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"I was twenty-one when I declined the marriage and went to the capital, that was the most bewildering time of my life."
Qi Zhaohua spoke beside the railing, with Pei Ye leaning next to her, listening. From this vantage point, the gardens below appeared as a flat painting.
"You know I cannot practice cultivation, I spent many years reading and writing poetry in Bowang City, earning a high reputation. People called me the top talent among ladies, and I was quite pleased with myself. Every day I was involved in literary gatherings, socializing with scholars and high officials, and I fancied I was utterly different from the girls awaiting marriage."
"I spent my entire youth that way."
"Until the Qi Family happily and proudly told the matchmaker that their daughter, who was originally only suitable for marrying a merchant's son, could now match with the Master's son."
"..."