Early the next morning at Western Mountain Temple
Amidst the rhythmic tolling of bells and drums, two figures sat conversing pleasantly before an intricate chessboard. Before the system could express surprise, about two hours later, the elderly monk opposite clasped his hands together, recited scriptures with practiced ease, then spoke slowly: "Your chess skills are truly exceptional, the finest this old monk has encountered in his lifeti..."
The admiration in his tone was unmistakable.
Hehe, of course! My host is the best, the system thought, unconsciously straightening with pride.
Wait... did my host co all this way just to enjoy the scenery and play chess with an old monk?
Indeed, that was precisely the case.
Finding a worthy opponent was rare. After another round concluded with black's defeat, even the usually detached Master Ku Jie couldn't help but linger. Clasping his hands again:
"Amitabha. The daylight fades, and the journey back grows perilous. Might Young Master Chu consider staying to sample our temple's vegetarian fare?"
"How could this junior refuse such generous hospitality!"
An Ning returned the gesture respectfully, rising to bow. In the modest ditation room, the slender youth in blue robes exuded an effortless grace and refinent that naturally inspired goodwill, complented by his eloquent speech.
In the following days, within the ancient mountain temple, the unlikely pair ford a friendship across generations through chess and occasional conversation. Even the vegetarian dishes personally prepared by Master Ku Jie—which wealthy patrons from the prefecture city would pay fortunes for—beca commonplace for An Ning.
Their residence, the Cold Moon Pavilion, offered supre tranquility. Bamboo shadows danced at night to the lody of trickling springs, while morning brought chanting sutras... Within days, even the system felt reluctant to leave, as if purified by the mountain's essence.
At parting, Master Ku Jie extended a special invitation, preserving An Ning's forr quarters in anticipation of future visits—a privilege rarely granted even to nobility.
On the return journey, gazing at the prayer beads allegedly blessed by Master Ku Jie himself, the system was utterly awestruck by its host...
Thus began An Ning's regular visits to the ancient temple at the abbot's insistence, frequently engaging in chess matches while accounting books gathered dust. His days passed in scholarly leisure—reading, appreciating art—a life of enviable ease.
anwhile in the Chu household, despite initial disbelief, the pragmatic Master Chu had acted swiftly after their conversation. Discreetly mobilizing resources without tapping public funds excessively, he even reclaid private allowances given to favored concubines and sons for reinvestnt.
Lady Jiang, suddenly deprived of financial security, lost her usual composure. Only upon hearing the eldest son had skipped filial visits due to "ill health" did she rouse herself.
The famously filial eldest son missing obligations? Impossible!
When rumors spread that the main wife wanted the third son to share responsibilities, Lady Jiang scoffed openly before servants:
"The eldest is destined to lead the Chu family—our Xu'er lacks such capability, so yielding makes sense!" The words tasted bitter.
This eldest son had begun studies at four, mastered classics and abacus by seven, and by ten offered counsel even Master Chu heeded. However reluctantly, Lady Jiang recognized an insurmountable advantage—especially in turbulent tis when capable leadership ant survival.
"But that bastard Third Chu!" Her narrow eyes flashed. "A drunken accident daring to surpass my son? Has our lord ever acknowledged that trash?"
"The main wife's stupidity beggars belief!" Lady Jiang laughed coldly. Did that woman truly think her position relied on a useless title and third son? With her family in decline and marital bonds broken, what value had a hollow title?
Sighing, her gaze fell on her son struggling with a single account book all afternoon. Why couldn't he be like the eldest? She wouldn't need sches then... Signaling servants, she began whispering instructions...
Forewarned by the system, An Ning rely raised an eyebrow.
Yet by year's end, the anticipated Chu family drama hadn't erupted. Before New Year's celebrations concluded, northern borders erupted in chaos as predicted. Enemy cavalry sward, breaching defenses within months.
When news reached Qizhou, Master Chu's relief was palpable...
That day, An Ning visited Western Mountain Temple as usual. But upon opening the door to Master Ku Jie's chamber, he found an unexpected additional guest.
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