Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Springtime in Beijing is warm and pleasant, with a gentle breeze blowing across the green tiles and red walls, carrying wisps of peach blossom fragrance.

Gu Jinyan was recuperating in his residence, immersed in the pleasure of calligraphy and painting, when suddenly, Hongyin hurriedly pushed open the door and came in.

Holding a letter in her hands, her expression was somewhat excited: "Miss, this is from Lord Wang of the Ministry of Rites. Please take a look at it yourself."

Gu Jinyan looked up, took the letter, and saw that the seal of the Ministry of Rites was on the seal, and the ink on the letter was neat and had an ancient feel.

Upon opening the letter, her eyes lit up immediately; the words conveyed admiration and an invitation.

The letter reads as follows:

Miss Gu is a woman of great talent. I have long admired your literary talent and heard that you have a passion for painting. I would like to extend a special invitation to your home for tea and discussion on painting. If you do not find my humble abode too simple, please do come to my residence.

—Wang, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites

Jin Yan smiled slightly after reading it.

Lord Wang, whose given name is Wang Qingqiu, is a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Born into a scholarly family, he is well-versed in classics and history, and is devoted to self-cultivation and governing the country.

Despite holding a position in the Ministry of Rites, he was not limited to literature, history, and etiquette; he was also knowledgeable in military strategy.

Many scholars in the capital admired him highly, and there were even rumors that Wang Qingqiu devoted himself to studying military books and had corresponded with border generals.

Upon hearing that this scholar also loved painting, Gu Jinyan couldn't help but feel a bit curious.

She turned and nodded to Hongyin: "Then go and tell Lord Wang of the Ministry of Rites that Jinyan thanks him for the invitation and will definitely visit his residence tomorrow."

The next day, Gu Jinyan arrived at Lord Wang's residence by sedan chair.

Wang Qingqiu's residence was not grand and appeared particularly low-key compared to other officials' residences, but the few green pines at the entrance and the neat rows of books in the courtyard revealed the owner's refined and unconventional taste.

There were only two pageboys in the mansion. One was named Mingqing, who was a little older and was steady and dignified.

Another person, named Shumo, was young and clever. Upon seeing the guests arrive, he came to lead the way.

"Miss Gu, please come in. The master is already waiting in the study." Although Shu Mo was young, her words were very proper. She bowed slightly and led the way.

After walking along a bluestone path, you will find the study ahead.

Wisteria hangs in front of the window, casting shadows, while scrolls of books are stacked on the windowsill, filling the air with the fragrance of books.

Gu Jinyan walked in lightly, his eyes sweeping over the surroundings. The bookshelves displayed the Book of Rites, Zuo Zhuan, and several military books written by border generals. He could tell at a glance that this man was no ordinary scholar.

Looking at Wang Qingqiu, he was dressed in a plain long robe, with an elegant demeanor. He was standing by the window. When he saw Gu Jinyan arrive, he smiled and stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting: "Miss Gu, I have long admired you. It is an honor to meet you today. You are indeed elegant and refined."

Gu Jinyan returned the greeting and said, "Lord Wang, you flatter me. I have long admired your virtue and talent, and it is an honor for me to meet you in person today."

After the two finished their greetings, the pageboys served tea, and the faint aroma of tea filled the study. Wang Qingqiu smiled and said, "Miss Gu is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."

The painting skills are especially admirable. I wonder if I could offer some analysis so that Qingqiu could broaden her horizons as well?

Jin Yan replied with a touch of humility, "You flatter me, sir. I was merely amusing myself. If I were to seek your guidance, I would greatly appreciate your instruction."

As she spoke, she took out a scroll she carried with her from her sleeve and gently unfolded it on the table.

The painting depicts magnificent mountains and rivers, shrouded in mist, with varying shades of ink blending together, as if one could feel the coolness of the rising sun and the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains.

Wang Qingqiu gazed at it intently for a moment, then slowly nodded and exclaimed with a smile, "What a magnificent landscape painting!"

The young lady's paintings resemble those of a general conquering a battlefield, exuding both elegance and a rugged strength. Could it be that the young lady also enjoys studying military strategy?

Jin Yan was slightly taken aback, then nodded and smiled, "Lord Wang is very perceptive. When I was young, I did read a few military books with my father. I skimmed through Sun Tzu's Art of War, the Six Secret Teachings, and the Three Strategies, but I only had a superficial understanding of them."

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingqiu's eyes revealed admiration: "No wonder Miss Gu's paintings have a hint of swords and halberds."

If one has read "The Art of War" and "The Art of War by Wu Qi," one will naturally have extraordinary insights into war strategy.

He paused slightly, then asked, "I wonder what insights Miss Gu has into these military treatises? I dare to ask for your guidance."

Jin Yan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Military strategy mainly discusses tactics and the art of maneuvering. To win, the key to victory lies not in the quantity of troops but in their quality, and even more so in adapting to changing circumstances."

As the art of war says, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated." This means not only about the strength of the enemy and ourselves, but also about psychological warfare.

If you can grasp the enemy's movements, it's like controlling a game of chess; even with varying numbers of troops, you can remain undefeated.

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingqiu's eyes flashed with admiration, and she nodded, saying, "What you say is absolutely right, Miss. As the saying goes, 'There are no fixed formations in warfare, just as water has no fixed shape.' Adaptability leads to success, while stagnation leads to constraint."

Their discussion on military strategy fostered a mutual respect and appreciation between them.

During the conversation, Wang Qingqiu had an idea. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Since Miss Gu has such insights into military strategy, would you be willing to move with me to the side hall later?"

I recently acquired a battlefield map, a gift from an old friend. It's quite intriguing, and I wonder if you, Miss, would be interested?

Jin Yan smiled and said, "Sir, if you are in such a good mood, I will gladly oblige." After saying that, the pageboys once again led the way, and the two of them passed through the courtyard and arrived at a quiet side hall.

The hall is simply furnished, with only a huge battlefield map hanging on the wall, depicting the terrain and ranks of soldiers in just a few strokes.

The painting depicts a place surrounded by mountains on all sides, with only a narrow valley entrance for passage, which is exactly what military strategy calls a "strategic and dangerous place".

Jin Yan examined the painting closely for a moment, then said softly, "The composition of this painting is exquisite. If an army were to lie in ambush here, it could form an encirclement and annihilation force. Your painting is truly captivating."

Wang Qingqiu chuckled and said, "Miss Gu certainly has a discerning eye. This painting is not just a picture, but also the culmination of an old friend's hard work."

Because there are few people who understand painting, we specially invited you, Miss, to appreciate it together.

The two exchanged a knowing smile and, surprisingly, both looked at the winding mountain road depicted in the painting.

Before I knew it, dusk was falling outside the window, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the apricot blossoms in the courtyard, giving people a faint sense of warmth.

Wang Qingqiu personally escorted Gu Jinyan out of the mansion, her tone revealing a touch of sincerity: "Today, I had a very fruitful discussion with Miss about military strategy and calligraphy and painting. If Miss does not mind the simplicity of the mansion, please do not hesitate to teach me another day."

Jin Yan bowed slightly in return, his tone gentle and sincere: "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Wang. Today's meeting has also been very enlightening for me. I will definitely come to ask for your advice again when I have another opportunity."

Wang Qingqiu nodded gently and watched Gu Jinyan leave.

Jin Yan's figure gradually disappeared into the deepening night, while Wang Qingqiu's gaze held more appreciation and admiration.

Soon after, the two gradually deepened their relationship through discussions on military strategy. Gu Jinyan made great progress in her knowledge and insights, while Wang Qingqiu, with her companionship, gradually gained a deeper understanding of the current situation.