"I've come on someone's behalf to propose to you."
Nan Wenmo looked at the young girl before her with a playful smile.
In Nan Wenmo's eyes, there was a hint of amusement, as if she was curious to see how the girl would react upon hearing that she was there to arrange a marriage proposal for her.
Zhu Cici blinked gently, her smile soft and warm. "How rare, Sister Nan, for you to come and propose on someone else's behalf. Truly surprising. I wonder who could have persuaded you, Sister Nan, to act as a matchmaker?"
Nan Wenmo's eyes curved in a smile, her hands clasped behind her back. "Who else could it be? It's the Xu family of Minghai County in Qi. We can't afford to disregard the Xu family's request. They've specifically asked me to act as the matchmaker for their eldest son. You must have heard of him—Xu Ban."
Zhu Cici paused for a moment. "I think I've heard of him."
"Of course, you've heard of him," Nan Wenmo chuckled.
"Xu Ban is a Heavenly Spirit Root and has been chosen by the Shanhai Sect, the foremost sect in Qi, as the head disciple of its sect master. He's one year older than you and is now a Sea Observation Realm cultivator, ranked twelfth on the Qingyun List.
"In terms of talent, you have a Natural Literary Spirit, while he possesses a Heavenly Spirit Root. Although a Natural Literary Spirit is even rarer than a Heavenly Spirit Root, the difference isn't significant.
"In terms of family background, Uncle is the Yunyi Marquis of Wu, and you are his only daughter. Xu Ban, on the other hand, hails from Qi's foremost family, with three generations serving as prime ministers. His ancestor was even a sworn brother of Qi's founding emperor.
"In terms of appearance, you've grown into a graceful and stunning young lady—so captivating that even I, your Sister Nan, can't help but feel a little tempted. Xu Ban is exceptionally handsome, known as the most attractive man in Minghai County. It's said that the line of girls wanting to marry him could circle the entire county.
"The two of you are well-matched in every way. So, what do you think? Will you consider it?"
Zhu Cici shook her head firmly, declining, "Sister Nan, it seems this trip of yours will be in vain."
Even though she was refused, Nan Wenmo's expression remained serene, her smile unwavering. She didn't appear offended by the rejection, as if she had anticipated this response from the girl in front of her. "Why decline? Is it because of that Xu Ming?"
Zhu Cici's cheeks turned slightly red as she nodded shyly, her gaze lowering. Her demeanor carried the pure innocence and bashfulness unique to her age.
Nan Wenmo shook her head with a sigh. "I'd rather you refused the Xu family on the grounds of 'focusing on your studies' than because of that Xu Ming."
Zhu Cici asked curiously, "Does Sister Nan have a poor opinion of Xu Ming?"
Nan Wenmo shook her head again. "Not at all. I love the poem and the Letter of Rejection he wrote."
"Xu Ming indeed has great talent and is both skilled in literature and martial arts. For many women, he would be an ideal match. But for you, Cici, he's not suitable."
Nan Wenmo reached out and gently stroked Zhu Cici's hair.
"Cici, if you were an ordinary girl from a common family, and if Xu Ming were also an ordinary man, there might still be some possibility. But your status is too high, and you possess a Natural Literary Spirit.
"Xu Ming is currently deeply valued by the Wu Emperor. Whether as a scholar or a warrior, everyone praises him highly.
"With someone like him, how could the Wu Emperor ever let him go? It's impossible for you two to end up together."
Zhu Cici pouted slightly, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness. "Sister Nan, there's no need for you to keep saying this. So many others have told me the same thing. Besides, Sister Nan, when you were studying at the academy, didn't you also like that Xiao Mochi?"
"You little rascal, bringing up things I'd rather forget."
Nan Wenmo reached out and tapped Zhu Cici's forehead with her finger.
"That's precisely why your sister regrets it!
"Men—ugh, there really aren't many good ones, especially men from Wu Kingdom. They're famously stubborn, like bulls that refuse to change direction no matter how hard you pull.
"If I had another chance, I'd kick that Xiao fellow straight into that ink pool!"
Zhu Cici's eyes curved with a smile. "But Sister Nan, you didn't do that. And a few years ago, when someone came to propose to you, you rejected the marriage. Even when His Majesty arranged it and Uncle locked you up, on the day of the wedding, you ran away. Wasn't it because of that Mr. Xiao?"
"I did it for him," Nan Wenmo admitted openly. "I regret falling for that man, but it's something I can't undo. I've experienced the bitterness of it, and that's why I don't want you to follow the same path."
"Cici."
Nan Wenmo took Zhu Cici's small hand, looking earnestly into her eyes.
"You haven't spent much time with Xu Ming yet. Your feelings for him are still rooted in those memories from years ago. As a woman, I naturally understand how you feel.
"When a talented young man steps into your world and gifts you a timeless poem, it's hard not to be moved. Over the years, the purity and beauty of those childhood memories have only grown in your heart. But, Cici, much of that beauty is an illusion brought about by the passage of time.
"Time can amplify such feelings, but it can also erode them. Especially for someone like you, walking the path of Confucian cultivation to sainthood. You've already reached the Cave Mansion Realm. Your lifespan will extend to thousands, even tens of thousands of years.
"Xu Ming, however, cannot cultivate. At most, he'll live two hundred years. To you, he'll be nothing more than a fleeting wave in the vast sea of your life."
Zhu Cici shook her head. "Sister Nan, that's not how it works. Even if Xu Ming only has a lifespan of two hundred years, so what? Then I'll stay by his side for those two hundred years.
"And when he reincarnates, I'll find him again in his next life and stay with him once more. The Dragon Queen of the Dragon Palace has already searched for her husband across nine lifetimes. Why can't I do the same?"
"You stubborn girl," Nan Wenmo said, momentarily at a loss for words. "Why are you so headstrong?"
Zhu Cici chuckled softly, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with charm. "Sister Nan, you're one to talk. If we're talking about stubbornness, no one can surpass you."
"You cheeky girl, always so sharp-tongued," Nan Wenmo said as she pinched Zhu Cici's cheek gently.
"Fine, fine. If I can't convince you, so be it. I've said everything I needed to say. Acting as a matchmaker and helping my father secure a favor is enough for me.
"But, Cici, there's one last thing I want to tell you."
Zhu Cici nodded. "Go ahead, Sister Nan."
Nan Wenmo looked at Zhu Cici seriously. "Your feelings for him are one-sided. If, one day, you meet him again and he's forgotten you, what will you do then?"
Zhu Cici clasped her hands in front of her, turning to gaze at the still waters of the ink pool. "He won't forget me. He definitely won't forget me.
Because we promised."