Chapter Nine: The Four Outstanding Figures of the Early Han Dynasty

The person before him was none other than Xiao He, who had a significant relationship with him. Han Huaichu couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. He thought to himself, success or failure all hinges on Xiao He; this person is closely tied to the honor and disgrace of my life. Why is he not serving as a county official in Peixian, but instead acting as a steward at the Guigu Daoist temple? It seems that what is written in the books is not entirely accurate.

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Upon hearing this, everyone was left speechless. The "Fourteen Chapters of Guiguzi" is a secret not passed down by the strategists; even the disciples of the school find it difficult to grasp the entirety. Throughout the ages, only those who take on the role of the sect leader are able to possess the complete text. Today, the fifth-generation heir of Guiguzi, the recluse Qingxi, unexpectedly uses this as a wager, suggesting that the stakes from the Mo family will also be of the same caliber, willingly allowing Qingxi to present his most treasured possessions.

Xiao He widened his eyes and said: "The game has just begun. How skilled is Miss Yu in chess? How would I know? By the way, I must go up to observe the game, so I cannot offer compensation to everyone. " After saying this, he turned around and intended to return.

At Yunmeng Mountain in Henan Province, Longquan and Xianquan converge into a stream at Yingrui Pool, flowing gently along Wuli Guigu into Qing Shui River, commonly referred to as Qingxi

From afar, they saw the figure of Xiao He descending from the mountain. The crowd joyfully exclaimed, "Housekeeper Xiao has arrived; surely the recluse of Qingxi has emerged from seclusion"

Han Huai Chu then exchanged greetings with Zhang Liang. Han Huai Chu replied: "I am Han Xin from Huaiyin, and this is Zhang Liang from Chengfu. Are you, Young Master Chen, also here to seek a master and learn the arts?"

Everyone couldn't help but become interested, wanting to know what strange object the stakes of this game of chess were. Thus, they all perked up their ears, eager to hear Xiao He reveal the answer to the riddle. Suddenly, the valley fell silent.

Chen Ping maintained a calm demeanor and said, "A gentleman appreciates beauty; what is wrong with that?"

This person has a fair complexion and red lips, a prominent nose and starry eyes, stands tall and elegant, exuding a carefree and unrestrained demeanor. He appears to be quite a handsome man

A fragrant scent of musk suddenly wafted through the mountain path, refreshing the heart and mind. Everyone followed the scent and looked towards a stunning beauty emerging from the winding goat path. The beauty had a slender figure, draped in a white long dress that fluttered gently in the wind, her hair like clouds, her eyes like autumn waters, and her skin like congealed fat. She resembled a fairy untouched by the mortal world, an ethereal spirit embodying the essence of the mountains and forests, as well as the brilliance of the sun and moon.

In ancient times, the game of chess was played very slowly, taking at least several hours and sometimes even several days. Once the game reached a conclusion, it was uncertain how long one would have to wait for the outcome.

Xiao He continued, saying: "Moreover, she has also made a wager with the gatekeeper."

By the clear stream, the peaks rise in layers, with sheer cliffs and precipices, the rocks and ravines are lush with greenery, wildflowers abound, and a chorus of birds fills the air. It is a scene that refreshes the spirit and makes one feel as if floating in a realm of immortals

Han Huaichu certainly knew that the person he encountered was one of the Four Outstanding Figures of the Early Han Dynasty, a founding minister of the Great Han, and the later Prime Minister Chen Ping. He did not expect to meet the renowned Chen Ping here.

He sought an opportunity to squeeze beside Han Huaichu and cupped his hands in greeting, saying: "I am Chen Ping from Yangwu. May I ask how you two brothers are addressed?"

Chen Ping suddenly asked: "Mr. Xiao, does Miss Yu's chess skills dare to compete with the esteemed leader?"

Another person exclaimed: "If one is chosen by him as a disciple and learns the skills, it would be like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, making it not difficult to become a minister or an official."

Chen Ping's expression changed abruptly as he scolded, "My sister-in-law and I are innocent; we will not allow idle people to slander us"

The "Overlord Divine Skill" is a peerless martial arts manual that everyone in the martial world dreams of obtaining. It is said that mastering this skill will render one invincible. To think that this "Overlord Divine Skill" has actually appeared here

Chen Ping suddenly shouted, "Sir, please wait!" Xiao He asked, "What is it?" Chen Ping smiled and said, "I kindly request that you occasionally send over the game records, so that we may all appreciate the superb chess skills of the Master and Miss Yu."

***

In the late Warring States period, the Mo family gradually weakened, dividing into three factions: Chu Mo, Qi Mo, and Zhao Mo. However, the unification of the realm by Qin Shi Huang also facilitated the re-unification of the Mo family. This was because the Moists realized that only through consolidation could they become strong. The philosophy of the Mo school includes ten major tenets, among which the concepts of universal love and non-aggression are the essence of Moist thought. Promoting the greatest benefits for the world and eliminating harm to the world has always been the guiding principle of the Moists' actions. The philosophy of the Mo school includes ten major tenets, among which the concepts of universal love and non-aggression are the essence of Moist thought. Promoting the greatest benefits for the world and eliminating harm to the world has always been the guiding principle of the Moists' actions

Xiao He suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Miss Yu has brought a book. The master took a look and was astonished to find it was the legendary 'Overlord's Divine Skill'"

As they spoke, a person descended from the mountain, dressed in a blue robe, exuding an extraordinary presence. Upon reaching the pavilion halfway up the mountain, he declared in a clear voice: "I am Xiao He, the steward of the Guigu Daoist Temple, here to warmly welcome you all"

Xiao He walked straight to the front of the crowd and said loudly: "The sect leader has suddenly encountered an urgent matter and is unable to meet everyone. Please wait here quietly." The crowd anxiously asked: "Mr. Xiao, may we know what urgent matter the sect leader has?" Xiao He looked up and replied: "The sect leader is going to play chess with Miss Yu. Once the outcome is determined, he will naturally meet with you all."

Look at that young lady, Yu Zhiya, dressed in plain clothes and without any adornments. Her attire is extremely simple, perfectly embodying the Moist philosophy of "frugality," as all adherents of Moism reject luxury

Xiao He mysteriously said: "That Miss Yu, not only dares to play chess with the sect leader. Moreover—" At this point, he paused, leaving a suspense.

In the crowd, someone remarked: "I heard that a large group of people seeks to become disciples, yet it is common for the reclusive sage of Qingxi to not take any of them seriously. I wonder how many among us will catch his eye."

Han Huaichu and Zhang Liang stood among the hundred or so people. One was refined and extraordinary, while the other was handsome and martial; together, they appeared somewhat proud and distinct from the crowd

Everyone craned their necks and asked: "How to hetushucomcom?"

Han Huai and Chu could not help but chuckle in silence. In later generations, there are tales of Chen Ping stealing his sister-in-law, though it is uncertain whether this is true or false. Now, looking at Chen Ping, who is more handsome than Pan An and possesses lofty aspirations, he certainly would not commit such a disgraceful act as stealing his sister-in-law

The waters of Qingxi are clear and crystalline, winding and meandering, flowing through the Wuli Guigu for miles. The wind follows the current, sometimes appearing and disappearing, shrouded in mystery. At times, it trickles gently, producing a tinkling sound. At other times, it burrows underground; although the stream is not visible, the sound of flowing water can be heard. In steep areas, layers of waves often rise, surging and crashing, with the roar of the waves echoing. In gentler stretches, a body of lake water often gathers by the stream, clear to the bottom, like a mirror reflecting its surroundings.

Yu Zhiya stepped lightly, following Xiao He up the mountain. The crowd gazed at her silhouette, and only after she had completely vanished from sight did they reluctantly withdraw their gaze

Indeed, Zhang Liang presented himself to the world as a man

Xiao He thought to himself that you are quite cunning. However, upon further reflection, he decided to share the game records with everyone, allowing them to marvel at the master's chess skills and to enhance the prestige of their sect. Thus, he readily replied, "That sounds good." After saying this, he walked straight up the mountain.

Wow! How can this name be so resounding!

Everyone understood that this extraordinary beauty was indeed a disciple of the great master of the Mo family

Chen Ping said: "To receive guidance directly from a master beyond the world, how fortunate that would be. Yet, I wonder if I can pass the test of face reading."

Everyone was captivated, unable to believe that such a rare beauty existed in the world. Today is the day when the recluse of Qingxi selects his disciples, yet it remains a mystery why this enchanting lady has come here

Zhang Liang, upon hearing this, clapped his hands in approval and exclaimed: "What a splendid expression of one's lifelong aspirations! Young Master Chen, if fate allows, I shall certainly share a grand revelation with you in the future"

Zhang Liang smiled and asked, "I have heard that the recluse Qingxi is exceptionally skilled in the art of chess, being the best in the world. How could Miss Yu dare to compete against him?"

Chen Ping listened and scoffed at the picture book, saying to Han Huaichu: "Look at these vulgar people; they seek a master only to become officials"

Xiao He understood that Mo Zhuang, a prominent figure of the Mohist school, was an old friend of the sect leader. He politely said, "It turns out that a distinguished guest has arrived; I apologize for the lack of hospitality. However, the sect leader will not be able to come out until noon. Please, miss, follow me to the elegant residence at the Dao Yin venue to rest and wait for the sect leader's emergence"

Han Huaichu, coming from the modern era, has encountered many campus beauties and movie stars, yet at this moment, he feels that her unparalleled charm surpasses that of anyone else in the world. Terms like "stunning beauty" or "extraordinary grace" seem insufficient when applied to her. If one must use a single word to describe her beauty, it would be "enchantment." This breathtaking beauty appears to possess a kind of magic that can captivate all men in the world.

The crowd continued to wait quietly until noon. By this time, it was the hour for the recluse of Qingxi to emerge from his retreat, yet there was still no sign of activity on the mountain. The people could not help but whisper among themselves, engaging in discussion.

Suddenly, a voice emerged from the crowd: "Brother Chen Ping, I have heard that your sister-in-law is exceptionally beautiful. How does she compare to that Yu girl?"

Today marks the beginning of the month, and it is also the day when the recluse of Qingxi emerges from seclusion. Every year on this day, many people come to this "revolutionary sacred place" seeking to become disciples of the recluse. The disciples of Guigu have long been accustomed to this. They often prepare some tea and snacks to quench thirst and satisfy hunger.

Han Huai-chu inquired: "Brother Chen, what brings you here to seek a master today?" Chen Ping replied confidently: "I come solely to express my lifelong aspirations"

The surroundings instantly fell silent.

This wager is of great significance to the strategists. Everyone wishes to submit to the strategists, and naturally, there is no dissent, only silent waiting

Xiao He noticed that everyone had quieted down, so he no longer kept them in suspense. He said: "The Mo family has sent Miss Yu this time to inquire about the 'Fourteen Chapters of Guiguzi' passed down by our ancestor Wang Xu"

At the Banshan Pavilion, a large crowd had gathered. People of all ages and heights, including scholars and warriors, were bustling about, amounting to as many as one hundred individuals.

Xiao He approached and inquired, "Who is this young lady? What brings you to my Guigu dojo?" The young woman performed a respectful bow, her demeanor graceful, and replied, "I am Yu Zhiya, sent by my master, the esteemed Mo Zhuang, to deliver a message."

Han Huaichu felt a jolt in his heart upon hearing that the visitor was Xiao He. "It is truly strange; there are peculiar events every year, but today seems particularly abundant. If one were to casually throw a stone, it would surely hit a notable figure."

Han Huai and Chu jokingly asked: "Brother Chen, what has inspired your poetic enthusiasm?"

Everyone has traveled a long distance to this Qingxi, eagerly hoping to be chosen as a disciple by the reclusive master of Qingxi. Yet, the master, instead of attending to the more than a hundred visitors, is leisurely playing chess with a stunning beauty, leaving people both amused and exasperated.

The crowd was in an uproar. The young lady was playing chess with the recluse of Qingxi and had a wager; what could the stakes be that would pique the interest of the recluse of Qingxi?

Chen Ping appeared somewhat lost in thought, shaking his head and reciting: "The ospreys call, on the river islet. The graceful and virtuous lady, a gentleman's perfect match."

Someone in the crowd shouted: "What treasure is the Mohist really holding? Let’s not be fooled into losing our ancestral master’s 'Fourteen Articles.'" Although Guigu had not yet agreed to accept him as a disciple, that person already regarded himself as one, not fearing the laughter of others. However, the crowd paid him no mind, eagerly waiting for Xiao He to continue.

Among the crowd, there was a person whose eyes sparkled, paying particular attention to the two of them

However, one sees that Xiao He is tall, with a long beard and thick eyebrows, and his piercing gaze conveys a sense of great competence

The crowd surrounded Xiao He and asked, "When will Master Zongheng come out to meet us?" Xiao He replied, "The esteemed elder emerges from seclusion at noon on the first day of each month. Please remain calm; there are some tea and snacks here to alleviate hunger and thirst, so feel free to wait comfortably."