However, she had a vague feeling that she was being led by the nose. She didn't know if it was just her imagination, but Wu Qingjin was planning everything for her in every detail and working tirelessly for it.

Qiao Zhizhi looked at Wu Qingjin, her good friend beside her, whose face was full of anticipation for the success of her art exhibition, her eyes seemingly shining.

Perhaps Qingjin was just too concerned about her future.

Qiao Zhizhi dispelled the subtle unease in her heart.

Prince Guangping was the seventh son of the late emperor. He was fond of refined arts and had excellent calligraphy and painting skills. He did not value people's social status and associated with famous figures who had achieved success in the arts. Whether a person was worthy of his favor depended mainly on their artistic achievements or potential.

Whether it was Prince Heng, who loved to eat, or Prince Guangping, who loved art, they were both princes whom the emperor trusted most.

To hold an art exhibition at the Prince of Guangping's Mansion, one must either be a master or possess enormous potential.

“Actually, Prince Guangping has already seen your paintings and judged that you are a talented person, otherwise he would not have agreed to hold an exhibition for you.” Wu Qingjin winked at Qiao Zhizhi.

"When did this happen?" Qiao Zhizhi asked, somewhat surprised.

"You and I exchanged some paintings. I took those paintings to Prince Guangping and told him that you were only seventeen years old. Prince Guangping was very impressed and said that you might become the number one female master in the future and join the ranks of countless outstanding male masters."

Hearing this, Qiao Zhizhi was not so much proud, but more at ease. The Prince of Guangping recognized her paintings, and it was not entirely because of Wu Qingjin's repeated requests that he agreed to hold an exhibition for her.

In this way, she felt less guilty about disturbing Prince Guangping.

Once inside the Prince's residence, Wu Qingjin pulled Qiao Zhizhi toward the exhibition hall. Qiao Zhizhi stopped and asked, "Should we pay our respects to Prince Guangping first?"

"No, we're not going. It's all too formal and complicated. Art is free, and this isn't the officialdom. There's no need to be so particular about these things. The prince has already said that once we get there, we'll go straight to the exhibition hall. We're just young girls, so the prince won't mind."

Qiao Zhizhi still shook her head: "But I always feel that as a guest, it would be inappropriate not to pay my respects when I arrive at the host's house. Qingjin, your Wu family and the Guangping Marquis's mansion are on good terms, so you can do as you please, but I still have to fulfill my due respects."

This is the teaching of the Qiao family, which is repeatedly emphasized to everyone. The Qiao family has only been in the capital for a few years, so we must be careful and cautious in every way. We must do what we should do and not do what we shouldn't do. We must not learn those unrestrained and flamboyant temperaments, lest someone find fault with us.

In the capital, every member of the Qiao family represented the family's reputation; this was a responsibility and a way of life.

Seeing Qiao Zhizhi head towards the main hall, Wu Qingjin said helplessly, "Oh well, whatever you want. It's good for you to go see Prince Guangping first."

Qiao Lian'er followed beside her, unable to help but give Qiao Zhizhi a thumbs up in her heart. Well done! At this point, she was certain that Wu Qingjin's intentions were not pure. She was in stealth mode and did not carry any tokens. If Sister Zhizhi really listened to Wu Qingjin and did not go to pay her respects to the Prince of Guangping, it would be difficult for her to make a move.

Fortunately, Qiao Zhizhi kept the family precepts in mind and took the right first step into the Guangping Marquis's mansion.

Prince Guangping was practicing calligraphy in his study when someone came to report that the Qiao family's daughter, Zhizhi, who was skilled in painting, had arrived and wanted to see the prince.

"Let her in." Prince Guangping put down his pen, wiped his hands with a handkerchief, and then went out into the hall.

Although Prince Guangping was also a great artist, his face was dignified, with a mustache and a commanding presence, making him more like a powerful prince.

In reality, he didn't have much power. Like other princes, he had a fiefdom with a small army stationed there, which was not enough to pose a threat to the royal family.