BXBX NOVEL Chapter 90 - Probing (3)
Chapter 90 : Probing (3)
Before playing chess, Yu Xiyu smiled and said, “Fourth Miss, you move first.” Han Yuxi’s chess skill was higher than Yuchen’s, as a result, she would have not propose these few words.
Yuxi did not know the depth of Yu Xiyu’s chess skills. What she saw just now did not represent Yu Xiyu’s actual level. Yuxi nodded without thinking and said, “Okay, but before playing chess, I have to inform Yu Jiejie¹elder sisterone thing. I’m fairly slow when playing chess.” To compete with a master like Yu Xiyu, it was going to take time if she wanted to win.
“How slow will you be playing?” asked Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangcuriously. “It will not be as slow as when you were drawing, right?“
Yuxi didn’t expect that her slow painting made Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwang, remembered it in her heart, “This time it may not be that long, but currently I still don’t know.”
Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangsaid with great interest, “Then, I will like to see how slow you are at playing chess.” She liked poetry and was not that proficient in chess. However, places like wangfu⁴palace of a wang (king/prince)also dabbled in qin, chess, calligraphy and painting.
Jiang Qi was bewildered as she stated, “You did not play very quick just now.”
Yuxi just smiled, but she didn’t reply. Naturally, it would be quite different when playing chess with a master like Yu Xiyu.
After looking at the match for less than half an hour, Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangwent and looked for Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangto complain, “Biaojie⁷Elder female cousin, Han Yuxi plays as slow as a snail. For her to take one move, was the same length of time as others making three or four moves. Don’t you know, I almost fell asleep.“ This noob translation was translated by a noob translator きつね. Please read this chapter at xin-shou.blogspot.com.
“Everyone plays chess in one’s own way,” she responded with a smile. “If you are impatient, find someone else to talk to.“
Homemade Kebab
Image Credit : 林冰儿 via Meishi.net
Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangshook her head. All the girls who came to the banquet wanted to come up to her when she showed up, which made her felt very impatient. She asked, “Biaojie⁷Elder female cousin, last time you said you wanted to make a kebab. We have been waiting for it for half a day.“
Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangjokingly said, “On such a hot day, you’re asking me to send the barbecue kebab to the table. Who dares to eat it?” Delivering something that no one dared to eat meant that the owner didn’t fully consider it.
Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangfelt quite regretful.
Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangthen said, “Wait for another two or three months, when the weather turns colder, then you can do whatever you want. Even if you eat a whole roasted sheep, I won’t stop you.“
After talking for a while, Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangwent to entertain the guests again. Since Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangdidn’t want to see those flattering faces, she went back to the pavilion, while feeling bored.
The game took nearly a shichen⁸one of the 12 two-hour periods of the day = 2 hoursto finish. The result of the game was a draw. Yuxi was very satisfied with the result.
Qingxia Junzhu could not help but exclaim, “At long last, the game finally over. If it’s not over, we won’t be able to catch up with lunch.” The last time when Yuxi drew a picture, it took her ages just to draw a peony. Now, she also took a long time to play chess. This Han Yuxi did everything so slowly. Fortunately, she was not her sister, otherwise she would have gotten sick for just being too anxious.
Yuxi’s face instantly turned red like an apple.
Yu Xiyu smiled and responded, “Playing chess is a time-consuming matter. Miss Yuxi has excellent chess skills. If it wasn’t for the time to be so limited, I would have liked to play another set with you.“
Yuxi’s cold sweat had all come out and she was almost exhausted to play for the next set. Though, playing for one more set would not kill her, “Yu Jiejie¹elder sisteris over praising me. I was just lucky.”
Yuchen did not quite agree with Yuxi. Yuxi was four years younger than Xiyu and had a lot more room for improvement. With such comparison, it could be said that Yu Xiyu’s skill was far inferior than Yuxi.
Jiang Qi said, “Yuxi Jiejie¹elder sister, you are really good. Isn’t this the first time someone has a draw with my Biaojie⁷Elder female cousin?” After saying that, she inadvertently glanced at Yuchen. She knew that Han Yuchen was Teacher Song’s last disciple, and yet she didn’t expect that Fourth Miss Han, who was without fame nor reputation would be so impressive.
Yuxi’s eyebrows jumped. Jiang Qi was trying to stir up trouble in her relationship with Yuchen. Although she didn’t know what her purpose was, she couldn’t let Jiang Qi succeed. “Jiang Meimei⁹younger sisteris jesting. As the saying goes, there is a space outside the sky, there are people who are better than other people¹⁰Chinese saying : in the wider world there are people more talented than oneself. In front of those truly chess masters, I am still not good enough with just this level.“ Her words were sincere, and not at all belittled anyone. The women in their boudoir played chess just for fun, and they didn’t really spend a lot of energy to study it, so their level was limited. Let alone meeting a chess master, even meeting those players who dedicated their life studying chess would be incomparable.
When Yu Xiyu heard this, she viewed Yuxi in a new, more favourable light¹¹Chinese idiom : regard somebody with special respect. Not only she was modest, furthermore, she also had this steadiness. Yu Xiyu smiled and asked, “I heard that Miss Yuxi is also proficient in painting skill?”
Yuxi quickly shook her head and replied, “I dare not say I am proficient. I have only studied it for two years, which is far worse than my San¹²three/thirdJie¹³Elder Sister. The last time I painted was at Marquis Taining residence which had personally been seen by Junzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwang and Xianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwang.“
Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwanghad never seen Yuchen’s paintings, but she knew the artistic standard of Yuxi’s skill. “Miss Yuxi’s painting is not bad.” This was a pretty good appraisal coming from her.
When Jiang Qi looked at Yuxi’s smiling expression, she could not help but ask, “Apart from painting and chess, what else does Yuxi Jiejie¹elder sistergood at?”
Yuxi shook her head and said, “I only have superficial knowledge of chess and painting, so I’m still not good at it. As for the rest, I didn’t learn. “
Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangwas somewhat curious, “Then, what do you usually do on ordinary days?”
Yuxi did not want to think too much about it, so she just answered, “I usually play chess and do some embroidery. Sometimes, San¹²three/thirdJie¹³Elder Sisterand I will have a chat together. Actually, the only thing I’m good enough is chess, while I’m not very good in others. Unlike my San¹²three/thirdJie¹³Elder Sisterwho is very good everything she learns. “ She did not forget to publicise Yuchen all the time.
Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangfelt such a life was very boring. She had a common topic only with Yuchen who usually played qin and composing poems. In these regards, she was somewhat lukewarm to Yuxi.
A maid walked in and announced that the feast had been served.
On this day, Yuxi was very honored to have a meal at the same table as Qingxia²qing = green grass, xia = rosy cloudsJunzhu³Princess of the Third Rank / usually given to daughter of a Qingwangand Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwang. Looking at the graceful movements of a few people, Yuxi was glad that she had learned rules and etiquette well, otherwise she would have lost her face.
After lunch, those who joined the banquet were ready to return home.
When Yuchen and Yuxi arrived at the entrance gate of Gongzhu¹⁴Princess/Princess of the First Rankresidence, they got off the small painted chariot to change into their own carriage. At this time, a young man walked in through the entrance gate.
Yuxi’s heart trembled when she saw that person, but she quickly adjusted her reaction as she knew that this person would not have appeared here for no reason. Too many coincidences were not coincidences. Thinking of what had happened just now, she guessed that this must have been arranged by Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangagain. The purpose was to test her. She had performed very well so far, so this time, she didn’t want to reveal any flaw. She deliberately turned her head and asked Yuchen, “San¹²three/thirdJie¹³Elder Sister, do you think that young man is very good looking?”
Yuchen looked at the direction in which Yuxi’s finger was pointing and saw a young man. The young man was wearing a honey colored brocade robe. The robe was made from Shu brocade, the finest tribute produced by the Weaving Bureau. Although the young man’s appearance wasn’t bright, nevertheless he still had bright eyes and graceful eyebrows¹⁵Chinese idiom : have handsome and refined featuresand also clearly elegant.
Jiang Hongjin felt that someone was looking at him. When he looked back, and saw her, his brain immediately went blank and he suddenly had no ability to think.
Yuxi looked at Jiang Hongjin who was in a daze and squeezed her hands hard till she could feel her fingernails shredded into her meat. With the pain, she tried to stimulate herself to keep calm. She also did not dare to behave too much. In addition, there was also a maid arranged by Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangto be by her side. She secretly took a deep breath and then perked up her smiling expression as she asked, “San¹²three/thirdJie¹³Elder Sister, didn’t the young man just become muddled headed when he saw you?”
Yuchen frowned, completely ignoring the young man who was watching her and stepped on the stool to get into the carriage. Soon afterwards, Yuxi also climbed into the carriage.
It was not until after they had left that Jiang Hongjin returned to his senses. He immediately instructed the page beside him, “Go and find out which family young miss is that girl?”
When the page saw Yuchen just now, he also felt that she was like a fairy descended into the world. It was only natural that her master took a liking to that girl, “Yes, this little one will go asking.”
As soon as Yuxi got into the carriage, she leaned against the wall of the carriage and closed her eyes.
Yuchen noticed that Yuxi was somewhat pale looking, and her expression seemed very unsightly. She anxiously asked, “What’s the matter? Are you not feeling well?“
Yuxi answered weakly, “It took too much of my thinking when I played chess with the Yu family young miss just now. I will be fine after some rest.” Since there were only her and Yuchen in the carriage with their two respective confidants, she didn’t worry about the news being leaked. Moreover, she couldn’t hold it anymore. The impact was too great. She could only endure till she got into the carriage. She had reached her limits.
Speaking of playing chess, Yuchen actually laughed, “I didn’t know my Si¹⁶four/fourthMeimei⁹younger sister was so good at playing chess. When you play chess with me next time, can you leave me some leeway?“
Yuxi grimaced as she responded, “San¹²three/thirdJie¹³Elder Sister, I better not. It’s too exhausting to play chess like this. I nearly collapsed after playing chess just now. If I wasn’t afraid of losing etiquette, I would lie down on the spot.“
Seeing that Yuxi was really uncomfortable, Yuchen hastily said, “Then don’t talk too much. You should take a nap first to maintain your composure. When you go back, ask the kitchen to make some delicious supplements for you.“
Yuxi nodded and said, “Okay.” After that, she closed her eyes. She didn’t sleep either, just thinking about what had happened today. Regarding Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangprobing her, as she pondered from the beginning till the end, she was pretty sure that she had not exposed any big flaw. Fortunately, Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangonly let the maid and the old woman servant observed her from nearby. If she always had Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangby her side, she would not be able to avoid it anymore.
After Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangsent off all the guests, she asked for the maid who had sent Yuxi off. She asked, “Was there any difference on Han Yuxi, the Fourth Miss of the Han family, when she saw the Second Young Master of the Jiang family?” The chance meeting at the gate was arranged by her to test Yuxi.
The maid shook her head and answered, “There was nothing unusual happened. The Fourth Miss also commented on Second Young Master of the Jiang family with great interest. Though Second Young Master of the Jiang family was staring blankly at Third Han Miss.“
Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwang’s attention suddenly shifted. With the corners of her mouth revealing a smiling expression, she asked, “Are you sure you weren’t mistaken?”
The maid firmly said, “Xianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwang, this handmaiden is unlikely to be mistaken. After the two Misses of the Han family left, the servant of the Second Young Master of the Jiang family had immediately asked for information from the people of our house.“
Heshou⁵he = harmonious, shou = long lifeXianzhu⁶Princess of the Fourth Rank/usually granted to daughter of a Junwangseemed to be lost in her thoughts. After sometime, she gave out a small laugh then commented, “Interesting.” It was interesting that Jiang Hongjin had taken a fancy to Yuchen after staring at her in awe, but in the end, he married Fourth Han Miss.
As they returned to the Duke of the State residence, Yuchen looked at Yuxi, who was still looking tired, and said, “Si¹⁶four/fourthMeimei⁹younger sister, you go back to sleep first. I will explain to Eldest Aunt and Grandmother.”
Yuxi did not try to be brave either, as she immediately returned to Rose Courtyard.
After waiting for Yuxi to leave, Shiqin whispered, “Miss, it’s just a game of chess. How can Fourth Miss looked like she had fought a hard battle?” Her master also played a game of chess. Although she was also a little tired, but she wasn’t as exaggerated as Fourth Miss.
Yuchen also felt a little strange, but she didn’t think much of it, “My uncle had sent some supplements to me the other day. Picked some and send them to my Si¹⁶four/fourthMeimei⁹younger sister.” The other day, Marquis Pingqing had send Yuchen bird’s nest, velvet antler, mountain ginseng, donkey-hide gelatin, caterpillar fungus and other supplements.
Shiqin didn’t dare to have any objection. Although Yuchen was usually accommodating, but once she commanded you, it showed that there was no room for discussion.
Yuchen thought for a moment and then said, “I’ll pick out the things and you can deliver them for me.” She had never been a stingy master. She had received a lot of good things over the years and she never forgot to give a portion to Yuxi.