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墨書 Inktalez
Hong Yu's gaze swept across Madam Zhao's face, thinking to herself: This old woman seems to look down on Your Highness.
As a maidservant by Consort Duan's side, her attitude usually reflected that of her master. Did she really think that just because Consort Duan was the Princess Consort's mother, she could disregard His Highness?
If even a maidservant dared to act so arrogantly, it was clear that Consort Duan was not a competent mother at all.
With this thought, Hong Yu's lips curled into an enchanting smile as she softly said, "Why is the maidservant so agitated? Be careful not to frighten anyone. I would like to ask, is it Consort Duan's rank that is higher or the Princess Consort's status that is more esteemed?"
Meanwhile, on the other side, Xin Yao had set up the chessboard on the low couch by the window.
Yun Qingyu walked over and sat down, looking at Xin Yao and asking, "Do you really want to learn?"
With anticipation in her eyes, Xin Yao nodded.
Yun Qingyu chuckled and said, "This Palace will be a strict teacher; if you don't learn well, you might get punished."
Xin Yao pressed her lips together and remained silent.
Yun Qingyu knew that the whip was a shadow in Xin Yao's mind, so she quickly added, "Don't worry, This Palace won't use a whip on you. Later, go outside and find a vine stick to use as your discipline."
Xin Yao's eyes sparkled as she lifted her head and said, "A vine stick doesn't hurt much when used."
Yun Qingyu smiled slightly, gesturing for Xin Yao to sit down. She placed the black stone box in front of him and said, "You take black and go first."
Xin Yao took a black stone from the chess box and slowly placed it on the board.
Yun Qingyu engaged in brief conversation with Xin Yao while making her move, realizing that Xin Yao was indeed not very skilled at chess. However, this was not surprising; as a member of the Hidden Pavilion and a Shadow Guard, Xin Yao had spent her childhood learning the arts of killing, honing martial skills that were often so formidable they left little room for error. Whether guarding the master or carrying out assassination missions, failures were rare.
In other areas, she had only acquired basic literacy skills. As for pursuits like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, those were pastimes reserved for the privileged elite.
Yun Qingyu was not surprised by Xin Yao's lack of skill; after all, he had plenty of time to teach her.
Xin Yao had just received news from the Northern Protectorate Prince about his daughter's murder and would soon personally report this to Yun Qingyu in the capital.
Yun Qingyu nodded in acknowledgment, saying, "This is an opportunity for This Palace."
Xin Yao immediately responded, "Does Your Highness want me to kill the Northern Protectorate Prince?" Yun Qingyu smiled and asked, "Why do you say that?"
Xin Yao explained, "If the Northern Protectorate Prince is killed, his soldiers will become discontented. With an army of a hundred thousand, that poses a threat to the court. The emperor would inevitably need to appoint a general to suppress them. Given the current situation, he trusts you the most; thus, you could easily take control of the military power currently held by the Ling Family."
Xin Yao's analysis was not without merit. Yun Qingyu chuckled and replied, "The cost is too great for that. This Palace merely wants to play around; I have no intention of plunging Western Qi into chaos."
She looked at Xin Yao as if explaining or perhaps reminding her: "Although This Palace acts dominantly, there are still lines I won't cross. I can never disregard the lives of innocent people. The essence of this game lies in enjoying the process; achieving a desired outcome is certainly good, but if it doesn't happen, it won't affect me much. However, I do not wish to see suffering among the common folk."
She recalled her mother, a gentle empress, and her father, who diligently served the people. He accomplished many things in his lifetime for the prosperity and stability of the realm that other emperors could not achieve. Such peace should not be disrupted.
Upon hearing this, Xin Yao immediately pledged, "Yes, I will remember that."
He silently repeated to himself, "My master forbids the indiscriminate killing of innocents; I have noted it."
Yun Qingyu felt particularly good upon hearing Xin Yao's thoughts.
Looking at Xin Yao, Yun Qingyu continued, "Do you know why This Palace sent Hong Yu to entertain Madam Zhao? Hong Yu is always trying to win favor, and Xin Yao feels hostility just hearing his name."
Xin Yao paused in his movements. "Subordinate does not know."
Yun Qingyu seemed to sense something, placing her hand over Xin Yao's to steady him. She said, " Luo Qi, when playing chess, you must focus your mind, free from distractions and maintain a calm demeanor. If your heart is too restless and your emotions swing from joy to anger, the result will only be a disastrous defeat."
Xin Yao wasn't sure if he understood her meaning, but he obediently nodded, "Yes."
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