Section 1

I interrupted her with a smile: "How could I not understand your intentions? I must go up the mountain tomorrow. My master is likely in great trouble this time; how can I just stand by and do nothing?"

Mother, why not let Second Sister marry Du Gu Leng, while I go about my own affairs in the world and seek some peace

I stuck out my tongue: "Yes, yes, yes, you are right, thank you, parents, for your support"

Father, Mother, and my second sister were in the flower hall, the dishes still warm. Upon seeing me arrive, Mother reproached me, saying: "Ruoyan, you are no longer a child. Why are you still so stubborn about your studies? You even conspired with your uncle to say you were reviewing your lessons. How will you avoid bringing shame to the Liu family after marrying into the Dugu family in the future?"

I, Liu Ru Yan, am blessed with great fortune and a strong destiny, even the King of Hell fears me a little. I brought Cui Yi to the backyard. The walls of the courtyard are three zhang high, and before Cui Yi could even scream, I had already pressed her Yingxiang acupoint and leaped up. The only way to avoid my mother's nagging is to climb over the wall.

I am delighted to applaud: "It is still better to treat Uncle He and the books like smoke."

Cui Yi stomped her foot in anger: "Miss, if something were to happen to you, how would I explain it to the madam?"

The second sister lowered her head and covered her mouth with a fan, chuckling softly: "Ru Yan, do not blame our parents for their arrangements. Eldest sister is strong and reckless; marrying Cui Li not only ensures her a life free from worries but also spares her from any grievances. As for me, being as weak as I am, if I were to marry into an official family, I would surely suffer from bullying. You are different, possessing both literary and martial talents; even the ghosts of that prominent family would avoid you like the plague."

I helplessly lowered my head and said, "Uncle."

However, miss

You, thoughtless child, it is an unchangeable fact that Bi has already made a marriage agreement, and that Shen Ruosu, known in the martial world as the Prince with a Severed Arm, has already sent the betrothal gifts. You should give up on that hope.

"Miss, Madam told me a few days ago, 'Cuiyi, if the Miss returns late again, I will break your legs.'" Cuiyi, looking pitiful, tugged at my sleeve and said, "How about we don't go out to the library tomorrow, okay?"

Father stroked his beard and smiled: "Do you understand now, Ru Yan?"

Miss San, the master and madam are already waiting for you in the flower hall for dinner. I told madam that Miss San has been back for quite some time and is currently reviewing her studies in the study.

When Cuiyi and I returned from the mountain, it was already late. The entire Liu family courtyard was filled with lanterns, and I could faintly hear the butler calling out to the laborers.

Mother, are you not afraid that by choosing such an outrageous son-in-law, we sisters might marry the wrong man?

I lightly tapped her forehead and playfully scolded, "You little girl, everyone knows how much my mother dotes on you from the Liu family. Yet, you follow me and act all obedient in front of my mother."

Before I could bask in my triumph, an elderly voice suddenly coughed in the darkness

In a moment of anger, my eldest sister Liu Rushui, who is strong-willed by nature, married a proud wealthy merchant, while my second sister Liu Rubi, who is knowledgeable and virtuous, gentle and kind, married a man who walks the razor's edge in the world of martial arts. As for me, Liu Ruyan, I am destined to marry into an official family and be bound by the constraints of traditional etiquette for a lifetime