Ning Prince bowed and smiled as he greeted the crowd, displaying remarkable humility and grace, earning the favor of those present.
Lin Wanrong recalled what Luo Yuan had mentioned about Prince Ning's father, the virtuous King Cheng, known for his ability to befriend talented individuals. It seemed the young prince had inherited his father's wisdom.
Luo Min invited Prince Ning to take a seat, but he modestly declined, expressing his visit was solely to wish the elderly lady a happy birthday.
As Prince Ning couldn't kneel due to his royal status, he bowed respectfully, introducing himself as Zhao Kangning, the son of Crown Prince Cheng. He extended wishes for longevity to the elderly lady.
The elderly lady, touched by the gesture, invited Prince Ning to join her at the main seat. Prince Ning thanked her and presented a beautifully crafted box. Inside was a millennium-old Korean ginseng, a thoughtful gift from his travels, expressing wishes for the elderly lady's eternal youth.
The hall's occupants were impressed by the rarity of Korean ginseng. Lin Wanrong, however, recognized it as a mere gimmick, scoffing at the extravagant presentation.
Prince Ning's grand gesture aimed at winning over Luo Min, considering his father's influential position in the imperial court. Lin Wanrong observed this calculated move and realized Prince Ning's charm.
Noticing Luo Ning by Luo Old Lady's side, Prince Ning's eyes lit up. He greeted her with admiration, referring to her as the first talent in Jinling. Luo Ning humbly responded, and Prince Ning continued to praise her, leaving a lasting impression.
Lin Wanrong, skeptical of Prince Ning's intentions, wondered if Luo Ning would be swayed by his compliments.
Luo Ning smiled modestly, deflecting Prince Ning's admiration. The prince persisted, summoning an exquisite painting. It depicted a lady resembling Luo Ning, with Prince Ning explaining he had painted it three years prior.
Surprised, Luo Ning questioned if she had met him three years ago. Prince Ning shared a chance encounter at Jin Hua Academy, expressing his admiration and creating the painting that night.
Observing Prince Ning's efforts to woo Luo Ning, Lin Wanrong acknowledged his skillful approach. The prince's storytelling and display of affection left a strong impression, making it challenging for an ordinary woman to resist.
Prince Ning presented the painting to Luo Ning, hoping she would accept it. Lin Wanrong marveled at Prince Ning's tactics and reminded himself not to underestimate the prince.
With the painting in her hands, Luo Ning gracefully thanked Prince Ning for the generous gift. The hall witnessed Prince Ning's artful courtship, leaving an indelible mark on those present.
Later, Lin Wanrong received a message from Luo Yuan, urging him to join Luo Ning for a private conversation. As he entered the secluded garden, Lin Wanrong found Luo Ning standing amidst fading flowers.
Luo Ning shared her thoughts on the transient nature of beauty, drawing parallels between women and flowers. Lin Wanrong, puzzled by the abrupt change in her demeanor, listened as she expressed her fear and realization about her evolving preferences.
Luo Ning admitted feeling scared when Prince Ning showed interest, recognizing a shift in her long-held ideals. She confided in Lin Wanrong, revealing her inner conflict.
As Lin Wanrong tried to comprehend her complex feelings, Luo Ning admitted her fear of change and acknowledged her altered perspective on what she once deemed ideal.
Lin Wanrong reassured her that life was short, advising her to embrace change. Luo Ning, relieved to share her thoughts, expressed her comfort in talking to Lin Wanrong.
In the end, Lin Wanrong, with a hearty laugh, acknowledged the unpredictability of love and life, leaving Luo Ning with a sense of ease and appreciation for their conversation.