An Ping still remembered the last time the Seven Houses had gathered. In the water pavilion of the Ginkgo Study, white paper screens had been set up, and the air had been thick with the scent of ceremonial incense. Everyone had sat in solemn silence.
That scene was etched deeply into his memory, as if a bamboo curtain had divided the world into two. Inside the pavilion, the white-robed masters moved with effortless grace, their calm exteriors belying the storm brewing beneath the surface.
With a casual laugh and a clever word, the greatest of threats were swept away like dust.
That had been his most direct impression of the Seven Houses.
—He had assumed today’s gathering would be much the same.
*Clack!* Mu Gesheng slammed a tile onto the table. "Mahjong! I win!"
He reached out in all directions to collect his winnings. "My apologies, my apologies. I’ll take that." Then, he gestured toward the side. "Judge Cui, would you be so kind as to pour some tea?"
Two mahjong tables had been set up in the City God Temple, the sound of shuffling tiles echoing incessantly. Mu Gesheng, Lin Juansheng, Zhu Baizhi, and Zhu Yinxiao occupied one table. Mu Gesheng had already won eight rounds in a row, sweeping the board and filling his pockets.
The man had come fully prepared. For those without cash, he had a POS machine; for those without cards, he had QR codes. He had even prepared hell money to exchange directly with Cui Ziyu on the spot. No one was getting away without paying.
Lin Juansheng sighed, looking helpless. "If this were a game of Go, I might have a chance. But at mahjong, I truly admit defeat."
This was An Ping’s first time meeting Zhu Baizhi in person. The man looked exactly as he did in An Ping's memories—still spirited, though he had traded his flowing white robes for a padded winter coat and orthopedic shoes. He looked like an old Taoist master who had descended from the mountains to focus on his health.
Zhu Baizhi had lost the most. Zhu Yinxiao kept trying to "feed" the old man good tiles while watching his expression, but the elder simply stroked his beard and gave him a neutral, lukewarm glance, saying nothing.
Of the two tables, one was full, while the other was short one player. Eventually, even An Ping was dragged in to fill the gap. He looked at Chai Yanyan, who was shooting him frantic signals, and thought to himself: *This is a total disaster zone.*
To An Ping’s left was Chai Yanyan, to his right was Wu Biyou, and across from him sat a sharp-featured beauty with deep-set eyes. She was dressed entirely in black, with silk gloves that reached past her elbows and a black veil hanging from the brim of her hat. Her lips were a shade of deep, blood-red.
Today was the twenty-eighth day of the first lunar month. Since early morning, people had been trickling into the City God Temple. Lin Juansheng had arrived first, followed by Zhu Yinxiao and Zhu Baizhi. Wu Biyou had arrived with Cui Ziyu in tow. Finally, Chai Yanyan had entered, clinging to the arm of a sophisticated lady. The girl’s face was bright with smiles, her tone a mix of intimacy and practiced poise.
An Ping had spent enough time with her lately to know this was the young miss’s specialty for dealing with people she didn't like. Chai Yanyan was a clever spirit—part obedient, part wild. She knew how to act spoiled, but she also had a razor-sharp tongue. Most people found it easy to feel close to her, but that was just her "public relations" mask. With people she actually liked, she was either "bro-ing" it up like she did with Zhu Yinxiao or trading insults like she did with Wu Biyou. She was never polite with friends.
There were exceptions, of course—like in front of Chai Shuxin. Before him, Chai Yanyan was the perfect image of a refined daughter of a noble house, elegant and poised, never slipping up. Even when Wu Biyou intentionally provoked her, she would endure it with the quiet dignity of a lady—though how she retaliated afterward was another story.
An Ping could tell from Chai Yanyan’s expression that her relationship with this lady was definitely strained. Sure enough, Zhu Yinxiao had pulled him aside earlier and whispered, "That’s the Chairwoman of the Yao Group, Chai Puti. Yanyan calls her 'Auntie.'"
To An Ping, Chai Puti looked like a Black Widow—glamorous and lethal. He didn't know what Mu Gesheng was thinking, pairing Chai Yanyan and Chai Puti at the same table, only to end up one player short anyway.
Chai Shuxin had gone out early that morning for unknown reasons, so An Ping had been roped in as the fourth. Chai Yanyan and Wu Biyou usually fought like cat and dog, but now they were a united front, shooting An Ping secret signals. The three of them were conspiring to make Chai Puti lose.
The plan was ambitious, but once the game started, An Ping realized that Chai Yanyan and Wu Biyou were both terrible players. They were more of a hindrance than a help, leaving him to carry the team. Having accompanied his parents to many social functions, An Ping was no stranger to the gambling table, but the woman across from him was giving him a headache. For no other reason than the fact that, as a fellow chairperson, her aura was uncomfortably similar to his mother’s.
An Ping drew a Nine of Myriad—the exact tile he needed. He pushed his hand over. "Mahjong."
Chai Puti lifted her veil slightly, studying him with a faint smile. "Excellent skills."
Under the table, Chai Yanyan kicked An Ping hard. He suppressed a wince and forced a smile. "Not at all. You flatter me."
*Great Auntie, we’re facing a common enemy! Could you at least try to win me over? Aren't you afraid you'll kick me right into the enemy camp?*
He had no idea what Mu Gesheng was up to. This group had been playing since morning and it was now past lunch. Then again, everyone present was either a cultivator, a spirit, or already dead; none of them really needed to eat.
But to go to such lengths to gather the Seven Houses just to play mahjong?
Was Mu Gesheng that desperate for cash? Was he specifically hunting the Seven Houses for their wallets?
The stakes were certainly high. An Ping didn't know the exchange rate for hell money, but judging by Cui Ziyu’s face, it wasn't a small sum.
The poor Judge was in a miserable position. Sent by Fengdu to be the sacrificial lamb, he had to risk offending everyone. He didn't even have a seat; Mu Gesheng had spent the whole morning ordering him around to serve tea and water.
After two more rounds, Zhu Baizhi glanced at Zhu Yinxiao. The latter had no choice but to speak up. "Fourth Brother, it’s past noon. How about we take a break?"
Mu Gesheng waved him off. "Elder Zhu just won two rounds off me. I haven't made my money back yet."
Zhu Baizhi said coolly, "Did the Tiansuanzi gather us here solely to play mahjong?"
Mu Gesheng replied, "It’s been decades. It’s good for old friends to reconnect."
Zhu Baizhi snorted. "Decades apart, yet the Tiansuanzi’s nature remains unchanged."
"You flatter me. And you, Elder Zhu, are as vigorous as ever." Mu Gesheng leaned his chin on his hand and smiled. "The first month isn't over yet, and everyone here is your junior. Why don't you take the opportunity to hand out some New Year's red envelopes?"
"Oh, I couldn't possibly refuse!" Chai Yanyan chimed in immediately. "Elder Zhu, may you be prosperous and wealthy!"
Wu Biyou followed up instinctively: "Hand over the red envelope."
The moment the words left his mouth, he realized he’d been baited. His glare was murderous.
Chai Yanyan stuck her tongue out at him.
An Ping: "..."
Zhu Baizhi’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. Finally, Lin Juansheng spoke up to break the tension. "Serious business first, idle chatter later. The Seven Houses haven't gathered in years. Tiansuanzi, please tell us why you’ve called us here."
"Not at all. Reconnecting *is* the serious business; everything else is just incidental." Mu Gesheng took a sip from his enamel mug and gave Cui Ziyu a thumbs-up. "Judge Cui, your skills are excellent. This tea is brewed to perfection."
Cui Ziyu wiped sweat from his brow. "The Tiansuanzi overpraises me."
"You’re too modest, Judge Cui," Mu Gesheng said. "So, why don't you tell us? Why did you ask us to come here?"
Cui Ziyu froze. "I am but a lowly Judge. How could I possibly command the presence of the Seven Houses?"
"Don't be a stranger. Didn't you send me the message asking for the Seven Houses to gather?" Mu Gesheng gestured to the room. "Well, I’ve brought everyone here for you. Whatever it is, give us your orders."
Cui Ziyu looked like he was about to drop to his knees. "This... I wouldn't dare, I truly wouldn't dare. I was merely following the orders of Fengdu..."
"Oh, so it was a task from the Ten Yama Kings. Then why don't we see any of the Kings here today?"
Cui Ziyu looked like he might faint. "A few days ago, the Rakshasa already met with the Ten Yama Kings..."
"Then what a shame. The Rakshasa isn't here today." Mu Gesheng said leisurely. "It’s rare for the Seven Houses to get together. Whatever task Fengdu gave you, just say it plainly." He gestured to the mahjong tiles. "Speak quickly. I’m waiting to draw my winning tile."
An Ping’s head was spinning. He felt that if he were Cui Ziyu, he’d probably want to bash his head against the wall and end it all.
Wu Biyou suddenly spoke up. "What else could it be? It’s about the movement of the Yin-Yang Ladder." He looked at Mu Gesheng and huffed. "I remember 'Midnight Snack' sent you a message about it, didn't he? Is your memory that bad?"
Zhu Yinxiao: "..."
An Ping thought to himself that this interruption was incredibly poorly timed. If he were Mu Gesheng, he’d probably want to strangle the brat.
Wu Biyou wasn't stupid; he just lost fifty IQ points whenever he dealt with Mu Gesheng.
Mu Gesheng, however, remained unfazed. He said to Cui Ziyu, "Judge Cui, next time Fengdu has a message, send it directly to the City God Temple. Young people are flighty; they tend to mess things up."
Cui Ziyu hurriedly agreed, only to hear Mu Gesheng add: "The Rakshasa doesn't eat people. He won't do anything to the messenger."
Cui Ziyu: "..."
*That’s cold.*
Mu Gesheng scanned the room. "Every house has its own channels. I’m sure you are all well aware of the recent movement of the Yin-Yang Ladder."
"This disturbance is different from the one a century ago. The Yin Soldiers are nearly depleted. Under the suppression of the Yin-Yang family, they are no longer a concern—"
Before he could finish, Chai Puti raised her hand. Her voice drifted out from behind the veil. "Tiansuanzi, allow me a question."
"Miss Chai, please."
"Though I did not experience the events of a century ago personally, I have heard much of them." Chai Puti’s voice was low and slow. "The tragedy of that time was horrifying."
"The Yin Soldier riot has always been a shadow over the Seven Houses. Since they weren't successfully wiped out back then, how can the Tiansuanzi judge that the Yin-Yang family’s suppression is sufficient now?"
"Hey," Wu Biyou snapped. "What are you implying?"
Zhu Baizhi looked displeased. "The Yin Soldier riot was merely an old ailment that wasn't fully uprooted. The Seven Houses have endured through the ages; a few Yin Soldiers are not enough to cast a shadow over us."
"I am young and my experience is shallow." Chai Puti bowed her head slightly toward Zhu Baizhi, then looked back at Wu Biyou. "If the suppression were sufficient, why would Fengdu call for a gathering of the Seven Houses? Isn't today’s meeting specifically to discuss the Yin Soldier disturbance?"
Wu Biyou let out a cold laugh. "Calling the Seven Houses is a privilege that belongs only to the Tiansuanzi. If you know your experience is shallow, then shut your mouth and stop making a fool of yourself. Besides, you know today is a gathering of the Seven Houses. The Head of the Yao family is already here; what is a mere businesswoman like you doing meddling in this?"
Chai Puti gave a soft laugh. "Yanyan is a junior. It’s fine for her to play at being the family head for a few years, but she’ll have to marry eventually."
"Now that’s interesting." Wu Biyou looked her up and down. "You talk as if you aren't a woman yourself. You aren't married either, so why are you worried about her? Is this some 'leftover woman' resentment? Or have you hit menopause, Auntie? Dressed all in black like a widow... have you been single so long that you’ve started hallucinating a husband to mourn for?"
Except when facing Chai Shuxin, Wu Biyou showed no mercy to anyone. His words came out like a barrage of fire. Chai Puti had seen much in her time, but this was her first encounter with a chuunibyou teenager having a fit. For a moment, she was choked into silence. With a sharp *clack*, she accidentally knocked over her mahjong tiles, sending them scattering across the table.
The conversation was devolving rapidly, but Mu Gesheng looked like he was enjoying the show, making no move to stop it. It was Lin Juansheng who finally cleared his throat. "Miss Chai may not be aware, but when the Yin-Yang Ladder moved a few days ago, the Tiansuanzi and I assisted in reinforcing the seal. Penglai can guarantee that the current Yin Soldiers are no longer a threat."
Chai Puti adjusted her hat. "I see. My apologies for the intrusion." She then looked at Cui Ziyu. "If the Yin Soldiers are no longer a threat, then what is Fengdu worried about?"
Cui Ziyu cleared his throat and spoke slowly. "After the Yin Soldier riot a century ago, the Tiansuanzi performed a divination."
An Ping started, suddenly realizing what Cui Ziyu was referring to.
"All the houses know that the Tiansuanzi calculated the national destiny back then. The hexagram showed that the era of chaos was ending and the nation’s reign would be long and prosperous. Once the hexagram was revealed, China indeed returned to peace a few years later."
Chai Puti asked, "If that is the case, why the worry?"
"Within that divination, there was a changing line. It indicated a connection to the Yin-Yang Ladder. After interpreting the hexagram, the Tiansuanzi asserted that the Yin-Yang Ladder would not change for a hundred years," Cui Ziyu said. "Now, the hundred years have not yet passed, but the Ladder has already moved. Therefore, Fengdu worries whether the Tiansuanzi’s divination was..."
"Presumptuous!" Zhu Baizhi barked. "The Tiansuanzi is the one chosen by the Mountain Ghost Coin. In a thousand years, he has never been wrong. How dare Fengdu utter such madness?"
No one present dared to challenge Zhu Baizhi, and Cui Ziyu clearly lacked the courage. He lowered his head, as quiet as a mouse.
Silence fell over the room. Finally, Mu Gesheng cleared his throat. "Judge Cui, just tell us plainly what Fengdu wants." He smiled. "With me here, I promise you’ll leave this place alive."
Cui Ziyu trembled, looking as though he were gathering every ounce of his resolve. He looked up, his tone like that of a hero facing his end—
"Fengdu humbly requests the Tiansuanzi to perform that same divination once more."
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 柴菩提 | Chai Puti | Aunt of Chai Yanyan, Chairwoman of the Yao Group. "Puti" means Bodhi. |
| 药氏集团 | Yao Group | The modern corporate branch of the Yao family. |
| 判官 | Judge | A high-ranking official in the Underworld (Fengdu). |
| 自摸 | Self-drawn win | A winning move in Mahjong where the player draws the winning tile themselves. |
| 国祚 | National destiny / Reign | The fate or duration of a dynasty or nation. |
| 变卦 | Changing line / Mutation | A specific feature in I Ching divination where a line changes, indicating a shift in fate. |
| 煮夜宵 | Midnight Snack | Wu Biyou's mocking nickname for Zhu Yinxiao (a pun on his name). |
