The Double

Jih Heng could see Miss Jiang the Second’s intentions, and so could everyone else, including the simpleton Kong Liu. It was undeniably a death wish for Yin Zhili to consider granting a marriage at this time. However, Lu Jiu still believed that the game of chess was reaching its conclusion—the most thrilling moment—not to be compromised by small mistakes that could disrupt their own formation.

Jih Heng disliked playing chess, not because he was bad at it. Lu Jiu once had a game with Jih Heng, whose chess skills were indeed exquisite. The reason he was reluctant to play against others was that observing a person through chess could reveal too much about their intentions, and Jih Heng disliked being speculated upon.

"Then, my lord, we should consider our strategies in case the Yin Household decides to act against us now," Lu Jiu said, knowing he couldn’t persuade Jih Heng and thus changed the subject.

"Yin Zhan has no capability, only able to amass troops and horses," a flicker of contempt flashed through Jih Heng’s eyes, "There are no other strategies; the outcome will be the same in the end."

Wen Renyao had not spoken a word so far, just listening to the conversation between Jih Heng and Lu Jiu. Suddenly he interjected, "Ah Heng, I suddenly feel that Miss Jiang the Second might just be the woman in that divination lot."

Jih Heng paused momentarily, gave him a glance, and did not respond.

After talking with Jih Heng for a while longer, Lu Jiu left his study with Wen Renyao. Once outside, instead of returning to their respective rooms, Lu Jiu stood in front of the house and asked Wen Renyao, "You keep saying Miss Jiang the Second is the woman from the divination lot, what do you mean by that?"

Wen Renyao replied, "Members of the Jixian Sect perform spirit writing for only one person their entire life. You should know that when I conducted spirit writing for Ah Heng, it always went smoothly, except for once."