Beside the long river of time, there was a peaceful and quiet town where a young woman named Wan'er lived. Wan'er was fair and delicate, with a gentle temperament like water and a kind heart as pure and clear as dewdrops shining brightly under the spring sun. However, as time flowed gently by, despite Wan'er's kindness and outstanding talent, she had never been able to find that ideal partner among the vast sea of people. The thread of marriage seemed to have hidden itself quietly in her world and hadn't shown up for a long time.

 

One day, while wandering around the market, Wan'er happened to hear that there was a highly respected and deeply cultivated old Taoist priest in the Taoist temple on the mountain outside the town. It was said that he knew everything from astronomy to geography and had profound insights and unique views on the fortunes and opportunities of all things in the world. A glimmer of hope immediately kindled in Wan'er's heart, and she decided to go to the Taoist temple to consult the old Taoist priest about her marriage.

 

Following the winding mountain path, Wan'er walked forward step by step. The gentle breeze in the mountains was like a soft hand, gently wiping away the beads of sweat on her forehead. The wildflowers swaying along the roadside seemed to be cheering her on. Finally, she arrived at the solemn Taoist temple. Stepping into the temple, the curling incense smoke greeted her, and a quiet and sacred atmosphere enveloped her, making her heart calm down as well.

 

In the backyard of the Taoist temple, Wan'er found the old Taoist priest who was sitting with his eyes closed, meditating. The old Taoist priest was dressed in a simple Taoist robe. His white hair was thick, yet he looked hale and hearty. The wrinkles on his face seemed to be engraved with the wisdom of the years. Wan'er respectfully saluted the old Taoist priest and told him her concerns one by one. The old Taoist priest slowly opened his eyes slightly. His gaze was as deep as an abyss. After listening quietly to Wan'er's story, he nodded slightly and said slowly, "Girl, everything in the world has its own destiny, and marriage is no exception. In the unseen world, there is an emerald Ruyi pendant that has a wonderful connection with you. If you can find a clear and pure emerald Ruyi pendant and wear it on you, perhaps it can attract your right marriage."

 

Hearing these words, Wan'er felt a bit doubtful in her heart, but also full of expectation. She thanked the old Taoist priest and then went down the mountain back to the town, starting to search everywhere for the legendary emerald Ruyi pendant. She visited every jewelry store in the town and carefully examined every piece of jewelry, but she still couldn't find the emerald Ruyi that made her heart flutter. However, Wan'er didn't lose heart. She firmly believed that she would surely find the pendant that was fated for her.

 

As the saying goes, "Hard work pays off." One day, Wan'er saw an emerald Ruyi pendant at a merchant who had just returned from a long journey. The pendant was clear throughout, just like a green lake, shining with a warm luster under the sunlight. The shape of the Ruyi was smooth, as if it contained endless vitality and spiritual energy. Wan'er recognized at a glance that this was the emerald Ruyi she had been searching for so hard. Without hesitation, she bought the pendant and carefully wore it around her neck, silently praying for the arrival of her marriage.

 

Time passed quietly, and three months flew by in the blink of an eye. During these three months, Wan'er still lived her life as usual, except that the emerald Ruyi pendant around her neck never left her. She gradually noticed that some subtle changes had taken place in her life. In the past, when she walked on the street, people just passed by in a hurry. But now, people often cast friendly glances at her, and many took the initiative to chat with her. Wan'er knew in her heart that these might be the changes brought about by the emerald Ruyi.

 

One day, Wan'er's good friend invited her to a blind date gathering. Wan'er was a bit hesitant at first, but thinking that it might be an opportunity, she happily went along. The gathering was held in a garden full of beautiful flowers. The peach blossoms in the garden were in full bloom, and the green grass was like a carpet. The scenery was really charming. Wan'er wore a simple and elegant long dress and the emerald Ruyi pendant, looking like a fairy in spring, fresh and refined.

 

Just as Wan'er was strolling in the garden, a man in a blue shirt caught her eye. The man was tall and straight, with a handsome face and a gentle yet determined look in his eyes. Their eyes met in the air, and for a moment, it seemed that time had stopped. A strange emotion welled up in Wan'er's heart, and the man also seemed to be attracted by Wan'er's beauty and gentleness and walked straight towards her.

 

The man smiled and bowed to Wan'er, introducing himself, "I'm Li Mingxuan. I've long heard of your good name, Miss. Today, seeing you in person, you are truly as talented and gentle as the rumors say." Wan'er's cheeks flushed slightly, and she replied softly, "You flatter me, sir. I'm Wan'er. It's really a pleasure to meet you here today." The two of them talked very happily, chatting about poetry, literature, life ideals, everything in the world, and the joys and sorrows of life. Before they knew it, the sun was slowly setting in the west, and the afterglow shone on them, painting a beautiful picture.

 

After that, Li Mingxuan often invited Wan'er to go out. They walked along the mountain paths together, listening to the cheerful singing of the birds; they rowed a boat on the blue waves, enjoying the sunset; they tasted the street food together and shared the joys of life. During the process of getting along, their feelings grew deeper day by day, and their hearts became closer and closer.

 

Finally, on a moonlit night as clear as water, Li Mingxuan took Wan'er to the garden where they had first met. Under the peach blossom trees, Li Mingxuan looked at Wan'er affectionately, took out a delicate jade pendant, and handed it to Wan'er, saying, "Wan'er, since I met you, my life has been filled with different colors. You are the one I've been looking for all along. Would you like to spend the rest of your life with me?" Wan'er's eyes glistened with tears. She nodded gently, took the jade pendant, and put her hand into Li Mingxuan's palm.

 

Before long, Wan'er and Li Mingxuan held a grand and warm wedding under the blessings of their relatives and friends. At the wedding, Wan'er wore the emerald Ruyi pendant, and her happy smile was like the blooming flowers in spring, bright and moving. And that emerald Ruyi pendant became a witness to their love and was carefully treasured by Wan'er.

 

Many years later, Wan'er and Li Mingxuan were still as affectionate as ever, and their life was happy and fulfilling. Whenever Wan'er recalled that wonderful marriage experience, she would be filled with deep emotions. She knew very well that all of this might not only be the arrangement of fate but also the mysterious power contained in the emerald Ruyi that had drawn them together. In Taoist thought, everything in the world has a spirit. As a kind of ornament symbolizing good fortune and everything going smoothly, the emerald Ruyi might have followed the way of nature in the unseen world and became the bridge connecting her with her peach blossom fate, helping her find her own happiness among the vast sea of people. And this marriage, just like the Taoist concept of conforming to nature and harmonious coexistence, came naturally and smoothly.