She never imagined that she would develop such complex feelings for such a prefect.
Lu Yan's composure was indeed quite different from the people she usually met.
This made her want to explore the story behind him.
Lu Yan noticed Chen Qingwan's thoughtful expression, a slight smile playing on his lips, and casually remarked:
“Miss Chen, you just mentioned ‘special students’.”
"I'd like to know, if you really pass my test, can I become your special friend?"
Chen Qingwan was slightly taken aback, then covered her mouth and chuckled.
"Lord Lu, you certainly know how to go with the flow. Such a suggestion is hardly a clever test."
Lu Yan said sarcastically:
"It seems your requirements are quite high, but I believe you can definitely pass the test. I've never seen anything that can stump you."
"Perhaps everyone has their own unspeakable problems, but they are just well hidden."
Lu Yan tilted his head and said, half-jokingly and half-seriously:
"If you are willing to speak frankly, I am willing to share some of your troubles."
Chen Qingwan felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that her true identity might be revealed one day.
But before that, she didn't want to easily break this rare peace.
Her gaze lingered on Lu Yan for a moment, with a hint of inquiry in it.
"I'm just a very thoughtful person; perhaps I'm overly cautious."
She said it casually.
A few noises came from outside, as if a procession was passing by.
Laughter mingled with the shouts of vendors on the street, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Lu Yan turned his head, looked out the window, and casually said:
"It seems that life in the county is very peaceful. If it can continue like this, it can be considered a blessing."
Chen Qingwan nodded slightly, but sighed inwardly.
As an empress, she understood that behind this moment of peace lay countless responsibilities and painstaking efforts.
"Lord Lu, if one day you were to leave this place to pursue a greater cause, would you be willing to do so?"
She asked casually, but her eyes were fixed on Lu Yan's face, trying to find an answer.
Lu Yan was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said:
"I am a person who takes things as they come, and if one day I encounter something that I must do, I will naturally not refuse."
In his words, he seemed to be saying that choices are never about the environment, but about one's state of mind.
Upon hearing this, Chen Qingwan secretly admired him.
She became increasingly certain that this man was not only talented.
They also possess profound insights into the ways of the world.
She admitted in her heart, whether as a woman or not.
Even as a ruler, Lu Yan could still attract her attention.
"If that's the case, then I can rest assured."
Chen Qingwan's voice was gentle, but her tone was filled with complex emotions.
She hesitated inwardly, wondering whether she should continue this natural exchange.
She expressed more of her appreciation for Lu Yan.
After the conversation ended, it was getting late.
"It's getting late, it's time to go back and rest."
Lu Yan stood up and watched Chen Qingwan leave.
He stood on the steps by the door, watching her receding figure.
The other person's figure gradually became blurred in the afterglow of the setting sun.
The conversation that day stirred something within Lu Yan.
Chen Qingwan's unintentional display of wisdom and deep affection made him unconsciously cherish her more.
...
The next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the streets and alleys of Shannan Prefecture, casting dappled shadows.
This made the entire city appear peaceful and serene.
However, beneath this tranquil surface, undercurrents are surging.
After arriving in Shannan Prefecture, Princess Mingyue settled down as an envoy of the Northern Xiang Kingdom.
However, her true intentions were not related to diplomatic affairs.
For her, what truly attracted her attention was the prefect named Lu Yan.
Is Prefect Lu here?
Princess Mingyue pouted and stood coquettishly in front of the government office.
Holding a delicate pink fan, her eyes were full of anticipation.
Lu Yan was engrossed in his work, studying the trade route map of Shannan Prefecture.
Hearing that Princess Mingyue was coming to visit, he hesitated slightly, but still had to put down his pen and leave the study.
The sunlight outside the courtyard was dazzling, and he subconsciously raised his hand to shield his eyes.
Immediately afterwards, they saw Princess Mingyue standing below the steps.
"Oh, Princess Mingyue, what brings you here?"
"What is it?"
Lu Yan's lips curled up slightly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing and amusement.
"Oh dear, what a boring Prefect Lu, what could he possibly want to do?"
"The affairs of Beixiang Kingdom have been mostly dealt with, and I'm now incredibly bored!"
Princess Mingyue said in a coquettish tone, taking the opportunity to step up a few steps and get closer.
Looking at Princess Mingyue's spoiled and willful appearance, Lu Yan sighed inwardly:
Hey! This little girl is really brave.
He couldn't help but smile at her approach and coquettish manner.
His lips curled up slightly, with a hint of sarcasm and mockery.
"Princess Mingyue, it seems you've lost interest in the affairs of Beixiang Kingdom and have come here specifically to seek pleasure with a lowly prefect like me?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Mingyue's eyes widened, her face filled with dissatisfaction and grievance.
Although she was known for her willful nature, she always subconsciously restrained herself in front of Lu Yan.
"Hmph, I just heard that there are many fun places in Shannan Prefecture, and I would like to invite Prefect Lu to accompany me."
Lu Yan chuckled lightly, thinking that Princess Mingyue's words were not too excessive.
At least a shred of dignity was preserved.
So, without making a sound, he reached out and patted her bottom.
He said, feigning disdain:
"If you really want to travel, there are quite a few places to go in Shannan Prefecture, so don't bother me with this."
This action startled Princess Mingyue slightly, and a faint blush instantly rose to her cheeks.
Although she was willful, she was aware of Lu Yan's status and shrewdness.
Especially since it's inside the government office, it's even more inappropriate to make a scene at this time.
"Lu Yan...you..."
She stammered, a look of confusion in her eyes.
Seeing this, Lu Yan couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.
It seems that this princess also has some endearing qualities.
He didn't say much, but turned and walked back to his study, leaving Princess Mingyue with a rather helpless back view.
The princess stood there, watching Lu Yan's departing figure, her heart filled with a mix of emotions.
Each time they met, Lu Yan's attitude towards her was always ambiguous, making him impossible for her to understand.
However, she certainly wouldn't give up easily.
As the saying goes, she is indomitable and has plenty of ways to get close to Lu Yan.
The servants in the mansion bustled about in the corridors.
He handled his daily affairs in an orderly manner, occasionally seeing Princess Mingyue pausing there.
No one dared to pay much attention to it.
Meanwhile, Lu Yan returned to the peaceful place of his study.
He then turned all his attention to his work, so that he wouldn't be distracted by trivial matters.
After experiencing many setbacks in front of Lu Yan, Princess Mingyue seems to be even more motivated.
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