"I lost."
Putting the black piece back into the pottery jar, Zhu Yaning sighed lightly.
Wang Zhong's chess skill was extremely formidable.
"Patriarch Zhu, you are too kind," Wang Zhong said very humbly, without any trace of smugness, his tone as calm as water.
Zhu Yaning's chess skill was actually outstanding, but Wang Zhong's master was Bibi Dong, and his own comprehension was also extraordinary. In terms of chess, there were not many people in the world who could defeat him.
"It's not a matter of being too kind or not."
"My chess skill is far inferior to yours."
Zhu Yaning shook her head gently, finally smiling at Wang Zhong and saying, "Just as Yun'er and the others wrote in their letters, you are indeed talented and gentle and polite."
"It's no wonder that my daughters, who are like little kittens, praise you so highly. What they said is indeed true."
Regarding this, Wang Zhong nodded slightly. He was not surprised that parents and children communicated through letters.
"Since you are a traveler, you must wish to see a different world, experience different customs and traditions, and even more so, to witness different people and events."
"The Star Luo Empire is vast. Although there are similarities in various regions, there are also places that are entirely different. In the Star Luo Imperial City, there might be an experience that will truly surprise you."
"How about staying here for a few days?"
Zhu Yaning smiled and invited Wang Zhong to stay a few more days.
The Wang Zhong before her, aside from his strength, possessed talent and etiquette. Although his appearance was not exceptionally handsome, he was refined and pleasant to look at. His pair of emerald green eyes were bright and spirited, possessing a unique charm.
"So that we can return your kindness for taking care of our daughters on their journey, with a little hospitality," Yang Xiuyi added with a smile.
Wang Zhong frowned slightly, intending to refuse. But Zhu Zhuyun quietly opened her mouth with a giggle, and the shape of her lips clearly conveyed.
"Apology, gift!"
Well, Zhu Zhuyun had thoroughly remembered this matter, all because he had spoken carelessly in the carriage.
With a sigh of helplessness, Wang Zhong nodded in agreement, "Then Wang Zhong will trouble you for a while."
"Zhuyun, you and your sisters take young friend Wang Zhong to the East Wing."
"It's quieter there, and he should like it."
Zhu Yaning gave gentle instructions to Zhu Zhuyun and the others.
"Ah! Why the East Wing!"
Zhu Zhuyun expressed great surprise at the mention of the East Wing.
In the Zhu family, there were quite a few courtyards for receiving guests and pavilions, but the location of the East Wing was somewhat sensitive.
No, it should be said, it was somewhat sensitive for Wang Zhong at the moment.
Because the people who could be hosted in the East Wing were generally from the royal family, the Dai family!
Wang Zhong had a meaningless conflict with Dai Weisi today. If that person were to visit here someday, and Zhu Yaning was also hosting a guest, the consequences might be rather unfavorable.
Zhu Zhuyun's reaction caused Zhu Yaning some confusion.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, nothing!" Zhu Zhuyun quickly explained with a dry laugh.
With her eyes narrowed slightly, Zhu Yaning felt that her eldest daughter was a little different from usual. But with Wang Zhong present, she didn't say much more, only nodding, "Then it's settled."
"Young friend Wang Zhong, welcome to the Star Luo Empire."
Zhu Yaning stood up. Her qipao outlined a graceful figure, with curves that were exquisite and alluring, possessing boundless beauty and charm.
Moreover, the fair jade hand she extended made Wang Zhong subconsciously twitch the corner of his mouth. It was somewhat troublesome.
Any powerful Soul Master possessed a very potent bone-reading technique. They didn't need to be very meticulous; a gentle grip was enough to estimate a person's age with considerable accuracy.
Although Wang Zhong's physique was no different from an adult's, he was still only twelve years old! This matter was rather delicate and sometimes put him in a passive position. Because of this, he actually didn't like to reveal it to outsiders.
However, looking at her smiling face, Wang Zhong could only sigh and gently hold her tender white fingertips. With a light grip, he said helplessly, "Thank you for your kindness, Patriarch Zhu."
"Eh?"
To Wang Zhong's surprise, after Zhu Yaning held his hand, her willow-like eyebrows clearly furrowed for a moment, but then quickly smoothed out, and she nodded with a smile.
This reaction also sparked a flash of inspiration in Wang Zhong's mind.
"She couldn't detect my bone age!"
The two hands separated as soon as they touched. Wang Zhong followed behind Zhu Zhuyun and the others and walked out.
After they disappeared, Yang Xiujie walked up and asked, "Yaning, how was it?"
"How old is he?"
In response to her husband's question, Zhu Yaning shook her head, puzzled, "I couldn't ascertain it."
"It seems he has cultivated some technique on his hand that has caused some changes in his bones."
"Wait a moment, a technique?"
"You mean, this little fellow is a Soul Master?"
"But Zhuyun and the others said he was just an ordinary person!"
Yang Xiujie was very confused. His daughters would not conceal such a matter.
"Heh, Xiujie, that's where you're mistaken."
"Zhuyun and the others merely said they didn't feel any soul power fluctuations from Wang Zhong, nor did they see him use any soul skills or martial souls."
"It doesn't mean he isn't a Soul Master!"
Zhu Yaning's expression was solemn, a stark contrast to her previous gentle and smiling demeanor.
"He has ulterior motives!"
"He is even intentionally contacting Zhuyun and the others!" Yang Xiujie's expression also soured. After all, he was the father of the four sisters. Although family rules dictated that they would inevitably engage in fierce competition in the future, at this moment, he was still a dutiful father.
"It doesn't seem like it."
"If he truly had ulterior motives, he wouldn't have hesitated so much when I invited him to stay temporarily."
"To be cautious, prudent, and not reveal one's strength is how one survives longer when venturing out."
"I think this is his true intention."
Zhu Yaning rested her index finger against her chin, making her own conjectures.
However, she quickly dismissed the matter and instead brought up another topic.
"Xiujie, what do you think of this Wang Zhong?"
"Setting aside his strength for now, he is polite, virtuous, exceptionally intelligent, and a gifted young man." Yang Xiujie gave the most fitting description of Wang Zhong as they had seen him so far.
"Yes, that's what I think too."
"Whether it's his etiquette, bearing, intelligence, or temperament, he is of the highest caliber. I quite like him."
"What do you think? If we were to propose marriage to him, would he agree?"
"Zhuyā and Zhuyí are twin sisters. One of them is destined not to participate in the royal competition. I think Wang Zhong is worthy of our Ya'er or Yi'er."
It was then that Yang Xiujie suddenly understood, saying, "No wonder you arranged for Wang Zhong to stay in the East Wing."
"However, I think it's a bit too hasty. Let's observe him for a while longer."