"Marquis An Guo defeated the Golden Chess Immortal entirely? How is that possible!!"
"So, the Marquis An Guo's earlier forfeits were purely because he didn't have time to play with us?"
Upon receiving the news, the chess players outside exploded, everyone shocked and ashamed.
In their eyes, Liang Xiao was merely a bureaucrat who stabilized the nation, essentially someone pursuing fame and fortune, albeit much greater than other officials.
Such a person turned out to be a true master of chess!
Inside the room, the people of Great Liang sighed in admiration repeatedly.
Li Xin was still supported by her sisters from the Hengjiang Six Beauties, lest she faint.
Qin Feng merely exclaimed, "Truly a celestial being..."
Mu Cheng gazed at Liang Xiao, his eyes burning, "As expected of the son of the Northern King, surpassing his predecessor!"
The Chess Saint, knowing he was in the wrong, apologized to Liang Xiao along with Zhuo Yun. Then, he led everyone away, leaving only Liang Xiao's party with Mu Cheng, Qin Feng, and Zhi Rou.
"The Emperor of Great Liang personally visited, likely to help me out of a predicament," Liang Xiao said, looking at Mu Cheng.
"And yet, I ended up helping the chess hall," Mu Cheng chuckled.
"Emperor of Great Liang..."
Before Liang Xiao could finish, Mu Cheng feigned displeasure, "Your father and I are sworn brothers. I don't expect you to call me Godfather, but you're still so formal in private, calling me 'Emperor of Great Liang' like this. Is it so difficult to even call me Uncle?"
Liang Xiao paused, then sighed, "Uncle's treatment of me is certainly not solely due to my father's sworn brotherhood with you."
Mu Cheng nodded, "Naturally. I value your capabilities. It's precisely because you are also the son of the Northern King that I've made up my mind."
"What exactly do you want me to do for you, Uncle? Why have you hesitated to tell me?" Liang Xiao asked.
"Because this is a matter of earth-shattering importance. I cannot even trust you fully yet. If even someone like Master Jian cannot gain your trust, and reveal to you a truth from the past that even I don't know, then even if the outcome is utter failure and I take this secret to my grave, there would be no need for me to tell you," Mu Cheng replied without hesitation.
Zhuo Zifang and the others behind Liang Xiao were filled with doubt.
Liang Xiao remained silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly.
He believed Mu Cheng was not being deliberately mysterious but genuinely had to treat the matter he wanted to entrust with utmost caution.
Qin Feng and Zhi Rou beside them also fell silent, filled with curiosity.
"Your father's ceremonial tomb is almost complete, located at the heart of the Sword Mound. You can pay respects then," Mu Cheng said, leaving without waiting for Liang Xiao's agreement, and led Qin Feng and others out of the room.
"Your Majesty!"
As Mu Cheng emerged, Yue Wenxin rushed over, saying boldly, "I quit being a general!"
Everyone was startled. Li Xin whispered, "Wenxin, don't be rude!"
Mu Cheng, however, was unconcerned and asked curiously, "Why?"
"Even if I wield the Northern King's sword, I'm no match for Marquis An Guo. I'm no longer invincible..." Yue Wenxin pouted, looking aggrieved, like a little girl.
"What??" Mu Cheng and Qin Feng's expressions changed simultaneously, jolted awake!
Could it be that he was truly a Heavenly General, just as Liang Anguo was the Northern King...
"Is this true?" Mu Cheng looked at Yue Hongxiu, who simply nodded obediently.
Noticing Yue Wenxin was a completely different person from her usual arrogant and unrestrained self, Qin Feng and Mu Cheng exchanged glances, understanding each other implicitly.
It was Yue Hongxiu who was surprised that the emperor and his subordinate quickly regained their composure.
"It's no longer important..." Mu Cheng murmured, then nodded, "I grant your request to resign. However, the Northern King is your lifelong devotion, and you remain the Northern King's County Princess."
Yue Wenxin's face then lit up with joy, "Your Majesty is wise~"
The Chess Saint, Li Xin, and others stared at Mu Cheng blankly.
The dignified Emperor of Great Liang, whose prestige had surpassed the founding emperor, was allowing a girl to act so childishly?
Qin Feng, Zhi Rou, and the commander of the Xuan Guard, Ye Chengxiu, behind Mu Cheng, also offered no objections?
The people at the chess hall couldn't comprehend it.
At this moment, Zhuo Yun still kept her head down, following the Chess Saint without a word.
Even though Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang had forgiven her, she still felt ashamed.
"What is Xiangqi? Is it truly suitable for promotion?"
When the chess players heard about Xiangqi, they eagerly inquired. Upon receiving an affirmative reply from the Chess Saint, they were all eager to try.
A moment later, Liang Xiao and his party also emerged. The Chess Saint immediately dismissed the idle onlookers.
Zhuo Zifang and Zhuo Xun requested to speak with Zhuo Yun and the Chess Saint. After the four of them left, Liang Xiao walked towards Yue Wenxin.
Yue Wenxin nervously watched Liang Xiao, then glanced back to see that Yue Hongxiu had already walked away.
In a moment of panic, Yue Wenxin ducked behind a nearby pillar, peeking at Liang Xiao.
"Why are you suddenly so afraid of me?" Liang Xiao asked.
"I drew my sword to chase you earlier..." Yue Wenxin replied weakly.
"I no longer hold a grudge," Liang Xiao smiled.
"No, I was going to castrate you then..."
Upon hearing this, Liang Xiao, Jian Qinwan, and Luo Qingxue were startled!
They had just heard Liang Xiao mention this matter.
If Liang Xiao hadn't possessed exceptional martial arts, others might have already "disappeared."
"Such deep enmity," Liang Xiao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"I thought you didn't know I was Marquis An Guo, and that you were coveting the beauty of the second young lady Zhuo. She is Marquis An Guo's woman, and no one is allowed to approach her..." Yue Wenxin mumbled.
Liang Xiao was taken aback, and the slight annoyance in his heart vanished. He said, "Oh dear, I suddenly don't want to forgive you anymore."
Hearing this, Luo Qingxue and Jian Qinwan couldn't help but roll their eyes at Liang Xiao, with knowing smiles.
He was about to trick another girl!
"Ah? How can the dignified Marquis An Guo of Great Gan go back on his word?" Yue Wenxin felt even more wronged.
"You must first learn to control your impulsiveness. After all, your impulsiveness could lead to someone's death," Liang Xiao said seriously.
"I will never be impulsive again. I'll return the Northern King's sword to you..." Yue Wenxin said, pointing to a stone platform nearby.
The Northern King's sword lay quietly there.
Liang Xiao walked over, picked up the Northern King's sword, and examined it carefully.
Yue Wenxin lowered her head, not daring to look directly at Liang Xiao and the other two.
"Is this sword the reason for your drastic change in temperament?" Liang Xiao asked, feigning ignorance.
"It was before. Now, no matter how I hold this sword, it won't happen..." Yue Wenxin finally began to shed tears.
"Why?" Liang Xiao looked puzzled.
"That's my private matter. You don't need to concern yourself with it..." Yue Wenxin wiped her tears and turned her head away.
Liang Xiao, who was observing the Northern King's sword, said, "If you think about it, you're practically my sister-in-law. Don't call me Marquis An Guo anymore, just call me brother-in-law."
Hearing this, Yue Wenxin finally looked at Liang Xiao and, through her tears, broke into a smile, "Do you truly care about my sister?"
Liang Xiao nodded, "If your sister wasn't in Great Liang, I might not have come. The Emperor of Great Liang has already decreed a marriage. I should be able to see her in a few days. As for the child, we'll have to find a way to bring them back."
"My father is very, very wicked. You must be careful!" Yue Wenxin said nervously.
Liang Xiao then walked towards Yue Wenxin, picked up the Northern King's sword, and asked, "Tell me, if you draw this sword again now, will you truly not have a change in temperament?"