After the death of the host: the tyrant cried red eyes

Perhaps it was because of his volatile mood that she didn't need to get angry about it. It wasn't worth hurting herself.

The next morning, Shen Bingning and Xiao Yi still rode in the same carriage.

As soon as they got in the car, Shen Bingning was about to continue reading the book in her hand, but Xiao Yi pointed to the chessboard on the table and asked gently: "My beloved concubine, can you play chess?"

Looking at the black and white chess pieces, Shen Bingning shook her head slightly. She only knew simple Gobang and knew nothing about Go.

Xiao Yi did not show disappointment, but suggested: "Then I will teach you."

Shen Bingning had no such intention in her heart, and she declined politely: "I am stupid and I am afraid I can't learn it. It would be bad if it displeases Your Highness."

She was really worried that Xiao Yi's mood would change erratically again and she would be unable to cope with it.

"My beloved concubine is too modest. With your intelligence, you will surely master it quickly."

Xiao Yi said, picking up a black piece and gently placing it on the chessboard, "Black piece goes first, my beloved concubine, please."

Even the basic rules were not explained in advance. Shen Bingning was a little dissatisfied, but she just casually placed a white piece next to the black piece.

Xiao Yi placed another black piece, and Shen Bingning followed suit, playing the chess piece completely according to the idea of ​​Gobang.

As the black and white pieces on the chessboard intertwined, Xiao Yi gently lifted up one of Shen Bingning's dead pieces.

Shen Bingning suddenly became anxious: "Hey, how could you take my chess piece?"

Xiao Yi looked at Shen Bingning with sharp eyes: "Didn't I teach my beloved concubine the rules of raising grapes before? Have you forgotten?"

Taught her? Why did he ask her if she knew how to play chess? Was he testing her? All the signs from last night seemed to suggest this.

Shen Bingning responded wittily: "I have a bad memory and forgot the rules for a moment. Besides, I also want to cheat a little. Your Highness, I hope you won't mind."

The second half of the sentence had a hint of coquettishness, trying to defuse the awkwardness.

Alas, she still feels a little nauseous thinking about last night's chicken.

Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, smiling, and put the white piece back to its original position: "Since my beloved concubine wants to cheat, I will make an exception and let her do it this time."

Shen Bingning pretended to be happy: "Thank you for your grace, Your Highness."

Xiao Yi seemed to have found the pleasure of killing time in it. He played one game after another with Shen Bingning, and did not forget to explain the strategies and intentions in detail after each move.

However, Shen Bingning seemed to really lack talent for Go. Even though she understood Xiao Yi's layout, she found it difficult to find an effective countermeasure. Every game ended in a miserable defeat, which was ridiculous.

Another chess piece tapped lightly on the chessboard, making a crisp sound, just like the gears of fate quietly meshing, and the balance of victory and defeat finally tilted to one end that was irreversible.

Xiao Yi's eyes drooped slightly, and a trace of barely perceptible regret flashed across his eagle-like black pupils. The corners of his mouth drew a faint arc, "My beloved concubine's intelligence does not seem to be here."

His words expressed regret for Shen Bingning's failure to display her wisdom, as well as a hint of mockery.

Shen Bingning still had a gentle smile on her face, but deep in her autumn-water eyes, there was a hint of helplessness and self-mockery.

In this deep palace, she learned how to protect herself under power. Even if she had to retreat in order to advance and live under someone else's roof, she had to temporarily lower her head and restrain her edge.

"I am a humble concubine, so let's end our game here today."

Her words were humble, yet also revealed an unyielding pride. After repeated setbacks, even the most resilient heart would feel a little tired.

Xiao Yi's fingertips gently stroked the chessboard, and he took out a yellowed chess manual from a hidden grid on the side. The cover was mottled, but it revealed the accumulation of years.

"The journey is long, and I need someone to play chess with me. My beloved, you should study this chess manual more, and don't be so embarrassed next time."

His voice was low and magnetic, with an unquestionable majesty in his tone, yet it also seemed to be mixed with a hint of imperceptible tenderness.

Shen Bingning smiled bitterly in her heart, biting her lower lip lightly, trying not to let her emotions leak out at all, "If Your Highness wants to play chess, just look for Eunuch Wei."

There was a subtle stubbornness in her answer, trying to maintain her last bit of dignity in this way.

Xiao Yi took a sip of tea, the aroma rising from it, intertwined with the playfulness in his eyes. He slowly turned his head and fixed his gaze on Shen Bingning, as if he wanted to see through all her disguises. "I prefer to play chess with my beloved concubine, and enjoy the pure and innocent pleasure."

After he finished speaking, a wry smile appeared on his handsome face, showing helplessness that beautiful things were bound by reality.

**Inside the Yongjing Revenue Minister's Mansion, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn.**

Zheng Yanmin led Yan Qi through the winding corridor and finally entered the study. He then waved his hand to signal the servants to leave, leaving only the two of them standing opposite each other.

"Prince Yong, please take a seat."

Zheng Yanmin's voice is steady and powerful, revealing the owner's calmness and confidence.

Yan Qi straightened his robe slightly, his movements were elegant and calm, he slowly sat down, his eyes were deep, as if he was weighing the weight of every word, "I am here today to visit you, actually I have a business matter to discuss with Lord Zheng."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yanmin's face straightened and his tone became more serious, "Prince Yong, please speak."

"One of my confidants owns 20 mu of fertile land in the suburbs of Yongjing. However, recently some unruly people came with the land deed and insisted that 5 mu of it belonged to him. My confidant did not want to cause trouble and only wanted to solve this problem quickly, so he asked me for help. I hope that Lord Zheng can check the land registration book to determine the right and wrong."

Yan Qi's words revealed an authority and determination that could not be ignored.

Zheng Yanmin's eyes rolled slightly, and he quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind, then nodded and agreed, "I will send someone to investigate immediately. However, the world is complicated, and some unruly people are used to forging land deeds for personal gain. Prince Yong does not need to worry too much about this matter. Once the truth is found out, your confidant will be cleared of all charges."

"Then I would like to thank you, Master Zheng."

Yan Qi raised a meaningful smile and said, "In a few days, this prince will hold a banquet at Chunyan Tower and invite important officials from the court to join us. Lord Zheng must come and show us the honor."

Zheng Yanmin bowed his hands and said sincerely, "It is my honor."

After some probing and confrontation, Yan Qi seemed satisfied with Zheng Yanmin's attitude, and he talked about deeper topics with confidence, "I heard that Mr. Zheng's daughter was wronged in the palace. It was really the fault of those who didn't know how to cherish women. I was heartbroken to hear this. If it were me, I would definitely treat her like a treasure and not allow her to suffer any harm."

His words showed sympathy for Zheng Yanmin's daughter, but also implied some kind of suggestion and solicitation.

As soon as these words came out, Zheng Yanmin's heart was in turmoil. Thinking of Xiao Yi's recent dissatisfaction and the fact that Yan Qi had known that he had tried to assassinate Shen Bingning, the balance in his heart began to waver, "This humble official is willing to follow Prince Yong."