"Impossible?" Zhuo Yun's eyebrows furrowed tightly.
The chess players in the chess hall ranged from teenagers to those over fifty.
"Qimo's skill level, in our chess hall, is at best mid-tier. He must have won against Qimo by luck, or perhaps, he felt too much pressure facing a true master and could only concede," the three chess players who had lost to Liang Xiao vied to "explain" on his behalf, but their smug expressions couldn't hide their delight.
"I knew it, he's just a phony, coming for you~" Yue Wenxin became even more smug.
Liang Xiao merely smiled without speaking.
In truth, he had intended to resign after a few moves to enjoy some peace.
Once these chess players heard he had defeated Qimo and even possessed profound insights recognized by the Chess Saint, they flocked to challenge him, a constant nuisance.
Li Xin felt uneasy and quickly explained, "The Way of Chess isn't solely about skill, is it? He's still young, and his insights are unique and rare. His chess skills can still improve."
The others remained noncommittal, their disappointment evident, and they all shook their heads, "Come back when your chess skills have improved."
Zhuo Yun was also disappointed, but after some thought, she sighed, "Actually, this also shows that he is indeed here to deepen his studies at the chess hall…"
Li Xin froze, secretly overjoyed.
She had never actually watched Liang Xiao play chess; she had merely bribed Qimo.
The Chess Saint was strict about accepting disciples, and for Zhuo Xun's safety, he wouldn't casually allow strangers into the chess hall. Thus, she had to resort to such a clumsy tactic, otherwise, Liang Xiao wouldn't even be able to enter.
Now, Zhuo Yun's misunderstanding inadvertently confirmed Liang Xiao's intentions, and she had completed Liang Xiao's request.
After everyone dispersed, Li Xin couldn't help but approach Liang Xiao, murmuring, "Are… are you really not good at chess…"
Liang Xiao smiled and replied, "I know a little."
"Oh…" Li Xin responded weakly, sighing wistfully, filled with regret.
"If he were truly skilled, my grandmother wouldn't dislike him, Liang Qing's grandson, in the future. But it's also reasonable that he's worried about the country and its people and has no time to study the Way of Chess…"
The Chess Saint had also heard of Liang Xiao's mediocre chess skills. After a long silence, he said to Zhuo Yun, "This young man is undoubtedly a promising talent. The chess hall is indeed the right place for him to study. He should be allowed to continue his advanced studies."
"But I heard from everyone that he spent the entire day in his own courtyard and didn't go to the library to study chess manuals. Is he perhaps unmotivated…" Zhuo Yun lowered her head.
The Chess Saint looked at Zhuo Yun and smiled gently, "You're worried that speaking too ill of him might make you seem jealous of talent. I know your character, you can speak frankly."
Only then did Zhuo Yun say, "The chess hall needs dedicated chess players. If one's skills are lacking, they can learn. But if their skills are lacking and they are unwilling to study deeply, they are like mud that cannot be plastered onto a wall. Since Master wishes to keep him, why not persuade him yourself? Perhaps he will be grateful for your shelter and learn with more enthusiasm."
The Chess Saint nodded, "He's new here and perhaps a bit nervous. Let's observe him for a few more days."
Liang Xiao remained in his room, studying the intelligence provided by He Zizhang.
This included the key moves from Zhuo Yun's matches with the chess hall's masters. After reviewing them, Liang Xiao casually tossed the intelligence aside, finding it utterly uninteresting.
He had come here to observe Zhuo Yun's so-called "Way of Chess," but he was disappointed.
In reality, she was clearly a young girl who had suffered from severe depression since childhood.
"Perhaps the Way of Chess in both Da Qian and Da Liang has always been mediocre? After all, she and the Chess Saint represent the peak of the game in both countries."
Liang Xiao, in a rare moment of self-reflection, pondered deeply.
He could tell that Zhuo Xun was indeed melancholic and uncommunicative with the outside world, only showing enthusiasm when playing chess.
This was Zhuo Zifang's granddaughter. He had been entrusted by Zhuo Zifang to persuade her to return.
Therefore, he had to use the most gentle methods to make her realize her mistakes, without causing her further despondency, at least to help her resolve her inner turmoil.
The true motivation for Liang Xiao to come to the chess hall was certainly not solely due to Zhuo Zifang's request; after all, she was living a decent life at the chess hall.
The Da Liang nation was experiencing undercurrents of change. Once the Da Liang Emperor passed away, the country would surely be in turmoil, and the Zhuo family might not have time to bring her back!
As a son-in-law of the Zhuo family, he certainly didn't want the Zhuo family to be devastated in the future.
Even if she wasn't to become Xiao Qing's imperial concubine later, she had to be brought home.
But he had to resolve this matter before the anniversary of the Twelve Righteous Warriors.
While Liang Xiao was on his envoy mission to Da Liang, Da Qian had not relaxed its efforts.
Across the country, more and more people were beginning to live and work in peace, experiencing the benefits of abolishing the head tax, and could raise their children without worry.
If girls did not need to farm, they would not need to be married off in haste.
Of course, the traditional notion and official regulation of marriage at fourteen had not changed.
One day, the Minister of Revenue, Gu Hong, and Gu Shaoyan, were reporting to the imperial court.
"The national population report indicates over eighty-five million people. However, according to feedback from various regions and calculations by the Ministry of Revenue, there may still be over ten million hidden households! After deliberation with the Prime Minister, your humble servant believes that the 'Great Census' proposed by Marquis Anguo can be implemented!"
Wang Canghai also stepped forward, expressing his support.
Xiao Qing then made up his mind and declared loudly, "Approved! Starting today, a 'Great Census' will be conducted across all regions to identify all hidden households within three years, thereby preventing them from being exploited by landlords in various regions and planting seeds of future trouble."
The officials rejoiced.
Xiao Qing, however, felt a touch of nervousness.
The Great Census was no small undertaking; it required national mobilization and enhanced population control.
But compared to the potential risks of at least ten million hidden households being exploited by landlords, it was worth it!
"By imperial decree! His Majesty adopts the suggestion of the Minister of Personnel and Marquis Anguo, Liang Xiao, to conduct a nationwide 'Great Census' in all prefectures and counties to verify household registration. Names, birth dates, and appearances will be recorded with the aim of uncovering hidden populations and meticulously comparing the appearances of the populace with their descriptions on the household registers. Officials in all regions must personally inspect the age and appearance of the people. Any harboring or omissions will result in severe punishment for local officials, including village heads, security chiefs, and ward chiefs."
"Hidden households in all regions that report themselves early will be pardoned, and no past transgressions will be pursued. Continued concealment will result in severe consequences! Anyone found to be coercing others into hiding their status may be reported immediately. Those found to be threatening will, upon investigation, have their entire families exiled and severely punished without leniency!"
After the decree was issued from the capital, the common people, though bewildered, accepted the inspection with relief.
They trusted that their Marquis Anguo and His Majesty would not harm them; it must be for their own good!
Liang Xiao and Xiao Qing implemented the Great Census for the stability of the nation, aiming to eradicate the threat posed by landlords who harbored malicious intent by exploiting hidden households. This hidden danger had to be addressed first.
An increasing number of hidden households, previously pressured by landlords, could only remain concealed.
Now, receiving official confirmation and having no further concerns, they came forward to report themselves.
The landlords and gentry in various regions, intimidated by the warning of exile for their entire families, trembled and dared not continue to oppress these hidden households, thus relinquishing their hold.
With the capital as the center, radiating throughout the country, the Great Census created a sensation nationwide!