A worthy opponent

The gift from the Seventh Prince's Mansion was returned unopened for the third time. Despite Xiao Jingche's refined manner, a hint of gloom and confusion settled over his features. He believed he'd been humble enough, his overtures clear, so why was this Miss Lu, like a block of ice that couldn't be warmed, constantly rejecting him? Was she truly abiding by the rules of propriety, with no desire to curry favor, or... did she have other motives?

This feeling of being out of control made him uncomfortable. He recalled Gu Zhao's profound comment that day—"very interesting." Perhaps he should go meet this "interesting" fiancée in person.

The opportunity soon arrived. While the birthday celebration for Lu Wenyuan, the president of the Hanlin Academy, was modest, many colleagues and students came to celebrate. Xiao Jingche, acting as a junior, personally visited him and presented him with a modest and appropriate birthday gift: an ancient inkstone from the previous dynasty. It showed respect without being overly ostentatious.

Lu Wenyuan was flattered and quickly welcomed the Seventh Prince into his study, offering him tea. Xiao Jingche was gracious and discussed a few poems and anecdotes with Lu Wenyuan, praising the scholar's scholarship, which greatly benefited Lu Wenyuan.

After chatting for a while, Xiao Jingche casually mentioned, "I've heard that Miss Lu is very talented, and the 'Jinxiu Poetry Society' she recently held is a well-known story in Beijing. I wonder if I could have the honor of asking Miss Lu for some advice today?"

He said this very politely. As a prince, he gave the Lu family enough face by using the word "please advise". How could Lu Wenyuan not agree? He immediately ordered someone to ask Lu Qinglan.

Lu Qinglan was checking the farm accounts in the Lan Courtyard. Hearing that the Seventh Prince wanted to see her, she remained calm. What was meant to come would eventually come. She straightened her clothes, still looking as calm as water, and headed to the study with Fu Yu.

Inside the study, the aroma of tea wafted through the air. Xiao Jingche sat in the guest seat, his posture relaxed, but his eyes were fixed on Lu Qinglan the moment she entered the room.

Today, she wore a rain-soaked, sky-blue silk dress, the hem embroidered with intricate, winding branches, which rippled like water as she walked. Her hair was simple, still pinned with the same purple pearl and silver hairpin. Her plainness seemed somewhat out of place in the festive atmosphere of this birthday, yet she exuded a chilled aura that was impossible to ignore.

"Your humble servant Lu Qinglan pays respects to His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince." She bowed with her skirt lowered, her posture standard, and her voice steady, without a trace of emotion.

"Miss Lu, there's no need to be so polite." Xiao Jingche gave her a slight support, his gaze lingering on her drooping eyelashes for a moment, and said with a smile, "I took the liberty of inviting you here because I wanted to personally thank you for the gift you returned last time. It was Jingche who was inconsiderate and gave you something inappropriate at the right time, which put you in an awkward position."

He took the initiative to take responsibility, and his words were so sincere that any ordinary lady would have been moved. Lu Wenyuan listened from the side and nodded secretly, thinking that His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince was indeed kind and considerate.

Lu Qinglan's heart was as calm as water, and he lowered his eyes slightly: "Your Highness, you are too kind. Qinglan is of low virtue and dare not accept such a generous gift from Your Highness. Moreover, a woman in the boudoir should focus on chastity and tranquility. Too many external things can easily change her mind."

She attributed the reason to her "lack of virtue" and "chastity", which sounded very reasonable and could not be faulted.

A trace of inquiry flickered deep within Xiao Jingche's eyes. His words were beautifully spoken, yet perfectly watertight, effortlessly repelling all his attempts. He smiled, then turned his gaze to the painting "River and Mountain in Snow" hanging on the wall of his study. He asked, "I've heard Miss Lu is well-read. I wonder what your thoughts are on the 'sparse style' of Wu Daozi, the great painter of the previous dynasty, and the 'dense style' of Li Sixun?"

This question, seemingly discussing painting technique, actually holds a hidden meaning. "Sparse" and "dense" can refer to both painting style and the art of government. Emperors of previous dynasties used this to test their ministers and probe their political views.

Upon hearing this, Lu Wenyuan's expression froze slightly, and he looked at his daughter with a hint of worry in his eyes. This question was too profound for a girl in the boudoir.

Lu Qinglan sneered in his heart, here it comes. Xiao Jingche was indeed not willing to just talk about romance.

She raised her eyes, her gaze calmly sweeping over the painting, her voice as clear as the clash of jade: "Wu Dai Dang Feng's brushwork is sparse and unrestrained, emphasizing spirit over form. His intention precedes his brush, and his spirit and charm are vivid. It's like governing a large country: one must grasp the outlines, clarify the laws, and ensure that everything is in its proper place. This is the beauty of 'sparseness'. Li Sixun's golden and green landscapes are meticulously outlined, richly colored, and rigorously ruled, meticulously scrutinizing every detail. It's like managing ordinary affairs: one must be meticulous and thorough to avoid mistakes. This is the essence of 'precision'."

She paused briefly before continuing, "However, too little attention can easily lead to laziness and a relaxation of discipline; too much attention can easily lead to trivialities and a waste of energy. Therefore, governing should be like painting, requiring a balance of density and tension, and a proper balance of tension and relaxation. We must grasp the overall direction while also paying attention to the details of people's livelihood. What do you think, Your Highness?"

This speech not only accurately explained the style of painting, but also extended it to the way of governing. It was profound in insight and clear in logic. In the end, it gently threw the question back to Xiao Jingche.

Lu Wenyuan was stunned when he heard this. He had never thought that his daughter could be so knowledgeable! This... is this really his eldest daughter who is usually gentle and quiet?

Xiao Jingche was also deeply shocked! He had only wanted to test her depth, but he never expected that she would give such a penetrating answer! This was definitely not the vision and knowledge that an ordinary woman in seclusion could have! She must have read more than just "Female Rules" and "Female Commandments"!

The look he gave Lu Qinglan completely changed. The slight contempt and inquiry he'd previously held transformed into a deep sense of shock and scrutiny. This woman was definitely not an ordinary person!

"Miss Lu's insightful comments have opened Jingche's eyes." Xiao Jingche suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his smile becoming more sincere. "What Miss said about 'a balanced approach to density and sparseness' is indeed very true. Currently, in the court, there are those who advocate for a policy of inaction, while others advocate for harsh punishments, and the debate continues. In your opinion, what is the way to achieve a balance?"

His question was even more explicit, almost discussing specific state affairs.

Lu Qinglan's heart was slightly alarmed. Xiao Jingche was gradually leading her to the topic of state affairs. Was he trying to test her or tie her to his chariot?

She couldn't take it, at least not too deeply now.

"Your Highness, thank you for your compliments. Qinglan's views are limited, and I'm just parroting others. How dare I criticize state affairs?" She bowed slightly, deftly avoiding criticism. "I simply believe that whether governing a country or managing a family, one must assess the situation and adapt to local conditions. For example, when prescribing medicine, one must distinguish between cold and heat, deficiency and excess, and prescribe the right remedy, rather than sticking to traditional prescriptions. Timing and discretion are crucial."

She once again brought the topic back to a relatively safe level of "reason", but still contained hidden meanings.

Xiao Jingche watched her submissive expression, and the strange feeling in his heart intensified. She clearly possessed astonishing talent and insight, yet she was so cautious and so good at hiding it. This character, this determination, far surpassed any woman he had ever met, even... not inferior to some of the old ministers in the court.

He suddenly felt that the jewelry and toys he had given her before were so ridiculous and superficial. How could such a woman be moved by such vulgar things?

"Miss Lu, you are too modest." Xiao Jingche looked at her deeply, stopped pressing her, and turned to talk with Lu Wenyuan about some trivial matters of the Hanlin Academy, as if the sharp conversation just now had never happened.

After sitting for a while, Xiao Jingche stood up and said goodbye. Lu Wenyuan personally escorted him out of the mansion.

Back in the study, Lu Wenyuan looked at his calm daughter, who was packing the tea utensils, with mixed feelings. He opened his mouth, wanting to ask where her insights came from, but in the end, he only sighed: "Qinglan, today... you behaved very well. However, in the future, you need to be more... cautious in front of the Seventh Prince."

He had a vague feeling that his daughter wasn't as simple as she seemed, which made him both proud and somewhat uneasy.

"My daughter will always remember my father's teachings." Lu Qinglan responded respectfully.

She knew that after today, Xiao Jingche would never regard her as an ordinary marriage partner again. He saw her value, but also saw her uncontrollable nature.

And this is exactly the effect she wanted.

She wanted him to see her abilities and feel her reliance on her, but she also wanted him to be unpredictable and not dare to manipulate her easily.

She needs to be careful to strike the right balance between these two.

Back at the Lan Courtyard, Fu Yu couldn't hide her excitement: "Miss, you were so amazing just now! Even the Seventh Prince was stunned by what you said!"

Lu Qinglan, however, did not show any sign of satisfaction, but instead looked solemn.

Xiao Jingche noticed her unusualness earlier than in his previous life. Is this a blessing or a curse?

She sat by the window, her fingertips unconsciously sliding across the cold window frame.

The game has begun and the opponent has made his move.

The road ahead will be even more cautious.