Song Gou's chest tightened at his mother's words. The mention of Zhao Shu-Mu, a woman from the village, always stirred something deep within him—something that no amount of wealth or status could replace.

He paced again, his thoughts tangled in knots. How could his mother not understand?

"Mother, you don't understand. Zhao Shu-Mu... she's different. She's real." He turned sharply toward her, eyes blazing with frustration. "You think a title and wealth are enough to make someone worthy? You think that beauty and healing magic will be enough to build a life worth living?"

His mother sighed, the years of tradition weighing heavily on her shoulders. "And you think that peasant girl is the answer? She will only drag you down, Gou. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment. The future of this family depends on this match."

"I don't care about the family, not like you do." His voice was lower now, almost a whisper. He looked out the window, where the moonlight bathed the courtyard in silver. "You don't understand what it’s like to love someone beyond what they can give you. Beyond what's expected."

His mother’s face hardened, and her voice took on a sharp edge. "If you want to destroy everything we've worked for, go ahead. But this will be your last chance to secure your place, your future, your legacy."

Song Gou’s fists clenched at his sides. His heart pounded with an aching defiance, but he knew the price of rebellion was steep. What was he willing to lose?

"One month," his mother repeated, her voice cold, final. "And I expect no less than your compliance."

As she turned away, Song Gou’s gaze lingered on the moon, the only thing that seemed as out of reach as his happiness.