Calm Arrangements, Movements on All Sides (Part Two)

"Recently, I have been bored in my residence. When I saw this item, I thought Young Master Su might like it, so I brought it here."

Lady Snow spread out the black and white pieces within. The black and white stones resembled the yin and yang energies between heaven and earth, cycling endlessly through one another, their arrangement tangled like hemp.

"This should have come from the previous dynasty's palace. It is made of Kun Jade, a material from the deepest reaches of the Eastern Sea. It feels cool and smooth to the touch, and when placed indoors, it wards off all manner of snakes, insects, and rodents. Young Master was born into great wealth and nobility, so gold, silver, pearls, and jade must naturally be familiar sights to you. I only hope this little trinket might meet your eye. If it brings you some joy, then my efforts will not have been in vain."

Lady Snow spoke calmly, as if she had come merely to exchange thoughts with an old friend. Unhurried and unruffled, she behaved as though none of what had happened between her and Su Che had ever occurred.

Third Young Master Su knew he could never possess Lady Snow's breadth of mind.

"Indeed, they are fine pieces. Shall we play a game?"

Lady Snow's gaze shrank back, as if she could not bear to hear the words "play a game."

"I heard that a few days ago, demonic people coerced a mob into rebellion. Wenning County has already been taken?"

"Not only Wenning County. The seven counties north of Wenning County are now all in rebel hands. And it was not some demonic people coercing a mob—it was the Great River Alliance, plotting for a long time before rising in revolt today."

Lady Snow nodded. "It