Unable to refuse such sincere entreaties, the three finally agreed to stay one more night.

Early the next morning, the three insisted on departing. The Qu brothers, seeing their resolve, could not detain them. Before they left, Lady Qu, accompanied by Qu Cao, Qu Liangcai, Qu Liangchen, Qu Ning’er, and the entire household, knelt in gratitude. The three men quickly helped them up. The Qu brothers offered generous gifts, but the three steadfastly declined, mounted their horses, and bid farewell. The entire Qu household wept as they watched them go, only returning indoors when the three had disappeared from view. Later, in the room where Fang Guohuan and his friends had stayed, they found a cloth bundle containing five hundred taels of silver—the gift from the chess masters of the capital, untouched. Qu Ning’er explained its origin, and the Qu family, though comforted, were filled with even deeper feelings of gratitude and sorrow.