The Prime Minister’s Darling - Chapter 1430

Chapter 1430: 697 Dayan National Master (Third Watch) Chapter 1430: 697 Dayan National Master (Third Watch) This scene left everyone stupefied.

The chess master from the Chess House, Geng Yuehua, actually knelt before an old man?

Gu Jiao cocked her head to look at Meng Lao.

Hey?

Miao Ruoxin’s complexion changed dramatically; a layer of foreboding slowly welled up inside her.

Geng Yuehua, hailed as the top player in the Chess House after Meng Lao, could only kneel before–
“Tea, Teacher!” Geng Yuehua’s voice trembled as he knelt.

This appellation, “Teacher,” struck like a hammer, shattering all the confidence and arrogance that Miao Ruoxin had built up because of Geng Yuehua.

She watched Geng Yuehua kneeling on the ground, not daring to lift his head, her spirit greatly shaken.

So, this was the strength of the Chess Sage of the Six Kingdoms?

The legitimate offspring of the powerful Geng Family, ranked ninth among the great families, now knelt before a man from a lower country, with respect and devout humility, not daring to show the slightest irreverence.

After all, this was the Geng Family we’re talking about!

Originally from Zhao Country, Mr. Meng Lao received special pardon from the sovereign to settle down in Shengdu, and became a citizen of Shang Country.

Miao Ruoxin felt a burning flame rising from the bottom of her heart, searing and painful yet thrilling.

Once she became a citizen of Shang Country, she would no longer have to look at anyone else’s face!

Mr. Meng Lao, with his aura in full force, coldly looked down at his wayward disciple on the ground and said sarcastically, “I was unaware of when you became the master of the Chess House.”

Geng Yuehua shuddered and hurriedly explained, “Teacher, she was spouting nonsense; the Chess House belongs to you, Teacher. The grand hall still displays the plaque bestowed by His Majesty himself–‘Number One Chess House, a gift to Mr. Meng.’ How would I dare to claim ownership of the Chess House?”

At this moment, he truly resented Miao Ruoxin.

Some thoughts should remain thoughts; why declare them aloud?

Isn’t this giving people evidence against you?

Mr. Meng Lao continued to interrogate, “Who did you earlier say stole the token?”

“Your student… your student…” Geng Yuehua, albeit foolish, now realized that the token in the boy’s possession was personally given by the Chess Sage. He couldn’t understand why the token he had coveted for so many years, a glance at the Chess Sage of which he was not permitted, was now given away so generously.

Mr. Meng Lao thought, my own cherished child, whom I cannot bring myself to bully, is it your turn to cast aspersions?

Mr. Meng Lao snatched the token from Geng Yuehua, carefully wiped it with his sleeve, then handed it to Gu Jiao, “Child, keep it safe.”

Gu Jiao: “Oh.”

Geng Yuehua was utterly dejected. If you’re taking the token back, just take it, but to wipe it too?

Mr. Meng Lao to Geng Yuehua: “You, apologize to your little junior sister… cough… junior brother!”

Geng Yuehua was utterly shocked.

Gu Jiao looked at Mr. Meng Lao with a puzzled face, when did I become your disciple?

Mr. Meng Lao coughed lightly and whispered in persuasion, “Give some face, give some face.”

Gu Jiao: “…”
Geng Yuehua could never have imagined that after the Chess Sage returned from his trip, he would have acquired a junior brother!

Where could he even begin to argue?

Mr. Meng Lao nodded, “Very well, you don’t even listen to your teacher’s words anymore, it seems that your teacher can no longer command you.”

Oh no, this old man has driven away fifty-eight disciples! I’m the only one who persisted! After enduring for over a decade, just when I’m about to succeed, being expelled from the school at this critical moment would be too much of a loss!

He sprang to his feet in a flash, bowing to Gu Jiao with cupped hands, “Junior brother, your senior brother was wrong! I apologize to you!”

Gu Jiao, suddenly bestowed with a senior brother, was: “…”

“Alright, go inside. Weren’t you looking for the National Master on urgent matters?” Mr. Meng Lao was definitely not going to give Gu Jiao the chance to reconsider! Was it easy to accept a disciple? After patiently waiting for this opportunity!

Perfect timing, favorable conditions, and support from influential people!

I don’t care whether you acknowledge it or not, once I have recognized you, that’s it!

Gu Jiao frowned slightly, feeling that the old man was scheming something.

But she indeed had no time to waste here.

She proceeded with the disciples of the National Master Hall.

Miao Ruoxin watched Gu Jiao’s departing silhouette, her fists clenched involuntarily.

She just couldn’t accept it, she truly couldn’t!

Why did this fellow from a lower country have such good fortune?

First, he became acquainted with Young Master Qingchen, then befriended the Su family’s third young mistress, and now even the Chess Sage of the Six Kingdoms has accepted him as a disciple!

He’s a total good-for-nothing!

“Mr. Meng Lao, may I ask you…”
“You may not.” Mr. Meng Lao cut Miao Ruoxin off without a hint of politeness; he was not deaf and had heard every single word she had used to disparage Gu Jiao.

He said coldly, “You are not a member of the Chess House, so I have no authority to discipline you.”

This statement appeared to be self-deprecating on the surface, but in reality, it was a complete disassociation from Miao Ruoxin.

No matter the relationship between Miao Ruoxin and his eldest disciple, it amounted to nothing here, so there was no point in trying to overstep one’s bounds.

Mr. Meng Lao pointed at Miao Ruoxin and summoned two guarding disciples from the National Master Hall, speaking sternly, “The National Master once promised me three favors, stating that I could make any three requests of the National Master Hall. Now, my first request is this: This person from Chen Country shall never set foot in the National Master Hall ever again!”

Miao Ruoxin turned pale!

Not being able to enter the National Master Hall was not what was terrifying; the real fear was that once this news got out, the whole of Shengdu would know that she had offended the National Master Hall.

What was the National Master Hall?

It was an existence not even the ten great families dared to provoke lightly!

If she were loathed by the National Master Hall, would she still have a chance to become a person of Shang Country?

Miao Ruoxin gritted her teeth and said, “Old Master Meng, I healed your chief disciple, you can’t repay kindness with ingratitude!”

The moment her words fell, she saw Geng Yuehua clutching at his throat, falling to the ground, eyes rolling back, coughing violently.

Miao Ruoxin: “…!!”

…

Gu Jiao was unaware that Old Meng had stayed behind to clean up Miao Ruoxin for her. Instead, she was being led by a disciple of the National Master Hall to the National Master’s residence.

Gu Jiao asked, “So, do all the people of National Master Hall know Old Master Meng?”

The disciple smiled, “Yes, except for a few disciples who have recently joined.”

“I am the esteemed guest of your National Master Hall, the most sincere friend of the National Master, the great chess saint of the six nations, Old Meng.”

Thinking of the shameful script she had written for the old man, Gu Jiao silently clenched her fists.

It’s all right.

She wasn’t embarrassed, only others were!

…

The National Master’s residence was within a bamboo forest, past a small arched bridge. The scenery was pleasing, and the paths were meandering and secluded.

This place seemed somewhat different from the overall style of the National Master Hall, suggesting a profound artistic conception.

“The National Master resides over there,” the disciple pointed to the purple bamboo forest not far away.

“So it’s the purple bamboo forest,” Gu Jiao subconsciously thought it was the emerald bamboo forest, “By the way, what is your name?”

“I am called Ya He,” the disciple said.

As they talked, they entered the purple bamboo forest.

The breeze in the forest was fresh, and the fragrance of the purple bamboo made people feel refreshed and delighted.

Thinking that Gu Yan would soon have surgery, Gu Jiao’s mood also improved.

“We are here,” the disciple said. “We will wait here for someone from the inside to come out.”

The two stood outside a wooden fence.

Within the wooden fence was a bare courtyard, and further inside were three small bamboo houses.

The central bamboo house had its door open, but bamboo curtains hung down, making it difficult to see inside.

Gu Jiao had no intention of eavesdropping on the conversation between the National Master and that guest, but she could not help it due to her excellent hearing, and heard someone inside say, “Is that really the only way?”

It was a young man’s voice.

Gu Jiao didn’t hear the National Master’s response, but then she heard the young man say again, “I understand, thank you for your audience, regardless.”

In an instant, the bamboo curtain was lifted by a hand with distinct joints, and out stepped a young Taoist priest dressed in a deep blue Taoist robe.

He put on his shoes on the steps and left the courtyard with a cool expression.

Gu Jiao watched him intently, thinking that this Taoist priest was quite handsome. Were not only monks good-looking these days, but Taoists as well?

“Taoist Qingchen,” Ya He greeted the other with a bow.

Taoist Qingchen returned the greeting with a slight nod.

Gu Jiao blinked, finding his looks even more striking up close.

This handsome monk did not look like a monk, but the Taoist priest indeed had an air of otherworldly elegance.

Taoist Qingchen also greeted Gu Jiao with a bow and then, without caring whether Gu Jiao returned the greeting or not, turned and left.

Ya He introduced to Gu Jiao, “He is Taoist Qingchen, who was a student of Jianan Academy before he took his vows. Jianan Academy was personally founded by the National Master.”

“Ya He, has the last guest arrived?”

A deep and mellow voice came from the bamboo house; in the vast world, the sound resonated in one’s heart, as if striking the soul.

Ya He bowed to the bamboo house, “Yes, National Master, it’s Old Master Meng’s junior disciple.”

“Oh?” Surprise was evident in the voice from inside.

“Come in,” he said.

Ya He led Gu Jiao into the courtyard. He could not enter himself and watched as she walked up the steps, removed her shoes, and entered behind the curtains wearing white tabi.

The dimly lit shabby room contained only a small table, two cushions, and a single incense burner.

The small table was positioned sidelong to the doorway.

The person behind the table wore a black robe embroidered with a glittering golden kirin on the cuffs and a black cap on his head, his features hidden in shadow.

His back was straight, his stature tall and firm like pine and bamboo.

At his level, it was no longer about emanating any aura; everything was deeply recessed and introverted, returning to simplicity, merging all into one.

Was this the National Master of Dayan, who was worshipped as a deity?

Gu Jiao sat down opposite him.

As the light changed, Gu Jiao finally saw his face clearly.

Gu Jiao was suddenly stunned.