Since the game was over Han Xin dismissed the crowd surrounding them. They slowly dispersed at his command whispering their admiration for the general.
If this got out that they were beaten at a silly game by Her Highness, they would be a laughing stock, and their regiment would lose face altogether. Only Lian, Mei, Yi Nuo, Han Zhan, and Jun De remained, their eyes fixed on Peng Xiu and Han Xin.
Han Zhan stood by the board with a newfound respect for Princess Xiu evident in his gaze. She had lasted far longer in the game than he ever had, and at one point, he had even thought his cousin might lose. The intensity of the match had been palpable but, in the end, Han Xin won.
