After having lunch, Zhao Yao and Lian Fang sat under the tree playing chess.
It was already summer, and the weather was extremely hot, especially after noon. However, Zhao Yao found that his second uncle’s place was very cool, as if completely unaffected by the summer.
He Lianfang asked Zhao Yao to call him "Second Uncle." Zhao Yao asked if he was the second in his family, which was why he had him call him "Second Uncle." Lian Fang replied that was not the case. He didn’t tell Zhao Yao the specific reason why he was called "Second Uncle."
Zhao Yao felt that since he was already so familiar with Lian Fang, it was a bit unfair that Lian Fang didn’t even tell him his surname.
Lian Fang, however, said that his surname and name were not important. Moreover, his true identity was not important either. What was important was that he was his Second Uncle now, and he could completely trust him.
Zhao Yao asked again if he would tell him his identity in the future. Lian Fang said that when he grew up, he would tell him his identity.
Hearing what Lian Fang said, Zhao Yao didn’t continue to ask. He knew that even if he asked again, Second Uncle wouldn’t tell him.
Because they were going to the Zheng Mansion to play chess that night, Zhao Yao, although he thought he couldn’t possibly win against Zheng Rang’s genius little brother as an ordinary person, also didn’t want to lose too embarrassingly. Although he was only six years old, he was still a man, and men have a competitive nature. Therefore, he asked Second Uncle to teach him some tricks so that he wouldn’t lose too badly that night.
After listening to Zhao Yao, Lian Fang looked at him with a subtle expression: "Are you an ordinary person?"
Zhao Yao nodded vigorously and said, "Yeah, I’m just an ordinary kid. How could I possibly beat a genius? However, I also don’t want to lose too badly; otherwise, I’d be too embarrassed." After all, he was a Prince. Though of little value, he still couldn’t disgrace himself too much.
Lian Fang saw that Zhao Yao truly thought of himself as an ordinary child and felt a lot of helplessness: Does this child misunderstand himself? How could he be an ordinary child?
"No need to teach you specially; you can beat that so-called genius."
"How is that possible?" Zhao Yao looked at him in shock, "Second Uncle, if you don’t teach me tricks, I’ll definitely lose quickly and terribly." Even though he was a child, he had his pride.
"You’re my student; it’s impossible for you to lose to others." Lian Fang snorted with laughter, "Otherwise, I’d be useless as a teacher."
Hearing the last words, Zhao Yao finally understood Lian Fang’s meaning, and his face became somewhat complicated.
"Second Uncle, are you complimenting yourself?"
Lian Fang glared at Zhao Yao, "I’m just stating the facts."
Zhao Yao silently thought to himself: I didn’t expect Second Uncle to be so narcissistic.
"What, you don’t believe me?"
Hearing that Lian Fang’s tone was somewhat ominous, Zhao Yao quickly put on a smiling face: "I believe, I believe!" If he dared to say he didn’t believe, Second Uncle would definitely get angry and might kick him out.
Lian Fang naturally saw that Zhao Yao didn’t truly believe his words, but he was too lazy to say more. He continued playing chess with Zhao Yao while teaching him military strategy.
Zhao Yao’s talent in military strategy was truly astonishing. Lian Fang believed that with his guidance, Zhao Yao would become the new War God in the future.
After finishing a game of chess and carefully reviewing it, Zhao Yao gained a lot. He felt he was onto something, but hadn’t fully grasped it yet.
Zhao Yao originally thought they would continue playing chess, but unexpectedly, Lian Fang started talking to him about court affairs. At that moment, Zhao Yao felt particularly anxious. Could it be that Second Uncle knew his identity?
"Second Uncle, why are you talking to me, a child, about court affairs?"
Lian Fang said nothing, looking at Zhao Yao with a very calm gaze.
Under Lian Fang’s gaze, Zhao Yao felt more and more uneasy. He wanted to say that he knew nothing, but under Lian Fang’s seemingly all-seeing gaze, he couldn’t say a word.
Lian Fang originally didn’t plan to continue playing this game of hiding his identity with Zhao Yao. If he kept pretending not to know Zhao Yao’s identity, some things would be difficult to talk about.
Zhao Yao lay on the stone table, dejectedly saying, "Second Uncle, when did you know my identity?"
"Did you think I was an idiot?" Lian Fang felt slighted by this little kid. "I knew your identity the day you came."
"What, you knew from the first day?" Zhao Yao exclaimed, "Was I that obvious?" It couldn’t be! He hid himself well, without revealing any clues. It was impossible to be found out!