Chapter 646: Another Meeting with Su Zhengchen II (1/2)
Chapter 646: Another Meeting with Su Zhengchen (II)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”Senior!”
At the sight of that familiar figure, Wang Chong walked over and gave the old man a deep bow, his expression earnest and respectful.
If the people in the capital knew that the hero of the Great Tang who had achieved such a major victory in the southwest was actually showing so much respect to an old man, they definitely wouldn't believe it.
But Wang Chong was well aware that the old man before him could receive a deep bow from any sort of person.
This man was Su Zhengchen, the Great Tang War God, already a legendary existence in Taizong's era. Even renowned generals like Wang Zhongsi and Zhang Shougui would appear drab in the light of his achievements.
”You're here.”
Su Zhengchen's voice was very soft, like a regular old man's. No one could have ever believed that he was the Great Tang War God whose name could shake the world.
”Sit.”
Su Zhengchen did not raise his head as he gestured at the seat on the other side of the chessboard.
”Heheheh, Martial Brother.”
An adorable face popped out from under Su Zhengchen's arm, his eyes as bright as lanterns and appearing very strange. It was Su Zhengchen's frequent companion, 'Little Jianjian'.
”Little rascal.”
Wang Chong chuckled and gently stroked the child's short hair.
Little Jianjian suppressed his voice and whispered, ”Martial Brother, let me tell you, when Master found out you were coming back, he waited for you a long time.”
”Enough chatter!”
Without raising his head, Su Zhengchen extended a finger and rapped it against Little Jianjian's head.
”No fun—Master is angry.”
Little Jianjian stuck out his tongue and quickly withdrew his head.
Wang Chong glanced at Su Zhengchen thoughtfully, but he quickly sat himself across from Su Zhengchen.
”Play a round with me.”
Su Zhengchen finally raised his head and pointed at the jar of pieces across from him. In the orange lantern light, the expression on his face was flickering and ever-changing.
”Yes, Senior.”
Wang Chong smiled and took up the jar of pieces. But when he noticed the pieces inside, he momentarily froze. In the past, when Wang Chong played with Su Zhengchen, Su Zhengchen had always played white, Wang Chong black. White went first.
This time, however, Su Zhengchen had given him the jar of white pieces.
”In the past, you were only intelligent in small ways, so I had you play black. But now, you are worthy of playing white.”
Su Zhengchen's voice lightly drifted on the air.
In an instant, Wang Chong seemed to understand something. Though the night was chilly, Wang Chong felt a current of warmth moving through his chest.
Although Su Zhengchen had not said anything explicit, there was no doubt that he was using this method to display his acknowledgment. Wang Chong had never felt this feeling before.
”Let's begin.”
Before Wang Chong could say anything, Su Zhengchen had already grasped his first piece.
”Yes.”
Wang Chong gave a calm smile and played the first white piece.
The game lasted throughout the night, until the light of dawn became visible in the east. In the end, the lantern next to Su Zhengchen seemed on the verge of sputtering out.
”It's enough. I've lost.”
In the final moment, Su Zhengchen conceded, unquestionably defeated. Even so, Su Zhengchen seemed not one bit downcast. On the contrary, he was abnormally happy, as if he had been the winner.
”A minister does not lust for wealth and a general does not fear death. This is the path upon which a country must embark for continued prosperity. Chong-er, in this southwestern war, you performed rather well. You did not shame the Great Tang!”
As Su Zhengchen spoke, he stood up and gave Wang Chong a gratified look.
”Yes, Senior.”
Wang Chong lowered his head, his heart moved. Su Zhengchen was a man of few words, but these were enough to convey his deep recognition. Su Zhengchen rarely participated in politics, much less involved himself in the matters on the border or the rest of the empire. The number of people who could receive this sort of recognition from him could probably be counted on one hand.
For the sake of this scant praise, countless people would be willing to fight until blood flowed down from their heads, paying almost any price.
”Do you still have the white stone that I gave you last time?” Su Zhengchen suddenly asked.
”It's here.”