Xu Weixiong wanted to leave with Wang Yue because she could see how well he treated his women. Once she became one of them, she wouldn't have to trade a single move for a warhorse!
She was a levelheaded woman. For the sake of the Xu Family, she could never fall for any man. Nothing but self-interest could move her.
Wang Yue had no idea what Xu Weixiong was thinking. He cupped his hands toward Zhang Fuyao and said with a smile, "Since the old gentleman has stepped in, I'll have to win. Even if Xu Weixiong leaves with me, Shangyin Academy certainly won't be affected."
Zhang Fuyao laughed heartily and said, unconcerned, "The imperial families of this world have changed time and again, but Shangyin Academy has always stood. You needn't worry about that."
Wang Yue hadn't expected the old man to be so magnanimous. He smiled and said, "In that case, I'm relieved!"
Then he turned to Xu Weixiong. "Please!"
Xu Weixiong didn't stand on ceremony. She picked up a black stone first and placed it on the board's center point.
Anyone who played Go knew that it took fewer stones to surround an opponent near the edge, while placing a stone in the middle required more. Xu Weixiong had clearly done this to avoid taking advantage—and perhaps even to give Wang Yue a handicap.
Seeing this, Zhang Fuyao smiled encouragingly. "The nineteen lines reveal not only a person's character, but also their strategic ability. If you don't show off your skill, you may not win Wang Yue's favor."
Xu Weixiong froze for a moment. She considered herself slightly less beautiful than Xuanyuan Qingfeng, Pei Nanwei, and the other women. If she couldn't match Wang Yue in talent either, then Old Zhang was right: she would have no