Chapter 557: Xiaoxiao’s Strength (2)

General, Madam Called You To Farm

Translator : Moon Lee

This translation made by Moonlight Teatime.

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Seeing Su Xiaoxiao writing furiously with grand momentum, he thought to himself, ‘This young lady seems low-key, but she’s probably a master.’

Then he couldn’t help but extend his neck to look at Su Xiaoxiao’s painting.

Oh my goodness!

He stumbled and nearly fell!

Next came the assessments in music and Go.

For music, the young ladies were to choose an instrument they excelled at and perform on the spot, with court musicians recording their scores.

The results were not announced immediately.

Qin Yanran, having received guidance from Master Zhang, had made rapid progress in her qin skills.

Her performance of ‘Celestial Fairy’ amazed everyone present.

The young lady of the Leng family on the pipa and the young lady of the Jing family on the zither also drew significant attention from the musicians.

When it was Su Xiaoxiao’s turn,

She asked, "Can I play anything?"

The court matron nodded. "Yes."

Su Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said seriously, "Then, I’ll play some cotton for everyone?"

Everyone: “…..."

—

After a day of assessments, Qin Yanran stood out the most in music.

For the written exam and painting, since the results weren’t visible, no one could be certain, but based on their usual reputations, Qin Yanran was likely to be in the top three, if not first.

The young lady of the Leng family deserved a place among the top three.

For Go, the young ladies were paired off for matches, determined by drawing lots.

Qin Yanran drew the young lady of the Leng family.

Several Go masters serving as referees gathered around their table.

Clearly, their match was the most anticipated.

Su Xiaoxiao drew Miss Hong.

Miss Hong didn’t take the girl from the countryside seriously at all.

She said arrogantly, "Black goes first. I’ll let you take black!"

"Oh." Su Xiaoxiao casually picked up a black stone and placed it right in the center of the board.

Miss Hong sneered, "Do you even know how to play Go? Don’t tell me you’ve never even seen a Go board out in the countryside?"

The first move is usually placed on a star point, occupying one of the four high-value corners, followed by the sides.

As the saying goes, golden corners, silver sides, straw core*?

*The proverb teaches players the optimal opening strategy: start in the corners, expand along the edges, and only later fight for influence in the center.

This girl’s move was placed in the worst possible area.

To be honest, her own Go skills weren’t particularly outstanding.

She had been worried about drawing a strong opponent, but unexpectedly, she ended up with this girl.

Hah.

Might as well have drawn a skilled player.

Winning against someone like this wouldn’t feel like a real victory.

Miss Hong was utterly disgusted.

She placed a stone to occupy a corner.

Hmph, I’ll finish her in ten moves!

Ten moves later.

Su Xiaoxiao rested her chin on one hand.

Miss Hong said mockingly, "Why did you stop? If you don’t know how to play, I can teach you, let you last a few more moves against me."

Su Xiaoxiao sighed, "I’m hungry."

She had been competing all day without eating.

Did these young ladies not need to eat at all?

She was practically starving to the point of desperation.

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t bother with formalities anymore. She took a piece of pastry from her pouch and began eating leisurely.

Miss Hong said coldly, "Hey! Are you here to play Go or to eat? Can you be a bit more serious? If you’re going to be like this, you might as well forfeit!"

Su Xiaoxiao tapped the board with her other hand.

Miss Hong looked down and was startled.

Just moments ago, she had been on the verge of winning, how had this girl suddenly broken through?

"You... how did you... play there?"

Su Xiaoxiao said, "Can I not play there? Then I’ll move it somewhere else."

"No taking moves back!" The eunuch nearby interjected.

"Oh." Su Xiaoxiao placed the piece back.

Miss Hong glanced at Su Xiaoxiao.

She didn’t even understand the rules of Go, it was probably just a fluke.

The two continued their game.

Every time Miss Hong thought she was about to win, Su Xiaoxiao would break through in an instant.

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