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In retrospect, Xie Lian wonders if he’d been, perhaps, too greedy.
To presume all would go well with their wedding, after so much good luck.
There were, of course, the inherent complications that came from inviting earthly, heavenly, and ghostly guests for two whole days, and expecting them to get along well. Then there was the location and weather … just outside Puqi Shrine as the maple leaves began falling. Lastly, although Hua Cheng was quite happy to go along with every single one of his desires for the ceremony, Xie Lian’s devoted soon-to-be-husband stood firm on one curious thing—
That he be allowed to gift a surprise “event” at the end of the second night.
No, Xie Lian was not allowed to know what it was.
No, even if he asked.
No, even if he asked again!
… his San Lang was really adamant about this, after all.
But, as Hua Cheng kneels at his feet and reveals his surprise, Xie Lian muses that, despite all of the misfortune, mishaps, and misgivings proven true today … he is happy he waited for this.
X – X – X – X – X
A day and a half ago—
“WHERE DID THE FLOWERS GO!?”
“H-hey, do you think this banner is hung straight?”
“Let’s go over the dance one more time.”
“When do the guests arrive, again?”
“Forget that, when does Hua Chengzhu come, again?? We’re NOT READY!”
Xie Lian peeked around the curtains, partially hidden from sight. Sweat dropped down his face as he watched the chaos unfolding, all because he and Hua Cheng decided to formalize their bond. He was regretting it a bit, seeing how it was troubling so many people (mainly Hua Cheng’s servants, some of the minor gods that had been recruited, and a number of nosy locals near Puqi Shrine).
He tried to cheer up. After all, this was about blessing their happiness and future. It wouldn’t do to succumb to negative feelings!
Suddenly, an arm snaked around his waist and spun him around.
“S-San Lang!”
“Gege, what are you doing here?”
“Ah. Nothing. Really. Just, I was a little worried that the decorations weren’t up, but it was awfully silly of me to assume that your servants aren’t capable, and really I only wanted a breather and—”
“Then, why don’t you just breathe, hm?” Hua Cheng smiled softly. A soft pinch to his nose reminded Xie Lian to inhale, and he did so.
“Sorry, San Lang. I don’t know why I’m being like this …”
“No need to apologize. Why don’t we wait inside while we let all these capable people—” a shiver ran down the spines of every person in listening distance “—do what they need to do?”
Xie Lian fixed his bangs with a laughing sigh and let his fiancé pull him away from the hustle and bustle.
Puqi Shrine was much different than the initial shabby, one-room structure it was before. Due to Quan Yizhen’s gold, they were not only able to finance the rebuilding, but also gild nearly all the structural elemnts. Of course, Xie Lian protested the expense! But Hua Cheng wheedled and whined until it was impossible to say no. Admittedly, the final product was beautiful, and they could now afford separate rooms. One room, of course, being their shared bedroom to retire to whenever they decided to stay in the Human Realm.
It was in this tidy, cozy space that Hua Cheng sheltered them in, away from their own wedding preparations.
“Gege, I know I told you this before, but we can call it off at any point.”
“Haha, I wouldn’t dare! We’ve invited so many people. And honestly, San Lang, I know you’re dying to show me off … I wanted to indulge you, at least a little.”
With an oomph! he fell on top of their bed, and was swiftly gathered up against Hua Cheng’s chest.
“Hmmmm,” came the almost-purr. “Yes, I suppose you’re right! I very much want to brag about how gorgeous, divine, gentle, and exquisite my god-husband is.”
Xie Lian joined Hua Cheng in laughter, with a light blush staining his cheeks. This man always knew exactly what to say to make him feel better!
He felt silly for being so worried earlier.
An hour later, he felt silly for being so carefree earlier.
Seated at the head of the table with Hua Cheng by his side, he could only stare with wide eyes as the human guests (regulars of the shrine, monks, and some notable cultivators) began throwing up after the second courses were served. Even some of the gods and ghosts looked a bit faint.
Mei Nianqing, interrupted from his terse debate with Hua Cheng, immediately leaped into action. But …
“Guoshi, I don’t mean to criticize,” Xie Lian offered hesitantly, “but I don’t believe your healing methods are suitable for mortals …”
His former teacher froze for just a moment, before he snapped upright and yelled for doctors, whether they’re god or human, please! Luckily, some gods of medicine were present and began evacuating the sickest of the victims. As they left, groans of Xiao Hua we’re so sorry and Daozhang we’ll be back tomorrow! faded away.
Frowning, Mei Nianqing approached the couple. “My dear Xie Lian, I humbly apologize but I’d like to leave as well, to oversee the patients. And if you’ll forgive me the insult … the food didn’t happen to be prepared by … you … right?”
Xie Lian gave a tight smile and opened his mouth—
“No.” Hua Cheng cut in, scathingly. “Old man, watch what you’re implying. My gege’s cooking is heavenly.”
Mei Nianqing ignored the deluded ghost. He raised an eyebrow.
“Guoshi, I did not. Actually, we ordered food from a mix of places. Unfortunately, the first two courses were from a butcher named Brother Zhu. I don’t think he meant harm! The food may have run into some issues being transported safely here from the Ghost Realm.”
“Ah, well, if it’s simply a case of acute, extremely acute, food poisoning rather than some divine evil, we can get this sorted out. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll do my best to return for the second day.”
He bowed, scoffed at Hua Cheng’s sustained glare, and left in a swirl of robes.
Needless to say, the heavy atmosphere left behind by the mass food poisoning was not ideal. Quan Yizhen, who had been carefully behaving for much of the day, jumped up with a sudden roar (incidentally spewing some bits of food). “Crown Prince! Don’t feel down! That food wasn’t nearly as bad as th-th-that one time!”
“Ah, thank you … so much ..”
“Here, let me raise your spirits!” He sprinted over to the gifts table and procured gold bars from seemingly nowhere to plunk them down.
“More for Puqi Shrine—!” but then an ominous crack sounded.
As if in slow motion, the table crumpled. Then, some of the gifts at the top, looking suspiciously like bone-fish sculptures, plummeted to the floor. This subsequently started an avalanche of gifts, boxed and otherwise, as Quan Yizhen gaped in horror.
So did every other soul in the room.
A black shadow zoomed across the room. It was Yin Yu, there to reign in the mess that his shidi caused! He jammed his shovel under the table to stop its tilt as other servants hurried to either catch or prop up the remaining items. It looked like they’d gotten the situation under control, but then …
“Wanna help!” Gu Zi called and trotted over, giggling. This triggered the other child (fetus) present to also want to join: this was Cuo Cuo, who had unfortunately struggled free of both Feng Xin’s and Jian Lan’s grips.
No way this is happening, thought Xie Lian a bit desperately.
But it was and it got worse as Cuo Cuo decided that ‘helping’ meant attacking the other child. Qi Rong screeched, launching himself from his seat. “Ahhhh, son! Hey, COUSIN CROWN PRINCE!! Get your f*cking dog’s dog!!”
Feng Xin flipped rapidly from mortified to indignant. He lied, “He don’t bite!”
“YES IT DO!!”
“Hrm?” Suddenly, Lang Qianqiu sat straight up. Evidently, he’d fallen asleep at some point, but the current racket could wake the dead. “Hey, you!” He jabbed a finger at Qi Rong who had begun waving sharp, pointy utensils in Feng Xin’s face. “I thought you were turning over a new leaf, you scoundrel!?”
A sword flashed and buried itself near Qi Rong’s feet.
“Uh, okay, no, f*ck this sh*t, I’m out!” The ghost scooped up the still-giggling Gu Zi and hurled himself out of the open window.
Silence fell, except for the panicked murmurs of the servants, Quan Yizhen, and Yin Yu, who had been trying to repair the table and restore the gifts to their originally glorious condition.
Xie Lian heard a deep breath the size of Mount Tonglu come from his right. He jerkily turned his head.
Hua Cheng placed E’Ming in front of him. Both the ghost king’s and the sword’s eyes flashed. Evil intent flooded the room.
“If anyone else disrupts this banquet, we’ll be tasting your blood tonight. Is that clear?”
Rapid nodding.
“Fantastic. Dancers, if you could please? And someone, bring in the remaining courses. Now.”
That night, Xie Lian waved goodbye as their guests left to recuperate before the second day of festivities … or misfortunes. After the last person left, Hua Cheng quietly bundled Xie Lian in his arms and guided them both through their nightly routine.
“San Lang.”
“Hm?”
Xie Lian turned over in the bed to face the wall. “Perhaps we really should call it off. I’m afraid of this all getting somehow … worse.” He sighed. “I guess my bad fortune is back with a vengeance.”
But Hua Cheng cuddled him closer and shook his head. With an assured voice, he said, “I won’t let it get that bad. And besides, gege, I have something planned. Did you forget my surprise is waiting?”
“That’s true. I just wish, um … I just wish it would’ve been perfect.”
“Oh. Gege, it’s perfect already, don’t you see? You, me, and all the guests that could make it did make it. That’s all we needed.”
Xie Lian laughed softly and nodded his head against his chest. “You’re right, San Lang.”
X – X – X – X – X
Three hours ago—
Xie Lian frantically held onto last night’s warm fuzzy feelings but felt it slipping away rapidly.
A torrential downpour greeted guests as they returned for the second night’s banquet. About ten guests arrived, drenched, before a figure atop a black ox appeared. Hua Cheng forced a strained smile as the Lord Rain Master dismounted and hobbled over.
Yushi Huang winced and said, “Your Highness, I offer my greetings and apologies. Does your guoshi happen to be here already? I require his services most urgently. The food apparently … did not sit well with me, after all.”
As if summoned by his very name, Mei Nianqing appeared, took one look at her slightly green face, and began administering his more potent medicines. Relieved gasps sounded as the rain suddenly let up, transforming into a light mist before finally halting. More gasps sounded as rainbows seemed to embrace Puqi Shrine.
The sight brought the tiniest smile to Xie Lian’s face.
Stone-faced, Hua Cheng watched on as unsalvageable paper ornaments were removed by nervous assistants. His dismay couldn’t even be alleviated by those rainbows, until Xie Lian tucked his hand into the crook of his arm and gave him a playful shove.
“It got resolved quickly at least. And we’ve been left with such a lovely view!”
An exhale. “As long as gege is happy.”
“Ahem! Greetings to the happy couple, from the delegation family of the bride.” They turned.
Standing between Qi Rong and Feng Xin, Mu Qing stood ramrod straight with a solemn expression. Securely held in the martial god’s hands were the memorial tablets of the former King and Queen of Xian Le.
Although he knew his side of the “family” would be the focus of the second wedding day, Xie Lian was still overcome with unnamed emotions. Wordlessly, his eyes traced the strokes of his parents’ names. Ruoye curled comfortingly underneath his sleeves. His San Lang tucked him very close before leading them both into a deep bow.
“Thank you, Mother and Father,” Hua Cheng murmured, “for allowing me to form a union with your most wonderful son.”
Xie Lian kept his face hidden as they followed Mu Qing to the tables, watching as his friend set the tablets down carefully into a wooden inlay. Once he felt more composed, he examined the carved wood and felt the need to hide his face again. Painted in subdued colors were the likenesses of his parents— his mother radiating gentleness in her willow-like beauty, and his father looking handsome, greying hair adding to his majesty.
“Y-you—! Ohh, San Lang! Look, my … my father and mother! They’re here!”
Xie Lian let his tears fall freely. There was no use in stopping them. Mu Qing sniffled a bit, and Feng Xin’s face scrunched. Even Qi Rong couldn’t take his eyes off the portraits that Hua Cheng had faithfully created.
They must have all looked like fools, standing around a table and crying together.
Moments passed, and then a light, airy voice remarked, “Wow, Your Highness! I see why you are so beautiful and strong and kind! Your parents must be incredibly proud!”
“Trying to cheer me up, Shi Qingxuan? It’s okay, these are happy tears.”
“I see! But then, I didn’t speak falsely, did I?”
“Well, I hope that, instead of being proud—there are a lot of terrible things I’ve done—I’d hope they can be happy that I’m happy.”
His friend said, without hesitation, “Certainly! To see their son wed to a rich, loving husband! To spend eternity with such a husband, too! Surely there’s nothing better.”
“Watch it with the flattery,” Hua Cheng grumbled. He reached out to poke the man in the chest.
But just at that moment, Shi Qingxuan had moved forward. Right into that unyielding finger. Startled by the sudden jab to his much weaker, much more mortal form, he reeled back.
In doing so, he bumped into a nearby table.
Ban Yue and Pei Xiu, who were chatting with each other at that table, yelled in alarm and jumped to their feet.
“Why so loud?” Mu Qing rolled his eyes. Xie Lian would’ve agreed that the reaction was a bit dramatic for a simple bump, but then. He heard hissing from underneath the tablecloth.
“Xiao Pei,” started Feng Xin, “please tell me your girlfriend did not bring scorpion snakes to this very important event.”
Oh, but she would, thought Xie Lian faintly.
“She … might have!” Pei Xiu whisper-shouted, which at this point was more a shout.
Ban Yue didn’t respond because she was too busy trying to pacify in her snakes. Pei Ming, who had just arrived, promptly about-faced, disappeared, then re-appeared with back-up in the form of Brother Ox, Lang Qianqiu, and Yin Yu. The first two helped usher the more powerless crowds away, while the others worked hard to convince the snakes to leave. Ban Yue kept trying her magic commands as the others employed physical tactics like erecting barriers or stomping to herd the snakes in the right direction—outside.
Once the dangerous snakes were outside, Yin Yu brandished his trusty shovel once more, digging a deep hole in the muddy earth for the animals to fall into. Pei Ming and Pei Xiu worked together to throw both a physical and divine net above the pit, to keep the hissing serpents trapped.
Xie Lian felt a bit overwhelmed, but Hua Cheng laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Stay here, gege.” He was pushed into the chair next to his parents’ tablets, and blankly watched Hua Cheng stride forward and summon his Wraith Butterflies. One by one, the snarling snakes were airlifted away into the far, far distance.
Once the clamor settled down, Ban Yue prostrated herself nearly flat to the ground again and again, crying apologies until Xie Lian forcibly picked her up.
“No harm done,” he said reassuringly. Which was, mostly, true. Their servants had to take an extra half-hour to fix the tables, carpets, and lamps that had been overturned in the rush of people and snakes. Many guests were left to mill about on the muddy walkways outside.
But finally, the second banquet began, along with the planned festivities and entertainment.
However, many of the guests kept nervously glancing around, as if trying to anticipate what could possibly go wrong next. Not the greatest atmosphere to wrap up their wedding, but there was nothing that they could really do about it.
But perhaps Hua Cheng’s luck kicked in at last because they made it smoothly to the last two events.
First came the formal acknowledgment and officiation of their union. Ling Wen stood, clothed in the black shimmering aura of the Brocade Immortal. She clapped her hands to call for silence before approaching the couple. As one, they stood from their table, descending to the central floor of the hall where paired chairs had been set.
“I’m here on behalf of the Heavenly Court and the Crown Prince to present his bridal dowry—in this case, groom dowry. And I’m here to assess the return gifts and wedding preparations of the bridegroom, Hua Cheng, also known as Crimson Rain Sought Flower, also known as San Lang. As the heavenly officiant, I have noticed many misfortunes have occurred these past few days, and I admit that it reflects poorly on such an auspicious event. However, it must be acknowledged that despite every incident, the situation was resolved peacefully. Considering this, as well as how well it mirrors the tough journey of the couple in question, I pronounce the gifts and wedding sufficient. Many blessings to the couple.”
A cheer rose up as Ling Wen bowed and returned to her seat. Of course, there was no representative from Hua Cheng’s side. But, he had told Xie Lian that his promised surprise would be enough to signify the approval of his “family.”
Hua Cheng stood. “As the only remaining blood of my line, and with no others to call upon to represent me, I will be representing myself. It shouldn’t be in question that I would accept any dowry of Your Highness, so long as he would bless me with his presence for the rest of his life. Gege has also gifted me permission to present him with one last thing to seal our vows.”
Suddenly, everyone was blinded by a flash of white butterflies, except for Xie Lian, who had been told to cover his eyes right at the right moment. Therefore, he was the first to behold the stunning outfit that Hua Cheng had changed into.
For both nights, he’d already been adorned head-to-toe in the most expensive wedding garb that his Paradise Manor staff could get away with. But this new outfit incorporated woven fabrics of every hue of red possible, accented with silver splendor. Atop his hair was a glimmering headdress, metal butterflies flirting with silvery flowers across the crown of his head in a halo.
With a sincere gaze, Hua Cheng knelt in front of him.
X – X – X – X – X
Back to present—
With his hands held out in supplication, Hua Cheng begins singing in a low baritone. It’s in a language that Xie Lian isn’t familiar with, but he doesn’t need to understand the words to understand the meaning.
He reaches out urgently to clasp Hua Cheng’s hands in his. In doing so, a smile colors the song, sweetening the tone just so. Hua Cheng’s fingers curl delicately to play with his red-threaded ring.
The whole hall seems mesmerized as the feared and all-mighty Ghost King performs his devoted ballad. After the last note, even the silence holds a weighty presence that no one dares to break.
Heart in his heart, Xie Lian tries to choose his words carefully. He doesn’t want to imply annoyance with a blunt What was that? Similarly, he doesn’t want to convey rejection by asking his still-kneeling husband to stand up. Frankly, he is also barely keeping a lid on his hysteria after two whole days of stress. So he hopes his husband will forgive him for struggling to process and articulate his thoughts.
In the end, what shakily comes out is—“I’m truly the luckiest man alive.”
His San Lang lets out a charming chuckle. “I hate to argue with gege, so I’ll just say I’m the luckiest man dead, then.”
Oh, he can’t contain it any longer. He kneels and throws his arms around Hua Cheng. “San Lang, was this your surprise? A song for me? You must translate the lyrics for me later.”
“It’s just some nonsense I’m supposed to sing to my beloved, according to some traditions. I thank gege for indulging me.”
“Nonsense? If that’s nonsense, then all music in the world is meaningless.”
“Haha! What a bold statement. The gods of music will weep. I may see them doing so already,” comes the sly reply.
Xie Lian pulls them both up and faces the crowd, who finally breaks into applause and shouts of praise.
“San Lang.”
“Yes, gege?”
Before anyone can approach to give their final congratulations, Xie Lian rises to his tip-toes and places a lingering kiss on Hua Cheng’s lips.
“Thank you for loving me and for making me so happy.”
Hua Cheng chases his mouth for a return kiss. “All for you, gege. You make me so very happy, too.”