The Human Emperor (200-400)

C321: Xu Qiqin!

Thus, Princess Ni Huang theorized that the Wang Clan was in grasp of an extremely secretive but powerful intelligence network.

Her goal was simple—she wanted Wang Chong to hand over that network. The value of such a swift network could be considered to surpass even that of the spirit vein.

As such, she decided to coop herself in Wang Chong's Deflecting Blade Manor to see if she could find any traces of that secret intelligence network. In any case, Wang Chong wouldn't be able to chase her away either.

"Hahaha. Your Highness, there is nothing I can do if you don't believe me. I have already said the truth, and it is up to you to believe me or not."

Wang Chong shrugged with a smile.

It was indeed true that he didn't possess such intelligence network, so Princess Ni Huang's efforts were doomed to end in futility.

"Hmph, it's a matter of time before I catch you by your tail."

Seeing how Wang Chong was adamantly denying the matter, Princess Ni Huang furiously threw behind these words before stomping back to the shed where Marquess Yi was seated.

"Your Highness, calm down. Here, drink a cup of pomegranate juice."

Marquess Yi passed a cup of juice by her side to Princess Ni Huang, and surprisingly, Princess Ni Huang took the cup and replied with a rare expression of gratitude.

"Sister Yi, thank you."

———One of the main reasons why Wang Chong had invited Marquess Yi over was to have her help mediate in the relationship with Princess Ni Huang. But one thing Wang Chong could have never imagined was that the two ladies would actually become good friends instead.

...

Passing by the bamboo shed which Marquess Yi privately constructed, Wang Chong arrived at a huge hall. This was the most important location of the Deflecting Blade Manor, the Chess Hall.

The Chess Hall was the largest building in the Deflecting Blade Manor, as well as the place where an important chain to Wang Chong's plans would unfold.

"Gongzi!"

"Gongzi!"

...

Upon seeing Wang Chong, the guards in the Chess Hall hurriedly bowed respectfully. In response, Wang Chong did a downward movement with his hands to gesture for them to remain silent.

Unlike the bustle outside, the interiors of the massive Chess Hall was extremely silent.

Around thirty examinees had their eyebrows knitted together, deep in thought. Sitting opposite to them was a corresponding 'examiner', and placed between each examiner-examinee pair was a chessboard each, where black stones and white stones were clashing with one another.

Strength is just one of the many factors required for a general, a strong understanding of warfare and wisdom are important as well.

This was also the reason why Wang Chong arranged this to be the first round of tests.

All examinees who wished to join the Deflecting Blade Manor would have to clear this test and enter the Chess Hall first.

And the examinees who were accepted into the Chess Hall would, in turn, serve as examiners for the next batch of examinees.

This was a system which Wang Chong slowly developed over this period of time.

Through this system, he could save valuable manpower while cultivating some fondness for the Chess Hall amongst the new members. At the same time, it could reinforce the importance of warfare as well.