Inside the chess pavilion, Zhuo Yun's face was pale, her delicate body trembling uncontrollably.
She dared not follow the Emperor of Daliang to see Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang, so she had remained in the chess pavilion, a defiance in itself.
Fortunately, her master, the Chess Saint, though urging her to return home, did not force her and continued to shield her, preventing others from approaching.
In the past, Mu Cheng had garnered popular support to quell the Xiu family's rebellion, and the Chess Saint, along with her son-in-law, Li Xin's father, had been instrumental in this, though this connection was not widely known.
Even the guards protecting the Chess Saint were the Xuan Guards, most trusted by Mu Cheng.
Yue Hongxiu was still shrouded in a black robe, only her sharp eyes visible.
Yue Wenxin, perched with her legs crossed, appeared bored, with the air of someone enjoying a spectacle.
Only Li Xin was earnestly trying to persuade Zhuo Yun.
"As the foremost of the Six Beauties of Hengjiang, I still feel inadequate facing the Marquis of Anguo. He is a peerless hero sought after by countless women. Even if he doesn't understand chess, he will surely respect your pursuit."
Zhuo Yun, steeling herself, replied, "The way of chess requires a pure heart, free from distractions, to achieve the ultimate realm..."
Li Xin sighed, "So you mean my own chess path has stagnated because of my distractions?"
"That's not what I meant, I'm sorry!" Zhuo Yun said plaintively.
On the day Liang Xiao arrived in Daliang, Li Xin, seeing Zhuo Yun's distress, couldn't bear to leave her and stayed to keep her company, foregoing meeting Liang Xiao.
Li Xin had also resolved to remain single, receiving support from her parents as she was not an only child, for fear that meeting Liang Xiao would reignite her hopes.
However, upon learning that the Emperor of Daliang was arranging a marriage for Yue Wenxin, Li Xin's attitude towards her dear junior sister underwent a dramatic shift, turning into that of a resentful woman.
Zhuo Yun could somewhat understand that if her own parents had been present then, the Emperor of Daliang might have considered her and arranged a match for her as well. This was an opportunity, but it had vanished because she chose to accompany her dear junior sister.
Now, Zhuo Yun felt as though she had offended the entire world, overwhelmed by shame.
A guard's announcement from outside broke the brief silence.
"Second Miss Zhuo, the Marchioness of Anguo, Princess Wanhua of Daqian, your third sister, requests an audience!"
Zhuo Yun's vigilance immediately sharpened. "Has my grandfather arrived yet!"
"Only Princess Wanhua, and her father, Zuo Wushang," the guard replied.
The truth about Zhuo Xun's identity had already spread throughout Daqian and then to Daliang. Citizens of both nations marveled at Emperor Wen's benevolence for preserving this karmic connection, which allowed the remnants of Daheng to submit.
Zhuo Yun finally relaxed, her lips pursed, on the verge of tears.
"Second Sister~"
As Zhuo Xun entered, after introducing Zuo Wushang, Yue Hongxiu, and others to Zhuo Yun, she threw herself into Zhuo Yun's embrace, tears she had held back now spilling forth, her eyes instantly welling up. Years had passed since the sisters last met, and they wept in each other's arms.
Zhuo Yun hugged Zhuo Xun with doting affection, stroking her dark hair, and chided, "Third Sister, you have a child now, how can you act so childishly and clingy..."
"I will always be your dear Third Sister~" Zhuo Xun pouted and clung to her.
"Alright, alright, you're so good, everything is as you wish! Everything is as you wish~" Zhuo Yun's heart melted. She quickly pulled Zhuo Xun to sit beside her, then asked, "Did Grandfather say anything?"
"Grandfather is unhappy, but he doesn't want to force Second Sister to marry," Zhuo Xun huffed.
Zhuo Yun breathed a sigh of relief, only for Zhuo Xun to abruptly change the subject, "But I want Second Sister to marry the Great Demon!"
"Great Demon?" Yue Hongxiu and the other two narrowed their eyes.
"Oh, that's my husband..." Zhuo Xun realized she had spoken too freely, her pretty face flushing. She quickly deflected, "Second Sister, won't you grant Xiao Xun's wish? D-don't you want to see Xiao Qi'er? He's so plump and adorable now~"
The "Xiao Qi'er" she spoke of was naturally Zuo Longcheng, seventh in line among Liang Xiao's household.
Zhuo Yun nearly choked, "Why are you also trying to force Second Sister? How good is he to you?"
Zhuo Xun replied without hesitation, "Immeasurably good, beyond your imagination, boundless!"
Having said that, Zhuo Xun's face turned scarlet as if remembering something, and she dared not continue.
The "bad" side was also boundless...
Li Xin, standing beside them, felt her eyes practically burning with envy, regretting only that she hailed from the Li family of Daliang.
Zhuo Yun fell silent.
Zhuo Xun then resumed her usual tactics of cajoling and tearful pleas, a double-pronged assault.
Zuo Wushang, who had remained silent, suppressed a smile as he observed Zhuo Yun, then looked at Yue Wenxin and Yue Hongxiu.
"Two experts?"
Zuo Wushang's heart sank.
His intuition told him these two women were not to be trifled with.
He had heard Liang Xiao mention that Yue Wenxin might have "multiple personalities," which made him even more cautious, lest his child be struck down by her sword.
Zhuo Yun, unable to bear Zhuo Xun's relentless onslaught, mumbled, "Please spare Second Sister. When Second Sister's chess reaches the sacred realm, she will naturally return to Daqian..."
"Really?" Zhuo Xun blinked her dewy eyes, feigning innocence.
Li Xin, standing nearby, murmured, "My maternal grandmother reached the sacred realm of chess at thirty-five; she is already the youngest Chess Saint in the history of both our nations."
Zhuo Xun immediately protested, "No! Second Sister, if you come home, we can reach the sacred realm together~"
Zhuo Yun clasped Zhuo Xun's hand and pleaded, "Please tell Grandfather my words when you return. Forgive your Second Sister for her filial impiety, but Second Sister truly wishes only to focus on the way of chess. The chess arts of both nations are declining day by day, and as the Chess Saint's successor, Second Sister bears a heavy responsibility..."
No matter how Zhuo Xun persuaded her, Zhuo Yun did not agree.
Helpless, Zhuo Xun temporarily set aside the topic, inquired about Zhuo Yun's recent life, and then took her leave with reluctance.
"I'll come visit Second Sister again to play~"
Looking at the still innocent and carefree Zhuo Xun, Zhuo Yun smiled radiantly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. The Marquis of Anguo of Daqian cannot compare to the ethereal sacred realm of chess," Yue Wenxin taunted.
"If you like him, then marry him. Didn't your Emperor arrange a match for you?" Zhuo Yun retorted, displeased.
Yue Wenxin replied coldly, "Someone like me is destined for a solitary life and should not bring ruin to a man, especially since he is... the son of the Northern King."
Zhuo Yun knew she had likely touched a sore spot for Yue Wenxin and quickly apologized.
Upon her return, Zhuo Xun truthfully reported her experiences to Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang.
Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang exchanged glances.
Zuo Wushang sighed, "I can see she isn't scared off by you, but genuinely wishes to dedicate herself to chess. However, I believe her actions will cause considerable embarrassment to both nations. After all, she is Zhuo Lingjun's granddaughter, and it is widely rumored she is your betrothed..."
Liang Xiao smiled, "Do not force her. Once I have settled the affairs of the two nations, I will address this matter and ensure she returns to Daliang."
Zhuo Zifang sighed, offering no comment.
Even Zhuo Xun, who had the closest relationship with Zhuo Yun, could not persuade her to return...
Liang Xiao changed the subject, sighing incessantly, "Finding my woman is the most urgent matter. Father-in-law, please visit Zuo Wuji and negotiate with him. As long as I can have my Lin'er back, anything is negotiable!"