"You are getting increasingly proficient in playing chess. Well, I'll do as I promised you today," the Emperor said.

He seemed to be in a good mood. Not only did he talk in a much gentler voice, but he and Madame Jingrou, who had treated each other with slight aloofness and proper respect before, got along in a mature way and became affectionate to each other.

They probably made an improvement in their relationship after getting over what had happened between ...