Chapter 6, The Chess Battle Tower

The shopkeeper interrupted the waiter and smiled, saying: "Hongyun Alley is indeed lively. A large number of the young people in Yicheng enjoy visiting the Yizhan Building. However, Miss, would it be better to settle down at Xunfeng Pavilion first before discussing further?"

Du Fengchi instructed the shopkeeper briefly before leaving in a hurry. The shopkeeper, having already received the gold, was now unwilling to accept any payment for the meal and instructed a clever young waiter to guide them. They were courteously escorted out of the Lingjiang Tower. By the time Miss Zhuo exited the Lingjiang Tower, the carriage was already waiting at the entrance, and the guards were mounted and ready.

The young attendant eagerly glanced around and then pounded his chest in frustration, saying: "I can't believe that today it is Xie Xiaoyi who has advanced to the finals of the monthly competition. Had I known, I would have asked the boss for leave this afternoon to come and watch. Now, it seems I won't be able to squeeze in to hear the commentary."

A guard asked, "Is Xie Xiaoyi very impressive?"

Miss Zhuo suddenly thought of something and asked the shopkeeper: "Apart from places for dining and drinking, are there any interesting places to visit in Yicheng for shopping?"

The young attendant replied: "To inform all esteemed gentlemen, I noticed that you are all using brass pieces and a folding chessboard made of camphor wood, which is indeed the highest quality set. Your chess skills are quite impressive as well. However, such a chessboard is beyond the means of us lowly workers. I only possess a set of ceramic pieces and a bamboo board. The rental fees for chessboards and pieces at the Yizhan Tower are quite affordable, allowing us enthusiasts of military chess to come frequently after work. Yet, with limited practice, my skills never seem to improve, and when it comes to actual play, I always fall short against those young gentlemen from better-off families. But as for Xie Xiaoyi, he is just like us, also a lowly worker, and he still carries packages at the dock every day. Among the impoverished in Yicheng, Xie Xiaoyi is undoubtedly the top master."

The guards responded enthusiastically, "Yes." Meanwhile, those who had just lost the game could not help but sigh in disappointment. The shopkeeper quickly called a young attendant to lead them. Earlier, Du Fengchi had instructed him to ensure that this group of people was satisfied at all costs

Every time during the finals of the monthly competition, the chess positions set up by both players are immediately transmitted to the hall outside. There are always two or more experts in military chess who explain to everyone why both sides make such moves, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and speculate on the strengths and weaknesses of both sides as well as the next possible moves. These explanations are truly remarkable; many tactics that were previously difficult to understand become clear with just a point from these experts. "Xiao Er said with a face full of longing. "Outside, the large chessboard is left unattended, and no one explains it, so everyone just watches in confusion. Those with higher skill levels are better off, but for those who are not good at chess, in the end, they can only know who wins and who loses, without understanding why."

"Yes," Manager Liu replied, and then he waved his hand. A guard quickly approached. "Hang Tianqi, go to the Ye family and find out what is going on. Report back as soon as you have any news."

Lu Dan asked: "Is Suo Zheng very impressive"

When Miss Zhuo mentioned the Yizhan Tower and the monthly military chess competition, she noticed that the guards around her began to perk up their ears to listen. She smiled and said, "Let's go take a look at Hongyun Alley."

Miss Zhuo pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle Liu, send someone to take a look. This young master of the Ye family is quite interesting"

Lu Danqi asked, "What precautions should be taken when playing chess?"

A group of people soon arrived at Hongyun Alley. Hongyun Alley is more than two zhang wide; although the flow of people is dense, it does not feel overly crowded. However, in front of the Yizhan Tower, there is a throng of people, with layers upon layers, making it nearly impossible to see the entrance of the tower. Hanging at the entrance is a massive chessboard, and everyone is gathered around it.

Miss Zhuo turned to the guards and said, "Who lost the most miserably just now? Take Qiao'er to Xunfeng Pavilion to settle down first, and the rest can go together."

As they moved closer to see clearly, they noticed the name of another player hanging beside the large chessboard, which was accompanied by a picture book. The waiter, astonished, exclaimed: "No wonder so many people have gathered. The opponent facing off against Xie Xiaoyi is actually Suo Zheng"

The young attendant said happily: "Suo Zheng's elder brother is the second apprentice of the Ye family workshop, and he himself is also an apprentice at the Ye family workshop. Currently, several managers at the Ye family workshop are busy preparing the residence of the old master Jia, so it is likely that among those responsible for making chess pieces at the Ye family workshop, Suo Zheng is one of them. He deals with chess pieces all day long. Suo Zheng's style of playing chess is imaginative and unconventional, often employing unexpected tactics. Everyone enjoys watching him play chess; the superhuman sea tactics he devised, which completely disregards the usual strategies, were entirely his innovation." Suo Zheng's style of playing chess is imaginative and unconventional, often employing unexpected tactics. Everyone enjoys watching him play chess; the superhuman sea tactics he devised, which completely disregards the usual strategies, were entirely his innovation.

Lu Dan was taken aback. Although the game of military chess was gradually gaining popularity in the capital, it was nowhere near as lively as in Yicheng, where people gathered around large chessboards for explanations and live broadcasts. As for tactics, they were several months "behind" Yicheng. The human wave tactic had already become a subject of ridicule among their troops, so where did the super human wave tactic come from?

Yicheng is bustling with merchants, but aside from dining, drinking, and shopping, there are indeed not many places that can be considered entertaining. The shopkeeper was momentarily taken aback and unexpectedly looked towards the clever little attendant beside him. The attendant cheerfully suggested, "Why not, Miss, go to Hongyun Alley? Today at the Yizhan Building in Hongyun Alley, there is a monthly competition for the game of military chess. I see that among your guards, there are many experts in military chess..."

"Is this military chess also a business of the Ye family?" The voice, akin to a sound ringing in one's ears, came from Manager Liu. As the waiter and Lu Dan began their conversation, Manager Liu continuously relayed their dialogue to Miss Zhuo. Upon hearing that this military chess was also related to the Ye family, Manager Liu couldn't help but ask.

What is the explanation then? Lu Dan asked

The game of military chess is easy to learn but difficult to master, featuring two modes of play: two-player and four-player. Each side starts with a certain number of points, which can be exchanged for different types of military units. Some players prefer cavalry, others infantry, while some enjoy a mixed approach or specialize in a particular type. Different types of units require different point exchanges, and there are also varying levels. This gives rise to distinct strategies, such as elite troop tactics and mass troop tactics, each with its own characteristics. Even military generals believe that the designer of military chess must have a deep understanding of military strategy. Among the guards present, there are indeed a few skilled enthusiasts of military chess, one of whom is Lu Dan, who is conversing with the waiter.

The young attendant chuckled and said: "The chessboard on the third floor is a sand table made according to the terrain of Yicheng and its surroundings. It was sent by Governor Peng Detian, and there are always people from the Yicheng Military Governor's Office nearby recording the new gameplay."

The young attendant ran ahead, leading them through the bustling streets. Although they did not wish to attract attention, the stature and demeanor of these guards made it impossible for them to remain inconspicuous. Chief Steward Liu sat beside the driver on the cart's yoke, and after the cart started moving, he quietly reported, "Just now, Du Fengchi was called away, saying that something happened with the Ye family."