A’jiao and Yunhe whispered back and forth for a long while, only returning to their seats to continue copying texts when the Bureau of Judgment sent over a new batch of documents.
Watching her own writing speed increase, A’jiao couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. However, seeing Yunhe using a spell to make ten brushes write simultaneously made her feel quite discouraged again.
“Chen A’jiao, have you made up your mind? Are you coming with me or not?” Yunhe pressed. If she refused, he would have to find someone else.
“But my cultivation is weak. I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you,” A’jiao said hesitantly.
Yunhe laughed. “I need you to protect me? Oh, please. I don’t need you to fight monsters or evil spirits. I just thought that since you were once human, you’d be better at navigating the mortal world than the ghosts from our Underworld.”
“I see...”
“Besides, following me will clear your sins much faster than copying these books. At your current rate, you’re reducing one year of your sentence for every year you work. If you come with me, one year will count as three.”
A’jiao’s ears perked up. “Then I’ll go.”
“Excellent!” Yunhe clapped his hands.
Upon hearing that Yunhe had submitted A’jiao’s name, Shen Zhi sighed to Princess Guantao about how unreliable Yunhe was. At the same time, he decided to teach A’jiao the Patrol Incantation ahead of schedule, so she could command spirits in the mortal realm and not be left helpless.
“Starting from the *Yin* script, then cycling through *Mao*, *Chen*, *Si*, and so on until you reach the *Chou* script—this represents the divine officials patrolling the ten directions and three realms to summon the souls of the deceased.” Shen Zhi demonstrated the technique before A’jiao. Her official tablet immediately took flight, circling her as if urging her on.
To avoid causing a commotion outside, Shen Zhi confined his spiritual power within the courtyard.
“Just now, I cast a spell in my capacity as a superior to summon nearby ghost-immortals. Your official tablet sensed it. Did you see?”
“I saw it!”
“The Patrol Incantation contains many sub-techniques. First, memorize this God-Summoning Incantation. If any demons or evils interfere, use it to call upon the local deities for help.”
A’jiao nodded.
“In the past, the Heavens and the Underworld jointly appointed Earth Gods to protect various territories. Once Yunhe’s destination in the mortal realm is confirmed, the Ghost Emperor will surely greet the local Earth God. If you face a major crisis, seek the Earth God. For minor matters, find the City God.”
“The City God?” A’jiao asked, puzzled. As a former Empress, she knew the Emperor prioritized the altars of soil and grain, so she was familiar with Earth Gods, but she had never heard of a City God.
“In recent years, the Earth Gods have shown a tendency to ascend to the Heavens. Thus, after a discussion between the Celestial Palace and the Underworld, it was decided that the Underworld would establish a new office to manage mortal lands. This is the concept of ‘one city, one moat’—the office is called the City God... However, the Underworld is currently short-staffed. Not every place has a City God in residence yet. For now, they are mostly found in the larger mortal cities.”
A’jiao took the lesson to heart. “I understand.” It seemed the Underworld was truly lacking in people—no, lacking in ghosts—no, lacking in ghost-immortals.
“There is also the Ghost-Seizing Incantation. I will teach you that tomorrow. Practice the God-Summoning Incantation first. You depart in three days, so practice well.”
A’jiao memorized the incantation and began her exercises.
Guantao leaned against Shen Zhi’s arm, sighing softly. “A’jiao is such a child; I can never stop worrying about her.”
Shen Zhi smiled tenderly. “Children grow up; they must eventually leave their parents to stand on their own. There is no need for such concern. Besides, this time is different from the last. Her previous reincarnation was a punishment where she had no help. This time, she is tasked with looking after Yunhe. She is merely borrowing an identity in the mortal realm; her magic won't be sealed, she can command ghosts, and she can even mobilize local deities if necessary. Her life will be quite comfortable.”
“The two Great Deities truly dote on Lord Yunhe,” Guantao remarked.
Shen Zhi agreed. “After all, he is the only child born to the Ghost Race in a thousand years. In mortal terms, he is the sole heir!”
Guantao covered her mouth and laughed.
Shen Zhi continued, “You and I are both ordinary ghosts; we likely cannot conceive a child in this life. A’jiao is your child, which makes her mine. In the future, I will cherish her just as Feikang cherishes Yunhe.”
“I know. A’jiao admires you most of all now.” Guantao felt a twinge of jealousy. Just because she didn't have an official rank or know how to cultivate... she was still the girl's birth mother!
*Ding~* Shen Zhi’s official tablet vibrated slightly. He looked at A’jiao, his smile widening. “This child... she has quite the talent.”
***
A’jiao knew that Yunhe was the darling of the Yin Realm, the treasure of the Underworld, and the beloved of the two Great Deities, the Ghost Emperor, and the Celestial Master.
However, she hadn't expected the reincarnation treatment for this "golden child" to be so much better than that of ordinary ghosts.
A’jiao and Yunhe drifted through the air on the wind.
Yunhe was actually allowed to enter the mortal realm himself to find a family he liked for his rebirth.
They had been in the mortal world for three days and nights, yet Yunhe still hadn't chosen a family to his liking.
“Tsk, tsk. That family just now was wealthy enough, but they had no political power. If I’m born there and get bullied later, what then?” Yunhe waved his hand dismissively.
“Then what kind of family do you want, Lord Yunhe?” A’jiao asked patiently. She hadn't yet learned the art of flight or wind-riding in the Underworld, so she could only drift slowly. Consequently, Yunhe had been carrying her by the hand the whole way. Whenever he let go, her light ghost body would be blown several yards away by the wind. She would struggle to drift back, but unable to fight the aerial currents, she would eventually have to use a Blink Incantation to return to his side.
Yunhe cupped his ear. “What did you say?”
A’jiao repeated her question.
He grabbed her and said, “One that is both wealthy and powerful, of course! Something equivalent to my status in the Underworld.”
“Then why didn't you go to the King of Hejian’s house? I’m telling you, the first King of Hejian, Liu De, was my cousin. He was humble, polite, and very handsome. The title has reached the fourth generation now, held by Liu Shou. It would be quite good to be born into his house,” A’jiao advised.
“The fourth generation? Isn't the current Emperor your old flame? Doesn't that make you a grandmother or great-grandmother figure to them?” Yunhe asked in surprise.
A’jiao choked for a moment before explaining, “The Emperor was indeed my husband, but it’s just that the Hejian line has reached the fourth generation...”
“Doesn't that mean every generation dies young? I’m not going.” Yunhe interrupted.
“What did you say?” A’jiao was offended. Though her cousin Liu De hadn't lived a long life, she had always admired his scholarship and character. Hearing Yunhe speak so flippantly made her unhappy.
“Alright, alright, I didn't mean it that way. It’s just that I’ve finally made it to the mortal realm; I want to play for a long time.” Yunhe tugged at A’jiao’s sleeve.
“But you’re so picky; nothing satisfies you,” A’jiao said helplessly.
“Then you tell me, which family in your mortal world is the most eminent? I’ll go to that one.”
A’jiao narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure?”
Yunhe nodded firmly.
“Then it’s Liu Che’s family, obviously. Come on, let’s go to Chang’an.” A’jiao rubbed her forehead.
Yunhe carried A’jiao and flew straight to Weiyang Palace.
The sky was gradually brightening, and the morning glow spilled over them like celestial robes woven by heavenly maidens.
“Speaking of Liu Che, he currently has five sons and several daughters. Let’s first look around Weiyang Palace for any pregnant concubines. We could dive straight into one of their wombs. If there are none, we’ll make other plans.” The two stood on the roof of the Jiaofang Hall, watching Weiyang Palace slowly wake from the night.
“Sure.” Yunhe stretched his limbs.
“Let’s wait here for a bit. The concubines will likely come to the Jiaofang Hall to pay their respects soon. We’ll observe for a while.” A’jiao sat down.
“Fine.” Yunhe sat down beside her.
“Since you want to be born into the Emperor’s family, I’ll give you a brief overview of Liu Che’s sons. The eldest, Liu Ju, was born to Empress Wei. His uncle is the Grand Marshal and Great General Wei Qing. His position is secure. He should be twenty-two this year, in the prime of his youth—the future Emperor. The second son, Liu Hong, born to Lady Wang, has already passed away without children. The third, Liu Dan, is the King of Yan; I hear he’s quite calculating and ambitious. The fourth, Liu Xu, the King of Guangling, also seems ambitious; they say he possesses Herculean strength, though I’ve never seen him. He and the third son were both born to Lady Li. The fifth, Liu Bo, is only five years old; it’s too early to tell with him. His birth mother was also surnamed Li, but he is currently being raised by a Lady Xing. By the way, will you remember any of this after you’re reborn?” A’jiao suddenly remembered.
“No.”
“Then why am I telling you all this!” A’jiao turned her head away.
“What about you?” Yunhe asked.
“Where is your child?” Yunhe turned to look at her.
A’jiao’s face stiffened. After a long silence, she said, “Me? I have no children.”
“Why didn't you have one?” Yunhe asked curiously.
A’jiao felt a pang of bitterness but forced herself to answer, “When I was alive... my health was poor. I couldn't conceive.”
“I see. Well, since you’re accompanying me this time, I’ll find you a healthy body. Then you can have as many as you want.” Yunhe sighed.
A’jiao was speechless, but she managed to reply, “Thank you!”
As they chatted idly, they saw people approaching the Jiaofang Hall.
A’jiao tapped Yunhe. “Someone’s coming. Pay attention.”
Yunhe stood up. “This is too far. Is there somewhere closer to watch?”
A’jiao thought for a moment, then pulled Yunhe into the Jiaofang Hall. The two of them sat perched on the rafters of the main hall.
A flock of beautiful women entered the hall, and the place immediately became lively. A’jiao observed them, noting how different it was from her time. She had never liked Liu Che’s consorts, so she hadn't enjoyed them coming to the Jiaofang Hall. Even when they had business there, they had always sat quietly, not daring to make a sound.
Yunhe didn't notice A’jiao’s dazed expression. He rubbed his ears as he listened to the women gossiping below. Who had received what reward, whose kitchen had made new pastries, who was still sick, whose pet had offended whom.
“Sigh, speaking of which, ever since Lady Xing became pregnant and was promoted to Ronghua, so many people in the palace have been flocking to the Hall of Gracious Herbs to curry favor. Sigh!”
...
Yunhe listened and marveled. “Tsk, tsk. So many women. Can your old flame even remember them all? Our Underworld is much better!”
A’jiao huffed, but in her heart, she was chanting: *The Hall of Gracious Herbs, Lady Xing!*
She tugged at Yunhe. “Did you hear that? Ronghua Xing is pregnant. Let’s go take a look.” She remembered that Lady Xing was also the one raising Liu Bo.
***
