Lanke Chess Edge

Chapter 421: The Third Young Master’s Visit

This was a rather good mask; it could even be considered a treasure. Of course, this was only based on Ji Yuan’s personal standards, since he had his own criteria for judgment based on his own interests and beliefs. If it were Old Dragon or some more serious cultivators, they would think that this mask was useless, at most just a trinket.However, as Hu Yun’s first creation, Ji Yuan gave it a positive review, handing the mask back to Hu Yun and encouraging him.

“Even if you gave him an ordinary mask, Yin Qing would like it, let alone this, which is indeed an excellent object. For it to have such an effect on your first attempt at crafting an object, your years of cultivation have been worthwhile!”

Hu Yun puffed out his chest like a human, grabbed the mask with both paws, and hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“It took me a lot of spiritual energy to make it, and I even used some of my own spiritual hairs. Actually, I failed a few times along the way, so I’m really lucky to have made it this well.”

After thinking for a moment, Hu Yun added.

“Moreover, although this mask is fun, its shortcomings are quite obvious. It requires a high level of skill from the user. One requirement is intelligence, and another is the ability to clearly understand one’s own thoughts and create a full and three-dimensional image in order to use the mask well. Otherwise, it’s just for fun.”

“Knowing humility is also a great step forward!”

Ji Yuan smiled and patted the red fox’s head. The two fox ears swished back and forth beneath his hand, then bounced up and pressed down again.

Hu Yun was so embarrassed by Ji Yuan’s praise that his already fiery red fur appeared even more vibrant and shiny. It seemed that since he could remember, the respected Mr. Ji had rarely praised him — or rather, he almost never praised him.

“I’ll go and get prepare some more, I’ll give Yin Qing a surprise later!”

With that, Hu Yun ran away as if fleeing, clutching his mask. Ji Yuan nodded and smiled at his back, then turned back to continue working on the chessboard in front of him.

In the evening, Yin Zhaoxian and Yin Qing rode in the same carriage as usual, surrounded by guards and servants, returning home from the Ministry of Works.

Since today was the day of classes at the Imperial Academy, Yin Zhong returned alongside his father and elder brother.

After changing into casual clothes, the father and his two sons walked together into the courtyard of the guesthouse.

Hearing footsteps from afar, Hu Yun called out.

“Yin Qing! Yin Qing! The gift I prepared for you is finally finished, come quickly!”

Upon hearing the sound, Yin Qing smiled and immediately quickened his pace. Yin Zhong, who was beside him, was even more excited than his brother, and they ran over together.

Upon arriving at the guesthouse, Hu Yun was sitting in the courtyard flicking his tail back and forth, a clear smile on his fox face as he looked at the two brothers emerging from the corridor, coming to stand before him.

“Hehe, Yin Qing, guess what I’m giving you? Tiger can guess too!”

Yin Zhong spoke first.

“It must be something good you brought from Niu Kui Mountain, right?”

“No, you guessed wrong. Now it’s Yin Qing’s turn to guess. Each person can only guess once!”

Hu Yun was a little worried that if the two brothers kept guessing and got it right, there would be no surprise left. After hearing his words, Yin Qing thought for a moment and replied.

“It’s either delicious food or fun activities. You’ve been busy for so many days, it must be something fun, right?”

Hu Yun was very dissatisfied with his supposedly bright answer.

“That doesn’t count as a correct guess; you need to tell me exactly what it is!”

Yin Qing shrugged.

“There are countless interesting things in the world. You, Uncle Hu Yun, are a fox spirit, and your vision far surpasses that of us mortals. I, Yin Qing, am too ignorant to guess. Please, have mercy and tell us!”

“Hehe, you’re right! Well then, I’ll let you know!”

Hu Yun was quite pleased with himself. He reached one paw into his fluffy tail and pulled out a bright red fox mask, which even had a flash of light across it.

Yin Zhong took a liking to the mask almost immediately upon seeing it. He looked at his brother and then at the mask, his face full of envy.

Not to mention Yin Zhong, even Yin Qing couldn’t hide his joy when he saw the mask.

“This…is for me?”

“Here, take it. It was originally meant for you.”

Hu Yun casually handed it to Yin Qing, as if it were a trivial trinket. After Yin Qing carefully took it, Yin Zhaoxian, who had been lagging behind a few steps in the corridor, slowly strolled over.

Yin Zhaoxian glanced at the mask and saw that it had a fiery glow flowing on it, along with a faint scent that reminded him of Hu Yun.

Such tricks were naturally ineffective against Yin Zhaoxian’s righteous aura, but he wouldn’t reveal it. He understood that this must be a treasure, so he asked with curiosity.

“Wow, what a beautiful mask! Did Hu Yun make it? You’re amazing! No craftsman can match your skill!”

“Yes, what a beautiful mask! I want one too…”

Yin Zhong’s voice was filled with envy. Yin Qing, already in his thirties, was still carefully examining the mask, turning it over and around. Every detail on it was exquisite, the hair seemed to be swaying in the wind, and it was very comfortable to hold.

Hu Yun had been praised so many times today that his fur had turned even redder. He scratched his head with his paw, stood up on his hind legs, and said to Yin Qing.

“Yin Qing, this mask isn’t just an ordinary toy; there’s something special about it. Even Mr. Ji praised it. Let me teach you how to use it!”

Hu Yun explained the characteristics of the mask in detail, including how to use it, what to avoid, and the limits of its durability and realism.

“How about that? It’s pretty complicated, isn’t it? So I’ll have to guide you properly over the next few days, otherwise you won’t be able to use it, and all my hard work will be wasted!”

Hu Yun spoke earnestly, and then saw Yin Qing tentatively put on the mask.

“What you desire in your heart must three-dimensional, and you cannot omit temperament nor appearance. The same goes for your desired personality, understood?”

A few breaths after the mask had been put on, a faint fiery glow seemed to flow around Yin Qing’s body, like ripples on water. Then, his figure became blurred as if reflected in a pool, and when it became clear again, his appearance had completely changed.

Yin Zhong was startled, then his eyes widened.

“Uncle Yu?”

The elder brother who had originally standing beside him suddenly appeared to Yin Zhong as Yu Haishan, the Governor of the Capital Prefecture, though he was still wearing Yin Qing’s clothes.

“What?”

Hu Yun was also stunned. Yin Qing actually succeeded on the first try? Hu Yun himself felt that there were still many details that hadn’t been explained clearly!

Yin Zhaoxian, standing to the side, squinted and stroked his beard as he looked at Yin Qing’s current appearance. At first glance, he looked just like Yu Haishan, but he could sense the “scent of Hu Yun” on Yin Qing. Upon closer inspection, there was a faint red, monstrous glow. But he had to admit that the mask was very magical.

“Master Yin, let the children have their own fun. Come over and play a game?”

Yin Zhaoxian smiled and walked towards Ji Yuan at the table in the courtyard a little further away.

“Hahaha, that’s exactly what I was thinking!”

Approaching the stone table, he saw that Ji Yuan had already set up an unfinished game. He had actually seen this game many times before. Although there were some differences in each game, he could generally recognize that it was a similar pattern.

“Is Mr. Ji setting up this scheme again?”

“Hmm, I can’t arrange it properly. I can’t remember, never mind.”

Ji Yuan smiled and picked up the chess pieces from the board one by one and put them back into the chess box. Yin Zhaoxian also sat down and picked up the chess pieces of the other color.

…

About half an hour later, a group of guards marched in orderly steps along Rong’an Street, where the Yin residence was located. Behind them were two magnificent carriages, each surrounded by guards and servants whose attire and appearances were unusual.

The procession quickly arrived at the gate of the Yin residence and stopped. The guards at the gate knew immediately that important figures had arrived, but they were unable to distinguish any origins from the guards’ uniforms. The carriages bore no insignia, so they could not identify the visitors.

“May I ask which esteemed guest has arrived? We must go in and inform the master!”

The head guard at the gate dared not be negligent. He led his men down the steps of the Yin residence. When they reached the procession, he cupped his hands, bowed, and asked.

In the distance, on the carriage in front, the thick velvet curtain was lifted from the inside, and a man in a tall hat and black robe stepped down. The head guard at the gate felt a jolt in his heart. This was a eunuch. The person in the carriage was probably either from the palace, or related to the imperial family!

The eunuch always walked with a slight bow, seemingly taking small, quick steps, but in reality, he was quite fast. He quickly passed the guards and arrived in front of the head guard of the Yin residence. The eunuch’s slightly shrill voice rang out.

“Servant of the Prime Minister’s residence, go in and inform Lord Yin that the Third Young Master has come to visit him with his wife and daughter. Once you tell Lord Yin, he will know who it is.”

The Third Young Master?

The guard captain frowned, but dared not be negligent and bowed.

“I will go and inform the master immediately. Please wait a moment!”

“Yes, thank you for your trouble.”

After the eunuch finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the carriage. The guards at the gate did not dare to delay and quickly ran back to the mansion.

Not long after, Chen Ayuan jogged briskly to the guest wing in the backyard of the Yin residence. After glancing subconsciously at the red fox who was talking and chatting with Yin Qing and Yin Zhong, he quickly walked to the table where Yin Zhaoxian and Ji Yuan were playing chess.

Even in a hurry, Chen Ayuan slowed his pace and bowed respectfully once he reached the courtyard.

“Master, Mr. Ji, I apologize for disturbing your chess game.”

“What’s is it?”

Yin Zhaoxian put the chess piece down and turned to look at his loyal servant.

“Reporting to the master, a procession of carriages has arrived outside. It’s quite a grand affair. There’s a eunuch in the procession who informed the gate guards that the Third Young Master has come to visit with his wife and daughter.”

Yin Zhaoxian frowned.

“Third Young Master?”

“Father, it’s the Emperor!”

Yin Qing overheard the conversation and spoke up, a certainty in his guess.

“Oh right, it really must be the Emperor! Mr. Ji, it seems this game of chess between us will be a draw!”

Ji Yuan smiled and nodded at him.

“You really thing we are evenly matched? I’ll win in less than twenty moves.”

“Hey, hey, how can you say that? How do you know I don’t have a backup plan? The Emperor is here, and I have to go and receive him. We’ll play another day, another day!”

Yin Zhaoxian stood up and quickly followed Chen Ayuan, bringing Yin Qing and Yin Zhong with him. Since the Emperor was coming in person, the whole family naturally had to go and greet him.

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