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After Su Li took her seat, Wanyan Xue continued, "Your Majesties of Tianqi, your first round victory is commendable. Let us proceed to the second trial—chess. The rules need not be repeated; simply choose one person to compete against me."
This was a challenge Tianqi had to win.
In their empire, chess was beloved by all, from elders to children. With so many scholars present, surely someone could prevail.
Thus, as soon as Wanyan Xue finished speaking, nearly ten individuals eagerly volunteered themselves.
This was an excellent opportunity to gain favor in the eyes of the Emperor and Empress.
The first trial had been a struggle due to a lack of candidates, but now there were too many contenders to choose from.
Wanyan Xue proposed a solution: "Since you all claim to be skilled at chess, I will set up a puzzle. Whoever solves it in the shortest time will face me in the match. Fair enough?"
The Emperor and Empress nodded in agreement, approving the impartial method.
Wanyan Xue stepped forward to arrange the chessboard, then retreated to the side.
"Please, begin."
A palace attendant replicated the setup on a large display board behind them.
As the crowd studied the arrangement, murmurs of doubt began to spread.
"This Princess of Beiyan must be joking! She's given us an unsolvable puzzle!"
"No matter where you place a piece, it's a losing move."
"I don't believe anyone can break this."
...
The confident expressions of the Emperor and Empress faltered as they exchanged uneasy glances.
Su Li suppressed a smile. Wanyan Xue truly lives up to her reputation—her strategies are as sharp as ever.
Nearly a quarter of an hour passed, yet no one managed to solve the puzzle.
Wanyan Xue announced, "I'll give you another half-hour. If no one breaks the puzzle by then, none of you will qualify to face me. It only took me fifteen minutes to solve it myself."
The Empress grew visibly anxious.
"Weren't you boasting just moments ago? Why are you silent now? Step forward and solve it!"
Those who had previously bragged now bowed their heads, feigning invisibility.
The Empress clenched her teeth in frustration.
Meanwhile, Consort Yun secretly rejoiced.
"One final quarter-hour!"
To the Empress, Wanyan Xue's words felt like a death knell.
As the allotted time neared its end, the entire hall remained stumped.
Just as the Empress's hope began to fade, a figure clad in green emerged from the crowd.
Years later, the Empress would vividly recall this moment—the young woman seemed to glow with an ethereal light.
"Perhaps I may attempt it," Su Li offered softly.
Wanyan Xue turned, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You again?"
Su Li smiled. "I hope to have the honor of learning from the Princess."
With the entire court watching, she approached the chessboard.
In truth, Su Li had encountered this exact puzzle in a collection of ancient chess problems during her past life. Even if she hadn't solved it today, someone else would inevitably crack it years later, and the solution would be published for all to see.
Without hesitation, Su Li placed a piece on the board.
Before the audience could fully comprehend her move, Wanyan Xue burst into applause.
"Brilliant! What is your name again?"
"Su Li greets the Seventh Princess of Beiyan," Su Li replied with a faint smile.
"Su Li? Miss Su, you've earned the right to face me."
Su Li remained composed, replying calmly, "I look forward to learning from you, Princess."
Wanyan Xue gestured gracefully. "Miss Su, please."
"Princess, after you."
The two seated themselves before the chessboard. Meanwhile, the crowd was still reeling from the shock of the puzzle being solved.
"Is this really my daughter?" Su Li's mother whispered in disbelief.
Lady Wang beside her beamed. "If not your daughter, then whose? Our Li has always been extraordinary, though her talents have long been hidden."
In a corner of the hall, Ji Huaizhou exclaimed, "Your cousin truly hides her light under a bushel!"
Wei Yuanling was utterly astounded. "To be honest, I never realized how remarkable my cousin was until now. No wonder my mother insists on strengthening our family ties."
Jun Mo raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Unfazed by the reactions around her, Su Li focused on the game. The two opponents were evenly matched, exchanging intense moves in rapid succession.
After half an hour, Su Li bowed slightly. "Thank you for the match."
Wanyan Xue's eyes sparkled. "Miss Su, may I ask who your teacher is?"
Su Li replied frankly, "I have no master. As you've heard, my face is disfigured, and I rarely leave my home. Over time, I've used these pastimes to occupy myself, and through practice, I've gained some skill."
Impressed by Su Li's candidness about her disfigurement, Wanyan Xue remarked, "Miss Su, there's no need for modesty. This isn't just 'some skill.' I've studied under renowned masters since childhood and have never met my match in Beiyan. Yet you defeated me within half an hour. You are truly exceptional. The Empress calls you the 'First Talented Woman of Tianqi,' and I wholeheartedly agree."
Su Li rose with a faint smile and addressed the Empress. "Your Majesty, I hope I have fulfilled your expectations."
The Empress gazed at Su Li with growing admiration. What a pity my son's heart belongs to Lan Yu, she thought. Otherwise...
"Miss Su has surpassed every minister present."
Some officials appeared ashamed, while others bristled with indignation.
Su Li responded humbly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am but a simple person who dabbles in such trivial pursuits. These esteemed ministers, however, dedicate their thoughts to matters of state and the welfare of the people—a level of dedication I cannot hope to achieve."
The disgruntled ministers quickly softened.
What a well-spoken young lady, they thought.
Many families with unmarried sons or nephews began to consider Su Li as a potential bride. Though her face was scarred, her noble lineage, exemplary character, and remarkable humility made her an ideal candidate for a household's matriarch.
The Emperor, too, was delighted. Two out of four trials had been won; one more victory, and the Bone Regrowth Flower would belong to Tianqi. Not only would the Crown Prince's suffering lessen, but the empire would also gain immense prestige.
His gaze toward Su Li grew increasingly approving.
Though Consort Yun harbored resentment toward Su Li, even she couldn't deny the praise bestowed upon her by the Emperor and Empress. Recalling that Su Li was also the granddaughter of the Duke of Wei and the daughter of a high-ranking official, she begrudgingly admitted that Su Li's qualities rivaled those of Wei Yuanyao—save for her disfigurement. Slowly, calculations formed in her mind.