Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms[1]

Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of peach Blossoms

Translated by: Hamster428

Website: http://hamster428.livejournal.com/

Prologue

I've been sleeping a little too much recently.

Nainai says, “It is probably your pregnancy that is making you sleepy. M'lady needs not worry.”

Nainai is my maid, and the only one who smiles at me here at Sawu Palace, the only immortal to call me “M'lady.” All the other fairies look down on me.

Only because Yehua didn't give me any title.

And Yehua didn't give me a title because I'm a mortal, not a fairy.

It seems Nainai has opened the window because there is a slight breeze coming through, and there is a faint sound of someone's steps from outside. Nainai's voice is tinged with happiness, “M'lady, the Crown Prince is here to visit you.”

I sit up in still my silk nightgown and rest against the bedframe. My mind is not fully conscious. Although I have awaken, I am still awfully exhausted.

The bed cushion weighs down a little, and I guess Yehua has sat down next to me. I hazily asked him, “Are the stars beautiful tonight?”

He remains quiet for a while, then replies, “Susu, it is now daytime.”

I want to wipe my eyes by habit, but when my hand touches the white fabric around my eyes, I suddenly remember. My eyes are no longer there. In the future I won't know what to do. Night and day will be undistinguishable and I won't be able to se anything anymore. Yehua goes into deep thoughts momentarily and finally says, “I'll marry you. I will be your sight.”

Susu, I will be your sight.

I push him away by reflex. The nightmare from that night immediately drowns over me, frightening me into shivers.

Yehua grips my hand tightly and quickly asks, “Susu, what's wrong?”

I lie through my trembles, “I'm only a little tired. You can attend to your business now. I want to sleep a bit more.”

I never wanted to part with this person and his affections before. But I can't stand any of it now. I'm only curious. If he had loved the other woman, why ever did he agree to my ridiculous request back then?

The past, the past, if I had known I wouldn't have done so.

Yehua left. Nainai softly closes the door. I fall back onto the bed while fuzzy images flit through my head: at times it's scenes from Mount Junji at Donghuang, at times it's

Yehua's face, then it became the bloody weapon that unfairly took away my eyes. It hurts, it hurts, it hurts so much I want to cry. But no tears would come.

I think to myself I will return to Mount Junji after giving birth to this child. Where things begin is where they should end.

While being in thoughts, Nainai comes through the door and softly asks me, “M'lady, are you awake yet?”

I try and faintly reply her, “What is it?”

Nainai slows her steps, “Lady Sujin sent her maid to ask if you'd like to come over and have tea.”

I don't understand at all why Sujin has been unfailingly nice to me recently. Is it because she feels guilty for taking my eyes away and turning me into a blind person? Or does she too understand she was the one to make Yehua unfairly take my eyes?

I'm no longer the silly girl of three years ago. The little girl who was always worried and wanted to please everyone.

In the afternoon, Nainai wakes me up and tells me that the sunlight has shone inside the court and would like to take me out for a sunbath.

She prepares the reclining chair and wants to help me over. I turn down her care and slowly find my own way out by following along the wall. I should be able to do at least this much. Otherwise, how will I survive on my own when I return to Mount JunJi. I become sleepy again while in the sunlight. My mind becomes hazy as if I'm still floating in a dream. I suddenly remember the day I met Yehua three years ago. His hand held a cold sword. His blood-covered body fell infront of my door. I clumsily brought him inside, took out medicines, and speechlessly watched as his injury closed on its own. So then I didn't save him. So then he needn't repay me. And he needn't because of my one sentence, “Why don't you repay me with yourself?” marry me and give me this child in my womb.

From the earliest of my memories, I had always been alone on Mount Junji. Surrounded me were only birds, fish, insects and things. I thus had no name. He then called me Susu and told me it's to be my name from then on. I was filled with happiness for days.

Afterward, he took me to Jiuchongtian (Heaven). That was when I found out my husband is the grandson of Tianjun (Heavenly Lord).

At that time, he was also crowned Crown Prince.

No one acknowledged he is my husband here on Jiuchongtian. He's never once told Tianjun he married a mortal from Donghuang either.

One night, I brought food to Yehua's residence. There was no guards around the manor. Only the melancholic voice of Lady Sujin rang out. “You married a mortal merely because you wanted to punish my unfaithfulness for marrying Tianjun. You didn't have a solution and neither did I. It was impossible to refuse Tianjun's favor, being a woman in this world. Yehua, tell me, you still love me am I not right? You call her Susu all because there is a “Su” in my name right?”

The dream replays each scene to match exactly with reality and it makes me sweat cold sweats. I carefully carress my protruding stomach. It's been three years and I'm guessing it's about time for labor.

The next night Nainai doesn't come by to help me go to bed. I still cannot fetch washing water by myself so I have to rush her. Nainai fixes the beddings and says, “You should wait a bit more, perhaps His Highness will come by today.”

My smile freezes on my face. After that incident, Yehua hasn't come here to rest. Of course I know he won't come by in the future either.

If at that time on Mount Junji at Donghuang he had told me there is already someone else in his heart, I wouldn't have let him marry me.

At that time I hadn't loved him either; I was only a clouded person.

But he didn't say anything. He married me and even took me to this place called Jiuchongtian.

I'm kind by nature so I could ignore whatever complications there are between the two of them.

I thought no matter what, the person he married was me. We bowed to Heaven and Earth in Donghuang and I was also carrying his child. One of these days he was sure to be touched by my love for him.

He also treated me with more kindness as each day went by.

So I allowed myself the small misbelief that even though he doesn't love me, perhaps there was at least some tiny affection.

Love sometimes makes people small and petty.

But then it happened. And when I woke up from my dream, I've lost my sight, I've lost light.

***

That day, Lady Sujin invited me to Yao Chi (Jade Pond?) to look at flowers. I thought it was a small party with other fairies as well so I stupidly agreed. When I arrived at Yao Chi, I realized there was only the two of us.

After waving the maids away, she pulls my hand along to Zhuxian Tai (Execute Fairy Terrace).

Standing on Zhuxian Tai, she coldly smiled at me, “Have you heard? Tianjun will make Yehua the Crown Prince. And he will bestow me to Yehua as his wife?”

Even until then I couldn't understand the relationships between these fairies. I only felt my blood was boiling, not knowing if it was from anger or from sorrow.

She went on carelessly, “Yehua and I were soulmates from the beginning. Jiuchongtian isn't a place for mortals. After giving birth, you only have to jump from here to go back to where you came from.”

I wasn't sure if jumping from Zhuxian Tai will bring me back to Mount Junji or not. I hadn't thought of leaving. I just hastily asked her, “Yehua wants me to leave? But I'm his wife, shouldn't I stay with him?!”

Now that I think about it, such words only brought me more shame.

But at that point, I still thought Yehua had liked me a little. As long as he liked me just a little, I would stay with him forever.

Sujin smiled and sighed. She pulled my hand and led me up to Zhuxian Tai.

I thought she wanted to push me down but the person who fell from Zhuxian Tai was she. I hadn't had time to react when I saw a dark shadow flying past me to follow her.

Yehua held Sujin and stood infront of me. His cold eyes were burning with anger. Sujin weakly said to him through her delicate breaths, “Don't blame Susu. I don't think she pushed me on purpose. She was probably affected after hearing that Tianjun wanted to give me to you.”

Unbelievable. Clearly, clearly I didn't do anything.

“It wasn't me. It wasn't me. I didn't push her. Yehua, you have to believe me. You have to believe me.” I quickly explained to him. In the moment of bewilderment, I hadn't known I only looked like a fool.

He waved his hand and calmly warned, “That's enough. I only believe what I saw.” He didn't want to listen to my explainations. He didn't believe me. He held Sujin with worried eyes and hastifly left Zhuxian Tai.

That night he stood infront of me. His expression was grave as he said, “Sujin's eyes are damaged by the tear-energy at the bottom of Zhuxian Tai. Susu, you'll have to repay according to the wheel of retribution. But don't be afraid, Susu. I'll marry you. From now on I will be your sight.”

He's never mentioned marriage to me before on Jiuchongtian. My heart suddenly was filled with chill. Anger and fright together started to rise.

I held his hand and shook it furiously, “Why do you want to take my eyes? She jumped down by herself, she jumped down by herself. I had nothing to do with it. Why won't you believe me?”

His gaze seemed painful but he only smiled coldly, “The tear-energy is thick at the bottom of Zhuxian Tai. Why would she jump down there herself? Did she not want to live anymore? Susu, you're being more and more unreasonable.”

I only had him on Jiuchongtian. I had always thought once I give birth to the child, we would hold hands and look at ten miles of cloud, ten thousand miles of twinkling stars. He didn't know what bright light means to me.

I unfairly lost my two eyes. Nainai cared for me for three days straight. Three days later, Sujin came to see me and said, “Your eyes – I'm using them well.”

I finally understand What it means to love What it means to hate

It was all a lovers quarrel between the two of them. I was merely an oblivious bystander and yet how did I come to be a victim target?

***

These past two days I finally can distinguish day from night. I have learned how to tell each hour by ear.

After noon, Nainai runs into the courtyard and breathes heavily as she says, “M'lady, the Heavenly Lord has just passed down a decree to give Lady Sujin to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

I slightly smiled. It's been a while since Yehua became Crown Prince. This is only a matter of time. But it's not like Sujin will be able to be his main wife. I recently heard that Tianjun has promised to Baizhi Dijun of Qingqiu kingdom that whoever becomes the next Tianjun will have to marry Bai Tian, the Dijun's daughter.

My stomach suddenly becomes extremely painful. Nainai calls out, “M'lady, what's wrong?”

I lift my head up and say, “I think I'm going into labor.”

I come in and out of consciousness due to the pain in labor. When Sujin had her eyes replaced, Yehua was by her side for one day and one night. But right now there is only Nainai by my side. I try my best to not call out his name.

Nainai cries as she speaks, “M'lady, let go of my hand so I can go find His Highness.” I'm in so much pain I can't say anything. I can only mouth the words, “Nainai, help me a little more, just a little more.”

Nainai cries even louder.

I don't know when Yehua arrived. When I come to, he is holding my hands, the cold cold hands.

He brings the baby over and says, “Touch the baby, he looks a lot like you.”

I remain still. I like this child. But I can't possibly bring him to live with me on Mount Junji by myself. It's best to leave him behind. If that's the case, it's best not to touch him, not to hold him, not to develop deeper affections.

Yehua still sits by my side for a long time without saying anything.

After Yehua leaves, I call Nainai over and tell her I'm naming the child A Li, and for her to watch over him in the future.

Yehua comes to visit me each day. He was never a talker to begin with. I used to be talkative but recently no longer feel like it so for the most part we only silently sit next to each other.

He doesn't tell me about his marriage to Sujin. Nainai doesn't mention it either.

Three months later my body recovers greatly. He brings over many different fabrics and told me to pick the ones I like for a wedding dress.

He says, “Susu, I told you I'll marry you.”

Of course I know he thinks I'm pitiful. He sees in me a mortal who has lost her eyes. Even though I supposedly brought it upon myself, I had made him angry as well as rueful. I think to myself it's best to leave. There is no longer a reason to keep me here on

Jiuchongtian.

Everytime I go for a walk with Nainai, I try my best to memorize the path from Sawu Palace to Zhuxian Tai. Nainai is extremely surprised but I tell her I like the fragrance of the flowers lining the path.

Half a month later I can use my sense to accurately navigate from Sawu Palace to Zhuxian Tai.

Deceiving Nainai is a very easy thing to do. Standing on Zhuxian Tai, my heart feels as light as air. With A Li in Nainai's care, I am further at peace.

But suddenly I want to clearly tell Yehua once that I didn't push Sujin whether he believes me or not.

When we were still on Mount Junji, Yehua once gave me a very beautiful bronze mirror. He had to attend an important business at the time and I was left at home alone. He took out a treasure from his sleeve and told me no matter where he was, I only had to call out for him from the mirror and he'd be able to hear me. He would talk to me a while if he was free.

I don't know why I brought it with me to Jiuchongtian either. It's probably because it's the only gift Yehua has ever given me.

I take the mirror out. It's been a long time since I called his name, so it feels awkward coming from my lips now. I softly says “Yehua”

A while later his voice came ringing by my ears, “Susu?”

I forget that he's not standing next to me, so I slowly step forward. With much difficulty I open my mouth, “I have to return to Mount Junji. Don't come find me anymore. I'll be fine by myself. Help me take good care of A Li. I've always dreamt you and I can hold the child's hands and show him the sun and moon, stars and clouds. We would tell him our story on Mount Junji in the past. Unfortunately that is no longer possible.” I think for a bit and continue, “Don't tell him his mother is a mortal. Heavenly fairies won't want to have anything to do with mortals.”

They're clearly words of ordinary goodbyes, but why do I suddenly want to cry? I quickly look up to the sky, but then I remember I've lost my eyes. There's no more tears to shed. Yehua's voice becomes urgent, “Where are you?”

“Zhuxian Tai,” I reply. “Lady Sujin told me I only have to jump from here to return to Mount Junji. I can't see anything around me now. Mount Junji is my home, so its surroundings will be familiar to me. Living by myself there won't be worrisome.” He hastily cuts my words short, “Susu, stay where you are. I'll come immediately.” I really don't have any courage to explain to him one more time that it wasn't I who pushed Sujin. He still won't believe me and I can't bear the disappointment of losing his trust.

I say, “Yehua, I'm letting go. You should also let go. The two of us won't owe each other anything more from now on.”

The bronze mirror falls from my hand, making a clashing sound. Yehua's unclear voice shouted angrily, “Stay exactly where you are. You can't jump...”

I turn and jump from Zhuxian Tai. Yehua, there's nothing more I ask of you. It's all ended. ***

Up to that point I still don't know that I'm not actually a mortal.

The tear-energy at the bottom of Zhuxian Tai inflicted countless injuries on my body. But because it was also the tear-energy of thousands of heavenly soldiers, it was able to break the seal placed on me. I hadn't realized this seal started two hundred years ago when Demon king Jingshang invaded Donghuang. In the end, while trying to imprison him once more, he was able to put a seal on me during our battle. It sealed away my memory and heavenly powers and made me into a mortal.

As the past trickles back, I silently ask myself, “Bai Tian, you were born a fairy, so you don't have to practice the arts to become an immortal. But there's nothing so easy on Heaven and Earth. If you didn't go through a painful experience, how can you reach the higher realm?”

So these years of love and hate were all a part of that painful experience.

I faint at Shi Li Tao Hua (10 Miles of Peach Blossoms) of Master Zheyan to the east of the East Sea. After saving me, he sighs and says, “Your parents and brothers have been searching for you endlessly. I myself didn't have one peaceful night of sleep for the past two hundred years. But your eyes, and these injuries... what had happened to you?” What had happened? Just a painful experience.

I smile and reply, “I still remember you have a medicine that can erase all memories, correct?”

Zheyan furrows his brows, “It seems you really did go through many painful times during these past decades.”

In front of me was a bowl of steaming medicine.

In this world, there has never been a Susu on Mount Junji. It was merely a dream of the fairy Bai Tian, daughter of Baizhi Dijun. The endless sorrow slowly turns into smoke among the blossoms' vibrant color.

After waking up from a dream, one should forget everything he went through. Opening Chapter

Three hundred years later.

Donghai Shuijun (Water Lord of the East Sea) has a new son. In preparation for the child's one-month-old celebration, he goes all the way to Lengxiao Palace and ask for a few days of leave. Tianjun (Heavenly Lord) agrees with one eye opened and one eye closed.

Duobao Yuanjun becomes curious as it was only a small party. There was no need for such effort.

Thus that day after Court is dismissed, he follows Nandou Zhenjun (Lord of the South Star?), who has always been close to Donghai Shuijun, wanting to ask for all the details. Jiuchongtian (Heaven) has always been a boring place. Even Donghai Shuijun's request for a few days of leave has caused curiosity among the immortals. Everyone circles around Nandou Zhenjun in front of the palace the moment Duobao Yuanjun opens the topic.

Nandou Zhenjun surprisingly asks, “Did you all not know that the Lady of Qingqiu will also be present at next month's feast?”

Past the East Sea is a distant land called Qingqiu.

Zhenjun stops here and turns to face Qingqiu in the east to bow respectfully, then continues, “The Lady's eyes are weak, so she cannot look directly into bright light. But then the Palace in Donghai are made with coral walls and gem shingles. The gold and gems are too blinding. That's why Donghai Shuijun has been collecting seaweeds from everywhere to make a curtain preventing the light from spreading.”

Just as he finishes, the crowd infront of Lengxiao Palace lets out an “Oh!”

The Lady Nandou Zhenjun has just mentioned is the daughter of Baizhi Dijun. Surnamed Bai, with a single character Tian for her name. She comes from an ancient immortal line so people call her Gugu (Lady) to show respect.

From the start of time until now, there has been countless changes of power in Heaven and Earth as a result of wars between different lineages. Ancient lineages have either disappeared or stay in deep sleep. The only ones left are Tianjun on Jiuchongtian, Master Zheyan at Shi Li Dao Hua to the east of Donghai, and Baizhi Dijun from the Qingqiu Kingdom***.

(***Dragons, Phoenixes, and Foxes respectively)

According to folklores, fifty thousand years ago Bai Tian and the second prince of Tianjun were betrothed. It was an agreeable marriage between two great families. But for some reason Zang Pi (or Ji?) fell for Bai Tian's maid and insisted on retracting the

engagement.

Baizhi Dijun couldn't stand the insult and came to Jiuchongtian with Master Zheyan to ask for an explanation from Tianjun.

Tianjun was thus angered and banished the 2nd Prince to the north, effectively giving him the title Beihai Shuijun (Water God of the North Sea). He then gave a Heavenly decree which ties the next Heavenly King, no matter who from the heavenly lineage, to marriage with Bai Tian.

More than three hundred years ago, Tianjun announced to the four seas and eight lands that Yehua will become the next Heavenly King.

The fairies on Jiuchongtian all thought they'd be drinking celebratory wine for Yehua and Bai Tian within a few days. But three hundred years passed and there is still no news of their wedding.

They only know although Lord Yehua has a son, the position for lady of the house is still vacant. Bai Tian on the other hand still lives in Qingqiu and no one has been able to invite her away from her home.

He's unmarried, and so is she. But the families are seemingly not in a hurry. It is something strange indeed.

The immortals wonder a while and then envy Donghai Shuijun to be so fortunate for being able to invite the Lady who has never stepped out of Qingqiu in over many thousand years.

Nandou Zhenjun nods his head and says, “It certainly is an honor. But Donghai Shuijun has been in turmoil for the past few days because he has also invited Beihai Shuijun thinking the Lady wouldn't accept the invitation. The other day I've also heard that Lord Yehua also brought the little prince to the east land and stopped by Donghai for a visit. The three of them are sure to meet each other at the party. Donghai Shuijun is now afraid he might've caused a catastrophe when that day comes.”

Most of the fairies on Jiuchongtian are older ones with prior knowledge of this story between the three. But a young fairy who's only came to heaven not too long ago ignorantly asks, “Who is this Qingqiu Lady? Did she, Lord Yehua, and Beihai Shuijun have a deathly feud?”

The fairies explain until their saliva all dry up. The silly young fairy still doesn't understand the importance in the story and instead asks, “Beihai Shuijun would rather anger Baizhi Dijun to marry the Lady's maid. Then I wonder how pretty that maid was.”

Duobao Yuanjun covers his mouth and coughs, “I've actually met her. When the 2nd Prince brought her before Tianjun, wanting to give her a title, I could see that she was definitely a rare beauty. But she's still far below Baizhi Dijun's wife. I haven't met the Lady, but rumors have it that she looks very much like her mother, even thrice as beautiful.”

The oldest deity among them, Nanji Xianjun (Lord of the South Pole), strokes his long white beard which touches the ground and says, “I actually have seen the Lady once when I was young. I was still an attendant serving Tianjun at the time. When he visited Master Zheyan to view the peach blossoms, the Lady was dancing atop the tree branches. She was too far away so I could only see her rosy dress among the blossoms. The scene was so very magical, so very magical.”

The fairies sigh and lament how unpredictable Fate is for such a stunning beauty to be rejected in marriage. After more banters, they finally part.

Chapter 1

Part 1

It hasn't been three years and the eldest daughter of Ruoshui Shenjun already gave birth to another son for Donghai Shuijun. Both the Ruoshui and Donghai families are

extremely elated.

The happy Donghai Shuijun sends out invitations throughout the entire land for a feast. Even my parents all the way out in Fox Cave has received one.

My parents have gone on a cloud stroll for many hundred years. 3rd brother has been married and is now living in a different land. 4th brother has gone to the West mountains to seek his lost riding bird called Bifang. I'm the only one at home here at the Fox Cave. I hold the invitation in my hand and am lost in thought for a while. I recall that when my mother had difficulty giving birth to me, they might have asked for Donghai Shuijun's great grandmother's assitance as a delivery nurse. So I end up taking a night shining pearl and prepare myself for a trip to the East Sea.

I myself am not very good with directions so before leaving, I come over to the Lost Valley*** next door and asked Old Migu for a small branch.

(***I think Migu means Maze/Dream Valley)

The Migu tree has natural pitch black wood. On its body are several five-color blossoms. But beside shining in the dark, these flowers are absolutely useless otherwise. On the other hand, I love these branches of the Migu tree. With them, you'll never be lost.

Old Migu was actually a tree which has grown since the beginning of time on Mount Zhaoyao in the south land.

When my mother was pregnant with 4th brother and left home in a fight with my father, she got lost and came to Mount Zhaoyao. When my father finally found her, he was afraid she'd be lost the next time so he brought the only tree from Mount Zhaoyao home to Qingqiu, planting it right in front of the house.

Qingqiu is an immortal land. The tree takes in good energy from the sun and moon along with the four seasons and was able to turn into human form after three thousand years. After another three thousand years, it has become a land fairy.

My father gifted him some bamboo sticks and he used those sticks along with straws to make a three-section house next to the Fox Cave, thus becoming our neighbor.

Since he's a fairy in Qingqiu Kingdom, like other smaller fairies he also calls my father “Lord.”

Old Migu isn't that old if I think about it. I was born two thousand years after he became human. A babe with rosy lips and pearly teeth, sharp eyebrows and starry eyes.

Half of the female fairies in Qingqiu came to ask my mother to be a matchmaker for him, but none of them was successful.

Old Migu seems like a womanizer at first, but he's very well-mannered in reality. Everytime he sees me, he would bow and respectfully call me “M'lady,” much to my satisfaction.

This time when Old Migu gives me the branch, he seems somewhat upset, as if he doesn't really want to. I don't bother giving much thought into it.

Soon after I call for a clump of cloud and fly straight toward the East Sea. East of the East Sea is Shi Li Tao Hua (10 Miles of Peach Blossoms)

3rd Brother heard that I was going to Donghai for the feast so he asked me to stop by Zheyan's residence and ask for him two bottles of peach wine.

Zheyan is the owner of Shi Li Tao Hua. He's an ancient phoenix but the old man himself doesn't know how old he is.

My mother said Zheyan is the only phoenix left that's as old as time. He was raised personally by the first immortal, so his rank is even higher than Tianjun currently. When I was born, there was no longer a trace of the first immortal's legend.

When my parents took me to see Zheyan, he brushed down his beard and said to my father, “Is this the young lady your wife has just given birth for you? Too little, too little.” The ancient relationship between Zheyan and Qingqiu Kingdom is mainly due to my mother.

According to legends, Zheyan has once asked for my mother's hand in marriage some hundred of million of years ago. Wedding gifts had also been delivered to the door. But my mother only loved the other hard-headed guy which is my father, so she stubbornly turned the offer down. Zheyan and my father ended up engaging in a great battle. They somehow became good friends after they were done fighting.

The next year my father brought an eight-carriers palanquin to bring my mother to Qingqiu. Zheyan was invited as the officiator.

According to our ties, my brothers and I all have to call Zheyan “Uncle.”

But even now that old and embarrassing man still insists he is very young. If anyone calls him “Elder” infront of his face, he will blacklist that person forever. So all of us are afraid and call him by his name like our parents do.

Zheyan is a great wine-maker but he himself dislikes loud feasts and parties.

“The mysterious immortal who left the three realms without caring about the mortal world. Nature is elegant, his taste is even more refined compared to nature” is the way he describes himself.

Whenever other fairies ask him out for drinks, he only smiles evasively.

Everyone is always happy to see him, this seemingly honorable deity. They think this leisure immortal can only be respected, not to be friended. So those who wanted to get close all dropped the idea eventually. Zheyan likes to have quiet peace, so from then on he stays in his peach orchards and busy himself with planting trees.

When I arrive to the East Sea, I estimate that I still have one and a half day until the feast starts.

Remembering my 3rd brother's request, I go around to Zheyan's residence and ask for a jug of peach wine. I'll divide them into 2 bottles for 3rd brother, 1 bottle to gift Donghai Shuijun along with the night shining pearl, and the rest I will bury infront of Fox Cave to save for later.

I come right when the peach blossoms are blooming. There are blossoms for all ten miles. The entire area is covered in a vibrant rosy color.

I follow along the familiar path deep into the peach orchard. As I shift my eyes, I see Zheyan eating a peach on a clear patch of land. Another shift of my eyes and the peach is gone, leaving on the pit.

Zheyan laughs and waves me over, “Aren't you the little brat from the Bai family? You're getting prettier by the day. Come over here.” He pats on the spot next to him and says, “Come sit here and let me take a better look at you.”

I quickly think about all the fairies there are in this world and there's not one that is high-ranked enough to call me a little brat. That term makes me feel young so I become quite happy. I cooperatively sit down and Zheyan pulls my sleeve to wipe his hands.

I'm in the middle of thinking how to ask for his wine when Zheyan laughs and says, “You've been in Qingqiu for many thousand years already. It's good that you are taking this trip now.”

I become surprised, and can't figure out what he means, so I smile and reply, “The peach blossoms here are also very pretty.”

He laughs even more heartily, “Beihai Shuijun brought his wife here some days ago to view the peach blossoms. It was the first time I saw his little bride and I can say she's quite lovely.”

Part 2

I can't get myself to laugh this time.

Beihai Shuijun's little bride is called Shaoxin. I named her myself.

I don't know how long it's been. I was taking a trip with 4th brother out to the Dongtinghu and we discovered a small dying cobra within the tall grasses. I pitied it so I asked 4th brother to bring it back to Qingqiu.

That small cobra has turned into an immortal so although she was laying with her face down, she could still turn into her human form. That was Shaoxin. Shaoxin stayed at Qingqiu to heal her body for two years. After she recovered, she asked to stay to repay my help.

At that time my parents were rarely at home. Fox Cave was left under 4th brother's care so he let her become a cleaning maid. There wasn't a maid before and all cleaning duties were mine.

I was happy with my new-found free time and didn't bother coming home. I house-hopped between Big brother's, 2nd brother's, 3rd brother's, and Zheyan's homes.

Everything went by peacefully like that for 200 years when one day my parents came back to Qingqiu and told me about my engagement. My betrothed was Beihai Shuijun Zang Pi.

At that time Zang Pi was Tianjun's most beloved 2nd son. He was still staying on Jiuchongtian, not yet banished to the North Sea.

Tianjun announced our engagement to all four seas and eight lands. There was not one person who didn't know about it.

Friends and acquaintances congratulated me everytime they come by. 4th brother and I found it so bothersome, we packed up and fled to Zheyan's peach orchards.

This hiding trip ended up causing trouble.

When we got full from eating peaches and came back to Qingqiu, Shaoxin was no longer there. There was only an retracting letter from Zang Pi simply stating he and Shaoxin developed feelings and he can't marry anyone else, that he was truly sorry, etc. etc. I've never thought it was that big of a deal. Firstly, I've never met Zang Pi let alone having feelings for him. Secondly, Shaoxin hadn't stayed that long with me. Although there was some connection, it wasn't that deep. Thirdly, even animals have the rights to choose their mates. All lives are created equal so we shouldn't take that right away from Zang Pi either.

But it ended up into a big fuss infront of Tianjun. And it wasn't even I who made the fuss.

To be precise, it was Zang Pi himself who took Shaoxin and knelt infront of Tianjun and his officials to ask for a title for Shaoxin.

This story spreaded all over the eight lands in half a day.

Everyone said, “The Bai family's daughter in Qingqiu is truly pitiful. What was once a good match is now an abandonment after less than three years of engagement. How will she marry after this?”

There were also some who said, “I don't know how pretty the little cobra is, but how can she compare to the heavenly beautiful 9-Tail White Fox?”

That was when my parents, brothers, and Zheyan found out I've been jilted. Zheyan immediately followed my parents straight to Jiuchongtian and asked for justice from Tianjun.

I'm not sure myself the details of what went on. I only know Zang Pi lost Tianjun's favor and was quickly made into Beihai Shuijun, which was synonamous of being banished to the North Sea. His marriage to Shaoxin was also not acknowledged.

My father has only ever said one thing about this, “Damn jerk, that's already very convenient for him.”

Zheyan was even more thick-faced. He was angry but he also wanted to see more fun. “Why waste his future because of a woman?”

I was young at the time and I didn't understand much. I only felt the two main stars Zang Pi and Shaoxin didn't have anything to do with me and I didn't want to give myself unnecessary sorrow.

Afterward Tianjun sent down a decree during court. It basically stated even though a Crown Prince hasn’t been decided yet, but Bai Tian of the Bai family from Qingqiu is fated to be the daughter-in-law of the Heaven lineage. Her future is most definitely a queen.

No matter how it's said, whoever becomes the next Tianjun will have to marry Bai Tian of the Bai family in Qingqiu.

This was deemed as a royal favor, even if it was a teeny bit too big. Tianjun’s sons

wanted to avoid leaving the impression that they are fighting over my affections (and thus the throne) so they never looked at me. Of course I never thought of knowing them either. Everyone else was afraid of offending both of our families so from then on I completely didn’t socialize with anyone.

Three hundred years ago Tianjun crowned Yehua Crown Prince – next in line for the throne.

I have to say I didn’t know anything about this Yehua person. After Zang Pi was

banished, Tianjun was unhappy with the rest of his ordinary sons. Fortunately three years later, his eldest son Yangqian (or Yangchai?) gave him a bright grandson. It was then that Tianjun became pleased again.

This grandson is named Yehua.

According to Tianjun’s decree in the past, Lord Yehua and I will definitely have to marry each other. It was said that Yehua’s household already has a mistress named Sujin who is highly favored and has given him a son. So then course he wouldn’t have the heart to remind anyone about this marriage of ours. As for me, even though I wasn’t attached to anyone, I was almost 100 thousand years older than he was. Just from generation ranking, he would have to call me Gugu (auntie/lady). From age difference, he’d have to call him an ancestor. So obviously I had no interest in pushing this match forward either. Our stalemate has carelessly become a joke to all four seas and eight lands.

Beihai Shuijun (Water Lord of the North Sea) is the leading culprit who caused all of this. I am starting to not only feel tired but very tired, and so I am quite annoyed at this

troublemaker.

I don't think Zheyan mentioned Beihai this time to peeve me but rather to plan something, so I become interested and listen carefully.

His smile becomes even more satisfied, “It’s only been a few thousand years and already she’s given him three children. This current one in her womb is supposed to be the fourth. One can tell she’s got bearing hips. His little wifey craves for only peaches but they’re not in season yet. Except from my place, nowhere else in Heaven and Earth has them. Beihai at last came here. He almost had to beg so I couldn’t turn him away.”

I keep my opinion to myself and play with the seam of my dress. I’m also bothered by this fair gesture of his.

He gives out a laugh, “Look at your face. It’s completely white. Weren’t they Childless Peaches?”

I look up quickly and in the process hit straight into his forehead.

He ignores it and teases me, “Look, look. You soften right away when I said I gave the lovebirds some Childless Peaches. To tell the truth, these peaches are only going to keep them childless for several thousand years. They won’t harm their good fortunes, nor will they harm my karma.”

Honestly whether or not Beihai has a fifth child has nothing to do with me. The Childless Peaches also won’t kill anyone. If he didn’t retract our promise that year, there wouldn’t be so many headaches today. I’m actually in agreement with Zheyan’s lesson for him this time. But if Zheyan thinks I’m soft-hearted, I won’t say anything in defense. He then comforts me by saying the entire Heaven lineage are full of bastards; generation after generation all their descendents are a bunch of cowards.

After cursing Tianjun, we banter some more.

We haven’t seen each other in so long and I think he’s bored out of his mind. He tells me every tiny inconsequential story.

I did remember about the peach wine at first, but after one or two sentences of nonsense, I end up forgetting everything.

When the sky darkens, Zheyan finally mentions to me, “Xiao San (Little 3rd

) asked me for two bottles of wine. I buried them by the pear tree next to the Biyao pond behind the mountain. Dig them up tonight when you go over there to sleep. You can only take two. Don’t spill any and don’t steal any.”

I purse my lip, “How cheap.”

He turns and softly smoothes over my hair, “You really can’t drink that wine. If you want some, come to my wine cellar in the morning. I’ll give you however much you can take.” I bow in thanks. But in my mind, I plan to drink from those bottles and take his entire cellar home as well.

Chapter 2

Part 1

4th brother was the one to build this straw hut by the Biyao pond. Everytime I run away to Zheyan’s, this is where I would stay at.

When we last parted the orchard, this hut was already so very dilapidated. But I’m rather impressed that it’s still standing around after all the rain and shine of ten thousand years. I take out a light pearl and shine around. Thoughtful Zheyan has arranged everything I need. I’m indeed extremely satisfied.

Next to the hut is a shovel. It’s the same shovel I used to plant the peach tree. Now I can use it to dig up those wine jars. How useful.

Tonight’s moon is almost round… the pear tree Zheyan mentioned is very easy to find. I stomp the shovel into the ground and use my energy to pull the tree up. Just with one glance I can see shiny jade jars buried under the earth. I happily shake them lightly and took off with them to the roof. The hut trembles a little but it stays standing.

The wind is cold on the rooftop. My whole body shivers while I take off the wine jar’s cover. In just a fraction of time, the fragrance has reached all over the orchard. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. The more I sniff, the more I am awed by Zheyan’s

wonderful wine brewing techniques.

In just a short time I've been able to down half a bottle. The soft breeze adds to me a sleepy feeling.

I'm not into many enjoyments normally. Wine drinking is among the few I like. When drinking wine, you need to do it at the right time, right place, with the right person. Tonight the moon is bright over the water, so Heaven is in agreement. Peach blossoms go on for ten miles along the East Sea coast; that can be counted as an agreeable location. Beside myself on the roof, there are also some black magpies, we'll grudgingly call them good company. I gulp down some of the wine. This peach wine seems different from all the other wine I've drank before. But if I think about it, I haven't had any of Zheyan's

wine in a while so perhaps my memory of it is hazy. One gulp then another. Even though there's no accompanying snacks, I'm satisfied with the picturesque scenery.

The dark night before my eyes seems to have been covered by a thin veil of pink. A flame envelops my entire body and my blood seems to have entirely boiled away. My head spins as I clutch my shirt. I sweat all over as if I was on a fever. It fee;s like there are numerous insects crawling inside me. My mind becomes drowsy but this sensation is nothing like an ordinary drunk feeling. The heat suddenly rises uncontrollably and I have no way of blocking it. Nothing seems capable of that right now.

I drunkenly stand up, wanting to jump into Biyao pond to cool down a little. But I lost my balance and feel straight from the roof down to the ground.

The strangest thing is that it doesn't hurt when I fall onto the ground. I only know I've touched something cold and it has relieved me from much of the heat.

I use all my strength to open my eyes. Before my eyes is a hazy shadow of someone in an all-black attire. It’s not Zheyan.

The sky seems to turn. The silver moonlight spreads across all ten miles of the peach orchard showing endless vibrant flowers. The water from the nearby Biyao pond is also mesmerizingly shiny. Then everything turns into a burning fire.

I close my eyes and feel the painful heat throughout my body. I try to inch toward the cooler air coming from the blurry person ahead. When I lift my head slightly, my cheek touches his neck skin and it felt ice-cold. My fingers are no longer mine to control. They tremble as they touch his side. He immediately pushes me away. I calm him down,

“Don’t be afraid. I’m only looking for a cool spot.” But his protest only becomes stronger. In more than 100 thousand years I haven’t used hypnosis on anyone. But I can’t resist tonight. In a daze, I concentrate on my spell as I look into his eyes. There is a trace of worry because it’s been a very long time since I’ve used this art. I don’t know how effective it is now. He seems suspicious but his dark eyes are giving in as he slowly embraces me.

The rooster's crow dissipates the silence. I slowly wake up and feel like I've gone through a thoroughly interesting dream. In my dream, I was quite a amorous girl, taking

advantage of a young mild lad. I try to remember the way he looks but I can only remember a black figure among ten miles of colorful blossoms.

Zheyan's peach orchard isn't far from the East Sea. Since I wasn't in a hurry, I went to the cellar behind the mountain to dig up three more bottles. I keep them with my half-full bottle inside my sleeve and come to say goodbye to Zheyan. He reminds me to ask 4th brother to come help him plow the land in front of the mountain.

Today is truly an auspicious day. I look afar for a spot to descend. Fairy energy floats in all direction on top of the East Sea. Auspicious clouds form over the sky; it seems fairies from vast lands have all arrived.

I take from my sleeve a white silk ribbon. I cover my eyes and prepare to descend underwater.

Part 2

Everything about Donghai is great, except for the too bright Water Palace. My eyes haven’t been able to stand brightness since three hundred years ago.

My mother said it’s an illness from birth.

I tested the water by poking my foot at the nearest shallow water. Donghai’s water is cold. I slightly shiver and use my fairy power to form a protective boundary for my body. Then I hear several voices from behind me calling, “Sister, sister.”

My parents only have us five siblings. There wasn’t another small fox that I am aware of. Turning around, I see in front of me a crowd of young ladies in elegant clothes. I can guess they’re family members of some fairy or other, also here for the feast.

The purple-robed girl in front is full of annoyance, “Our princess was calling out to you. Why didn’t you reply?”

I become confused for a moment. Then I look and see a white-robed girl with gems on her hair and pearls on her shoes. I turn to her and ask, “What did you want to ask me, young lady?”

The white-robed girl’s jade cheeks turn a shade of pink, “Since you have fairy qi around you, I guess that you are among the fairies who came here for the feast. I wanted to ask for direction not knowing that your eyes are…”

The silk ribbon on my eyes doesn’t actually affect my seeing ability. I also have Migu’s branch so giving directions isn’t a problem. I nod my head and say, “It’s true that I’m here for the feast. My eyes are fine, you can follow me.”

It’s awfully boring walking underwater. Luckily Princess Luxiu and her maids are talking nonstop. They actually speak with whispering voices, but my foxy ears help me listen in on some pretty interesting things.

One says, “Clearly the eldest princess left us behind because she didn’t want us to join the party. She was showing off her ability to win but she couldn’t imagine we could find our own way. We’ll have to tell the Water God so he will punish her to several hundred years of self-reflection in the South Sea. Let’s see if she will be able to look down on others anymore.”

So they’re family members of Nanhai Shuijun (Water God of the South Sea).

Another says, “Even though the eldest princess is very pretty, our princess is generous and kind. You only have to show up at the party and the eldest princess won’t be able to shine.”

So it’s a sisterly feud.

Yet another says, “The marriage is definite. But Lord Yehua of course won’t be happy with the grandma from Qingqiu. You’re a rare beauty in Heaven and Earth. If you and Lord Yehua can fall in love at this feast, won’t that be a celebration of all time?

It takes me a while to realize “Grandma from Qingqiu” was meant for me. It momentarily makes me feel old and I’m not sure whether I want to cry or laugh.

Princess Luxiu quickly scolds, “Don’t speak nonsense.” Everyone immediately quiets. About half an hour later we arrive at the Water Palace 3000 meters deep in the seabed of the East Sea.

I get doubtful and wonder if I’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere. This large palace doesn’t look anything like the radient Water Palace in my memory from the past. Princess Luxiu also widens her eyes in surprise. She points to the green wall ahead and asks me, “Aren’t those seaweeds???”

I was born and raised on land so of course my knowledge of sea-life is poor. My answer was a noncommittal “Something like that.”

This really proves how trustworthy Elder Migu’s branch is. This dark palace in front of us is indeed the Water Palace of Donghai Shuijun.

The two maids standing at the palace gate push away the curtains and lead us in when they see Princess Luxiu.

I can’t help but lament. How come this Donghai Shuijun who was of my own generation decorates his palace so strangely. The hallways should’ve been bright, but they’re even darker than my parents’ Fox Cave. Luckily there are soft lighting pearls on the wall which help me from tripping over.

Fairies from all land crowd together an hour before the party will start. The year my father celebrated his birthday, everyone did come, but not an entire hour early like this. This is only a month-old celebration for Donghai Shuijun’s infant son and yet everyone shows up on time. How unpredictable is this world. The younger generations of

Two maids lead Princess Luxiu to Donghai Shuijun.

This Donghai Shuijun of my generation, his face does resemble his ancestors. I purposely hide in the back, blend in with some other fairies, and am about to ask a servant to take me to a resting room. It’s been half a day and I’m kind of tired. But the entire palace is currently busy being enchanted by Princess Luxiu.

Objectively Luxiu’s looks are only ordinary if placed in the past. She can’t compare to any of my sister-in-laws. But placing her in today’s standard, I guess she could be called a rare beauty compared to her generation of fairies.

I don’t have the heart to break these people’s trance so I quietly go outside, wanting to find a resting place. When it’s time for the party to start, I would come to present the gift, eat a little, and take an early leave.

I float from here to there but still I can’t find a place I like. It’s so tiring.

When I want to return to the main hall, I suddenly realize I don’t know where to go. I touch my sleeve and find that my Migu branch is gone. Great, with my sense of direction, I’d have to thank God I can return by the time the feast ends, let alone by the time the feast starts. There’s no other way. I just have to walk where there’s a path.

And that’s how I get lost into Donghai Shuijun’s backyard.

I can’t deny that this garden perfectly complements his palace. Green plants and grass cover the entire place. Everything is arranged wonderfully like a dreamy maze. From the moment I stepped into the garden until a long while later, I still can’t find my way out. This magic is a good idea to prevent local fairies from leaving. But it’s also not good. I become awfully down thinking about it. Then as my desperation heightens, a bright idea suddenly comes on.

I find a stick and close my eyes as I throw it into the air. The stick falls and points to the left. I clap my hands and happily walk toward the right.

Reality has shown my stick-pointing method to be a wise idea.

Hours ago when I went around this garden, I saw no one. Not even the water mosquitoes. It’s only been about 100 steps this time and I’ve already met a little dough.

The dough is round and chubby, with two tiny horns on his head. He wears a dark green robe as he stares intently at a green coral. If I hadn’t paid attention I would’ve mistaken him for a coral as well.

He is flaking away some seaweeds on the coral branches as I come to him and ask, “Little dough, what are you doing?”

He replies without lifting his head up, “Lifting away the grass. My father lord says underneath the wild grass is a beautiful coral of the East Sea. I’ve never seen one so I’m trying to look.”

Father lord? Oh, so he’s a little prince from the Heaven lineage.

He’s having a difficult time taking the seaweed away so I can’t help but to offer. I take a fan from my sleeve and give it to him, “Use this fan and wave it gently. When all the grass is flown off, the coral will be even more beautiful.”

He holds the grass in one hand and my fan in the other. He waves it once carelessly and causes a great wind to start. The entire Water Palace shakes as the waves rise. It was just a small move but the dark Water Palace now changes into a bright luminous place. I am startled myself.

The Po'yun fan (Break through the Clouds fan) is powerful indeed but it depends on the user’s level of fairy qi as well. I didn’t think the little dough could be that good. He only fanned it lightly but the entire Water Palace’s decoration has changed. Maybe this isn’t so ethical after-all.

The little dough falls back to the ground and is in shock. He looks at me pleadingly and cries out, “Have I caused trouble?”

I turn to face him and nod my head with difficulty, “You weren't the only one at fault. I gave you the fan.”

The little dough widens his eyes at my sight. I think and deduce that it must be the scary white ribbon over my eyes.

I guessed wrongly on that first part, and of course can’t see what’s coming next. The little dough suddenly hugs my leg tightly, wipes his head back and forth, and calls loudly, “Mom.”

I’m now feeling dizzy.

He doesn’t even care about my condition and keeps holding onto my leg while crying so pitifully, “Mom, aren’t you my real mom? How can you leave father and A Li?” His tears and snots get all over my dress as he speaks.

Of course I become startled and race through my memories to see whether I’ve

abandoned his father and him anywhere in the past however-many-thousand years. All of a sudden behind me comes a low voice, “Su…su.”

The little dough quickly raises his head and weakly says Father Lord while his hands are still holding tightly onto my leg.

I can’t move an inch because he holds onto me too tightly. I also don’t know what his background is, so I can’t exactly push him away. I can only stand still now.

His father quickens his steps and stands before me.

He comes so close. With my eyes originally on the floor, I now see a pair of black shoes and an embroidered black robe.

He sighs and says, “Susu.”

I’m surprised hearing the two words Susu. Apparently he’s calling me.

4th brother says I’m forgetful. But I can only remember within the past 100 thousand years, I’ve been called Xiaowu, A Yin, 17th, and of course Lady. But no one has called me Susu.

Taking advantage of the tiny moment when little dough wipes his eyes, I take a few steps back and raise my head to smile, “I’m sure you’re mistaken, sir.”

Just as I am done with my words, I become affected even before he can react to them. "Green grass across the field. Deep slumber not knowing daytime." The little dough’s father looks exactly like my teacher, Moyuan.

I can’t believe it. I was about to mistake him for Moyuan.

The Demon race wrecked havoc seventy thousand years ago. They raised tides and caused fires everywhere. Moyuan was able to seal away the Demon King Jingshang at Donghuangchong, Ruoshui. But his energy was also drained to the point where his soul left forever. I risked my life to save his body and took it back to Qingqiu. I placed him in Yanhua Cave and use a bowl of blood each month from my heart to keep him alive. Moyuan is the oldest son of the first deity. Legends call him the God of War. I couldn’t believe there would be a day when he could die, and I still can’t believe it. So I quietly waited, giving him a bowl of blood each month so that one day he might be able to smile and call me Xiao Shiqi (Little 17th) again.

But I’m not in a situation to be sad right now. Like wise-men have said: when there are disasters, there will be even larger catastrophes.

I still haven’t recovered when the little dough’s father takes away my white ribbon. I close my eyes as a natural reflex. He raises his hand to caress my eyes.

The little dough who is standing next to me calls out “indecent, indecent.”

Throughout the years I’ve always been very calm. Even when Fangjiu burned down all the medicinal grass while cooking in front of our cave, I didn’t care too much. But right now green veins are popping on my face.

“How imprudent.” It’s been many years since I’ve used these words. It seems a bit refreshing to reuse them now.

The little dough holds tightly onto my skirt and says, “Mom, are you angry?” A long while later his father is still in silence. Some moments more he pulls the silk ribbon back to cover my eyes and says, “You’re right; I got the wrong person. She didn’t have a strong appearance yet weak soul like you. She didn’t have your incredible beauty either. I have been disrespectful, please accept my apology.”

At this close distance, now I am able to see more clearly. At the hem of his sleeves and black robe are all dragon embroideries.

Although I haven’t left Qingqiu for thousands of years, I can still remember some of the regulations of the fairies. Except for people of the Tianjun family, no one from Heaven to Earth, even if they’re supremely bored, can embroider dragon designs onto their clothes. When I turn to look, he already has the little dough back at his side. I’m guessing this black-robed man should be Lord Yehua, Tianjun’s most beloved grandson.

How sorry I feel. Still so handsome and young, yet he will have to marry the old grandma that is me. One can’t help but lament. Fate is too cruel, too cruel.

When I think of this match, I still feel so guilty toward him. So even though he has disrespected me in this situation, I still feel like it was I who wronged him. I awkwardly smile, “You’re just being kind.”

He gazes at me with a deep cold look.

I step aside and let them through. The little dough still wipes his nose and calls me Mom. I’ll be his stepmother sooner or later anyway so I smile without being upset.

At this moment I suddenly remember that without them, there will be no one to lead me out of here.

I quickly run after the two, but even their shadows have been long gone.

Chapter 3

Part 1

I circle 'round and 'round at corner where Yehua and his son disappeared. After a long while, I see an elegantly dressed woman pacing quickly toward me from the north. That woman's gait is so very light even though she is walking quickly with a pregnant stomach. I take the Po'yun fan out and wonder fleetingly if I can send her from Donghai straight back to Beihai with a wave of my fan on each side. But I put away my fan the moment I see her stomach.

She kneels down when she stands before me.. I pause a little.

She lifts her head to look at me. Tears fill her eyes. She still looks about the same, but her face is much prettier now compared to fifty thousand years ago. It may be that she is pregnant, so she's gained some weight.

I weigh the options whether people nowadays consider stick-bony as pretty or voluptuous as pretty. But after a while I still can't tell. So I keep a mental note not to bring up topics about appearances to keep myself from putting a foot in my mouth.

I haven't seen her in so long. Even though I'm still cross, I'm after all an elder and should keep my dignity as long as she stays respectful.

Her eyes are still brimmed with twinkling tears. Looking at me, she wipes her tears and calls miserably, “Gugu” (Mistress/Lady)

I can't help myself anymore so I blurt out, “Shaoxin, you've gained weigh.” (bwahahaha) She's a little stupefied. Her cheeks color as she softly caresses her stomach. She stumbles for words, “I, I...”

Then she realizes what I said was only socializing words and that I hadn't really wanted to ask why she's rounder. She quickly kneels and says, “Because the water from this garden was whirling just a moment ago, I, I thought it was the Po'yun fan. I thought it'd be you so I instantly came to see. Just as I guessed...” she then cries again.

I don't know what she's crying about, but I don't hate it.

In the past I'd given her the Po'yun fan to play around with. Her injury had just healed and I worried for her safety. I gave this fan to her and said, “If anyone bullies you, fan him with this fan and he'd fly out of Qingqiu.” Even though she'd never used it then, she still treated this fan as a precious treasure, keeping it with her at all time. Only when she left Fox Cave did she leave it behind.

Honestly speaking, the cobra race isn't usually pretty when they turn into human form. Shaoxin is an exception. Ever since she was bullied, she was scared for life even after completely recovering in Qingqiu. Back then, no one except 4th brother and I could come near her within a two meter radius. Even the popular Migu who treated her very well was shunned.

Then one day, perhaps being her first love, she embroidered a fragrance pouch and gave it to my 4th brother. It carried inside countless affections. Yet my blockhead brother took the pouch and gave it to Zheyan. When he came back he even ran to Shaoxin and told her Zheyan loved the shape of that pouch, only he didn't like the colors too much. He asked if she could make another one that's more colorful. Shaoxin's eyes were red.

From then on Shaoxin became even more guarded, to the point of being easily frightened. Afterward she and Zangpi ran away; Zangpi then broke our engagement.

Even now I still can't understand how the introvert Shaoxin got close to Zangpi and ended up running away with him.

4th brother told me it was simple. Zangpi saw the pretty and young Shaoxin so he

knocked her unconscious with a club as a result of his momentary lust. Then he threw her into a bag and kidnapped the girl home.

4th brother and Zheyan then wrote a novel titled “Ancient Tale of Love.” The book basically reads that their love began after the kidnapping.

I sit down on a stone seat nearby and say to her, “I didn't think I would meet an old acquaintance the moment I step out of Qingqiu. Shaoxin, you should know I really don't want to see you. You're seeking me out because you need something from me, am I right? I didn't give you a wedding gift when you got married so I'll give you one now. I'll grant you one wish. Tell me, what is it that you want?”

She confusedly looks at me, “I can guess that you're angry, but why don't you want to see me?”

She takes two steps toward me and says, “Milady, you hadn't ever met Zangpi. You also said you wouldn't like him. Your marriage wouldn't bring happiness. But Zangpi loves me and I also love him. Although you lost Zangpi, you gain someone else much better.

Lord Yehua is hundreds of times better than Zangpi. He's even the future Heaven King. But me, if I were to lose Zangpi, I would've lost everything. I thought you were wise and generous so you wouldn't be upset at my abrupt departure. Milady, didn't you also want me to live well?”

This little cobra has gained quite a tongue over the past few thousand years.

I ask her, “Shaoxin, were you angry at the people who bullied you? Some of them didn't want to hurt you either. But they followed the real bullies because they themselves didn't want any trouble. Can you forgive them, still?”

She clamps her teeth and shakes her head.

“Then similarly it's perfectly reasonable if I don't want to see you. Although I'm an immortal, feelings have nothing to do with knowledge. So you see, I'm not as generous as you have said.”

I'm just about to leave the garden when the little dough hops out from nowhere and grabs my skirt. His fair round face has a disapproving look, “Why did you say you're not a wise fairy? You're the wisest in this world, mom.”

I give it some thought and at last ask him, “Are you an earth deity***?”

(***one who guards certain local land and pops from the ground when you call for him to show you direction - they're everywhere in Journey to the West :D)

Yehua appears from behind the coral and approach them. His expression seems different from before; there's a faint smile playing on his lips. He unhurriedly says, “Miss, I can't believe you're the immortal Bai Tian from Qingqiu.”

Part 2

I almost faint with goosebumps hearing him address me as “miss”. Did he just wake up? I quickly deny, “I'm 90,000 years older than you, Lord Yehua. Let's go with generational traditions and call me Gugu (lady/auntie).”

He grins and replies, “A Li calls you Mom while I call you Auntie. Would that make any sense, Tiantian~?”

I want to faint on the spot hearing him call me Tiantian. Shaoxin stays quiet as she watches us.

This scene suddenly makes me embarrassed. This feeling of embarrassment hasn't visited me in over ten thousand years. Yet I have to experience it now without being able to do anything. It makes my old-fashion self a bit moved.

I sigh and change topic, “You want to reason with me? Then how is it sensible for you two to eavesdrop on our conversation behind that coral?”

The adult hasn't replied but the little dough already hugs my knee tightly. He anxiously points to the coral behind the small path and explains, “We didn't mean to listen. Father said you were chasing after us so we came back to find you. We saw you talking to this lady when we got near so we hid ourselves to wait.”

He stares at me closely, “You chased after us because you still love me and want to come back with us to Heaven right?”

His conclusion is so far from reality I wanted to shake my head. But his father starts to nod his enthusiastically, “That's right. Your mom loves you very much.”

The little dough cheers and happily looks at me. His eyes shine bright. “Mom, when are we returning to Heaven?”

Yehua answers without thinking, “Tomorrow.”

The little dough cheers again and continues to look at me with extreme joy. His eyes are becoming brighter and brighter. “Mom are you excited to be home after so long?” Yehua doesn't answer this time.

I hear myself forcing a laugh as I say, “Very excited.”

I never had a change to explain anything. I was chasing after them so they could take me out of this damn garden. Now I'm stuck in this mess.

Shaoxin is still kneeling quietly on the floor ever since Yehua appeared. Coincidentally when I see her gazing at Yehua, I become somewhat infuriated.

If Zangpi didn't revoke our engagement, Yehua wouldn't even be the Crown Prince right now. According to the wheel of retribution, Zangpi deserves what he sowed. But what he reaped was merely a flower. He should've gotten a big karma fruit in my opinion. It's the unfairness that I'm vexed by. My generosity isn't that bad.

When I'm about to leave, I drop the Po'yun fan into Shaoxin's hands again and tell her, “I'll give you one wish. Go back and think carefully what you want to ask of me. When you've thought it over, come find me in Qingqiu. With this fan Migu won't stop you.” The little dough lingers his eyes on the fan as if to say, “I want it too.”

I stroke his head, “Little kid, don't fancy that dangerous weapon.” I take from my sleeve a piece of candy and drops it into his mouth.

When we reach the exit of the garden, I determine I wouldn't be a good idea to show up together with Yehua. So I bring my hand up to say goodbye but the little dough instantly expresses displeasure. I do feel bad so I unwillingly reassure him, “I have some business to attend to now but I'll definitely come to you guys tomorrow.”

The little dough pouts but he seems to understand so he goes over to pinky promise with me.

Yehua laughs next to me and says, “Isn't it because you're afraid of coming in together and running into gossip-mongers?”

I feel caught so I laugh to cover myself, “Lord Yehua, you're exaggerating.”

His smile is incomprehensible. His appearance right now is somewhat similar to the way Moyuan looked in the past.

I was dazed by his smile for a while before he pulls on my hand and says, “Tiantian, we both know we've been long betrothed. Why do we even need to be so cautious?”

His beautiful fingers are long and slender, shaking my hand carelessly. His genteel expression, his honorable gestures. His looks right now compared to his looks when he took off my silk ribbon is completely different.

I've tasted all the flavors in life to know a promise between two people doesn't mean much. On top of that my situation is a bit special. I may seem undiscriminating, but how can I accept the fact that he was born when I was already 90 thousand years old.

Marrying him would be committing a big crime. But if I pull my hand away right now, it would show that I'm not very considerate. After thinking for a while, I bring my right hand up to stroke his hair and appear to care for him deeply while lamenting, “When your 2nd uncle and I were engaged, you weren't even born yet. But look at how big you've grown. Times sure flies; it really doesn't leave anyone outside of its grasp.”

While he is still flabbergasted, I take the chance to pull my hand back and walk away. Life is always full of surprises. I haven't gone for three steps when a red-faced Donghai Shuijan charges down from above like a glowing red column. He descends straight at me and yells out, “Stop!”

His “stop” doesn't make any sense. The only path there is has been blocked by him. Even if I turn into a mosquito I wouldn't be able to pass let alone staying in my human form. I back away two steps and give him a heartfelt compliment, “M'lord, what superior skills you posses. Had I gone one step further I would've been squashed by you.”

His rectangular face resembles a coral branch at first glance. He greets Yehua and the little dough then turns to look at me. With his aged face and trembling eyes, he asks, “What have I done to offend you? Why did take your anger out on my garden, especially during our celebration?”

I become thoroughly embarrassed. I've been found out after all.

Yehua stands nearby and looks on with aloof eyes as he softly strokes the little dough's long hair.

I'm at most an accomplice but I can't hand the little dough over since he calls me

stepmom. So I suppress my grievance and apologize. But I become curious as to how he knows I was the one to destroy his garden. My curiosity gets the better of me so I end up asking him.

Donghai Shuijun becomes so angry his hair sticks up. He points his finger at me

stammering for a while before resuming calm. “You, you, you, you still want to deny it? The coral fairy in my home saw with his own eyes that the wind was caused by a small fairy in green. Who can it be if not you?”

I look down on my green outfit and turn to look at the green outfit on the little dough who's holding Yehua's hand. Donghai shuijun might have misunderstood the words “small fairy” from one meaning to the other. Small can mean small in size or it can mean low-rank. The little dough is Yehua's son, Tianjun's great grandson. Of course his rank isn't low. On the other hand the way I dress doesn't look like a High Deity at all. Donghai points to a deer and calls it a horse just so he can look for a scapegoat. It's fairly

understandable.

It was my fault to begin with anyway. I only brought him trouble even though I was invited here as a guest.

Donghai shows zero patience. His two eyes are flaming red.

I call to mind the way my niece Fangjiu looks when she gets into trouble and copy it exactly the same. I lower my eyes pitifully and say, “Mi lord is right. I normally stay at Shi Li Tao Hua. This is the first time I left home and already I've caused so much trouble. Not only did I destroy your garden, I also brought disgrace to Master Zheyan. Please give me my punishment for I am truly ashamed.”

Yehua glances at me with humored gleams in his eyes.

If I'm going to embarrass someone, it's better to use Zheyan's name than my own parents'. When we were younger, 4th brother and I would always use Zheyan's name when we went out and caused troubles. Zheyan would only laugh it off no matter how serious it was. But if it had been my father, he'd probably skin our fox hinds off.