Qi Sheng becomes Mrs. Yan, honoring her promise by marrying the young general in green who once bests her. Not…
Qi Sheng becomes Mrs. Yan, honoring her promise by marrying the young general in green who once bests her. Not long after, the northern expedition fails. Finesteed Hamlet, unable to recover its wartime losses, falls further into decline. Qi Sheng follows her husband Yan Ying, who retires from the military, and they settle in Harvestfall Village. Life there is modest, but not harsh. Even after marriage, the proud young lady never gives up her love for chess. She studies manuals day and night and eventually cracks the match she once lost to Yan Ying. Elated, she feels she finally clears her name. She stews over that loss all along. Her skill sharpens with the effort, and though she and her husband are often evenly matched, she starts winning more and more. Yan Ying doesn't mind losing; he always smiles and says he will study a bit and challenge her again later. This push and pull becomes their rhythm, a harmony that others envy. But that harmony shatters the day Qi Sheng realizes he has been letting her win. She is furious. Such moves insult the game and insult her. The lady of Finesteed Hamlet is not one to let things slide. Resolute and unbending, she packs her things and returns to her maiden home. Before leaving, she makes her stance clear: unless Yan Ying shows genuine remorse, she will not return.