Chapter One: The Downfall of Liu Family Village

Opening Poem—

Kunlun snow, Kunlun snow,
Shining through the starry night.
Point to the vast heavens as a chessboard,
Let the bright moon be the celestial pivot.
A stone, pure as jade, falls to earth,
Shaking the peaks of Kunlun.
Within black and white, between the pieces,
Only I defy the chess demon.
Worldly affairs shift like a thousand moves,
Yet a loyal heart steadies the six realms.
Even if immortals play wondrous hands,
Let their game be told after.

Chapter One: Misfortune at Liu Village

Heaven forms the chessboard, stars the pieces—who can play? The saying, “Worldly affairs are like chess,” speaks of the ceaseless transformations of human life, as unpredictable as a game. The path of chess mirrors the path of life. The game of Go, ancient and refined, is said to have been invented by Emperor Yao to teach his son Dan Zhu restraint. Some claim sages of antiquity, observing the heavens and earth, created it to reflect the myriad forms of nature. Passed down through generations, it became both a method of self-cultivation and a skill for competition. Its 361 intersections correspond to the number in the river diagram of destiny, matching the 365 degrees of the celestial sphere. Black and white represent yin and yang, the four corners symbolize the four directions. The nine stars are distributed, with the celestial pivot at the center; within the patterned board, between black and white, lies infinite fascination. Its myriad changes and strange delights can only be grasped by those of high talent and sensitivity—without such, one cannot claim mastery. As for skill so profound it aligns with heaven and earth, pierces the realm of spirits—that is another domain altogether.

During the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, in Hebei, there lay Liu Village.

A heavy snow had fallen for two days and nights, covering hundreds of miles. All things were dressed in silver, the land and mountains blurred into one, birds and beasts vanished, and the world lay in solemn silence. Occasionally, the mountain wind would stir, sending snowflakes spinning through the woods, swirling in the air; from afar, it resembled rising mist, and the already shapeless valleys and ravines were veiled anew.

After the snow, the mountain village was especially quiet. The bitter winter made villagers slow to rise, and after such a storm, they were yet more reluctant to move. Yet some families were diligent: the red-lacquered gate of one house creaked open, and an old man with a bamboo broom stepped out. He swept the snow from the steps, then made way for a portly, well-dressed middle-aged man. This man gazed into the distance for a while, sighed, and exclaimed, “What magnificent snow! I haven’t seen such snowfall in years!” He breathed deeply, feeling thoroughly refreshed.

This man was Liu Yishan, a local squire of Liu Village. In his youth, he had studied hard hoping for a scholar’s rank, but his official career stalled after attaining the title of xiucai, and he abandoned the rigid essays to become a recluse in this remote mountain hamlet. Among the villagers, he was a figure of some standing.

Liu Yishan was immersed in the snowy scene. “Hm?” The old man sweeping suddenly exclaimed, “Master, look at this—what is it?” In truth, a mound of snow had risen at the foot of the steps, clearly covering something. Liu Yishan instructed, “Liu Fu, clear it and see.” Liu Fu obeyed, gently sweeping aside the snow. Beneath it, two figures appeared. Liu Yishan was startled and approached—it was an old man and a youth. The elder wore tattered clothes, no cotton for warmth; the younger, a boy of thirteen or fourteen, wore several thin garments but still seemed frail. Liu Fu, after his shock, knelt and shook them; both seemed to have been frozen for some time and did not respond. Liu Yishan urgently said, “Quick, call people to carry them into the warm room.” Liu Fu rushed inside, shouting, “Master’s order—come save them!” Several servants hurried out, carried the elder and youth inside, laid them on beds, wrapped them in cotton quilts. One servant brought a brazier. Liu Yishan scolded, “How can you roast frozen people by fire? Bring more quilts instead. Useless lot!” He then ordered, “Go boil two bowls of ginger soup.” Amid the bustle, Liu Fu examined the pair, then shook his head and reported, “Master, the elder is beyond hope. The boy is still warm, with a breath left—he’ll need two hours of warmth before awakening.” Liu Yishan, moved, said, “Pitiful, truly pitiful. Since it has come to this, we must save the child’s life, at least a good deed. Lay the elder to rest; when the boy wakes, we’ll discuss further.” Liu Yishan turned to return to the hall, when two richly dressed youths of fifteen or sixteen burst in, shouting, “What’s the excitement?” Seeing Liu Yishan, they quickly stood aside, grinning, “Good morning, Father!” Liu Yishan frowned, “Liu Cai, Liu Lu, why aren’t you studying? What are you doing here?” Liu Cai craned his neck at the bed, “I heard you saved two people—what are they like?” Liu Lu scoffed, “Just a pair of beggars, why bother?” Liu Yishan, angered, snapped, “Nonsense! Mind your manners!” The brothers, seeing no amusement, meekly left.

In the afternoon, as Liu Yishan drank tea in the hall, Liu Fu entered and bowed, “Master, the boy has woken.” Liu Yishan rose, “Let’s go see.” The master and servant went to the side room; the frozen elder had been moved to the woodshed, leaving only the boy, who gazed around in confusion. Seeing them enter, he struggled to sit up and asked, “Gentlemen, where is my master?” Liu Fu hurried to support him, “Young sir, lie still. My master saved you—take your time.” Liu Yishan sat at the bedside, now seeing that the boy had clear brows and eyes, intelligence shining from his expression. He silently praised, “What a refined child!” The boy anxiously asked, “Sir, do you know where my master is?” Liu Yishan paused, “The elder is your master? Where are you from?” The boy shook his head, “I don’t know where I am from. My master rescued me ten years ago by the roadside, and we have called each other master and disciple ever since. Recently, the heavy snow made us lose our way; my master was sick for days. We sheltered by someone’s door, fell asleep, and when I woke, I was here—my master gone.” He sobbed.

Liu Yishan realized they were vagrants, and said, “Child, your life has been arduous. To speak frankly, when you were rescued, your master had already frozen to death and is now laid in the woodshed.” The boy cried out, rushing to see his master’s body despite his weakness. Liu Yishan, moved by the boy’s deep affection, had Liu Fu help him to the woodshed.

The elder was laid on a door plank, covered with a straw mat; two servants worked on a simple coffin. The boy, seeing his master cold and lifeless, threw himself upon the body in tears. Liu Yishan and Liu Fu also shed tears. The boy, frail and overcome by grief, fainted. Liu Yishan had Liu Fu carry him back inside.

Liu Fu gave the boy some soup. After a while, he revived, and Liu Fu fed him a bowl of porridge. Regaining some strength, he tearfully recounted his story to Liu Yishan. The frozen elder was named Fang Lan, a wandering martial man. The boy, following his master’s surname, was called Fang Guohuan. Ten years ago, he became lost from his family, sat crying by the roadside, and was rescued by Fang Lan. After months of searching, they found no trace of Fang Guohuan’s original home. In his vague memories, his family had many grand houses, with bustling crowds and vehicles—clearly a wealthy household. Eventually, Fang Lan adopted him as a disciple, naming him after himself, and took him wandering the world. Though fallen, Fang Lan was learned in the classics; he taught Fang Guohuan to read and write. Over ten years, Fang Guohuan became as learned as a scholar, able to compose and write, not wasting his youth. Master and disciple were as father and son, relying on each other, wandering for years. With Fang Lan’s sudden death, Fang Guohuan was left alone, with no kin, unsure of his future. After telling his story, Fang Guohuan wept bitterly.

Liu Yishan was deeply moved, realizing Fang Guohuan must be a lost child of a wealthy family, fortunate to have met Fang Lan and learned. An idea occurred to him, so he comforted, “Young Master Fang, do not grieve. Though you have fallen upon misfortune, you are learned. You may stay here, study with my two sons, and your needs will be met. When your family seeks you, you may return. What do you think?” Fang Guohuan knelt in gratitude, “Thank you, sir, for taking in one so unfortunate. I am deeply grateful and will repay you if ever able.” Liu Yishan, seeing Fang Guohuan’s manners, was delighted, helping him up, “I have always admired learned, courteous youth—rare indeed!” He ordered Liu Fu, “Go call my sons, let Young Master Fang study with them as an example.” Liu Fu went. Liu Yishan saw Fang Guohuan’s clothes were thin and worn, so he had new garments brought for him, which Fang Guohuan gratefully accepted. Liu Yishan then tested him in literature; Fang Guohuan answered fluently, further pleasing Liu Yishan. “Tomorrow, we shall find a good place in the back mountain to bury your master. You may stay here, and someday pursue academic success—your talents will not go unnoticed.” Fang Guohuan, tearful, bowed again, “To meet such kindness, I will repay you if ever I succeed.” Intelligent and sincere, Fang Guohuan was naturally grateful.

The next day, Liu Yishan had Fang Lan’s coffin sent for burial, and Fang Guohuan wept again, thanking Liu Yishan for his master’s funeral. Thereafter, Fang Guohuan studied with Liu Yishan’s sons, Liu Cai and Liu Lu. Liu Yishan, disappointed by his own scholarly failures, hoped his sons would excel. Yet the brothers, long sheltered in the village, believed themselves learned after a few books, looking down on others. They saw the rescued boy as a servant, ordering him about and making things difficult. Fang Guohuan, in gratitude for Liu Yishan’s kindness, served diligently without complaint. After a few days, seeing Fang Guohuan’s obedience, the brothers grew fond of him and treated him as a confidant. Being close in age and temperament, the three got along well. When idle, Fang Guohuan helped the servants with chores, winning the household’s affection, which pleased Liu Yishan greatly.

Ten days later, another heavy snow fell. Hunger drove mountain birds and beasts to the village for food. The Liu brothers, seeing this, took Fang Guohuan and baskets of grain to hunt in the mountains. They trudged through knee-deep snow, climbing to the summit together for better game. Liu Cai found a clearing, “Here will do.” He swept a space, and Liu Lu had Fang Guohuan scatter grain, then fashioned a trap with a stick and basket. Once ready, the brothers cheered, pulling Fang Guohuan behind a pine tree to wait for birds.

Fang Guohuan asked, “Will this method catch birds?” Liu Lu boasted, “Don’t worry, we use this all the time and always succeed.” “Shh!” Liu Cai signaled. A brightly colored pheasant flew near, eyeing the grain warily. The three tensed, holding their breath, afraid to scare away the rare prey.

The pheasant circled the basket, clucking, finally succumbing to hunger, pecked a few grains, and quickly retreated. Liu Cai and Liu Lu, experienced hunters, remained calm and did not rush to pull the string. Fang Guohuan thought, “Yes, with the mountains sealed by snow, birds desperate for food, even simple traps will suffice—hunger leads to peril.” The pheasant, emboldened by the lack of danger, moved under the basket and ate freely. Liu Cai pulled the string, trapping the pheasant beneath the basket; its beautiful tail feathers, startled, were soon tucked inside.

The three cheered, leaping to retrieve their catch. Liu Cai tied the pheasant’s feet and hugged it gleefully, while Liu Lu and Fang Guohuan stroked its feathers, competing to hold it.

Buoyed by their success, they reset the trap. Soon, a flock of mountain birds gathered, chirping noisily, numbering over a hundred. They caught sparrows but no more large birds. With dusk approaching, Liu Lu said, “Let’s stop for today and return tomorrow.” Liu Cai agreed, and he and Fang Guohuan packed up while Liu Lu played with the pheasant. As Fang Guohuan gathered the grain and carried the basket, a sudden shout rang out, “Wolf!” Fang Guohuan froze; Liu Lu lay on the snow, face terrified. Not far away, a strong gray wolf, baring its teeth, sprinted and leapt directly at Liu Lu. Starved, the wolf ignored the presence of three people and attacked. Liu Lu cried out, paralyzed; Liu Cai was also struck dumb. Fang Guohuan, seeing Liu Lu in danger, shouted and hurled the basket at the wolf. As the wolf’s paw reached Liu Lu’s arm, the basket struck, knocking the wolf aside. Enraged, the wolf rolled, growling, and charged at Fang Guohuan. Searching for a weapon in the snow, Fang Guohuan grabbed the stick supporting the basket and jabbed at the wolf’s face. The wolf’s gaping jaws were at Fang Guohuan’s face; he saw the sharp teeth, felt the hot, foul breath, and thrust the stick at its neck.

At that critical moment, the wolf’s head suddenly jerked and collapsed. In an instant, a long arrow appeared in its neck, killing it. From behind a tree, a young man with a sturdy bow, dressed in hunter’s garb with a fur belt, jumped out. Running over, he asked, “Are you all right?” The Liu brothers, recognizing him, cheered, “Brother Bu, it’s you!” The young man glanced at them, then went straight to Fang Guohuan, clapped his shoulder, and praised, “You’ve got courage, little brother; you didn’t flinch before the wolf.” Fang Guohuan, seeing his rescuer’s strong features, bowed, “Thank you, hero, for saving us.” The young man lifted him, smiling, “I am Bu Yuan, hardly a hero; I respect your bravery.” He then asked, “Where are you from, little brother? I haven’t seen you before—how are you with the Liu brothers?” The brothers gathered round. Liu Cai said, “Brother Bu, he’s our new study boy, called Fang Guohuan.” Bu Yuan smiled, “So you’re Fang, my apologies!” Liu Lu kicked the dead wolf, wiped his brow, and said, “If not for Brother Bu’s timely arrival, I’d be dead.” Bu Yuan shook his head, “It wasn’t me who saved you, but Fang here. If he hadn’t thrown the basket, the wolf would have torn your throat. You brothers weren’t nearly as brave.” The brothers fell silent in shame.

Fang Guohuan admired Bu Yuan’s boldness and archery, and said, “Brother Bu is truly a sharpshooter, killing the wolf with one arrow.” Bu Yuan smiled, “I hunt for a living; it’s no big deal.” He pulled out the arrow, wiped it clean, and replaced it. Liu Cai eyed the wolf’s fine pelt, and a bit embarrassed, said, “Brother Bu, we owe you, but since the wolf was drawn by us, shouldn’t it belong to us?” Fang Guohuan protested, “How can you say that? Without Brother Bu, we’d have perished. The wolf was shot by him—how can you claim it?” Liu Cai blushed, “Well, actually…” Bu Yuan laughed, “Young masters are young masters, not as chivalrous as Fang. The beast is yours; I have no quarrel. Meeting Fang today is enough.” The brothers were delighted, struggling to carry the wolf’s heavy body. Seeing their difficulty, Bu Yuan said, “Since you can’t carry it, leave it to me. All you really want is the pelt; the meat is tough, few eat it. I’ll keep it to lure bigger beasts, and deliver the pelt tomorrow.” Liu Cai agreed, “Excellent! Meat for you, pelt for us—fair enough.” Trusting Bu Yuan, they let him take the wolf. He slung his bow, hoisted the wolf with ease, and turned to Fang Guohuan, “See you tomorrow, brother Fang.” Without a glance at the Liu brothers, he left for the mountain. Liu Cai said, “Let’s go, before we meet more beasts.” Liu Lu, still shaken, quickly agreed. They packed up, carried the pheasant, and returned.

On the way, Fang Guohuan said, “So you know Brother Bu?” Liu Cai replied, “Bu Yuan is a famous hunter within a hundred miles.” Liu Lu added, “He’s odd, doesn’t live in the village, only with his blind mother on the mountain.” Liu Cai continued, “He’s very honorable; everyone respects him. Otherwise, how could we trust him with the wolf?” Fang Guohuan, seeing the brothers’ greed and lack of Liu Yishan’s kindness, shook his head privately. Back at the manor, servants praised their catch, and the brothers were proud. In the hall, they told Liu Yishan about the hunt and Bu Yuan’s rescue, omitting Fang Guohuan’s role in saving Liu Lu. Liu Yishan was relieved to hear of Bu Yuan’s aid. Liu Cai boasted, “We lured the wolf, Bu Yuan shot it, and we split it—meat for him, pelt for us.” Liu Lu chimed in. Fang Guohuan, hearing their nonsense, silently laughed, letting them boast. Liu Yishan, hearing Bu Yuan would deliver the pelt, resolved to thank him.

The next morning, Liu Cai and Liu Lu waited at the gate for Bu Yuan. By noon, he had not appeared, and they grew anxious. Liu Cai grumbled, “Such a dishonest fellow—if he doesn’t come, I’ll raid his house.” Liu Lu complained as well. In the kitchen, Fang Guohuan heard their shouting and advised, “Don’t worry, I don’t think Brother Bu is untrustworthy. It’s only half a day; there’s still afternoon. Why not wait inside?” The brothers agreed but, impatient, went to the village entrance. Fang Guohuan shook his head and returned to the kitchen.

Liu Fu, seeing Fang Guohuan return, said, “Just in time, please take tea to the hall while I tend the fire.” Fang Guohuan complied. After half a month at the Liu house, he was accustomed to helping with chores. Carrying two cups of tea to the hall, he saw Liu Yishan playing Go with an elderly guest. Inspired, Fang Guohuan gently set the tea and said, “Please enjoy your tea, gentlemen.” Liu Yishan acknowledged him without looking up, holding a white piece hesitantly. His white stones were pressed by the elder’s black formation, with no apparent escape. The elder, satisfied, sipped his tea and said, “Liu, do you admit defeat?” Liu Yishan studied the board, shook his head, and returned the piece to the container, sighing, “Must I never win against you?” The elder grew more pleased, laughing loudly, “Liu’s skills are renowned here, but against me, they fall short.” Liu Yishan, though displeased, could not argue.

Fang Guohuan, seeing the elder’s arrogance, could not resist, and suddenly said, “There’s still one move left, sir—why concede?” He picked up a white stone and gently placed it on the board. Liu Yishan was startled, then stood and exclaimed, “Brilliant! What a move!” Fang Guohuan’s play not only revived the white stones, but turned the tide against black—a miraculous reversal. Liu Yishan, realizing Fang Guohuan’s skill, was both surprised and delighted. The elder, caught mid-laugh, studied the board and was shocked, “Who is this child, to have such ingenuity?” Before Liu Yishan could answer, Fang Guohuan bowed, “Forgive my ignorance, sir.” The elder grew more astonished. Liu Yishan, overjoyed, said, “I never expected a mere study boy to humble Master Zhu—do you concede?” Zhu, embarrassed, asked, “Why haven’t I seen this child before?” Liu Yishan, now cheerful, replied, “He’s been here for some time. I didn’t want to spoil your chess mood, so I kept him hidden. Now that the time is right, he’s here to temper your arrogance—so you know there’s always someone better.” He laughed heartily. Zhu, mortified, said, “So you secretly invited a master to shame me—farewell!” He left in a huff. Liu Yishan did not see him out, clearly pleased at finally repaying past humiliations.

Fang Guohuan, regretful for having chased off the guest, apologized, “Forgive my ignorance, sir, for offending your guest.” Liu Yishan replied warmly, “No offense at all! If not for your brilliant move, Zhu would have dominated again. It’s good to humble him.” He then wondered, “I never expected your skill in chess—how did you learn?” Fang Guohuan said sadly, “My late master was versed in chess; all I know was taught by him.” Liu Yishan was astonished, “So your master was a chess expert—I regret never meeting him.” He sighed, thinking highly of Fang Guohuan.

As they spoke, a commotion arose at the gate. Liu Cai shouted, “I told you Brother Bu is trustworthy—he’s come!” Liu Lu added, “Of course, he’s famous for integrity.” The brothers brought Bu Yuan inside, carrying a wolf pelt to the courtyard. Fang Guohuan greeted Bu Yuan joyfully. Bu Yuan returned the greeting, as if meeting an old friend. Liu Yishan welcomed him, “You saved my son’s life—please, come in!” After exchanging bows, they sat and drank tea. Liu Yishan rose, “Without your rescue yesterday, my sons would have perished—this is a great favor.” He bowed deeply. Bu Yuan quickly lifted him, “We’re neighbors—no need for ceremony. The real savior was Fang.” Liu Yishan, surprised, asked, “How so?” Bu Yuan explained the events in the mountain. Liu Yishan, upon hearing, was grateful to Fang Guohuan, who modestly replied, “A man in distress, saved by your kindness, must repay you. Yesterday, I only did what I could; you need not thank me, sir.” Liu Yishan, moved, lifted Fang, “You are a man of great virtue; let us not speak of thanks. That you and your master came here is fate.” Bu Yuan, hearing their conversation, asked, and Fang Guohuan explained how Liu Yishan had rescued him from the snow. Bu Yuan exclaimed, “So you came upon misfortune here!” Liu Yishan said, “Though Young Master Fang is a man in distress, he is learned and skilled. Even more surprising, he is a chess master—he humbled Master Zhu from the south village.” At this, Liu Yishan’s face shone with pride. Bu Yuan, excited, looked at the board, seized Fang’s hand, and asked, “Can you play well?” Fang Guohuan replied, “I am not skilled, but can manage an ordinary game.” Bu Yuan was delighted, “Excellent!” He stood and pulled Fang with him. Liu Yishan stopped him, “Why so urgent?” Bu Yuan, with emotion, said, “Heaven has granted me a worthy brother—I must take him to win something by chess.” Liu Yishan, surprised, asked, “What prize moves you so?” “I have prepared wine and food; after the meal, you can go.” Bu Yuan shook his head, “Forgive me, Master Liu—I am impatient and cannot wait. Let me finish this affair first.” Liu Yishan was reluctant to let Fang Guohuan go, but Fang, seeing Bu Yuan’s urgency, said, “Let me go with Brother Bu; I may be of help.” Liu Yishan, seeing no choice, agreed, “Very well, but return soon.”

Bu Yuan thanked him, took Fang Guohuan, and departed. Fang waved farewell; Liu Yishan saw them off.

Outside Liu Village, Bu Yuan said happily, “Brother, come with me and do not return.” Fang Guohuan was puzzled, “Master Liu has shown me kindness; I cannot leave so abruptly—it would be rude.” Bu Yuan replied, “Brother, you are a man in distress; you cannot stay in Liu’s house forever. Liu Yishan is kind, but his sons are lacking in virtue—not fit for long company.” Fang Guohuan fell silent. Bu Yuan comforted him, “You have courage and chess skill; follow me, and you’ll want for nothing. When I saw you yesterday, I knew we were kindred spirits. If not for my elderly mother, I would have invited you to roam the world with me, and it would not be a wasted life.” He then asked about Fang’s past and, after hearing his story, was deeply moved. Fang Guohuan, meeting such a spirited companion as Bu Yuan, felt equally pleased.