Chapter Text
Hua Cheng could feel his heart beginning to race. Xie Lian was undoubtedly close by. It took almost all of his will power not to turn and look down the meandering mountain path that led up to the cottage. Instead, Hua Cheng focused on his task, sending up each and every Blessings Lantern to the sky.
It was only when he had sent up the very last one, and he knew that Xie Lian could see him, did he finally turn his gaze towards the white clad cultivator hauling along a large cart of scraps behind him.
Hua Cheng's heart swelled and the happiness that filled him could not be contained. He took a step and another and then he was running as was Xie Lian and they crashed into each other as if it had been another 800 years of waiting. He wanted to fall to his knees and weep at the sight of his beloved, but his legs held strong as he scooped his highness into his arms. Xie Lian clung to him as if he had missed his San Lang just as much and that alone gave him enough strength and willpower to endure this arduous journey for a thousand lifetimes more.
The last of the Blessings Lanterns had long since faded into the night sky before they finally let go. The breeze gently swirled around them making Xie Lian's sleeves flutter and the chains on Hua Cheng's boots jingle.
"Gege..." Hua Cheng started, suddenly realizing he didn't know what to say.
"San Lang! I missed you," Xie Lian interrupted, clinging to him more fervently.
Hua Cheng couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips. "Should we stay like this for a year to make up for it?"
Xie Lian loosened his grip and they finally looked at each other's faces. They hadn't changed a bit. "Gege, I'm sorry I took so long."
Xie Lian made that face like he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He simply shook his head, "You're just in time."
Xie Lian too him by the hand and led him up to the little cottage. Hua Cheng wondered absently if Xie Lian's previously shy demeanor had dissipated in their year apart. But alas as soon as they got to the cottage door Xie Lian let go of his hand and looked up at him with a nervous smile.
"Ah, San Lang... the thing is this place is crudely built. I spent most of my energy on the path..."
Hua Cheng smiled, his highness really is the cutest. "I don't mind, but if Gege prefers we can go to the Thousand Lights Temple."
Xie Lian sighed, "You must be tired after coming all this way."
"I'm full of energy after seeing Gege."
Xie Lian laughed nervously and opened the door. Just as he said the inside was worse than Puqi Shrine and part of Hua Cheng was upset that Xie Lian had lived like this for a whole year. But, of course, he didn't want to ruin the mood so he stepped inside and promptly flopped down on the straw mat, patting the space next to him mischievously.
Xie Lian smiled and laid down next to him. Hua Cheng wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him so close they may as well have been one figure. He rested his face in the crook of Xie Lian's neck and he let the feeling of safety and comfort wash over him. How could he feel anything else when his god was in his arms like this?
"Gege, how have you been? I couldn't watch over you. Please tell me everything."
Xie Lian waved his hand dismissively, "It was the same as always, repairing things and scrap collecting."
Hua Cheng hummed, "But, tell me... I want to know it all. What did you eat? Where did you go? Who did you meet?"
Xie Lian placed his hand on top of San Lang's and felt his skin and knuckles as he recounted everything that happened since Hua Cheng's spirit faded. Every time he would gloss over a detail, Hua Cheng would stop him and ask him to explain more, and so it wasn't until the sun was beginning to rise that Xie Lian's recounting came to an end and Hua Cheng was satisfied.
When the story was finally over, Hua Cheng kissed Xie Lian's cheek, pretending not to notice the man in his arms turn red from embarrassment.
"San Lang..." he sighed, and Hua Cheng loosened his grip so that Xie Lian could turn around and face him. Hua Cheng gently lifted Xie Lian's chin and their lips grazed each other's. It was Hua Cheng's turn to be shy because he didn't dare do anything more in fear that Xie Lian would turn away from him. But Xie Lian leaned closer and deepened the kiss. This time there was no pretense of transferring spiritual power or gifting air. They were alone and there was no battle. They just wanted to be closer and to feel each other and love each other as they had been yearning to do.
When they finally parted the sun was even higher in the sky and light filtered through the walls of the cottage. Hua Cheng stretched out lazily and Xie Lian began to rise. Just as Hua Cheng was about to coax Xie Lian back into the bed there was a knock on the door.
Hua Cheng couldn't help the anger that flashed through him and he absently wondered if he should kill the interloper at the threshold. But, Xie Lian straightened his robes and answered the door. It was Mu Qing.
"Your highness, we need you to come..." Mu Qing trailed off as he saw the figure in crimson red, his robes open at the chest. Mu Qing's face turned almost as red as the maple leaves and he slammed the door shut leaving Xie Lian staring blankly at it.
"YOUR HIGHNESS!" he yelled from outside, "DON'T JUST OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT WARNING ME!"
He seemed to catch his breath. "Anyways I'm glad he came back for your sake but could you come to the capital, there's still a lot to be sorted through."
Xie Lian looked sheepishly towards Hua Cheng, but he was already standing. "I'll accompany you gege."
When they got to the Heavenly Capital it was almost more chaotic than it had been when it was on fire. The officials were running around with stacks of papers and scrolls all at a loss on how to deal with the paperwork. To add insult to injury the bell would not stop ringing and it was constantly thanking Hua Cheng for his service.
Hua Cheng smiled mischievously and strolled into the Capital. All the heavenly officials turned to look at the man in red standing beside his highness. Most of them wanted to curse him out, but who would dare?
Xie Lian got pulled into a conversation about filing and accounts and Hua Cheng followed closely behind him, occasionally offering an unsettling smile towards a passing heavenly official who would quickly scurry away.
The only one who didn't pass them by as quickly as possible was Shi Qingxuan who still looked beggarly but was visiting the Upper Court.
"Crimson Rain Sought Flower!! Your Highness!!" he yelled out cheerfully as he rushed towards them. Xie Lian greeted him and Hua Cheng offered a brief nod.
"The capital really is lively these days. I've never seen anyone working so hard. That bell also keeps falling down because it's being used so much. But no matter, Hua Chengzhu you were gone for so long. Our crown prince was so difficult to look at so alone all the time."
Hua Cheng's smile dropped and Xie Lian laughed nervously, suddenly pulling Shi Qingxuan away. "Why would you say that? I was fine! There's no need to mention that."
Shi Qingxuan waved his hand idly, "Alright, alright I understand. Still I'm happy for the both of you."
He began to excuse himself saying that it was high time that he got back to the mortal realm. But, Hua Cheng asked to speak to him briefly. Xie Lian was too busy with all the heavenly officials asking him for advice to worry about what they were speaking off.
"Former Wind-master you get along with everyone, so you must know..."
Shi Qingxuan waited patiently for Crimson Rain Sought Flower to finish, trying not to mind the former that he'd mentioned. But Hua Cheng seemed a little stuck. It must've been something extremely important if even the Ghost King was stumped and Qingxuan started to feel nervous.
"Know...?"
Hua Cheng cleared his throat, "I want to ask his highness a question, but if you know any way that I could best ask it..."
Qingxuan was even more confused now. It shouldn't be hard for the two of them to ask each other questions. He said so out loud but Hua Cheng shook his head. "It's not just any question. I want to ask his highness... to marry me."
The last part was barely a whisper, in fear that Xie Lian would overhear. But as soon as Qingxuan heard it he burst out laughing.
"Oh my Hua Chengzhu! Have you still not asked that?! I mean with the way you two..." Qingxuan made a gesture with his hands, but thought better of it and tucked his hands behind his back, "Anyways, there's no special way... you'll just have to do it. I can't imagine you'll get an answer you don't want to hear."
Hua Cheng nodded. It wasn't necessarily that he was afraid. He believed that Xie Lian loved him and whatever his answer wouldn't deter Hua Cheng in the least. But, if the answer truly was yes then it should be special. Hua Cheng didn't have the audacity to ask him in a dilapidated shack or on the side of the street. He didn't want to come off as presumptuous or disrespectful.
"San Lang," Hua Cheng snapped to attention as the beautiful, graceful, kind, perfect figure in front of him spoke his name so sweetly, "What are you thinking of?"
Hua Cheng leaned closer to whisper in his ear, "Gege, I only think of you."
Xie Lian's ears turned red but it quickly spread to his whole face, which made Hua Cheng smile.
Hua Cheng asked Xie Lian to accompany him to Ghost City. Truth be told, he didn't know what had become of his domain or its denizens in his absence, nor did he particularly care. His soul, as always, had searched out the place most like Xie Lian and thus he had manifested on the maple tree lined path to the dilapidated cottage that Xie Lian had waited at for a year.
Hua Cheng had hid amongst those trees for several weeks until he had strength enough for a corporeal body, and only then had he set out to prepare the lanterns and greet his beloved. So in that time, he had heard nothing of Ghost City or the leagues of supernatural beings who were beholden to him.
The pair made their way to the city and as soon as the ghosts set their sights on them they jumped for joy and shouted chaotically. "Chengzhu! Grand uncle! Xie daozhang!!"
Xie Lian did his best to greet them all and Hua Cheng only walked proudly through the streets. It seems Ghost City had kept well in his absence. The pair made their way to the Thousands Light Temple.
"Aren't we going to check Paradise Manor?"
"This is more important."
The temple had collected dust in their absence, but other than that it was left untouched. Hua Cheng looked unhappy about the disarray of the temple and he quickly led Xie Lian outside.
"Wait San Lang, we can clean it up together."
He shook his head, "I'll have it cleaned up for gege later. We should keep going."
Hua Cheng led Xie Lian to several places. The gambling hall where they held hands, the lake where they had their first kiss. Each time Xie Lian blushed at the memories they had shared. But, Hua Cheng would turn away and look as if he was thinking about something deeply.
Hua Cheng was wondering if the ruins of Xianle was too far away or too traumatic a place? Or was the mountain where he had found Xie Lian in bridal dress too spot on or not sentimental enough? The road where Xie Lian had bought the ghost lanterns? The more places he thought of the more uncertain he became.
"San Lang?"
Xie Lian was looking at him curiously. Hua Cheng immediately felt a smile rush to his face at the sight and he wanted desperately to reach out and pinch Xie Lian's cheeks.
Instead he cleared his throat, "Gege, is there any place you want to go? Someplace special to you?"
Xie Lian looked even more confused now, but he seemed to ponder the question genuinely.
"I've traveled around the whole world. Nowhere seems particularly better than another. But..."
He trailed off, looking at Hua Cheng sheepishly. Hua Cheng leaned in closer, silently urging him to keep going. Xie Lian, of course, felt no judgement from Hua Cheng and knew he could say anything to the man in front of him.
"Truth be told, San Lang, the most special places have been the places I had you by my side."
Hua Cheng's chest filled to the brim and he felt like screaming for joy. He couldn't stop his smile from turning his eye into a crescent. "I've always been by your side gege."
Xie Lian sighed, smiling softly, and he leaned against Hua Cheng's shoulder, "Then all those places are special."
It was then that Hua Cheng decided the perfect place. "Gege, are you tired? Should we take a ride to Puqi Shrine?"
Xie Lian shrugged, "How can I be tired when San Lang is finally back? I'm full of energy."
That statement gave Hua Cheng many dark and dastardly thoughts and it must've shown on his face because Xie Lian immediately began to backpedal. But, he didn't have to because soon enough the exquisite palaquin carried by the skeleton ghosts came rushing over to them.
"Hua Chengzhu, Xie dhaozhang, your carriage awaits."
Hua Cheng held his hand out and Xie Lian used it to step up into the palanquin, although they both knew he didn't need anyone's help to keep his balance doing something so simple. Hua Cheng followed and they sat side by side, their shoulders and thighs just barely brushing against each other.
Hua Cheng couldn't keep his gaze off of Xie Lian who looked around at the palanquin and its operators with awe. As much as he was admiring Xie Lian he was also trying to devise other ways he could impress his highness like this. Perhaps adding a skeleton ghost drawbridge to Paradise Manor would work?
They arrived at Puqi Shrine in no time. They were both surprised to find it under construction. Building materials had been laid out around the courtyard and a new foundation had already been laid. Still, much of the old shrine, including the painting of the Flower Crown Martial God, still existed as it had been.
"Looks like the villagers have been busy."
Hua Cheng nodded his agreement. "I'm surprised they took the initiative."
"Well they had to since their reliable Xiao Hua was missing. You have quite a few marriage proposals."
Hua Cheng grabbed Xie Lian's hand and his gaze was intense and serious.
"I was only joking..." he tried to lighten the mood, but then Hua Cheng abruptly dropped to one knee.
Xie Lian wondered absently how this man could be so handsome even from this angle.
"Gege... your highness I want to..."
Xie Lian had never heard Hua Cheng's words stutter so, but he waited patiently without interrupting for he knew it was something important. Not to mention that his heart was racing at the sight of the man kneeling in front of him and looking so sincere.
"...to humbly ask if... if your highness would take... my hand in marriage."
Xie Lian's heart swelled and he fell into Hua Cheng's arms throwing them both down onto the grass. Xie Lian laughed and kissed Hua Cheng's cheek, he was so elated he had no time to be shy.
"Of course I will! San Lang you didn't have to ask!"
Hua Cheng sighed in relief and his next breath inhaled pure unadulterated joy and happiness. He wrapped his arms around Xie Lian's waist and pulled him into a deep and affectionate kiss.
"Gege, I love you."
"I love you too!"
They held each other in the grass and watched as the moon slowly moved across the sky. Memories of their time in Puqi Shrine together filled both of their minds and they were content.
"Gege, we should have a grand wedding."
Xie Lian nuzzled into Hua Cheng's side, "Mm, anything."
~
The following days all of heaven and hell were busy with planning the grand wedding. Some in fear of Hua Cheng, some for love of Xie Lian, but all doing their parts diligently.
Hua Cheng said the wedding could not be held in Ghost City as it was not beautiful or worthy enough. Similarly, it could not be held at the Heavenly Capital because it felt ingenuine. Therefore, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian had chosen the most beautiful mountain on earth to hold the wedding.
Consequently, humans from all over had heard tale of the God of Misfortune and the Ghost of Luck's marriage and the day became a festival for all three realms. Foods of all kinds were prepared. The main dish was to be Thousand Gold Come and Go Stew. The legend of this dish was both concerning and hilarious. It was a dish only fit for ghosts and would be deadly even to the strongest martial gods. Humans of all ages had a wonderful time trying to create the worst dishes possible.
Xie Lian was a little disappointed when he heard of this tradition and Hua Cheng threatened to raze all the humans to ashes. But, in the end, they let it go as just a silly (and not too far from the truth) misunderstanding. That's not to say Hua Cheng didn't have a very forceful "discussion" with the heavenly official who had started the rumor.
Shi Qingxuan had recruited all of the beggars who had helped with the human array to design and stitch the wedding paraphernalia. Xie Lian's robes were his usual white, but this time beautifully embroidered with red and gold thread. Hua Cheng's robes were to be red embroidered with gold. Qingxuan's group were also charged with creating all of the decorations from everything from table cloths to lanterns. Of course Mu Qing should have headed this particular group, but he was much too competent at planning grand royal festivals like this and was pulled in all directions as a result.
Pei Ming had somehow been put in charge of the entertainment. He was in the middle of organizing a martial arts show and a lion dance and fireworks and games. Truly, the scope and agenda of events was turning the wedding into more of a month long high festival. Feng Xin, also being pulled in a million directions, had tried unsuccessfully to cut some of the events, but Pei Ming's will was too strong.
Yin Yu was once again at Hua Cheng's beck and call and had willingly or unwillingly become like a personal assistant to the groom to be and was thus sorting through a plethora of minute logistical details. Because as everyone had soon figured out, Hua Cheng was a perfectionist and a stubborn one at that. He refused to compromise on even a single blade of grass and constantly threatened death, destruction, and doom on anyone who stood in his way.
All of this happened out of sight of Xie Lian and no one dared to rat the Ghost King out to his betrothed for fear of even more retribution.
Everyone from Yushi Huang to Quan Yizhen played their part. Even Ship-Sinking Black Water, who still had not repaid his seemingly endless debts to Hua Cheng, contributed to the preparations. Not to mention all of the ghosts of Ghost City wanted to contribute their two cents to the festivities. One does not need to think hard to imagine how quickly so many strong personalities would clash with each other. And while the entire procession was ready in a couple of weeks, those weeks had been long and arduous indeed. War was threatened several times, the destruction of humanity and the heavens even more times. The only thing that kept everyone at peace was Xie Lian's simple smile and knack for diffusing tense situations.
However, even Xie Lian was beginning to have trouble with the notorious Crimson Rain Sought Flower.
"San Lang, I really don't mind if the bowls don't match the cups. It would be wasteful to send these back now. I'm sure whoever made them worked hard."
Hua Cheng, whose usual nonchalant demeanor had long since been lost to time, had a permanent vein popping out of his forehead. Despite this, he spoke to Xie Lian with the same devotion and respect that he was always did. "Gege, matching tableware is not hard to achieve. Let me fix it."
Xie Lian held his hand, "I'm telling you it's not a problem. The food will taste the same."
Hua Cheng gave him a look that made Xie Lian want to melt. "It's distracting. I want all the attention to be on you. To show everyone even a glimpse of my god in all his splendor."
Xie Lian turned red and cleared his throat, stepping closer so he was just inches away from Hua Cheng's face. "This is about us. It doesn't matter what others think. I just want to be by your side and enjoy the night."
Hua Cheng had no reason to argue with this and he pulled Xie Lian into his arms and kissed him softly. "You always know exactly what to say."
~
The day of the wedding arrived and Hua Cheng was wide awake. He gazed at the sleeping Xie Lian beside him and couldn't count all his blessings. Xie Lian opened his eyes slowly and a smile instantly fell across his face as he met Hua Cheng's gaze.
Xie Lian sat up quickly grabbing onto Hua Cheng. "San Lang! Today's the day!"
Xie Lian's excitement was palpable as he jumped on the bed and it was infectious. Hua Cheng had felt restless for the past couple of days but now he had an excuse to let loose. The both of them held hands and jumped for joy and ran around the room chasing each other like they were kids.
When they finally had enough and caught each other in their embraces Xie Lian was the first to speak. "San Lang, I want to surprise you so don't spy on me. Make sure your butterflies stay far away until we meet at the foot of the mountain."
Hua Cheng pouted but Xie Lian wouldn't fall for it, so eventually he acquiesced and promised not to spy on him before the ceremony.
They parted ways and Hua Cheng stood in front of a mirror constantly adjusting his clothing and hair. He had always been laid back and didn't care much for how he looked. But, today was different. He needed to look like the husband Xie Lian deserved. He shrugged on his robes only to take them off again and put them on again to retie them. Eming swirled and zipped around him and Hua Cheng abruptly slapped him out of the air. "Stay still! If you didnt have my eye I'd look more handsome."
Eming seemed to pout, but he quickly recovered and came to his place at Hua Cheng's side. After a few more adjustments and turns in the mirror's frame, Hua Cheng finally felt ready and he made his way to the foot of the mountain.
It was sometime later that Xie Lian arrived. The man was stunning. The embroidery of the fine silken robes caught the fading sunlight beautifully. Xie Lian's skin glowed with an ethereal radiance and his hair, so shiny, draped across his shoulders like a waterfall. His lips were peach colored and his eyelashes cast sultry shadows across his cheeks.
If Hua Cheng had needed to breathe he would've passed out immediately from a lack of oxygen. Being a ghost had saved his life this time. But his knees felt weak and he felt like doing nothing more than collapsing at Xie Lian's feet and showing him just how far his devotion could go.
Xie Lian felt much the same way. Hua Cheng, who was always handsome, was even more so. The golden sunlight cast him as a glowing ember on the mountain scape and Xie Lian wanted nothing more than to run his hands through that silken hair and climb into his arms. Hua Cheng was much too handsome and Xie Lian wished he would tone it down because he really didn't know how he could keep his cool long enough to finish the ceremony with the love of his life looking like that.
"You're beautiful," Hua Cheng whispered into Xie Lian's ear sending shivers straight to his stomach. Xie Lian had to concentrate extra hard to control his breathing. What was the use of being a martial god if he could be so easily undone at the sight of this man?
Xie Lian smiled up at Hua Cheng. "San Lang, I've never felt so happy before. I can't describe how you make me feel."
"Gege, we'll have plenty of time for you to explain exactly what you mean. Write it down for me in the largest volume and I'll copy it a thousand times," and then Hua Cheng's voice dropped lower and deeper, "Your highness, I can make you feel so many more things you wouldn't dare to try describing."
There was that feeling again in Xie Lian's stomach and he cleared his throat. "San Lang," he coughed trying to keep his tone balanced, "keep your promises."
With that they grasped each other's hands and began their journey up the mountain. It was peaceful and scenic. The fading sunlight filtering through the lush green of the trees and the birds chirping. It was like a scene from a painting.
Xie Lian absently brushed his thumb over Hua Cheng's knuckles and he leaned closer to his soon to be husband. Hua Cheng instantly felt warmed by the actions and he couldn't contain the smile that graced his lips.
"This is so lovely San Lang, I wish we could do this forever."
"There's no reason we can't."
"I can't help but think I'm using all my good fortune at once being here with you like this."
Hua Cheng chuckled. "Gege, I have enough luck and fortune for us to spend another 800 years like this."
Xie Lian nodded, "Of course, how could I ever doubt you."
Just before they reached the peak of the mountain a large frame greeted them on the side of the path. As Xie Lian glanced at it he realized it was a giant scroll and painted on it was a mural.
Xie Lian pulled Hua Cheng toward it and admired it's fine and carefully crafted strokes. The scroll was so long that Xie Lian couldn't see the end of it from where he stood. The picture was of him in the god pleasing robes.
"This is..."
Hua Cheng had no need to admire the mural and only observed quietly as Xie Lian's eyes roamed across the fabric. From the looks of it, Xie Lian had already guessed the artist.
As they walked forward, the mural depicted all the things that had brought the pair together, all their moments over the course of 800 years. A child falling off a wall, flower demons, ghost flames, giant statues. Sprinkled in between were restless nights in a tiny shrine filled with ghost children and human visitors.
"This is beautiful," Xie Lian breathed out. "You're amazing." Xie Lian eyes were welling up with tears. "San Lang, you really..."
Hua Cheng lightly brushed the tears off his beloved's cheeks. "My wedding present to you."
Xie Lian threw his arms around the man. "I love it!"
Hua Cheng squeezed him tight, joy filling his heart.
~
Eventually, they made it to the mountain summit where droves of guests were waiting. As soon as they entered the music swelled to a sweet and tranquil melody.
They proudly led each other up to the edge of the mountain through the crowds who bowed low to show their respect.
The last of the sun was on the horizon and the sky was painted gold and purple. Caught in the scene together it was like the crowd and the rest of the world faded away. Lost in each other's eyes, it wasn't until Mu Qing nudged Xie Lian that he came back to reality. Hua Cheng couldn't help the frown that crosses his face as he glared at Mu Qing, who only shrugged and slinked back to his seat.
Xie Lian cleared his throat and faced the crowd, still holding Hua Cheng's hand.
"Thank you all so much for attending today, and thank you greatly to those who helped organize all of this for us. I can't say how grateful I am to have so many people around me, especially after so many years alone. Thank you." With that Xie Lian bowed deeply to the crowd.
Hua Cheng schooled his expression and nodded at the crowd. "Thank you for helping me make this special."
Xie Lian might've chastised Hua Cheng for his curtness, but he didn't have the heart to now. Not when he was so happy.
"Gege," Hua Cheng began and Xie Lian turned to face him, and they were back together in the scene and the crowd faded away, "Your highness. I have followed you for many centuries, many lifetimes, and many miles. I have followed you and only you because I am your follower and a most devoted one. You have given me life, strength, power, and a will beyond anything I could've dreamed or hoped for."
Hua Cheng's serious expression faded and it was replaced by a smile that turned his eye into a crescent moon. "Gege, you make me so happy. I want to always be by your side. I love you."
Xie Lian returned his glowing smile and squeezed his hands. "San Lang," he began, "All these years I've grown used to being alone. Bearing everything myself became tolerable, easy, normal. But looking back, at all my worst moments, you were there and waiting to stop my fall. Sharing burdens, sharing my life with you is my new easy and normal. My luck really has never been better! I love you, let me love you close and openly for the rest of our lives."
Then Hua Cheng, whose heart was pounding so much that it almost felt still, created a barrier around them and the crowd really did disappear.
Xie Lian had looked shy about doing what was next. And while part of Hua Cheng wanted everyone to see exactly how much he loved and cherished Xie Lian, the other part wanted nothing to do with them. Once the barrier was up he pulled Xie Lian closer and wrapped his arm around his waist and they both leaned in for a kiss. It was soft and tender and full of love. Like a first kiss without the hesitation. They gave each other all of themselves.
When they finally parted they couldn't help laughing and giggling. "San Lang, we can really do this every day now!"
Hua Cheng grinned, "Wherever and whenever."
He pulled Xie Lian into another kiss, this one was more desperate and eager. "Just this your highness?"
Xie Lian cheeks blossomed red and he shook his head sheepishly, but his eyes were full of determination. "Everything."
That look, like he was entirely willing and ready to throw away 800 years of cultivation, made Hua Cheng's spirit shake. What if he had Xie Lian right here right now? But, he knew better and he only returned a knowing glance, a promise of a most indulgent wedding night.
They straightened themselves up before the barrier was let down and the crowd that came into view was already cheering and partying. The sun had finally set and the lanterns had been lit. Drink, food, and music were aplenty and the newly married couple joined the fray to celebrate.
It was not at all like a human wedding. Ghosts, and Heavenly Officials too, had a different sense of a good time. The party raged on into the night without anyone tiring. The music only got louder and the food never stopped being served.
At one point in the night, Xie Lian pulled Hua Cheng away to a quiet corner of the mountain. A gentle breeze wrapped around them in the moonlight. Xie Lian looked as bright as a full moon to Hua Cheng.
"I was thinking about what I could give you as a wedding present. I came up with a bunch of stuff," Xie Lian smiled sheepishly, "But we're going to be spending a lot of time together starting today. So, I'll save the rest for later."
Xie Lian took out a small wooden box from his sleeve and presented it to Hua Cheng. "It's not much."
Hua Cheng took the gift gingerly. He opened it to reveal a dainty flower folded out of gold leaf foil. Sitting beside it was a ring.
Hua Cheng slowly took the flower out and held it up. It was the same type of flower that he had picked almost every day of his life and left on the shrine of a certain god.
"I realized I've never gotten you any flowers before. Terribly unromantic I'm afraid."
Hua Cheng put the flower back, trying to keep his heart from exploding in his chest. Then he took the ring. It was gold and it was finely engraved with a flower motif. It was beautiful.
Xie Lian stepped forward and strung a chain through the ring and held his hands out. Hua Cheng leaned down and Xie Lian clasped the chain around his neck. "There, we're matching now. It's obviously not as precious as mine, but..." Xie Lian shrugged, "My life is in your hands now San Lang."
Hua Cheng smiled softly and bowed with a hand to his chest, "You honor me, your highness. I will cherish it."
Staying bowed he held out his hand and Xie Lian took it. He left a soft kiss on the jade white skin and then he straightened. "Will you dance with me?"
Xie Lian nodded and Hua Cheng pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his waist. They danced in the moonlight between the trees to the sound of distant music.