Mu Gesheng had sent the trio of youngsters away early that morning. That night, none of them returned to the City God Temple; even Huangniu followed Wu Biyou to Fengdu to crash for the night.
It was a tacit understanding.
Then, early the next morning, everyone gathered at the entrance of the City God Temple.
It was a mutual coincidence.
It had to be said—gossip truly fostered a sense of camaraderie.
An Ping studied the temple gates and said thoughtfully, "I don't think there’s much of a problem."
"Why?" Chai Yanyan asked.
"Given the Half-Immortal’s personality, if he had an issue with this... marriage, he would have said so long ago." An Ping thought for a moment. "Besides, if those two had really gotten into a fight yesterday, these gates wouldn't look like this. They’d have been torn down."
"Impossible," Wu Biyou immediately countered. "Even if they argued, the Rakshasa wouldn't lift a finger against him."
"Then at the very least, the Rakshasa wouldn't still be in the temple." An Ping pointed to the empty steps. "He’d definitely be out here crouching since dawn."
Chai Yanyan visualized the scene An Ping described and felt goosebumps prickle her skin.
The four of them stared at one another, unable to reach a conclusion after half a day of discussion. Chai Yanyan sighed. "It’s a pity my brother is still in the Mirage. There’s no signal there, otherwise, he’d definitely have an idea."
Only when Zhu Yinxiao was absent did the three youngsters realize just how many burdens he usually carried for them.
"I say, everyone, why don't we just go in?" Huangniu suggested. "Standing here isn't a solution. Even if something happened, we have to see them first."
The three of them turned their heads in unison to look at him and said simultaneously, "You go first."
Huangniu: *...You three cowards.*
They were all as sharp as needles.
In the end, Huangniu led the charge. The group poked their heads in and crept into the City God Temple. All was silent.
Huangniu pushed open the back courtyard door and happened to run into Chai Shuxin walking out of the kitchen. The latter paused slightly and nodded to him.
"Good morning, sir, good morning." Huangniu bowed and scraped, testing the waters. "Are you... just having breakfast?"
"I’ve eaten. There’s porridge warming in the kitchen." Chai Shuxin glanced at the three juniors peeking through the cracks of the courtyard door and said calmly, "Don't just stand there. Come in and eat."
Wu Biyou was the first to lose his patience. He stepped into the courtyard and asked Chai Shuxin, "Hey, where’s... that guy?"
"Still sleeping." Chai Shuxin carried a tray and turned to head upstairs. "Keep your voices down. Don't wake him."
Chai Shuxin’s demeanor was far too placid, a world away from what they had imagined. For a moment, the four of them couldn't process it.
It took Wu Biyou a long time to say, "...That’s it?"
Huangniu: "My dear ancestor, isn't this good? Do you really want to see the Rakshasa tear my little patch of land to pieces?"
An Ping pondered for a moment. "Actually, I think the Rakshasa is in a very good mood."
Wu Biyou: "How can you tell?"
An Ping: "Normally, if you called the Half-Immortal 'that guy,' the Rakshasa would have scolded you by now. But today, he didn't say a word."
Wu Biyou: "...Fuck, you're right."
Huangniu circled the courtyard and couldn't help but ask, "So, what exactly happened yesterday?"
"Though I hate to admit it," An Ping said, "that question speaks for all of us."
Before his voice could fade, Chai Yanyan poked her head out of the kitchen and whispered urgently, "Hey, hey, hey! Come here, quick!"
The three of them huddled over. Chai Yanyan pointed at the food on the stove with a mysterious expression. "Do you see anything?"
A pot of plain white porridge, a plate of braised mushrooms with bok choy, and a bowl of shrimp with tofu.
Wu Biyou: "What’s wrong with this?"
An Ping couldn't see anything out of the ordinary either.
Instead, it was Huangniu who scratched his head and said hesitantly, "I feel like today’s breakfast... might not necessarily suit the Tiansuanzi’s palate."
Wu Biyou: "Why?"
"It’s a bit too light," Huangniu said. "Look at this white porridge and these side dishes—it’s all so bland. Even though the Tiansuanzi isn't a picky eater, this spread really doesn't look like the Rakshasa’s handiwork..."
Wu Biyou took a skeptical bite with his chopsticks and tasted a hint of MSG.
"That’s it. He didn't cook this." Wu Biyou dropped the chopsticks. "The Rakshasa would never use MSG in his cooking."
An Ping silently pulled a takeout container out of the trash can.
Chai Shuxin rarely skipped cooking, and he almost never ordered takeout—unless he truly had no time.
"This is strange," Wu Biyou said. "What could possibly keep him so busy that he didn't have time to cook? It’s not like the old man isn't home."
An Ping: "...Sleeping in, perhaps."
"Sleeping in?" Wu Biyou acted as if he’d heard the world’s biggest joke, pointing at the takeout boxes in the trash. "If the Rakshasa is sleeping in, I’ll eat these containers."
Chai Yanyan couldn't listen anymore and reminded him, "Did you notice that when Great-Uncle went upstairs, he went to the wing on the right?"
"So what?" Wu Biyou asked without thinking, then suddenly froze.
Mu Gesheng and Chai Shuxin both lived on the second floor, but their rooms were on opposite sides. Chai Shuxin lived on the left.
Chai Shuxin had entered Mu Gesheng’s room.
Chai Shuxin was sleeping in.
The breakfast was exceptionally light.
Wu Biyou’s entire body went stiff. It took him a long time to turn his neck toward An Ping. "...Why did you understand that so quickly?"
"You have the nerve to say that to me?" An Ping’s face flushed red. "It’s not like you didn't get it instantly too."
Huangniu sighed and shook his head. "Kids these days, honestly."
Chai Yanyan: "So, Wu Biyou, when are you performing your 'eating the takeout box' act?"
Seeing that all was peaceful, Huangniu finished his breakfast, tidied up, and went to watch the gate. The three juniors remained in the courtyard, bickering.
Eating the boxes was obviously out of the question. Wu Biyou, cornered by Chai Yanyan’s teasing, threw caution to the wind. "What do you want from me, woman?"
"You dare to do it but don't dare to own up to it," Chai Yanyan laughed at him, hands on her hips. "I won't make it hard for you. If you won't eat the boxes, then go upstairs and see what the Old Ancestors are doing."
Eavesdropping on the Rakshasa? He’d rather eat the damn boxes.
Wu Biyou pointed at Chai Yanyan, his patience at its end. "I’m warning you, don't push me to pull your hair out."
Chai Yanyan and Wu Biyou had been fighting since they were children; they’d come to blows over the slightest disagreement. Just as they were about to start a brawl, An Ping rushed in to mediate.
As the three were in a chaotic tangle, a window upstairs swung open with a *clatter*. A lazy voice drifted down. "What’s all this chirping and clattering so early in the morning?" the person said. "Anyone would think this was a nest of sparrows."
Chai Yanyan immediately stopped and called out sweetly, "Good morning, Auntie."
"Ah, niece." Mu Gesheng leaned against the windowsill, propping his chin on one hand with a smile. "Have you eaten?"
"We have," Chai Yanyan said. "Great-Uncle made breakfast. It was delicious."
"Delicious, my foot," Mu Gesheng said. "My mouth is so bland I could spit feathers." He looked at Wu Biyou. "Silly daughter, order your father some takeout."
Wu Biyou looked at him with an indescribable expression. "...What do you want to eat?"
"A bowl of spicy noodles, extra chili," Mu Gesheng said as he closed the window. "Bring it up when it arrives."
Wu Biyou looked at Chai Yanyan. "You’re the medical student. Can his body handle spicy food right now?"
Chai Yanyan said, "Ideally no, but since Great-Uncle didn't stop him, perhaps it’s fine."
An Ping watched Wu Biyou pull out his phone. "Are you really ordering it?"
"Heaven wants to rain, and mothers want to remarry," Wu Biyou said with a deadpan face. "Let him do whatever the hell he wants."
Mu Gesheng rolled back onto the bed and yawned. "We should get a bigger bed."
Chai Shuxin lay beside him, watching him, and gave a soft "Mm."
He had originally gone up to bring Mu Gesheng food, but the other had tasted it, complained it was too bland, set the bowl aside, and then lunged under the covers, dragging him back into bed.
This was likely the first time in his life—from childhood to old age—that Chai Shuxin had ever slept in.
"The spring night is short, the sun rises high; from this day forth, the Emperor attends no morning court." Mu Gesheng didn't look at all like someone who had been up all night. He was refreshed and radiant, propping himself up to look at Chai Shuxin with a grin. "My beloved consort, where shall we go today?"
Chai Shuxin didn't want to go anywhere. He felt he could lie here until the end of time.
As if reading his mind, Mu Gesheng leaned in. "Actually, there is one place I want to go."
Chai Shuxin nodded. "Alright."
Mu Gesheng chuckled. "You aren't even going to ask where?"
"Anywhere is fine," Chai Shuxin said, looking up at him. "As long as you are there."
Mu Gesheng blinked, speechless for a long moment, before suddenly burying his face in the pillow.
"What is it?" Chai Shuxin sat up. "Are you feeling unwell?"
"...It’s nothing," Mu Gesheng’s voice muffled through the pillow. "I didn't realize, Sanjiutian..."
"You’re actually quite good at sweet talk."
In his youth, Mu Gesheng had been a regular at the brothels of Gold-Dust Alley; he was the type to walk through a thousand flowers without a single leaf clinging to him. When it came to the arts of romance—whether from plays, novels, street talk, or secret studies—he knew a thousand tricks. Furthermore, this man possessed a thick skin of divine proportions. To achieve his goals, he would stop at nothing; if you asked him to whisper sweet nothings to a latrine, he could do so for three days and nights without blinking.
The fact that he’d had the audacity to climb the Chai estate walls back then without being beaten to death showed just how proficient he was.
Yet, to be struck by a sentence that barely qualified as "sweet talk" so hard that he had to hide his face in a pillow—this was a first for Mu Gesheng, in both life and death.
He sighed melancholically, thinking to himself that he had truly fallen hard.
In the end, Wu Biyou didn't order Chongqing spicy noodles. Instead, he got a mild bowl of scallion oil noodles. Mu Gesheng didn't complain; he sat on the threshold with the bowl, eating as he spoke. "Silly daughter, I have something to tell you."
Chai Yanyan and An Ping crouched nearby to eavesdrop. Wu Biyou snapped, "Spit it out."
"I’m going to Fengdu with Sanjiutian today."
"What are you going to Fengdu for?" Wu Biyou was instantly alert. "I’ve handled all the Yin-Yang family matters. I don't need you."
"Your father was exhausted all night; I don't have the energy for your mess." Mu Gesheng ignored Wu Biyou’s expression and said lazily, "I’m going to the Hall of Yin Laws."
"The Hall of Yin Laws? You’re looking for Cui Ziyu?"
Chai Shuxin stepped out from the doorway. Wu Biyou only then noticed that the two of them were wearing matching shirts—he had no idea when they’d bought them.
Chai Shuxin adjusted his cuffs and said calmly, "To get a marriage certificate."
The trio collectively cracked.
It turned out Chai Yanyan’s worries weren't unfounded—if the Tiansuanzi and the Rakshasa went to Fengdu to get a divorce, it would indeed be sung about in the Ghost Market tea houses for eight hundred years.
But if these two went to Fengdu to get a marriage certificate, the commotion would be even greater.
Given their circumstances, they certainly couldn't get a license at a civil affairs bureau in the human world; Fengdu was their only option.
The laws of Fengdu were quite progressive in certain respects. As long as they were residents of Fengdu—regardless of gender, whether dead or alive, spirits or ghosts, freshly deceased or turned to ash—if both parties were willing and neither was burdened by criminal judgment, they could register their union.
Neither Mu Gesheng nor Chai Shuxin were technically residents of Fengdu, but with Cui Ziyu in charge of the Hall of Yin Laws and Wu Biyou being the Wuchangzi, a little back-end manipulation made it no problem at all.
"I know Fengdu has been strict lately. If it’s inconvenient for Lord Cui to approve the paperwork, it’s no matter." Mu Gesheng stood in the main hall of the Hall of Yin Laws, smiling at Cui Ziyu behind the official desk. "I’ll just go buy a ghost residence with Sanjiutian later, and then we’ll be residents."
Chai Shuxin stood behind Mu Gesheng and spoke up. "I have property in Fengdu. You can pick whichever one you like."
His expression was as faint as ever, but one could tell he was in a very good mood.
The Hall of Yin Laws was packed inside and out with onlookers. Cold sweat poured down Cui Ziyu’s face as he hurriedly said, "It’s convenient, perfectly fine, no problem at all! This... this, I wish you both a harmonious union for a hundred years, and may you soon..." He almost reflexively said "give birth to a son," but realized neither of the two before him had that function. He could only laugh dryly and repeat, "A harmonious union for a hundred years."
"Lord Cui, we haven't met for a few days, and your eloquence has regressed significantly," Mu Gesheng said. "A hundred years isn't nearly enough."
Cui Ziyu’s legs went weak; he nearly said "Long live, long live, long live!"
Mu Gesheng smiled and looked at the man behind him.
"With him here, what I seek is for all eternity."
Cui Ziyu produced a Marriage Paper and stamped it with the official seal of the Hall of Yin Laws. Mu Gesheng looked around, only to see that Chai Shuxin had already ground the ink and was silently handing him a fine purple-hair brush.
Mu Gesheng accepted it gladly and wrote with a flourish.
*Joyously today the red strings are tied, a perfect union of pearl and jade. With this vow of white-headed age, we write upon this grand paper.*
*The flowers are fair and the moon is full; in this blissful union, we shall walk together through the Yellow Springs and the Azure Vault, until the seas run dry and the rocks crumble.*
*By this covenant of red leaves, we solemnly pledge this contract.*
Then, he signed his name in the column for the spouses and handed the brush to Chai Shuxin.
Chai Shuxin took it, filled in his name, and then said to him, "I knew your calligraphy was actually very beautiful."
The handwriting on the Marriage Paper was bold and fluid, each stroke possessing its own character. The brushwork was grand and sharp, yet it lacked the murderous aura of "iron strokes and silver hooks," replaced instead by a sprawling, vibrant air of spring.
Mu Gesheng thought of his book *West’s Internal Medicine*, which was filled with pages of chicken scratch, and gave a hollow laugh. Writing was too taxing; his usual standard was "as long as it’s legible." To put it nicely, it was "unfettered"; to put it bluntly, it was a dog’s crawl.
Next was the witness column. Mu Gesheng beckoned the three juniors. "Come over and sign."
Chai Yanyan had already recovered from her shock, her face full of delight at the spectacle. An Ping was still adjusting, while Wu Biyou was completely broken.
After all, it had happened too suddenly—confessing yesterday and getting the license today was practically a whirlwind marriage.
But thinking carefully, after a hundred years of missed chances, how long a wait had it truly been?
Chai Yanyan had already skipped over happily, taking the brush to sign. Wu Biyou suddenly snapped to his senses, snatched the brush away, and signed his name in a few quick strokes.
Chai Yanyan was immediately indignant. "What is wrong with you?"
Wu Biyou refused to back down. "I’m signing first!"
An Ping looked at the bickering pair, sighed helplessly, took the brush, and signed his name neatly.
The final column was for the officiant. Mu Gesheng handed the brush to Cui Ziyu and smiled. "Lord Cui, if you would be so kind."
Cui Ziyu wiped the sweat from his forehead. Cowardly as he was, he had truly witnessed their journey from the Ginkgo Study of old to the City God Temple of today.
He did not decline. He took the brush and signed his name.
Then, he bowed to Mu Gesheng and Chai Shuxin. "May all lovers finally be joined as one."
"We are honored to receive such a blessing."
The marriage of the Tiansuanzi and the Rakshasa alarmed all of Fengdu, from the Ten Kings of Hell to the Yin-Yang families. Countless people went from shock to realization to awe, finally rushing to the Hall of Yin Laws to offer congratulations. Mu Gesheng pushed Wu Biyou to the front to deal with the crowd, tucked the marriage contract into his robes, and pulled Chai Shuxin away to make their escape.
The two walked all the way to Sansheng Lane. Mu Gesheng pointed to a tall building and laughed. "Sanjiutian, do you remember this place?"
Chai Shuxin gave an "Mm."
When they had accidentally entered the West Gate Pass back then, they had fled for their lives, eventually jumping onto a tall building and lying on the eaves to watch the lanterns.
That night, the King of Hell was marrying off his daughter, and the city was ablaze with light.
This place had originally been a tavern, but someone had later bought it and converted it into a private residence. Mu Gesheng looked at it and asked, "Sanjiutian, did you buy this place?"
However, Chai Shuxin shook his head. "This isn't my property, but I know the owner of this building."
Mu Gesheng’s interest was piqued. "Who is the owner?"
"The famous courtesan of Fengdu, Ghost Sanji," Chai Shuxin said. "Before she inherited this building, the wife of Wu Zixu lived here."
Ghost Sanji was the disciple of the Third Sister-in-Law; Mu Gesheng connected the dots.
"Third Sister-in-Law was once a pure courtesan at the Guan Shan Yue; she was personally taught by Auntie Zhao." Mu Gesheng said, "It is a great fortune that her pipa skills have not been lost."
Chai Shuxin looked at him. "I remember you know how to play as well."
When Wu Biyou had performed the General’s Nuo Dance, Mu Gesheng had provided the accompaniment.
"I barely learned by looking at the scores left by the Second Brother. In terms of true essence, I can't even touch the edges." Mu Gesheng found it somewhat amusing. "The true successor is right here."
Chai Shuxin: "My heart is biased."
"Fine." Mu Gesheng chuckled and kissed him. "I’ll take that compliment."
People were coming and going nearby. As the two were being intimate in public, Chai Shuxin’s face turned red all the way to his neck. Just as Mu Gesheng was about to tease him, the doors of the tall building suddenly opened, and the bead curtains tinkled.
A woman stood at the door and bowed gracefully. "Greetings to the two Lords."
It was indeed Ghost Sanji.
Mu Gesheng immediately let go of Chai Shuxin and cleared his throat, assuming the air of a refined gentleman. "I apologize for the intrusion, Miss."
"It is no matter. Today is the great day for the two Lords; the news has spread throughout Fengdu." Ghost Sanji smiled, her sleeves fluttering. "Congratulations to you both on a match made in heaven." She stepped aside, lowering her head slightly. "My humble abode has prepared a modest wine to celebrate. I hope the Lords will not find it beneath them."
Mu Gesheng was just looking for a place to drink and was immediately delighted. Just as he was about to walk in, he was suddenly yanked back by Chai Shuxin.
He turned to look at the other’s expression. Being the sharp person he was, Mu Gesheng understood instantly. He laughed and said, "Miss Sanji, could I trouble you to bring me a pot of water instead?"
He winked. "Master Chai is drinking vinegar; I’m afraid he’ll sour himself."
Ghost Sanji realized what was happening and couldn't help but laugh. She quickly bowed. "It was my clumsiness."
"Today is my wedding day; I must accompany my wife. Please do not take offense, Miss." Mu Gesheng smiled and cupped his hands. "We won't trouble you further. When my wife is in a better mood, we’ll host a wedding banquet for you at the City God Temple."
After seeing off Ghost Sanji, Mu Gesheng tugged at Chai Shuxin’s sleeve. "Alright, wifey, stop drinking vinegar. You’ll sour yourself, and my heart will ache."
Chai Shuxin remained silent. Mu Gesheng tilted his head. "Husband, are you still angry?"
Chai Shuxin: "..."
He truly had no way to deal with Mu Gesheng. In the end, he could only mutter, "Nonsense."
The culprit gave a mischievous grin.
They walked slowly down the long street. Suddenly, the strings of a pipa were plucked, a melodious tinkling sound.
The music drifted down from the tall building; it was Ghost Sanji singing *The Romance of the Western Chamber*.
"...The wishes of a lifetime are fulfilled, thanks to the help of kin and friends. Success comes at the right time, rewarding the couple of this life."
"...May we grow old together without parting, united for ten thousand years."
The lingering notes were long. Following the lilting melody, Mu Gesheng began to hum along.
"May all the world's lovers be joined as one; it is a fate destined from a past life, so do not miss your chance for love."
***
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