sbdcsierra Chapter 264 Playing Chess
Chapter 264 Playing Chess
“What I just said was not a lie or fabrication, and does not constitute deceiving the emperor.”
Long Chuqing remained composed and dignified, a faint smile still playing on her lips, which made it impossible for Emperor Sukang to guess her thoughts.
This woman is truly extraordinary.
She was so composed, showing no sign of guilt whatsoever.
If she is telling the truth, how can she teach multiple people at the same time?
She might be a young lady from a prominent local family, whose household spends a lot of money to hire renowned doctors to train her.
They may also belong to a medical sect such as "Yaoshi Valley" or "Baicao Xuanmen".
However, Lao Qi had also gone to the Hundred Herbs Mystery Sect to seek medical help, but in the end he returned empty-handed.
They have achieved great success in treating difficult and complicated diseases, but they have not done much research on Gu poison.
Emperor Sukang handed the fish food to Eunuch Xue, who bowed slightly to accept it and offered him a handkerchief to wipe his hands.
Emperor Sukang took the gift, wiped his hands, then turned around, put his hands behind his back, and slowly walked towards the octagonal Qian Shu Pavilion under the small bridge.
The pavilions are all designed and built with double eaves and pyramidal roofs, symbolizing the roundness of heaven and the squareness of earth.
The pavilion's ceiling and caisson are decorated with phoenixes and auspicious clouds, gilded dragons, and other exquisite patterns, showcasing luxury in every detail.
Emperor Sukang swept his cloak across the rosewood square table, then lifted his robe and sat down on the chair.
In front of them was a chessboard carved from a single piece of warm jade, with the grid pattern separated by gilded wire.
Each of the two chess bowls contains a set of chess pieces, both black and white, made of the finest Hetian black and white jade.
"Does Doctor Long know how to play chess?" Emperor Sukang asked, looking at Long Chuqing.
"I know a little bit." Long Chuqing nodded slightly.
"Then sit down and play a game with me."
What was the emperor thinking?
It's freezing cold, and they still have to play chess in a pavilion that's drafty on all sides... Sigh... Aren't they cold?
"Yes......"
Long Chuqing only complained in her heart, but her face remained calm.
However, Eunuch Xue soon sent someone to bring over a screen to block out some of the cold wind.
The palace servants also brought two basins of charcoal fire for warmth.
Emperor Sukang dismissed everyone.
A crisp sound came from the jade chess bowl, and Emperor Sukang picked up a black piece and placed it on the chessboard.
In a short while, a number of black and white pieces had been placed on the chessboard.
Both remained silent throughout, focusing solely on the game of chess before them.
"I happened to be at the Prince's residence the night I treated Prince Yu." Emperor Sukang raised his eyes to look at Long Chuqing. "Doctor Long has the ability to bring people back from the dead, as witnessed by all the imperial physicians and others present."
"Doctor Long's medical skills are undoubtedly superb." Emperor Sukang paused, "But I've also heard that Doctor Long not only knows medicine, but also the arts of exorcising demons and evil spirits?"
"I wonder if this rumor is true?"
As expected, I asked her that question.
The three men told the emperor everything they had seen that night. The emperor, of course, knew his son well and knew that he couldn't possibly know these things; he must have gone to such a place with others.
No wonder, taking someone else's son to a dilapidated temple to catch demons in the middle of the night, such dangerous and terrifying behavior is hard not to arouse suspicion and vigilance.
"I wouldn't dare say I know magic, but I did study with a master who knew magic for a while and can draw some talismans for exorcising and suppressing demons. But I only know some superficial stuff."
Long Chuqing placed the white piece in his hand and explained calmly.
“In our medical profession, we often encounter some strange cases that cannot be completely cured by medication and acupuncture alone.”
"For example, this time... I'm sure His Majesty is aware of the fact that the people in the west of the city have fallen into a coma. This time, it's not simply a matter of illness or poisoning, but rather the work of evil spirits."
"As long as the root cause of the problem is identified and resolved, the people will naturally be safe and sound."
"It's not just me; many doctors know some Yin-Yang and Bagua calculations."
Of course, they only know some fortune telling, as for catching demons...
Long Chuqing only explained it to this extent; how Emperor Sukang would interpret and understand it was up to him.
Her reply was perfectly fine.
"What you said makes sense."
Emperor Sukang's bright yellow dragon robe, embroidered with wide embroidery, brushed against the chessboard. He looked down at the chessboard, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.
"However, I see that Doctor Long is quite young, yet he knows a lot of things?"
I wouldn't dare to claim such a high age; I've only lived for hundreds of years, haven't I?
They know quite a lot of things; it's always good to have more skills!
"Your Majesty is joking."
Emperor Sukang turned around, bent down, picked up the ebony stick from the edge of the charcoal brazier, and poked at the charcoal. Sparks and ash suddenly rose up, making a faint crackling sound.
When Emperor Sukang turned around and his gaze returned to the chessboard, his brows furrowed, and his expression became somewhat serious, though he quickly relaxed.
Looking at the delicate situation on the chessboard, Emperor Sukang spoke up: "Doctor Long, did you perhaps tamper with the chessboard while I was fiddling with the charcoal fire?"
His questioning tone was relatively lighthearted and joking.
Long Chuqing: ......?
"Your Majesty, you are joking again. Who would dare to tamper with things in front of you!"
"It seems that Doctor Long has played his chess exceptionally well, leaving me no way out at all?"
"The game is not over yet, everything is preordained, Your Majesty should have faith in yourself."
Emperor Sukang carefully examined the chessboard before him.
This girl, she started by placing her pieces in a scattered manner, and I thought she didn't understand anything and was just making random moves!
I was careless and failed to discover her scheme in time.
Unexpectedly, she launched a swift attack from the very beginning, encircling him from all sides. Even though he was now deep in enemy territory, he had no way to retreat.
This chess-playing style is truly unique.
Even if it's not over yet, I can't think of a way to break this deadlock. Have I lost?
"A dead end! I truly cannot think of a way to break this deadlock!"
Emperor Sukang, overcome by a thirst for knowledge, disregarded his imperial dignity and humbly sought his advice.
"If Doctor Long were to put himself in my shoes, would you have a good way to break this deadlock?"
Long Chuqing smiled faintly and reached into Emperor Sukang's jade chess bowl to take out a black chess piece.
Two slender, jade-like fingers pinched the black jade and cut into the northern part of the Tianyuan star position.
The game suddenly turned around, and the black and white sides were once again evenly matched.
Emperor Sukang was dumbfounded.
Yes! That's another way to go! How come I didn't think of that? How come I didn't think of that just now? Brilliant, truly brilliant...
Emperor Sukang looked up at Long Chuqing: This girl is indeed quite capable.
He was completely convinced of his defeat. Although the game had returned to a balanced state, he knew he had already lost.
Continuing is pointless; we might as well start a new game.
This time, we must not underestimate her. We must be careful and cautious when making our moves and not be careless.
"That was a brilliant move, truly impressive..." Emperor Sukang praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."
Long Chuqing accepted the praise without hesitation.
"Play another game with me."
“Yes…” Long Chuqing nodded.