Chapter 313: I’m a Great Demon!

Tong Zhihuan stayed at home, while Miss Tao’er was escorted back to the Flowing Cloud Temple by the two elderly folks.

This was the older generation’s custom. Since the wedding date was set, the two couldn’t meet until the big day itself.

That very afternoon, Tong Caizheng went to invite a matchmaker, set the date, inquired about the necessary families, and wrote out invitation cards. All who should be invited were included.

News of Tong Zhihuan’s wedding spread among the people of Autumn Moon Market within days, even reaching neighboring districts and towns.

“Physician Tong’s getting married!”

“Oh my, I must go!”

“Dad, didn’t Physician Tong marry long ago?”

“It’s his son, Little Miracle Doctor Tong. Don’t you remember? When you were little, you had a serious illness. Doctors from all over couldn’t help. Little Miracle Doctor Tong was the one who finally cured you. Otherwise, you’d have lost your life.”

“I remember now!”

“We should go then.”

“But we haven’t received an invitation. Wouldn’t it be rude to just show up?”

“Just leave a gift. We won’t impose.”

“Alright, that sounds fine.”

…

When Moyuan saw Miss Tao’er return, he was overjoyed. Before, he could only chat with Zhang Xiaoliu now and then, but that became dull over time.

Now, at last, he had someone to relieve his boredom.

As soon as Tao’er returned to the temple, Moyuan’s mouth didn’t stop moving.

Tao’er rubbed her forehead helplessly. “After so many years, how are you still this talkative?”

Moyuan grinned. “Heh, all of you went out to have fun, leaving me stuck here guarding the temple. It’s boring! Anyone I catch now will have to do.”

Chenghuang descended from the rooftop.

Having just ended his meditation retreat, he saw a guest in the temple.

Tao’er looked at Chenghuang. “This is…”

“My little brother,” Moyuan said. “He was taken in by Mr. Chen and cultivates here.”

Moyuan then introduced Tao’er to Chenghuang. “This is Miss Tao’er. The peach tree in the courtyard once held her true form.”

Understanding dawned on Chenghuang. It seemed Miss Tao’er arrived long before him.

Chenghuang clasped his hands respectfully. “Chenghuang pays his respects to Senior Tao’er.”

“No, no.” Tao’er waved her hands quickly. “I’m not a senior. I just sweep the yard.”

Chenghuang froze, thoroughly confused.

Moyuan said, “Just call her Miss Tao’er.”

He then asked about Tong Zhihuan. “Where’s the kid? Didn’t he come back with you?”

Only then did Tao’er explain why she’d returned to the temple alone.

Moyuan reacted with utter shock.

“What?!”

Moyuan shot to his feet. “You two are getting married?!”

Miss Tao’er nodded. “Next month, on the second day.”

“Goodness…” Moyuan smacked his lips and shook his head. “No way, you two…”

Miss Tao’er teased him. “Following the mortal customs, you folks will count as my family now.”

Moyuan opened his mouth, then sat back down.

“Do his parents know?” Moyuan asked.

Miss Tao’er shook her head. “Not yet. Zhihuan didn’t want me to tell them. He doesn’t want them to worry.”

Moyuan nodded. “That’s wise. Best they don’t know.”

Tao’er sighed. “My only worry now is the ceremony itself. The vow-paying during the wedding…”

“What’s there to…” Moyuan began but then paused. He pondered a moment. “Ah, right. According to mortal wedding rites, you must pay homage to Heaven and Earth. Doing that might anger them…”

“Exactly.”

Tao’er exhaled slowly. “But I hope it’ll be fine. Heaven and Earth surely won’t hold it against a small monster like me.”

Chenghuang looked puzzled. “Why would paying homage anger the Heavenly Dao?”

Moyuan answered, “She’s marrying.”

“I know that,” Chenghuang blinked, still confused.

“Simpleton,” Moyuan said. “Marrying a human, understand? She’s a monster!”

Chenghuang’s pupils shrank. He froze, then his gaze towards Miss Tao’er changed completely.

Moyuan explained, “This brother of mine has always been a bit slow on the uptake.”

Tao’er couldn’t help laughing. “He’s quite the opposite of you.”

Chenghuang spoke up, “What Miss Tao’er mentioned…. she should probably take seriously. I once saw a marriage between a human and a monster myself. On the day they bowed to Heaven and Earth, thunder crackled outside. A thread of Heavenly Dao’s Misfortune fell upon them. Within a year, the mortal woman passed away tragically.”

Miss Tao’er gasped. “Is that true?”

Chenghuang nodded gravely. “Things like that… I’ve seen more than once.”

Miss Tao’er frowned. “If that’s the case, am I not bringing harm to him?”

Moyuan thought for a moment, then suddenly brightened up, slapping his thigh. “It’s simple then!”

“We’ll just ask Mr. Chen to preside over the wedding!”

Tao’er snapped out of her thoughts. “If it’s Mr. Chen…”

Perhaps… it really could work.

Chenghuang, however, seemed obtuse. “Exactly how profound is Mr. Chen’s cultivation?”

Moyuan looked at him and chuckled. “Even Heaven and Earth grant Mr. Chen some respect. For a single marriage? Should be easy enough.”

Chenghuang stared blankly. He just couldn’t reconcile Moyuan’s words with that calm, gentle Mr. Chen he knew.

…

Tang Manor, Yan County.

“Gloop gloop…”

Bubbles rose continuously in the water vat. A red fish swam happily within.

A young woman in green robes walked down the covered corridor.

She carried an invitation card to the vat and observed the motionless red fish at the bottom.

Yun Xiang lifted an eyebrow. “Yu Hongjin!”

The red fish startled awake at the bottom.

“Plop!” With a splash, the red fish leaped out, transforming into a little girl in red robes.

“I’m here!” Yu Hongjin wobbled, taking half a moment to steady herself.

Yun Xiang scolded her. “Have you been stealing wine again?”

“I haven’t!”

Yu Hongjin puffed out her round little belly. As she spoke, she burped.

The pungent smell of alcohol filled the air.

Yun Xiang sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Look at you. What little girl behaves like this? No proper little girl is a drunkard like you!”

Yu Hongjin blinked. “Sister Yun, I’m not a little girl. I’m a monster!”

Yun Xiang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She continued, “Next month, on the second day. Miss Tao’er of the Flowing Cloud Temple is getting married. She invited us for the wedding wine.”

“Who’s Miss Tao’er?”

“Flowing Cloud Temple… hmm… does that have anything to do with Mr. Chen?” Yu Hongjin rattled off before adding, “Sister Yun, are you really just going for the wine?”

Yun Xiang’s face instantly flushed red.

“What are you talking about!”

Yu Hongjin giggled slyly. “I knew it! Sister Yun just wants to see her old flame.”

Yun Xiang stiffened. “Who taught you things like that?”

Yu Hongjin planted her hands on her hips. “Sister Yun, I am NOT a little girl!!”

Yun Xiang covered her mouth, laughing. “Fine, you’re a big girl then. Alright?”

“Ahh, I’m not! I’m a GREAT DEMON!”

“More like a big drunkard.”

“…”