Ming Jia Ying's openings this tournament, while bold and straight forward, seemed illogical at first glance, but in hindsight were always the optimal approach to a quick and efficient victory. Ku Qin Zemin understood this and even though he couldn't yet see the wisdom in her current opening he knew better than to underestimate it. Deciding it was best to stick to his strategy and adapt to hers as it became clear, he began moving his squads into place, deployed a few additional squads, and built roads leading to key units, such as life squads. However, none of his capitol's supplies were used, it was obvious that he was saving up for a scholar unit next turn.
The advantage of the blossom formation was that supplies could easily be moved from one city to another and Ku Qin Zemin was prepared for Ming Jia Ying to deploy a scholar unit her first turn. Exceeding his expectations, she had several of her squads send a portion of their supplies to a nearby city, these cities then sent the majority of their supplies to her capitol where she deployed not one, but all three of her scholar units at once.
All three of Ming Jia Ying's scholar units were enhanced versions of water squads and with their proximity to the water they had a range of twelve, putting all of Ku Qin Zemin's squads and cities, including his capitol, within striking distance. There was no mercy rule in a two-player match, as such Ming Jia Ying was free to target his cities on her first turn. Ku Qin Zemin could already foresee two of his cities falling this turn, with the third following the next round along with most of his squads. Unless Ming Jia Ying made a drastic mistake there was no coming back from this, she had won before he'd even taken his turn, he was just too blind to see it.
Before Ming Jia Ying could finish her turn, Ku Qin Zemin raised his capitol piece into the air for all to see before placing to the side, signaling his forfeiture of the match. The stands were deathly silent as they processed what had happened before erupting in cheers.
Shan Yang turned to Ming Fang laughing, “Why did we even warn her? What does it matter if an opponent creates a maze when you have the strength to knock down the walls?”
“That opening was a gambit. If her opponent's squads had been more centralized he could have destroyed her capitol before she even got a turn,” Ming Fang replied as they started making their way toward the stage.
“Betting it all on a make or break opening that plays to her strengths and ignores her opponent's isn't a bad choice when a drawn out match would give her opponent the advantage. Honestly though, I'd hoped she'd learn to be more crafty from going a few rounds with him.”
“Perhaps she'll get another opportunity to play him. The look in his eyes seems quite reluctant to let things end here.”
“That... may not have anything to do with the game. And from the way she's been blushing at every turn the feeling seems mutual.”
Chortling, Ming Fang added, “True! They'd make a fine pair... as long as he isn't the type to flash that smile at every girl he meets.”
Despite losing quite spectacularly and publicly, Ku Qin Zemin gave Ming Jia Ying another bright smile, however his eyes held some regret as he said, “You're amazing! I'd hoped this match might go on longer, so that we could talk for a bit. Perhaps you and your mother would join me for dinner?”
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Ming Jia Ying was young, but she wasn't ignorant of what Ku Qin Zemin's actions and invitation implied. In fact, her cheeks were already starting to heat up again at the thought. Stammering, she answered, “I'd love to” glancing at her mother and Shan Yang as they neared the stage, “but we're supposed to leave with my grandfather tonight.”
Hearing Ming Jia Ying refer to him as grandfather for the first time made Shan Yang's heart swell. Not wanting to get in the way of a budding romance, he interjected, “Don't mind me. I'll go on ahead and get things ready. You and your mother need to return home and pack first anyways. Take your time and join me when you're ready.”
Seeing Shan Yang turn to leave without any further discussion, Ming Fang urged, “Ying'er, you heard your grandfather, hurry and accept his invitation.”
This time Ming Jia Ying was the one wearing a dazzling smile as she peered into Ku Qin Zemin's eyes, “It would be our honor to accompany you for dinner.”
Now it was Ku Qin Zemin's turn to blush. He quickly tried to hide his rapidly reddening cheeks by saying, “Shall we go now then? I know a good place near by,” before turning to head for the door.
Ming Jia Ying quickly chased after Ku Qin Zemin. Seeing the way the two were acting caused Ming Fang's eyes to become crescents, but she didn't say anything as she quietly followed behind them.
*** *** *** ***
The restaurant Ku Qin Zemin led them to was less fancy than Ming Fang had expected. It seemed the young master's tastes were more sensible, valuing the flavor of the food over the establishment's décor. Additionally, the waitress was an adorable young girl, around fifteen years old, yet Ku Qin Zemin's attention never left Ming Jia Ying. So far Ming Fang was very pleased with this potential son-in-law before her.
It had been over two hours since they'd arrived and the two youngsters had been engaged in endless small talk. Their obvious connection was only growing stronger the more they learned about one another. So far Ming Fang had remained silent, content to just observe the two together, but as the meal was nearing its end she decided it was time to get to the point, “Forgive my bluntness, but as you know we'll be traveling soon, so time is limited. What are your intentions for my Jia Ying? And what drew you to her in the first place?”
Ming Jia Ying was embarrassed by her mother's forwardness, but chose to remain quiet because she was also interested in the answers to these questions. Under her expectant gaze Ku Qin Zemin felt as if his mouth held a desert. After quickly drinking some water and clearing his throat he managed to answer, “It is no secret that my mother's health is failing, she expects to step down from the governorship sometime in the next five to ten years. While it is not mandatory that I get married to inherit her title, it would put her mind at ease if I were at least betrothed before I took it up.” Pausing to take another sip of water before he continued, “We Ku Qins value our freedom. Unlike some other families in the Ku clan we are free to choose our own spouses. I am looking for a partner, someone I can rely on when I don't know who else to trust. The political field can be more dangerous than the battlefield at times and I need someone who can help me navigate both. Ming Jia Ying has a keen mind, can quickly find the best path forward, and has the determination to follow through. I would be honored to have her at my side.”
Ming Fang was satisfied with his answer. Smiling she said, “The decision is Jia Ying's, but there's no rush to decide right now. We are moving to Gaia, we plan to be settled in before winter comes. If I'm not mistaken, you visit the capitol often to meet with your cousins. Why don't you come visit us the next time you're there?”
“Then I'll let aunt Ku Wen know that I'll be visiting the capitol this winter,” said Ku Qin Zemin as he rose from the table and offered Ming Jia Ying a hand up from her seat.
As the three made their way out of the restaurant Ming Fang added, “We'll leave word for you at the palace once we've finished settling matters on our end. We look forward to your visit.”
Watching the mother-daughter pair enter their private carriage, Ku Qin Zemin gave Ming Jia Ying another one of his signature smiles. She smiled back and waved as the carriage took off. Feeling a bit disappointed that he didn't get to see her blushing once more, Ku Qin Zemin entered his own carriage.