"Fair maidens are sought by noble men," they say. But love isn't fated. It must be won. Thus, I present The Ar…
"Fair maidens are sought by noble men," they say. But love isn't fated. It must be won. Thus, I present The Art of Light and Shadow, thirty-six tactics for the lovelorn.
The Art of Light and Shadow holds profound mysteries; Discourse on Wooing Maidens delves into subtle arts. Even the most stubborn woman will yield upon hearing its words; lovesickness can be cured in an instant.
<Tsk tsk tsk… So this is what it teaches? I heard this book was written by an expert from the Velvet Shade. Father used it to win over Mother back then, and later, everyone in Raging Tides got their hands on a copy, except me. Humph, let's see what secrets it hides.>
Tactic One: Feign indifference, play the fool, pretend drunkenness
<Oh? So that's how it is. No wonder ever since I told Li An I wanted to marry him, he's been avoiding me. I'd chase after him, and he'd act like he didn't see me. Heehee, so it was all an act? Well then, I'll try it too.>
Tactic Two: Lower your pride, humble yourself, and cater to their whims.
<Every time Li An speaks to me, he crouches down to my level. His words are so gentle and sweet. Is this what liking someone feels like?>
Tactic Three: Offer empty flattery, lay on the charm. First, praise their unmatched beauty; then, pledge your utmost devotion.
<Hehe, Li An complimented me the first time we met. I had snuck into the Central Plain and run into some scoundrels from the Aureate Pavilion. Just as I was about to beat them to a pulp, Li An showed up and said, "Such a cute little girl shouldn't be fighting." That's right. He called me cute! Ahh, it's embarrassing just remembering it. Too bad he refused when I tried to drag him back home with me later.>
Tactic Four: Turn nothing into something, repeatedly show warmth in secret.
<Mother had a difficult labor when I was born. Father searched everywhere for a miracle doctor, but it was Li An who saved both of us. Afterward, he sent mountains of medicinal herbs and constantly reminded me to stay warm and avoid catching a cold.>
Tactic Five: Bestow kindness before acquaintance; plan actions at the critical moment.
<Before I even knew Li An, he sent extravagant birthday gifts every year, just like many others. He said it was to repay Father for a life-saving spear strike from years ago. But when I asked Father, he swore he'd never met Li An before.>
Tactic Six: Keep meetings scarce to deepen longing; let love flourish through the agony of unanswered letters.
<After I recovered from my illness, Li An stopped writing to me altogether. Could this be why?>