Fang Sheng was a chess player, and the Great Ming Chess Saint. When he was young, he saw the Great Ming Chess Saint Lin Xincheng defeat Zhang He from Japan, and the adulation he received from thousands of people was captivating.
From then on, the Chess Saint became his goal.
Back then, Fang Sheng wanted to learn chess from the old Chess Ghost King, but the old Chess Ghost King refused, believing he lacked talent.
Fortunately, thanks to his good looks, the Chess Ghost King's daughter, A Ling, eventually married him, bringing with her the Chess Ghost King's chess score.
In fact, after Lin Xincheng's death, he obtained the title of Chess Saint.
He thought this was the pinnacle of his life, but when he went to the Imperial City and saw the prosperous world, the camp at the center guarded by thousands of troops and horses.
He, Fang Sheng, realized what unparalleled power truly meant.
The entire encampment had cordoned off a vast area, forbidding anyone from approaching. All people and merchants had to detour, or they would be killed without mercy.
From the Imperial City all the way here, every official he encountered was beaming, showing utmost respect, all just to meet Jiang Liuer.
But Jiang Liuer, not to mention those officials, even Fang Sheng only saw him a few times in total.
This was different from the ethereal prestige of the Chess Saint.
This kind of grandeur and majesty was something Fang Sheng had never even dreamed of.
He began to think that being an official might also be a good choice...
Fang Sheng's eyes gleamed, his breathing quickened, and his heart pounded, clearly immersed in a fantasy.
Thump, thump, thump!
Pulled back from his reverie, the current Fang Sheng suddenly understood the arrogant demeanor of the doorman back then.
He even looked down upon his past self a little.
"Mr. Fang, Sir wants me to inform you that due to recent travel fatigue, the army will remain here for one day. We would like to visit your home."
Fang Sheng paused for a moment, listening to the soldier's words, and quickly replied, "I understand."
After the soldier left, a trace of excited and peculiar light flashed in Fang Sheng's eyes. He suddenly remembered his delicate wife on her sickbed, his voice trembling slightly.
"Wonderful, A Ling will be saved."
——————-
The next morning, the synchronized, earth-shattering footsteps could be heard from outside the city of four hundred thousand inhabitants.
Still a distance from the city gates, one could see the bustling streets inside from the gate. Ahead, crowds surged, bustling with activity.
Beside the city gate, a group of people dressed in brocade uniforms had been waiting for a long time.
When everyone saw Jiang Liuer step down from the carriage, they bowed respectfully and said, "We welcome the Jiangnan Inspector to our arrival."
Passersby watching from afar saw the important figures kneel, and they too, knelt to welcome him.
"Please rise, everyone." Jiang Liuer, wearing a red official robe, gestured with his hand.
"Thank you, Sir!" Looking at Jiang Liuer's kind expression, everyone knew their heads were safe.
This god of slaughter had taken on the position of Jiangnan Inspector, leading ten thousand elite soldiers from north to south, killing countless officials, county magistrates, and prefects, and even confiscating their homes.
On the other hand, he heavily rewarded officials who performed their duties diligently, even promoting some by two ranks.
This combination of punishment and reward left the officials in various regions both delighted and fearful.
Seeing Jiang Liuer's calm expression, the leading official said:
"The heavenly army has arrived, and I have prepared wine and meat. We will absolutely not neglect you."
"Very good. We must not neglect these loyal servants of the state behind me."
The information from the Embroidered Uniform Guard indicated that the officials here were acceptable, with no serious corruption. Jiang Liuer quickly reviewed the information in his mind and cast a look of appreciation, casually saying:
"Reward them!"
Guards moved with the wind, carrying gold and silver towards them, while eunuchs from the Eastern Depot accompanying them called out loudly.
A clear and powerful voice rang out. Officials from all levels were called out by name, each beaming with joy as they received a plaque signifying loyalty to the country and imperial favor.
This served as a protective charm in the bureaucracy, guaranteeing a peaceful old age at the very least.
Watching their delighted faces, Jiang Liuer thought it would be great if he could really fool one or two into serving the Great Ming with all their might.
As long as they firmly supported the Great Ming and didn't cause trouble, it didn't matter whether they were royalists or puppet emperors internally.
"I hope all respected officials will continue to work hard and contribute to our Great Ming."
"Alright, disperse now." Jiang Liuer stretched, saying, "Sister Qiushui, let's go into the city."
"Mhm." Li Qiushui, dressed in a white long skirt, her hair flowing to her waist, her skin like snow, and her beauty capable of toppling nations, walked over with a smile.
"Oh, don't forget me!" A displeased voice sounded. Lánxī, with a sweet and cute appearance, skipped over.
"How could I forget you?" He stroked Lánxī's head as she nuzzled close, her face beaming with joy like a little girl who had received candy.
Jiang Liuer gently took both women's hands. The Embroidered Uniform Guard cleared the path ahead.
As for Fang Sheng, he had already returned home to prepare.
Jiang Liuer was still dozens of meters away from the Fang residence when Fang Sheng, leading a little girl with a cute face, walked towards them from a distance.
Jiang Liuer paused for a moment, and a name surfaced in his mind: Fang Baihua.
The perfect heroine of the first part, a bit foolish in the second, and a phenomenally brainless female character in the third.
Looking at this girl, who was about his age, Jiang Liuer, who could even tolerate Lei Lingyun, naturally wouldn't hold anything against Fang Baihua at this moment.
"Mmm, so cute."
In any case, it was best to build some goodwill first. Perhaps she would be useful later.
Looking at the exquisite soft jade in her hand, Fang Baihua's small face blushed deeply. Still young, she fell in love with the item at first sight.
Fang Sheng gently stroked the woman's hair, looking more and more satisfied. He secretly encouraged his daughter to maintain a good relationship with Jiang Liuer.
Watching the Embroidered Uniform Guard with cold eyes, the servant at the door felt his hair stand on end, as if his head would be severed at any moment, preventing him from looking up.
Long after Jiang Liuer had passed, the Taoist's gaze slowly faded.
Looking at the tightly closed door of the inner chamber, Fang Sheng raised his hand and gently knocked, his voice becoming gentle as he softly said, "Your husband is coming in."
Entering the inner chamber, Jiang Liuer turned his head to look. A beautiful young woman in plain clothes lay there, her hair cascading down her shoulders. Her features were soft and elegant, and her exquisite face revealed a hint of paleness.
Jiang Liuer looked at the woman on the couch, her vitality completely drained, clearly on her last legs. Fang Sheng looked expectantly at Li Qiushui.
With Qiushui administering acupuncture for just over half an hour, A Ling's complexion had already improved significantly.
After Fang Sheng and his wife, along with Fang Baihua, expressed their gratitude, the time had already passed into the late night.
"Sister, you've worked hard."
Under the illumination of the cold moonlight, she looked so beautiful to Jiang Liuer that she didn't seem like a mortal from the mortal realm.
Without further hesitation, Jiang Liuer gently embraced Li Qiushui by the waist.
She showed a kind smile and said warmly, "It's nothing. Saving a life is a good deed."
Under the moonlight, Jiang Liuer, while enjoying this moment of tranquility, let his thoughts drift to the situation in the Imperial City.
He had already sent out the news. I have repaid my debt to the Chess Ghost King for Lei Lingyun.
I hope this can influence Prime Minister Lei, which will help smooth things over with Yan Song and my father in the Imperial City.