It has been centuries since the post of Great Yan's Weiqi Attendant was discontinued, and yet you… You simply wished for me to help you in managing these documents? No, I do not understand what you mean by 'can't be in two places at once'.

If you require someone to share your burden during my time on Rhodes Island, I shall do my utmost. Though there is no need to ask me for advice on medical company work... You wish for a round of hand-talk? There is no need to rush, until the day you take your first step on the Dao of weiqi.

The Dao of weiqi is abstruse, but in the end, it is merely a game. You will not learn of military tactics or political maneuvers upon the gridded board. I have seen no small number of people who enjoy making such fantastical claims. As for the story of the general sitting in his camp, breaking his enemy with ease during a game of hand-talk… According to the Laws of Yan, a general making such merry during wartime is to be beheaded.

I have never seen my younger brothers and sisters act in so ridiculous a fashion before. It seems they have plenty of time to waste now that this affair is over. No need to inform them I am here. So long as they can live together happily like this… You have already informed them?

Through a thirst for victory, seek peace. In this point, and this point only, can it be said warfare is connected to weiqi. People seek egress from all sorts of unbearable struggles, yet it is thus that they can speak of their future. I cannot read your future, but I believe the choices you make are in accordance with the proper moves on the board.

That game with It has come to a close, all resentment, gains, and losses stricken from the ledger. Can it be considered victory? We have paid a bitter enough price simply to find our place upon this earth. Surely you too understand the weight of the word 'decision'… One must have no regrets after placing a stone, but can one truly be free of regret?

We no longer obsess over leaving something behind. The exception is our masteries, which each of us has spent more than a thousand years honing. They are worthy footnotes in the fickle realm of humanity, and it would be a pity to lose them to oblivion... The fact that they may leave things behind is, for most parts, a treasure, though far be it from me to pass down knowledge.

Quibbling over seniority is inherently ridiculous for us. Not even in ordinary families would you see an elder brother make every single decision for his younger siblings. You do not need to act as my elder brother's messenger. Once this game is over, I shall go to dinner. I am aware Yu is manning the kitchen today.

I have calculated every possible outcome, yet I cannot see a conclusion where these muddy waters run clear once more. But I know she is still there. A move in a weiqi record, a page in a history book. This simple faith shall suffice… You do not need to question my determination. Surely you too have people you care for.

…After our parting, the blizzard-lashed night outside my window…

You are Dr. {@nickname}? I am honored to finally meet you. As you've already met many of my siblings, I shall not belabor my introduction. I am Wang, a former strategist. As for our earlier encounters… Let us consider them not worth mentioning.

Do you truly wish for me to point out all the flaws I see here?

The weiqi players of Yan are divided into nine ranks, from the Ninth Clumsy Defender Rank to the First Nearly Divine Rank. As you are now, your prowess should grant you the rank of… This is meant to denote my rank? Preposterous…

There has only ever been 'me'.

Have your strategies plotted beforehand. You should know how the battle will end before it begins.

You truly wish to entrust this authority to me…?

Three Armies, heed these orders: we march.

Come, take your seats.

Spare them or slay them. The choice is yours.

Simply place your stone. Why ask me?

Observe the entirety of the board. There is no one point that decides victory.

You have been drawn into my plans.

Warmongering as ever. Even now, you have learned nothing.

You will not escape this jie so easily.

Admit defeat now, and spare yourself the embarrassment.

…Why must you insist on struggling?!

…I am content.

Take it away. I have no need for battle reports.

Such blunderous command.

Guileful moves indeed… Another game, what say you?!

…This is much more spacious than my last dwelling.

…Remain silent while you spectate.

I have some spare time today, so I do not mind a game.

Arknights.

Its name is Sui, or 'age'. It seems the people of antiquity knew that time is a terrifying, evil beast. All things are worn away by its passage. I too do not know how much longer I will remember her. Before my memory leaves me… Yes, no need for further urging. I shall come and eat now.

Doctor. I have heard from others that you are not accustomed to rising early.

I have not prepared any curios to offer you upon your birthday. Some seek out pearl shells from the southern depths to make stones and fragrant nutmeg-yew wood from the northern ridges to make boards, but such luxuries will not help them play any better… I grant you this ancient record of a game. Since you now understand the Dao of weiqi, you shall be able to discern the thoughts present on the board. The player? Nothing more than an obsessive like yourself.

You have chosen the most difficult game in this realm to play, but if this is enough to make you consider a retreat, then you have surrendered all chance of victory… Merely a warning from someone who once walked the tightrope and lost it all, whatever that may be worth. Do not fret. By my reckoning, this game is still far from over, and there are still many variables at play.