Night fell, but the Eastern Bright King’s palace did not hang lanterns of bright red throughout the courtyards. Instead, rows of large red lanterns adorned with celebratory characters were hung in the side halls.
A group of people bustled in and out, making the entire side hall feel festive and joyous.
Bright red flowers were tied one by one to the roof beams, and in front of the northernmost seat, fruits, melon seeds, and large dates were arranged, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.
Then, another group of people, laughing, carried wedding attire into Hua Yue and Qu Tongzi’s room to help them dress and adorn themselves.
According to wedding customs, the bride and groom were not to see each other before the wedding, so they would not see each other that night.
After a sleepless night, the wedding finally arrived at dawn the next day. By then, the room was already filled with people, including the former generals of Dongyue Town and members of Heishan.
Seated on the high platform was Thirteen Niang, and behind her was Hua Yue’s younger brother, Hua Xiaoyue.
The seat beside Thirteen Niang was left empty. It was meant for Dao Lang or Fei Xiong, but they both felt it was inappropriate and chose to sit on the left and right sides below.
Amidst the expectant atmosphere, Qu Tongzi, dressed in a handsome red robe, finally arrived in the side hall, led by an usher, entering the joyous gathering.
Everyone began to praise him.
“Mr. Qu usually dresses elegantly, giving him the demeanor of a scholar and poet. Now, in this bright red wedding attire, he has become a dashing and elegant young gentleman.”
“Ah, you’re right, he truly does.”
“I think so too, he’s so handsome.”
Amidst their compliments, Qu Tongzi gradually lost himself, smiling more and more happily.
At that moment, a loud shout came from outside the door, “The bride has arrived!”
Immediately, the entire side hall fell silent, and everyone made way.
A guard then escorted the bride in, her head completely covered by a large red embroidered veil, much to the disappointment of those who wished to catch a glimpse of her beauty.
“Hua Yue looks so beautiful today, it’s a shame we can’t see her face.”
“Seeing her face is the groom’s privilege, what’s it to you?”
“Can’t I just take a peek?”
“You wish, hahaha.”
Laughter and joy filled the side hall once more.
Hua Yue was led to Qu Tongzi’s side. Through the bottom of the veil, she saw his slightly nervous feet fidgeting, and she secretly giggled. It seemed everyone was a first-timer.
Seeing that the time was right, Thirteen Niang patted Hua Xiaoyue’s hand, signaling him to begin. Hua Xiaoyue then announced loudly,
“First bow to heaven and earth.”
Upon hearing the announcement, Hua Yue, supported by her maids, knelt with Qu Tongzi, facing the main door.
“Second bow to the honored elders.”
Then, they turned and bowed deeply to Thirteen Niang.
“Husband and wife bow to each other.”
Afterward, they turned to face each other and bowed.
“Escort them to the bridal chamber.”
Instantly, a chorus of boisterous shouts erupted, “Hoo, hoo, wow!”
Thirteen Niang suddenly said, “Wait.”
She took out the pair of twin fish jade pendants from her embrace and slowly walked to the couple, saying to them,
“After I informed the Demon King of your matters, she specially sent this pair of twin fish jade pendants to wish you a lifetime together as one.”
As she spoke, she handed the jade pendants to Hua Yue and Qu Tongzi one by one.
Qu Tongzi and Hua Yue said in unison, “Thank you, Demon King.”
Then, surrounded by the crowd, they returned to the bridal chamber. The group that had been making noise outside the chamber now lay by the walls, acting as eavesdroppers.
Just then, Dao Lang and Fei Xiong appeared and drove them away one by one, “What are you listening for? Don’t disturb the young couple’s conversation.”
“Exactly, hurry up, hurry up.”
After everyone had left, Qu Tongzi slowly lifted Hua Yue’s veil. She was as beautiful as a flower today.
Seeing him staring intently at her, Hua Yue shyly lowered her head and giggled.
After a long moment, Qu Tongzi said, “You, you look so beautiful today.”
Hua Yue covered her mouth and chuckled, praising him as well, “Sir looks radiant today too.”
“You’re still calling me Sir?” Qu Tongzi asked slightly.
Hua Yue smiled shyly, turned her head, and said, “Husband.”
“Hahaha, wife.”
They looked at each other and smiled. Hua Yue suggested, “We should drink the cross-cupped wine now.”
“Indeed.”
He then stood up, poured two cups of wine, one for himself and one for Hua Yue. They crossed their arms and drank the wine, marking the true completion of the ceremony.
Outside the bridal chamber, the noise was deafening. Outdoor tables were laden with fine wine and delicacies, and people ate until they were drunk.
However, a few bold individuals still tried to sneak over to eavesdrop, only to have their ears grabbed by Dao Lang and dragged back.
The wedding feast continued until nightfall, and only then did the guests reluctantly depart.
The next morning, Hua Yue was neatly dressed, and linking arms with Qu Tongzi, they left the palace.
They arrived at the side hall to bid farewell to everyone.
Qu Tongzi said, “Now that Hua Yue and I are married, I will also leave the palace to live in seclusion. Hua Yue will accompany me to say goodbye to everyone.”
Thirteen Niang nodded and said, “Alright, since you are leaving, let us see you off.”
“Just to the gate will suffice.”
So, a group of people followed Hua Yue and Qu Tongzi out of the palace to the main gate, where a carriage was already prepared.
“What is this?” Qu Tongzi asked, confused.
Thirteen Niang explained, “You don’t know how long your journey will be. This carriage will save you some effort.”
“Thank you, Thirteen Sister.”
Hua Yue suddenly knelt down with a thud and kowtowed.
“Xiaoyue and I were orphans fleeing for our lives. If not for Thirteen Sister’s rescue, I don’t know where we would be wandering now.
Now that I am leaving with my husband, I can only repay your kindness in the next life.”
Thirteen Niang helped her up and comforted her, “What repayment? As long as you are happy and live well, I will be content.”
Hua Xiaoyue also stepped forward and instructed Qu Tongzi.
“Brother-in-law, I am entrusting my sister to you. Sister has had a difficult life and finally found a home. You must treat her well.”
“Alright, I will never let Hua Yue suffer.”
Dao Lang and Fei Xiong also came forward with wine. Dao Lang said, “Since you are leaving, we have nothing much to give you, only a few jars of good wine.”
As he spoke, he loaded them onto the carriage.
Qu Tongzi cupped his hands and said, “The gift is light but the sentiment is heavy. Good wine is even rarer. Thank you, esteemed sirs.”
Fei Xiong instructed, “Be careful on your journey.”
“Alright.”
Hua Yue called Xiaoyue over and hugged her, instructing her.
“After I leave, you must follow Thirteen Sister closely, prioritize Heishan, and prioritize the Demon King. No matter what happens, you are not allowed to betray Heishan.”
“I know.”
“You must take good care of yourself, as I will no longer be by your side.”
“Don’t worry, Sister, I can take care of myself now.”
“That’s good, then I can leave with peace of mind.”
“Go with peace of mind.”
After saying their goodbyes, Hua Yue, supported by Qu Tongzi, boarded the carriage, and everyone waved farewell.
With a shout of “Giddy up!”, they gradually moved further away under everyone’s farewell gazes.
Behind them, only the words “Have a safe journey,” “Take care,” and “Work together in harmony” could be heard.
Dao Lang asked Thirteen Niang, “Perhaps this is also the outcome you wished to see.”
“Yes, when I arranged for Hua Yue to approach Qu Tongzi, it was with the intention of her leaving with him, far from war. Hua Yue is a good child, worthy of love.”
“Indeed, but I still admire you.”
“Admire me for what?”
“You are always so thoughtful about everything, just like Muye.”
“Perhaps she changed me.”
“Perhaps.”
Thus, this little bit of happiness moved towards an even longer-lasting happiness.
Meanwhile, Shui Fang and Ying Lu finally arrived at Nanhai City. The moment they knocked on the city gate, they were prepared.
Instantly, a swift messenger boy ran towards the palace. When he saw me, I was in the main hall discussing matters of troop deployment with several elders.
“Reporting to the Demon King, there are two people outside the city gate who claim to be your friends.”
I asked, puzzled, “What are their names?”
“They said you’ll know when you see them.”
“Who is making such a grand entrance?” Lin’er said with slight displeasure.
I thought for a moment and then said, “Let’s conclude our discussion for today. Elder, please accompany me to see them. Esteemed elders, please go and rest.”
“Alright.”
Then, Lin’er and I followed the messenger to the city gate. From afar, I saw two figures leaning against the city wall, appearing carefree and unrestrained.
Before I even approached, I heard one of them shout, “Muye, do you remember us?”
Upon closer inspection, it was Shui Fang and Ying Lu.
“Oh my, it’s you two. Of course, I remember. Why have you come at this time?” I walked forward to greet them.
Shui Fang laughed heartily and said, “We heard you were living well here, so Ying Lu and I discussed it and decided to come and join you.”
“Come in, come in quickly. There are plenty of good things to eat, but I fear you might not be able to finish them.”
“That won’t happen, my stomach is no joke,” Ying Lu said, patting his belly, still with his mischievous demeanor.
I turned and saw Lin’er, and then I remembered him. So, I introduced, “Let me introduce you, this is an elder of our Heishan.”
“Greetings, Elder.”
“Since you friends have traveled far, please be our guests at the palace.”
“Then we gratefully accept your invitation.”
“It is our duty.”
The group returned to Nanhai Palace, chatting and laughing. Upon hearing the news of Shui Fang and Ying Lu’s arrival, Yue Jiumo also quietly arrived at the main hall.
As Shui Fang and Ying Lu entered the hall, they saw Yue Jiumo waiting for them.
“Brother Yue,” “Brother Yue.”
“Shui Fang, Ying Lu, you’ve really come.”
“Yes.”
As they spoke, the three embraced tightly, expressing their longing for each other.
Shui Fang said, “The moment we received your letter, Ying Lu and I rushed here without delay.”
Ying Lu interjected, “You definitely can’t imagine how bored we were back then.”
“It’s good that you’re here, it’s good that you’re here.”
Seeing my old friends reunited, I was also filled with emotion and said, “Since you are here, there will be no shortage of good food. Someone!”
At my call, a guard hurried in from outside.
“Demon King, what are your orders?”
“We haven’t had a proper meal in a long time. Prepare the main hall tonight and set up good wine and dishes in the hall.”
“Yes.”
Shui Fang leaned over and said to me, “Muye, we have some things we want to discuss with Brother Yue privately. We’ll come find you after we’ve talked.”
“What’s so mysterious?”
“You’ll know.”
“Since that’s the case, you may go.”
“Alright, we’ll take our leave then.”
“Hahaha, still playing this game.”
“We have to.”
With that, they pulled Yue Jiumo out of the hall to discuss important matters. As they were leaving, they saw Liu Mei approaching.
It was then that they remembered the woman they had met in Peach Blossom Town, who had called out “Brother Jiu.” It now seemed she was Brother Yue’s beloved.
So, the two respectfully stepped forward and cupped their hands, saying, “Sister-in-law Yue.”
Liu Mei laughed heartily, waved her hand, and teased, “Why does everyone like to call me Sister-in-law Yue? I’m not married to Brother Jiu yet.”
Ying Lu said promptly, “That’s only a matter of time. How have you been, Sister-in-law Yue?”
“Everything is well. But where are you two going?”
“We have something to discuss with Brother Yue privately.”
“Oh, I guess it’s important. Hurry up and go.”
“Alright, we’re leaving then.”
With that, they pulled Yue Jiumo along and wandered to a quiet corner in the garden.
Shui Fang spoke first, asking, “Brother Yue, have you made up your mind?”
Yue Jiumo smiled slightly, his gaze fixed on the distance.
“I have been here for a very long time, and I understand some things better than you. Muye is indeed a benevolent ruler.
The people of Heishan are not as bloodthirsty as rumored. On the contrary, they are loyal and grateful. If there is any pure land in this world, I believe it is here.”
Ying Lu also stated, “From the moment we first saw her, we knew she was extraordinary.”
Shui Fang added, “If it were anyone else, I might not believe it, but Muye’s words are trustworthy.”
“A true man should know what to do and what not to do. Therefore, I wish to join Heishan and serve under Muye.” Yue Jiumo finally revealed his true feelings.
Shui Fang sighed deeply, looking up at the vast expanse of white clouds drifting like fish scales. His heart felt as light as the clouds.
Ying Lu, however, was not like him. He readily declared, “I am also willing to join Heishan.”
“What about you, Shui Fang?” Yue Jiumo could see he was still hesitant.
Shui Fang smiled slightly and decided, “Brother Yue is right. A true man should know what to do and what not to do. I am also willing to join Heishan.”
“Really? That’s wonderful, wonderful!”
“Yes, it’s wonderful! We can be together every day from now on.”
“Hahaha, then we’ll have to drink ourselves into oblivion every day.”
“Absolutely.”
As they spoke, the three of them laughed in unison.
Meanwhile, on the other side, in the eastern hall, the four great protectors of the Mermaid tribe also heard the news. Tian Long was very happy for Muye.
However, Qing Yu began to worry, “Now that Heishan’s power is growing stronger, if it comes to the final confrontation, it might lead to war between the various tribes.”
Tian Long retorted, “No, it won’t. Neither I nor the Demon King would want to see old friends slaughtering each other.”
“After conquering Xizi Kingdom, will she give it to us?” Wang Yuan was also somewhat concerned.
Tian Long replied, “That is a matter between the tribal chief and Muye. Our duty is only to assist her in attacking the four cities.”
“But…” Wang Yuan was still uneasy.
Tian Long patted his shoulder.
“Don’t worry. You’ve lived here for so long, you should understand the Demon King by now. Just follow her lead, and the rest is none of our concern.”
“Alright.”
“Since we are going to war, let’s do it comfortably.”
“We’ll listen to Big Brother.”
“Since you listen to me, rest assured. The Demon King is trustworthy.”
Although the other three were still worried, Tian Long was not. In his heart, besides good wine, there was only battle.
Since he chose to trust Muye, he would follow her all the way.