The Guzheng of The Moon

VI

Still hugging his blanket tightly, Yue sat down before the Emperor. Only the chessboard separates them. Yes, Yue challenged the Emperor to play chess.

“Your turn,” said Gu Zheng.

Yue thought for a moment. It cannot be missteps. His fate and honor are at stake here. Trying to buy time while calming his mind. How could he possibly think and play chess at a time like this?

“Don't take too long,” said Gu Zheng as he propped his arm against his leg.

The Emperor did not even hesitate to look at Yue with a gaze that he thought was very brash.

“As per my promise, if you win, I will give you your clothes and let you go tonight,” the Emperor added.

“Why s-I'm not dressed?” asked Yue with a glance at the Emperor.

Yue was very hesitant to move the pieces. He knew very well that the Emperor's every move had been arranged in such a way as to trap him. From the beginning of this trap, he would not be able to win from the man who was now smiling.

Why was Yue so foolish as to challenge the Emperor in a game he obviously could not win?

Once again Yue glanced at the Emperor but at that moment their eyes met each other to make Yue bowed back. At least in this way Emperor Gu would not mess around until this chess game was over, Inner Yue.

“I'll answer if you win,” grin Gu Zheng.

Imagining him having to surrender himself to the Emperor again made Yue's face flushed red. Soon Yue put those thoughts aside and went back to his chess piece. With trembling hands he moved his knight piece. I hope he didn't take the wrong step.

After it was done, it was now Emperor Gu's turn to move his queen to attack Yue. Again he was trapped.

“What are you intentionally?” asked Yue Lirih. “As if you didn't give me a chance.”

“I move according to your movements,” kelit The Emperor.

Lies. Obviously the man was more proficient than him. The chessboard was like his own territory, the Emperor had conquered it before the game even began.

“S-I give up,” said Yue softly.

“Easy then?” asked Gu Zheng.

Unless he could subvert the Emperor and run as fast as a horse from this room. Yeah, that's the only way. Yang Yue needed only a little gap and opportunity. Glanced at it again Gu Zheng passed through his eyelashes.

“It's a shame, even though I heard from Aunt Hwang you're good at chess,” said Gu Zheng.

“But not as smart as you,” reply Yue spontaneously. He immediately smothered his mouth that was too presumptuous because he had dared to chim in the words of the Emperor. Sometimes his mouth can't be held back. And damn, why now?

Luckily the man only smiled hearing Yue reply. God, he still couldn't believe there was a human being so perfect as the man in front of him. His eyes were firm, his cheekbones were high. Coupled with her eyelashes that are too flaky for the size of a man. Beautiful and beautiful at the same time.

“You can look at me as much as you can,” said Gu Zheng.

Aware of his brazen deeds, Yue lowered her face again. At that moment Gu Zheng's hands stretched out and locked Yue's chin to make her look straight at the opal-colored bead.

“Never lower your face when you are with me,” said Gu Zheng.

“But ...”

I haven't finished the sentence yet. Yue saw the Emperor dismissing the chessboard that separated them until the pieces were scattered on the floor. Surprised by the incident, Yue did not realize that the man had already pulled his waist.

The Emperor pulled Yue up to stand on his bow. They're so close. He is now taller than the Emperor. Their faces were only a few feet away. Yue could even feel the Emperor breathing. He had to bow down to see the Emperor's face clearly.

“You are even sweeter than the last time I saw,” said Gu Zheng.

Yue was stunned to hear that statement. "Have we ever ... met before?"

“I'm disappointed, is it that easy you forget me?”

Instead of forgetting, Yue was very sure she had never met this man before. If he had, he would not have forgotten. How could he possibly forget this handsome man?

“Should I remind you?”

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