Chapter 12: Strolling Along the Ancient Stone-Paved Street—A Lady’s Triumph at the Chessboard Surpassing Men

Young Master Shen did not dare drink much at the noon banquet. He knew that Master Xu was open-minded, but according to custom, the bride-to-be would not usually appear at her own engagement. However, since the Shen and Xu families had long been business partners, their elders allowed both the betrothed to attend the engagement feast.

Stepping out of the restaurant, the young man and woman found themselves strolling along the stone-paved street by the river, each trailed by their own attendant.

“Sugar figurines! Blown sugar figurines! Come and see!” The king of sugar art, famed along the riverbank street, called out to the passing children.

“Miss, look! Those sugar figures are so amusing!” Xiaoling hurried over excitedly.

Legend had it that the ancestor of sugar figurine artistry was Liu Bowen. It was said that when Zhu Yuanzhang wished for his dynasty to last, he built the Hall of Meritorious Ministers and had it set ablaze. Liu Bowen escaped by chance, saved by an old man carrying a yoke of sweets. They swapped clothes, and from then on, Liu Bowen lived incognito, peddling sweets through the streets.

During his travels, Liu Bowen ingeniously began heating sugar to make it pliable, then crafted adorable animals—chicks, puppies, and more—that delighted children who vied for a purchase. On the road, many asked Liu Bowen to teach them, and he patiently passed on his craft. Thus, this art spread far and wide, and now, it is said to have a history of over six hundred years.

Practitioners of the trade carried yokes through streets and alleys, their presence essential at any market or temple fair. One end of the yoke bore a small cabinet, about the size of a bedside table, with a rectangular wooden frame on each side. A bronze ring in the frame was threaded with a short rope to fasten the yoke.

Atop the cabinet sat a round wooden disc, painted with radiating segments of various widths, each labeled with a prize: “Gourd,” “Rooster,” “General Guan,” “Monkey,” and so on.

“I’d like a monkey,” Miss Xu said, pointing to the illustration.

At the center of the wooden disk before the sugar artist stood a pivoting rod, slightly shorter than the disk’s diameter. A tiny needle dangled from its tip. When the rod stopped spinning, whichever segment the needle pointed to determined the prize.

Beneath the disk was a drawer, which slid out to reveal a marble slab for drawing the sugar figures. In the cabinet’s upper right corner was a hole for inserting a bundle of straw, where finished sugar figurines were displayed—already adorned with lifelike rabbits and a precious gourd.

The sugar artist’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm at the request. Seeing the elegant couple before him, he began his craft with delight. The sugar slowly melted, releasing a sweet fragrance that enchanted the young master and lady. Xiaoling and Xiaolong were practically dancing with excitement as the sugar artist showed his skill. In an instant, a lively monkey materialized before their eyes.

“Your sugar figurine is ready, young master and miss,” said the sugar artist, smiling as he handed over the monkey.

“This is simply magical,” Miss Xu marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship. “Sir, may I have a horse as well?”

“You’re putting me to the test, miss?” The sugar artist grinned.

“Show her your skills,” said Young Master Shen, paying without hesitation.

“For you, Young Master Shen, I can hardly refuse. But this is only because of your special day,” replied the sugar artist.

He usually only crafted the four standard figures, but with Shen’s engagement, the artist was in high spirits and determined to oblige.

Word spread that the sugar artist was about to create a horse, and the crowd of children grew. The sugar artist was unfazed. Having mastered his craft, he made a living in the bustling old town and was content.

As the sugar reached the perfect temperature, he deftly pinched off a small lump, affixed it to his pipe, and with a practiced breath, inflated the sugar until it gleamed. The children watched in delight, but the young master and miss pondered a more curious question—how would he form the horse’s legs?

Outsiders marveled at the spectacle, but connoisseurs looked for mastery. As the tension mounted, the sugar artist’s cheeks bulged like trumpets, his eyes wide and focused on his creation. The crowd held their breath, awaiting the miracle.

Suddenly, with a swift, magical breath, four legs sprang out, followed by a vivid horse’s head and a grand, flowing tail. The spectators gaped in disbelief at the lifelike horse before them.

“It’s incredible—the horse looks like it could leap into flight!” Xiaoling clapped in amazement.

“It’s uncanny!” gasped the onlookers, young and old, who broke into rapturous applause.

“Truly the king of sugar figurines!” Young Master Shen exclaimed.

As the crowd dispersed, the young lady held her sugar figures—neither the mischievous monkey nor the galloping horse did she wish to eat, so lifelike were they.

“Well, what do you think of Hexia?” Young Master Shen caught the scent of tea crisps before Miss Xu could reply. He hurried over, calling, “Half a pound, please!”

Returning with the crisps, Shen Rui offered them eagerly, “Here, try these famous Shanyang tea crisps—they’re delicious.”

Watching the man to whom she would soon entrust her life dash about to please her, Miss Xu felt her heart flutter like a hundred deer. The crisps gleamed golden in his hand, as fine as wire.

“Miss, you must try some!” urged Xiaoling.

Beaming with happiness, Miss Xu reached out with her delicate hand, took a crisp, and tasted it.

“Delicious!” she praised, her fair cheeks dimpling with joy.

They say the company matters more than the meal itself.

The handsome pair wandered north along the stone street, then east, soon arriving near the Shen residence.

“Young master, I know you’re well-read, but how are you with music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?” Miss Xu asked, her backward glance enchanting enough to topple kingdoms.

“I know a little of all four arts,” Young Master Shen replied earnestly. “Between reading the classics, I’m especially fond of the national treasure—Go.”

“Our young master is the best player in the old town,” Xiaolong boasted. “Last year, he was champion of the Shanyang Go Tournament.”

“Is that so? My young lady is also a formidable player,” Xiaoling retorted, unwilling to concede.

“Really?” Xiaolong challenged.

“Let’s find out.”

The attendants began to banter, while the young master and miss exchanged smiles and made their way to the Shen residence, the young lady’s steps light and joyful. Little did Xiaolong and Xiaoling know that a battle of wits was soon to unfold on the chessboard.

“Mother, brew some jasmine tea!” Young Master Shen called out upon entering the house.

“My son, you’re back!” Madam Shen came out, delighted to see Miss Xu with her son. She hurried over and took Miss Xu’s hand. “Come in, dear, you’re all sweaty.”

“I’ll fetch the chess set,” Xiaolong announced, heading for the study.

Madam Shen brought out the tea to the cool pavilion at the back. Green vines formed a lush canopy, blocking out the sunlight. On the square table, two baskets of stones were already set, and the lines of the nanmu Go board appeared especially distinct.

“Please, Miss Xu,” Young Master Shen invited with perfect manners. Only when she was seated did he take his own seat.

Miss Xu adjusted her hair as Xiaoling fanned her gently. She picked up a few white stones to draw lots for the first move.

Thinking it was their day of engagement, Young Master Shen called, “Even.”

After Miss Xu set down the stones, Xiaolong eagerly began to count, “One, two, three…”

“Nine. Miss goes first,” he announced, swapping the baskets.

Miss Xu sat upright, took a black stone, and placed it with a click on the upper right star point. Undaunted, White responded on the opposite corner. Thus began a fierce and balanced contest between black and white…

If you wish to know what happens next, stay tuned for the following chapter.