Just like this, Ling Yichen proceeded to bring the fifth princess back to the academy with him and Xia Zhuoyi brought Zhong Xingkai home. Ling Chuxi and the Lan family's housekeeper got into a simple carriage. Once she was inside the carriage though, Ling Chuxi realized the carriage's interior totally didn't match its exterior. It was very s.p.a.cious and comfortable inside. There were thick and soft cushions as well as a table with a small incense burner. Next to the incense burner was a frame where several books were placed.
“This is the carriage my family's master uses,” explained the housekeeper once he saw Ling Chuxi taking note of the interior of the carriage.
Ling Chuxi nodded in understanding. Judging from the details within the carriage, the Lan family's master was not an impulsive nor simple minded person. Thinking about it, the Lans were a very prestigious family. Would they be simpletons?
The carriage slowly started to move. It steadily and speedily picked up its pace as it moved along. Soon enough, the carriage came to stop at the Lan manor's back entrance. The housekeeper brought Ling Chuxi in through the back door, then down a long five-foot way and through a quiet little garden to a door. He stretched out his hand and knocked on the door gently. “Master, Miss Ling Chuxi is here.”
A dignified and somewhat elderly voice rang out from behind the door, “All right. You may be dismissed. Miss Ling Chuxi, please come in.”
After making a gesture inviting Ling Chuxi to go ahead and enter, the housekeeper left. Ling Chuxi slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside the room it led to.
It was a study room. All she could see were books and bookshelves. When she turned to her right, she saw an elderly man standing before the study table and observing her with a warm smile. This was the current Lan family clan head—Lan Linguo.
“Ling Chuxi,” said the elderly man simply with a gentle smile. He gestured for her to take a seat. “Please, sit.”
Ling Chuxi smiled and took a seat without being coy.
“Firstly, thank you for letting my disappointing granddaughter off the hook. The elderly man walked over, raised his arms slightly, put his fist to his palm and bowed solemnly. He had previously heard of Ling Chuxi's extraordinary innate talent and had warned his granddaughter against being too arrogant. Nevertheless, his own granddaughter still perished at this young maiden's hands.
“You're most welcome,” replied Ling Chuxi with a smile. “Master Lan, you should be clearer on this matter more so than anyone else—your granddaughter is a good piece of jade, it's just that there are too many sharp corners on her. If they aren't sharpened, I'm afraid she will never be able to shine as brightly as her potential should enable her to in this lifetime.”
Master Lan was stunned. He didn't think this would be the first thing this immature young maiden would say to him. He had long known about Lan Xinyu and Ling Chuxi's bet. The moment he heard about Ling Chuxi letting Lan Xinyu off the hook, he knew her thoughts would not be that of a simpleton. However, he hadn't thought that she would appear to be so much wiser than he had given her credit to be, and with such a calm and steady apt.i.tude at that.
His own granddaughter losing to this maiden wasn't a sin. Ling Chuxi's mind was practically overlooking Lan Xinyu's. n.o.body could know how much stronger it was compared to Lan Xinyu's!
“My terms are simple. I will help you to sharpen your granddaughter, and in return, the Lan family will take care of the Ling family, my relatives in Shi Qu Town. I hope you will be able to help me care for them when I am not around.” A smile appeared on Ling Chuxi's face. It held a majesty that was difficult to reject.
Master Lan took a deep breath and once again a.s.sessed the young maiden before him thoughtfully. How could a golden scale remain in a small pond? It will turn into a dragon when it encounters a storm and fly off to the ocean! How could small little White Stone City hold a maiden with such potential? Ling Chuxi was clearly brilliant. There would come a day where she would go on to greener pastures.
“Very well!” agreed Master Lan with a smile that was of the most comfortable kind. “It's a deal! I look forward to its outcome.”
“I won't let you down,” a.s.sured Ling Chuxi with a smile. “We shall wait and see how things turn out tomorrow.”
