Chapter 156: Neighbors Catch Up
As noon approached, the sun shone warmly and pleasantly.
In the quiet courtyard, two figures sat facing each other, each holding black and white Go stones in their hands. The atmosphere was peaceful.
Leaves rustled in the gentle autumn breeze, bringing a touch of coolness to the air.
Click
Nie Qinghe placed a stone on the board, stroked his white beard, and surveyed the complex game, a serious look on his aged face.
They had become quite familiar with each other, and he no longer felt the need to maintain a formal demeanor. He was completely focused on the game, trying to decipher its intricacies.
With every move, he couldn’t help but marvel at the depth and ingenuity of Lin Tianlu’s Go skills. Every time he thought he had found a weakness, he would encounter another layer of traps, a carefully woven web that controlled the entire board. It was truly extraordinary.
Lin Tianlu picked up a white stone and chuckled. “Your playing style seems different today, Elder Nie.”
“I’ve been practicing diligently at home, hoping to give you a good challenge, Master Lin.”
Nie Qinghe smiled faintly.
But his smile was a bit strained.
Because…
He was about to lose again.
His defenses were crumbling, defeat was imminent. In just a few moves, he would be completely surrounded, with no way out.
…
“—Sigh!”
After a few more moves, he put down his stone and bowed helplessly. “I thought I could at least last for half an incense stick after all my practice, but it seems I still have much to learn.”
Lin Tianlu returned the gesture. “Your skills are already impressive, Elder Nie. But I’ve been studying many Go manuals and records, so I’m somewhat familiar with your playing style.”
“I’m still too rigid in my approach.”
Nie Qinghe clicked his tongue, reflecting on his mistakes.
But then his expression turned curious. “Master Lin, you just returned yesterday. Have you heard about the Golden Phoenix Tower…?”
“I’ve heard some rumors.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “I heard it’s quite popular, especially among the scholars from the academy across the river.”
“Indeed.” Nie Qinghe sighed, stroking his beard. “My friends who teach at the academy are quite upset.
Their previously well-behaved students are now obsessed with that brothel. Even those who haven’t entered the building are composing poems and singing songs with the courtesans from across the courtyard… It’s truly disgraceful.”
He chuckled helplessly. “I wonder what’s the point of their education if they’re just using poetry for courtship.”
“Are you angry, Old Master?”
“I’m… not as angry as my friends.”
Nie Qinghe stroked his beard and chuckled. “Those youngsters are full of vigor. It’s fine for them to be a bit frivolous. Just like you, Master Lin, your two wives are the most beautiful women in Changling, their elegance unmatched. How could those courtesans compare?
But you’ve remained focused on your studies, your knowledge and spirit undiminished. It shows that romantic affairs are not an excuse for neglecting one’s duties. Those scholars are simply indulging in pleasure and forgetting their responsibilities. They need a good scolding.”
Master Nie was quite open-minded, not at all rigid.
Lin Tianlu sipped his tea.
He had given the mistress of the Golden Phoenix Tower some advice yesterday. Hopefully, they would be more discreet from now on.
“But I have to thank you for this matter, Master Lin.”
“Hmm?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “Why are you thanking me, Elder Nie?”
“It’s about my grandson.”
Nie Qinghe’s face lit up with joy. “The atmosphere at the academy has been disrupted by the Golden Phoenix Tower, and many scholars are distracted. But a few have remained focused on their studies, diligently reading the classics and practicing their writing. The teachers are quite impressed.
They even possess the aura of true scholars, quite remarkable.”
“Oh?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow, then smiled. “Is your grandson one of them?”
“That’s why I have to thank you, Master Lin.”
Nie Qinghe bowed respectfully. “My grandson has always been rebellious and carefree. He could never sit still and study. If those alluring courtesans were tempting him, he would have been lost in the Golden Phoenix Tower.”
“But now, he’s filled with ambition and passion, studying diligently, determined to master all the knowledge of the world.”
Nie Qinghe sighed with admiration. “I’ve never seen him so motivated.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “His diligence… has something to do with me?”
“It’s because of the exercises you gave him.”
Nie Qinghe laughed heartily. “That boy is stubborn. The more intelligent and knowledgeable someone is, the more he wants to prove himself. Although there are many talented young scholars at the academy, he looks down on them because they’re too young. But your abilities, Master Lin… have truly impressed him.”
“He’s studying hard now so he can face you with confidence. He doesn’t want to appear incompetent and ignorant when he visits you. If you were to ask him a question and he couldn’t answer, he would be mortified.”
Lin Tianlu was speechless.
So the brain teasers he had given the boy had such an effect?
“Then… should I prepare some more?”
“Cough, cough, cough! Thank you for your kindness, Master Lin, but please wait!”
Nie Qinghe waved his hands frantically, chuckling awkwardly. “I’m afraid my grandson might be discouraged. Let’s wait a few days.”
“Of course, of course.”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “I don’t have much else to offer, but I have plenty of those exercises. If you need them, Elder Nie, I’ll be happy to provide them.”
“…”
Nie Qinghe said with a wry smile, “I hope my grandson’s pride can withstand it… Anyway, let’s continue our game. I must learn a thing or two from you today, Master Lin.”
They continued playing for a while when a knock sounded at the gate.
“This humble scholar, Wang Qiu, wishes to pay his respects to Elder Nie and Master Lin!”
Nie Qinghe’s eyes flickered, and he called out, “Come in!”
Wang Qiu?
Lin Tianlu turned to look curiously and saw a slender figure cautiously entering the courtyard, bowing respectfully. “Please forgive my intrusion.”
“Find a seat, Young Master Wang.”
Nie Qinghe waved his hand dismissively, his demeanor casual.
“Yes, Sir.” Wang Qiu nodded slightly. He looked at Lin Tianlu, his eyes sparkling with a strange light.
Recognizing the familiar face, Lin Tianlu said in surprise, “You’re the scholar I met in Jianggai County…”
Wang Qiu suppressed his excitement and bowed deeply. “It’s an honor that you remember me, Master Lin.”
“You look… much better now, Young Master Wang.”
“You two already know each other?”
Nie Qinghe was surprised, then chuckled. “Excellent! Since you’re acquainted, there’s no need for introductions. If you’re interested, Young Master Wang, you can watch our game.”
“Yes, Sir!”
As Wang Qiu walked over respectfully, Lin Tianlu asked curiously, “Elder Nie, it seems this Young Master Wang is…”
“I tutored him in poetry and calligraphy a few years ago, at his grandfather’s request. He’s quite talented, a quick learner.”
“You flatter me, Old Master.”
Wang Qiu said modestly.
But as he spoke, his gaze fell upon the Go board, and his expression turned to one of shock and awe.
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