After crossing the river, they saw a group of people waiting by the banks. They were Ji Xingsheng’s guards. Though only a fifth-rank official, he still had some men at his side.

Ji Xingsheng said, “Why not travel back to Shangjing with me, sirs? We can watch out for each other on the road.”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “We cannot. Some matters require our attention along the way.”

Ji Xingsheng felt regretful but said no more, fearing he might annoy them.

“Then let us meet again when you reach Shangjing.”

“Perhaps we shall.”

Ji Xingsheng climbed onto his horse, bid farewell, and soon took the Imperial Road back to Shangjing with his guards.

Zhong Zhengyuan watched the figure on horseback and remarked, “That man has promise.”

“Oh? Why so?” Chen Changsheng asked.

Zhong Zhengyuan replied, “I see strong official fortune for him. Upon returning, he will rise directly to fifth rank. Moreover, his position seems mismatched with his rank — likely someone shields him secretly.”

Chen Changsheng smiled warmly. “Great Jing’s fate is troubled. Holding office proves simple, but keeping it? That is the true challenge.”

Zhong Zhengyuan agreed. “Master Chen speaks wisely.”

Chen Changsheng gave a small nod.

“Let us go.”

The two continued walking.

Four hundred li further meant little but weary feet.

After crossing the river and traveling several more li, they entered a Civic District. They considered stopping for tea.

Yet at the entrance, Chen Changsheng suddenly frowned.

“What place is this?” he asked.

“Pingzhong County’s Donglin Quarter.”

Zhong Zhengyuan answered, then added, “You sensed it too?”

Chen Changsheng nodded. “Shall we investigate?”

“Exactly my thought,” Zhong Zhengyuan agreed.

They walked inside, tracing the scent of Demonic Qi.

Donglin Quarter bordered the river. Its people mostly made cloth, so skilled that their fabrics now sold eagerly, even reaching the imperial palace.

West of the Quarter, one household buzzed with noise.

A red “double happiness” sign glowed on the gate. Inside, banquet tables waited — four not yet full, seating just over two tables’ worth.

Today was wedding day.

Chen Changsheng and Zhong Zhengyuan peered in.

With lunchtime still distant, the hosts busily greeted guests.

Chen Changsheng murmured, “A wedding feast…”

Zhong Zhengyuan looked equally surprised.

“Shall we observe first?” Chen Changsheng suggested.

Zhong Zhengyuan thought alike but worried. “Yet entering without an Invitation Card seems rude.”

“Who needs such things?”

Chen Changsheng laughed and strode inside.

“Ah, Mr. Chen—”

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Zhong Zhengyuan followed, muttering, “Are you hoping to eat for free?”

Chen Changsheng retorted, “Nonsense. We track Demonic Qi, not free meals.”

“So! Now I see!” Zhong Zhengyuan exclaimed. “You want food! How shameless, Mr. Chen!”

“Then stay outside.”

“I’m already inside.”

“You can leave.”

“My feet need rest. Can I not sit briefly?”

“Master Zhong seems equally bold.”

“Same to you.”

As outsiders, they caught the host’s eye at once.

An elderly man approached, leaning on a stick as he walked.

“You gentlemen aren’t from here?” he asked.

“The owner?” Chen Changsheng inquired.

The old man nodded. “That’s me.”

Chen Changsheng explained, “We journey to Shangjing and glimpsed celebration within. Might we add joy to the joy?”

The old man paused, then beamed. “Yes, yes! Guests bring luck!”

Chen Changsheng drew coins from his robe. “We won’t eat in vain. A gift though small.”

“It’s really not needed!”

The old man waved his hands. “Your presence honors us. Keep the coins!”

“No, we cannot.”

Chen Changsheng pressed coins into his palm until they stayed.

“Well then…”

The old man yielded with a smile. “Come feast! Pardon if we neglect you.”

“Not at all.”

Chen Changsheng gestured Zhong Zhengyuan toward the banquet tables.

The old man glowed with pleasure — more guests meant cheer. And these men shone dignity, a fine reflection on the host.

“Your age?” Chen Changsheng asked.

“Seventy-three years old.”

“Is this marriage for your son or grandson?”

“For my boy!”

He grinned, revealing many missing teeth.

Further talk revealed the Huang family. Now just father and only son lived here. Thirty-three years old, the son still hadn’t started a family — the father’s deepest worry.

“Father.”

A voice interrupted them.

A large, broad-shouldered man approached in wedding robes: tonight’s groom.

Seeing the two strangers, he froze mid-step.

“Come here,” urged the father.

Both visitors studied him.

Huang Shan’s heart skipped a beat — he knew they saw his secret too.

“Father, spare your legs. I’ll help you rest.”

“I’m not useless yet! Really!”

“Please listen.”

The father apologized to Chen Changsheng and Zhong Zhengyuan as the groom helped him inside.

“Treat our guests well!” the old man called back.

“Understood.”

Huang Shan agreed. He stepped outside, drew breath, and faced the seated men.

Chen Changsheng and Master Zhong stared back.

He hesitated, then walked over.

“Greetings, sirs.”

Chen Changsheng eyed him. “Sit.”

Huang Shan trembled into the chair.

Zhong Zhengyuan spoke bluntly: “You’re not of the Human Dao, are you?”

Huang Shan’s fear surged, but he admitted, “No, I’m not.”

Chen Changsheng asked, “Where is the real groom?”

“He…”

Words caught in Huang Shan’s throat.

But under the men’s unblinking gazes, he confessed:

“He might… still live.”

“Might…?”