At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, they called me a demonic monk.

Master Ruan waved his hand dismissively, took a sip of tea, and said, "Ah, young ladies are often shy. Even if they're willing, they'll still put on a show of modesty. That's normal. It's alright. They'll naturally become closer after meeting a few more times. I'll talk to her myself after they leave."

The next day, Song Lian and Master Ruan discussed the wedding details in the study, leaving the young people to roam freely in the garden.

"I've heard that Brother Song is not only a man of great literary talent, but also quite skilled in horsemanship and archery," Ruan Yichen suggested enthusiastically. "Why don't we go to the training ground in the back garden and have a match?"

Song Yunzai humbly replied, "I only have a superficial understanding; I'm afraid I'll be making a fool of myself in front of Brother Ruan."

"Young Master Song, there's no need for such modesty," Madam Ruan encouraged gently. "Young people should be like this, stretching their muscles and bones is good for them. Shanruo, don't just sit there, accompany Young Master Song to take a look."

Ruan Shanruo wanted to decline, but seeing her mother's gentle yet unquestionable gaze, she had no choice but to swallow her words and nod slightly in agreement.

The training ground was already set up with targets. Ruan Yichen took out a bow and arrow and demonstrated first. He shot three arrows in quick succession, all hitting the bullseye, and looked triumphantly at Song Yunzai: "Brother Song, please."

Song Yunzai took the bow and arrow and stood still unhurriedly. His posture as he drew the bow was standard and graceful, as if every movement had been carefully calculated. With a "whoosh," the arrow shot through the air and hit the bullseye.

"Great!" Ruan Yichen couldn't help but cheer.

Song Yunzai smiled slightly and fired two more arrows. Surprisingly, the latter two arrows accurately cleaved the fletching of the first arrow, and the three arrows clustered around the bullseye like blooming flowers.

This scene left everyone present speechless with astonishment. Even Ruan Shanruo, who had been absent-minded and with her gaze wandering, was involuntarily drawn in, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. Such divine skill was indeed beyond the reach of ordinary people, and one couldn't help but admire it. However, a thought uncontrollably entered her mind—this exquisite skill was the icing on the cake in this peaceful garden, but compared to Fang Yingyu's practicality and bravery in shooting a raging wild boar with an arrow in the mountains during that critical moment, it seemed to be a completely different realm.

"Brother Song, you are truly a master archer!" Ruan Yichen exclaimed excitedly. "I have never seen anyone use this 'Three Stars Accompanying the Moon' technique in Yuanzhou."

Song Yunzai sheathed his bow and said modestly, "It's just a matter of practice makes perfect. If Brother Ruan is interested, we can practice together another day."

Ruan Yichen nodded repeatedly, his eyes filled with admiration. He glanced at his sister and noticed that Ruan Shanruo was also looking at Song Yunzai, her eyes showing a complex expression.

The following day, as the sun began to set, the Song family father and son took their leave. The entire Ruan household saw the guests off to the gate and watched the sedan chair disappear into the distance before returning to their own residence.

Meanwhile, Ruan Yichen paced back and forth in his courtyard, his mind replaying Song Yunzai's heroic archery skills. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that such an outstanding man was worthy of his sister.

He also thought that if his sister made a mistake and insisted on choosing Fang Yingyu, she would have to marry into that remote and simple village with him, confined to the fields, spending her days with firewood and rice, enduring the hardships of life. From dawn till dusk, cooking smoke rising from the chimneys, how could his pampered sister, who had never lifted a finger, endure such a life of poverty and hardship? Thinking this, he felt even more strongly that Song Yunzai and his sister were a match made in heaven, perfectly suited.

"Young Master, what's wrong? You've been restless ever since Young Master Song left," his page, Afu, asked curiously.

Ruan Yichen stopped and sighed heavily. "I've been thinking about my sister's marriage. When I was younger, I always thought her happiness was the most important thing. But now that I've met someone like Young Master Song, I truly understand why elders always insist on a good match. It's not about being materialistic; it's just... the reality."

He walked to the stone bench in the courtyard and sat down, continuing as if speaking to Afu, or perhaps convincing himself: "Think about it, if my sister insists on marrying into a poor family like the Fangs, she'll be spending her days doing mundane housework, struggling to make ends meet, and possibly even working in the fields. She's grown up pampered and spoiled; she's never experienced any hardship. How could she possibly endure such a life?"

Afu nodded hastily: "Young Master's consideration is correct. Young Master Song comes from a distinguished family and is exceptionally talented. If Miss marries him, she will be a blessed young mistress, surrounded by servants, enjoying a lifetime of honor and stability. This is truly the greatest glory and fortune."

Ruan Yichen's gaze gradually hardened, as if he had made a firm decision: "Brother Yingyu has indeed been kind to my family, and I will always be grateful. But... if we miss out on a good match like Song Yunzai, my sister may never find another like him in her life. I cannot watch her make a mistake."

At this moment, Ruan Shanruo sat alone by the window of the embroidered pavilion, gazing at the setting sun. Her mind was in turmoil, and she didn't know how to sort things out. "Miss, it's time for dinner," Qiaoyun gently reminded her.

Ruan Shanruo seemed not to hear, and after a long while, she uttered a soft question, as if asking Qiaoyun, but also as if asking herself: "Qiaoyun, do you think... no matter how unwilling or how much a person struggles, in the end... they can't defy the arrangements of fate?"

Qiaoyun, usually quick-witted and outspoken, was speechless at this moment, unsure how to comfort her, and could only stand silently by her side. Outside the window, the last rays of brilliant sunset were finally swallowed by the twilight, and the deep night gradually spread, silently enveloping the entire high walls of the Ruan mansion, and also the bewildered thoughts of the person upstairs.

Another day passed, and in the study of the Ruan family mansion, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Master Ruan sat upright in his armchair, toying with a white jade paperweight in his hand, his face beaming with undisguised joy.

"Shanruo, your father and the great scholar Song have agreed that the eighth day of the third month next year will be an auspicious day for the Song family to formally propose marriage to you." He looked up at his daughter standing in front of him, paused for a moment, and said with a sharp gaze, "During this time, you should stay in the manor and prepare for your wedding. Embroider your wedding dress, read the 'Admonitions for Women,' and don't wander around as you used to."

Ruan Shanruo's fingers tightened around the silk handkerchief in her sleeve. She took a deep breath, as if summoning all her courage, and finally raised her head, looking directly into her father's eyes. Her voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear: "Father, please forgive your daughter... for not being able to obey. In my heart... there is already someone I desire."

With a loud "thud," the white jade paperweight slammed heavily onto the desk. Master Ruan's expression changed drastically: "What did you say?"

"My daughter and Fang Yingyu, who once saved my mother..." Ruan Shanruo's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, yet exceptionally firm, "are mutually in love. The Paris polyphylla that cured your stomachache was also a gift from him."