Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Above the officiant's shrill voice, Xu Muchan rose dizzily and found himself meeting Wei Xilou's deep, dark eyes.

Those eyes were so black, so deep, as if they could swallow his soul whole. Xu Muchan's face burned, and his heartbeat gradually began to race out of control.

"Thump," "thump," "thump."

Each beat heavier than the last, like a rabbit trapped in his chest, desperately trying to break free, refusing to calm down.

Xu Muchan parted his lips slightly, taking quiet deep breaths to calm his racing heart.

Wei Xilou watched him and let out a soft laugh. He gave the red silk ribbon a firm tug, leading him out: "Achan, let's go."

The guests in the courtyard remained silent—there was no need for the groom to entertain them.

They sat motionless like puppets on strings, hollow eyes staring straight at the newlywed couple.

Xu Muchan was led by Wei Xilou through their midst, but he was so nervous and shy that he completely missed the eerie atmosphere.

He was led into the bridal chamber.

The room had been redecorated—the bedding replaced with a new set of bright red sheets embroidered with dragons and phoenixes. Crimson bed curtains hung from jade hooks on either side, their tassels swaying gently in the draft.

Chunhua and Qiuyue did not follow them inside. The bridal chamber door was shut, leaving just Xu Muchan and Wei Xilou in the room.

He was led to the inner room, where a gilded scale for lifting the bridal veil and a flagon of nuptial wine had already been placed on the table.

Xu Muchan hadn't worn a veil today, so the scale was unnecessary, leaving only the nuptial wine.

Wei Xilou set down the red silk, walked to the table, and picked up the wine flask to pour.

Xu Muchan stood behind him, slender fingers twisting the red silk ribbon over and over, not knowing what to do with his hands or feet.

Wei Xilou turned around with the filled cups and saw the poor, crumpled red silk being mangled between his fingertips.

Smiling, he retrieved the ribbon from Xu Muchan's hands and draped it gently over the back of a chair. He handed one cup to Xu Muchan and lifted the other, gazing at him as he asked, "Is Achan happy to be marrying me?"

Xu Muchan took the cup, his already flushed face practically steaming. But he stole a glance at the man before him, bit his lower lip, and nodded sincerely: "I am happy."

Though nervous and flustered, Xu Muchan never once thought of running away, because joy kept bubbling up endlessly from deep within his heart.

Wei Xilou closed the distance between them, raised his arm to hook around Xu Muchan's, and held the nuptial cup to his lips.

After they both drained their cups in a single draught, he said in a husky voice, "I'm happy too."

It was only now that he understood—the villagers of Leigong Village had given Achan to him for this very purpose.

Back then, he had been confused and hadn't understood.

Only now, on this wedding night, did he realize Achan had always been meant to be his bride.

Wei Xilou laughed freely, tossed the cup aside, and led him to the bedside.

Xu Muchan was pressed down onto the bed, fingers clenching the bedding beneath him out of sheer nervousness, eyes darting in panic, not knowing where to look, thick lashes trembling uneasily.

Wei Xilou reached out and lightly brushed those trembling lashes, then bent down to press a soft kiss to his closed lids.

Xu Muchan automatically closed his eyes and held his breath.

Another gentle kiss fell on the tip of his nose.

Xu Muchan couldn't hold his breath any longer. He parted his lips and gasped for breath, lashes damp with involuntary tears, looking soft and vulnerable.

But Wei Xilou was in no hurry, taking his time.

Another light kiss brushed the corner of his mouth.

Xu Muchan felt like he was about to catch fire, his pounding heart almost leaping out of his chest. He opened his eyes in a daze, clutched desperately at Wei Xilou's lapels, and without thinking, called out, "Brother..."

Wei Xilou paused, and so did Xu Muchan.

Memories surged back like a tide. Xu Muchan's muddled mind seemed to clear a little. He clutched Wei Xilou's sleeve, as if struggling to surface from a whirlpool.

Wei Xilou's eyes flickered. He pulled the man into his arms, covered his eyes, and whispered seductively in his ear, "Achan, don't be afraid."

Xu Muchan's struggling did subside. Wei Xilou kissed his temple, thought for a moment, then reached to the far side of the bed and retrieved an oil lamp wrapped in red cloth.

The lamp was antique, with a little oil still left. Wei Xilou's lips curved into a smile as he lit the lamp and set it on the small table beside the bed.

The faint flame flickered, and Xu Muchan's reason swayed along with it.

His eyes were still covered by Wei Xilou's hand, and the exposed skin was a deep pink from extreme shyness.

"If Achan is scared, just close your eyes," Wei Xilou murmured in his ear.

Xu Muchan's reason sank beneath the surface again. He obediently closed his eyes, chin tilted up, revealing a pale, slender neck like a lamb offering itself up for sacrifice.

Wei Xilou couldn't get enough of him.

He still kept his hand over Xu Muchan's eyes, so Xu Muchan couldn't see that apart from the flickering flame by the small table, the bridal chamber was pitch black. Thick darkness filled the room, surging hungrily toward the bed.

Countless pale arms reached out from the shadows, brushing Xu Muchan's lashes, his lips... The youth's smooth, supple skin felt exquisite to the touch, warmer than usual from shyness, burning like fire against icy fingertips.

They frantically wove an eerie cage, trapping the beautiful bride within.

The cold touch made Xu Muchan tremble slightly, goosebumps breaking out across his skin.

He vaguely sensed something amiss, struggling to pry off the hand covering his eyes. Though trembling with fear, he still obediently cried out "Husband": "It feels... it feels like something is grabbing my feet..."

The hands touching him were icy cold, and there were more than just two.

The chilling sensation didn't belong to any human, and having his eyes covered only made the unknown terror worse. Xu Muchan snapped awake from the intimate atmosphere, his body instinctively struggling and resisting.

Wei Xilou didn't answer immediately, nor did he take his hand away from Xu Muchan's eyes.

The youth in bright red wedding robes was like a beautiful white fish, countless ghostly arms scrambling to seize him. Though he seemed to sense danger, his trust in his new husband kept him from struggling with all his might—he could only cry out pitifully for help...

Wei Xilou watched this exquisite scene with lowered eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing rapidly. Only when Xu Muchan called "Husband" a third time did he finally release his hand, pulling the man up to lean against him: "What's the matter, Achan?"

The darkness receded like a tide, and the oil lamp by the bed shed a warm amber glow.

Xu Muchan pulled his loosened robes together, turned to look around, but saw nothing.

He stared blankly, even beginning to wonder if everything that had just happened had been an illusion. But the cold touch had been so real, as if many hands were roaming over his skin... Xu Muchan curled in on himself slightly and whispered to Wei Xilou, "I think there are ghosts in this room..."

Wei Xilou chuckled softly, threading his fingers through Xu Muchan's silky black hair and stroking it soothingly: "Why would there be ghosts on such a happy occasion?"

"Is Achan just too nervous?"

Xu Muchan pressed his lips together and shook his head, insisting, "There really is a ghost. You don't believe me either?"

His eyes were dark and shiny, washed clean by tears from his earlier struggle, making them look extra bright. His thick black lashes were stuck together in clumps from leftover water droplets, making him look both pitiful and cute.

Wei Xilou held him a little tighter and said, "How could I not believe you? Tomorrow we'll find a sorcerer to come and inspect the house. Will that make you feel better, Achan?"

Xu Muchan sat in his arms, lips pressed tight, but still turned his head around like a cautious little animal, scanning his surroundings.

Wei Xilou clicked his tongue inwardly, thinking he might have overdone it and really scared Achan. So he softened his voice and soothed, "It's getting late. Why don't you sleep first, and I'll stay right here with you."

Maybe it was the comfort of his arms, or how soothing his voice was, but Xu Muchan hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Wei Xilou patted the pillow beside him, his eyes locked on Xu Muchan.

Xu Muchan took off his bulky outer robe and lay down, then pulled the blanket over himself until he was wrapped up, leaving only his dark, bright eyes showing as he looked at Wei Xilou. Feeling embarrassed, he said, "Today's our wedding night, but I..."

Wei Xilou patted the blanket cocoon and said gently, "We've got plenty of time. No need to rush this."

Xu Muchan mumbled a soft "mm" in response, and with the steady patting and soothing, he quickly got drowsy, closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Seeing that he had finally dozed off, Wei Xilou pulled him out of the blanket bundle and held him tight in his arms, chuckling, "Too easy to fool."

This gullible Achan needed to stay right under his wing.

Despite the scare, Xu Muchan slept like a log all night. When he woke up, Wei Xilou was already up, sitting at the table, reading.

Hearing him stir, Wei Xilou turned his head to look over, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Achan, you're awake?"

Xu Muchan met his gaze and ducked back under the blanket.

On their second day of marriage, Wei Xilou was still wearing festive red, though this one was a deeper, brownish red. Such a dark red inevitably felt a bit gloomy, and it would normally make a person look older, but on him, it somehow gave off a quiet, time-worn nobility.

Xu Muchan glanced at him once, then couldn't help but glance again.

The third time he looked over, Wei Xilou caught his gaze dead-on, his eyes full of mischief.

Xu Muchan's face flushed, and he came up with an excuse: "What book are you reading?"

Wei Xilou didn't answer. Instead, he set the book aside, walked over to the bed, and leaned down to look at him. "Not ready to get up?"

Xu Muchan quickly sat up, keeping his eyes down. "I'll get up right away."

Seeing him fumbling with his clothes, Wei Xilou didn't keep teasing him.

After Xu Muchan washed up and they finished breakfast, Wei Xilou suggested taking Xu Muchan out to see the place.

Xu Muchan's eyes went wide in surprise, and Wei Xilou asked, "Don't you want to go, Achan?"

Xu Muchan nodded eagerly. "I do, I do!"

He even forgot his shyness and eagerly tugged at Wei Xilou to head out. "I haven't been outside since I arrived here."

Wei Xilou let himself be pulled along.

But as soon as Xu Muchan left the courtyard, he felt something subtly off about the household's atmosphere. The servants, who should have been busy with their tasks, were either standing in corners or under trees—in short, all of them were lurking in the shadows, staring at them with dark, eerie expressions.

Xu Muchan slowed his steps, and the smile on his face faded considerably. He moved closer to Wei Xilou and whispered, "The servants... aren't they acting strange? Why are they looking at us like that?"

Just yesterday, the household staff had seemed terrified of Wei Xilou, not even daring to lift their heads in his presence.

Wei Xilou cast a casual glance around and patted his shoulder. "Don't mind them."

Xu Muchan's furrowed brow relaxed slightly. He was about to continue toward the main gate when he saw a crowd of people approaching from the opposite direction.

He stopped again, looking over in confusion.

The leader was a burly man over two meters tall, weighing at least three hundred jin. He wore a fierce dog-face mask on his face, and around his thick neck hung a necklace of bones—unknown animal bones, polished to a smooth, gleaming white. It should have been a beautiful ornament, but Xu Muchan felt inexplicably uneasy looking at it.

He averted his gaze to the people following the giant.

The old lady, Miss Ling, and the steward were all there. Aside from them, the rest were household servants.

Xu Muchan looked puzzled and turned back to Wei Xilou, but saw no trace of emotion on his face—he clearly couldn't care less about this group.

"Mother, little sister... what's going on?" Seeing her husband remain silent, Xu Muchan had no choice but to take the initiative to ask.

The old lady gave him a cold look without answering, then turned to the giant beside her and said, "My son, this is the evil spirit who dared to impersonate you!"

Miss Ling, meanwhile, glared viciously at Xu Muchan and tattled to the giant, "That wretch beside him is your bride-to-be, a fickle seductress! Big brother, eat him up quick!"

Xu Muchan grew even more confused. Why did mother and sister seem so close to that giant? Did her husband have other brothers?

He looked at Wei Xilou, then at the giant.

The giant was simply too tall and too massive, and the fierce dog-face mask on his face—made of some material that looked like leather—gave him a nauseating appearance, as if the mask were almost fused with his skin.

Xu Muchan privately felt that this giant had already crossed the line into something beyond human.

Not human—more like some unspeakable monster.

While Xu Muchan was sizing up the giant, the giant was sizing him up in return.

His sinister gaze peered out from behind the mask, looking at Xu Muchan as if assessing whether his flesh was tender and fresh.

He even visibly swallowed before rumbling, "So you're my bride-to-be? You do look fresh and delicate, but you're already a pair of worn shoes that someone's broken in. If you behave and admit your mistake, I might still take you as a concubine."

Xu Muchan's brow furrowed deeply, and he instinctively pressed closer to Wei Xilou, clutching his sleeve tightly. "What nonsense are you talking? I don't even know you."

Miss Ling hated his demeanor and let out a strange cackle. "You fool, the one beside you isn't the eldest young master of the Huang family at all—he's a fake. This one here is my real big brother!"

Young Master Huang gave the two of them a contemptuous look, then pointed at Xu Muchan. "You are my bride. Come here."

Xu Muchan looked at him, and the thought that this man might be his betrothed made him feel a violent wave of nausea.

How could his husband be a monster, and so ugly at that?

He naturally refused to go over, looking to Wei Xilou for help.

Wei Xilou had remained silent the entire time, but now, seeing his pleading gaze, he let out a faint sigh. "Does Achan believe him, or believe me?"

Xu Muchan answered without hesitation, "I believe you, of course!"

"The house was haunted before, so this so-called young master must be a ghost in disguise! Mother and sister must be bewitched, which is why they don't recognize you anymore."

The more Xu Muchan spoke, the more convinced he became. He tugged at Wei Xilou and said, "Let's just run first. That monster doesn't look easy to deal with."

Wei Xilou smiled at him, stroked his face, and said, "Achan is indeed clever. But the ones who need to run aren't us."

Under Xu Muchan's puzzled gaze, he leisurely snapped off a willow branch, swept a disgusted look at Young Master Huang, and said, "With a face like yours, even a slaughterhouse wouldn't take you. And yet you dare to covet Achan."

Young Master Huang had lorded it over the Huang household for years, and no one had ever dared to provoke him like this. With a furious roar, he charged at Wei Xilou, stomping heavily: "Keep acting cocky! I'll turn you into a pig and slaughter you!"

Wei Xilou pushed Xu Muchan aside, nimbly dodging Young Master Huang's charge. The willow branch in his hand suddenly stretched and transformed into a whip, cracking viciously across Young Master Huang's body.

The slender whip looked utterly harmless, but when it struck Young Master Huang, it left a deep, bloody gash across his hulking frame.

Young Master Huang let out a blood-curdling scream like a pig being slaughtered.

As he howled, Wei Xilou struck several more times, and with each strike, his massive body shrank a size while another bloody welt appeared on his skin.

The once imposing and boastful Young Master Huang had lost all his fight, thrashing on the ground in agony.

The old madam and Miss Ling, watching from the side, clearly hadn't expected Young Master Huang to be so easily defeated. They burst into hysterical wailing, commanding the servants behind them: "What are you standing there for? Go help the young master!"

The servants, scared into obedience, reluctantly shuffled forward to help.

But the willow branch in Wei Xilou's hand was like a magic weapon—it struck not only Young Master Huang but also the servants.

With every crack of the whip, a wave of servants went down, and even Miss Ling took a few hits.

Xu Muchan saw that many servants' bodies had been split open, yet no blood flowed—instead, bamboo frames were visible inside—

These servants weren't people at all—they were paper effigies!

No wonder the house always felt so creepy—there really were ghosts here!

Xu Muchan stared at his husband, who had the ghosts and Young Master Huang howling in misery with just a willow branch, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

Only after Young Master Huang had shrunk to the size of a yellow dog did Wei Xilou stop. He casually tossed aside the willow branch, shot a warning glare at the remaining paper effigies, and turned to look at Xu Muchan.

Xu Muchan walked over, eyes bright, and after a moment's hesitation, asked: "The sorcerer you talked about last night—that's you, right?"

Xu Muchan had vaguely heard stories about willow branches beating ghosts, and now that he'd seen his husband display such skill, he was sure his husband was a cultivation master.

No wonder he wasn't scared of ghosts.

Wei Xilou paused, didn't deny it, and smiled at him: "Achan believes in me that much?"

Xu Muchan nodded without a second thought, then looked at him, eyes shining: "That move you just did... can you teach me?"

Wei Xilou pretended to think, watching Xu Muchan get anxious before giving in: "I'll teach you some other day."

Xu Muchan beamed at him.

Miss Ling, watching them whisper like no one else was around, while her own body was still stinging from the whipping, and seeing her useless brother curled up on the ground, trying to sneak off, couldn't stop herself from shrieking: "Are you blind? The one right in front of you is the real ghost!"

Wei Xilou's smile vanished. He turned to her with a blank face and casually snapped off another willow branch: "Think again—who's the real ghost here?"

Miss Ling flinched at the branch in his hand and looked to her mother for help.

The old madam glanced at her useless son, then scrunched up her face and said to Wei Xilou: "We were possessed by ghosts just now. That dog-faced freak can't be my son!"

Miss Ling hesitated, then unwillingly called Wei Xilou "big brother."

The steward, seeing this, quickly had the remaining servants respectfully call him "young master": "Forgive us, young master. We were fooled by ghosts earlier."

Wei Xilou was reluctantly satisfied. He pointed the willow branch at Young Master Huang, who hadn't managed to get away, and said: "Tie him up and bring him here."

Without his huge body and powers, Young Master Huang was like a beaten dog, and the steward and servants quickly tied him up and dragged him in front of Wei Xilou.

Wei Xilou frowned and used the willow branch to poke at the dog-face mask on his face.

Xu Muchan leaned in to look and only then saw that the dog-face mask had fused with his face.

"What the heck is this thing?" Xu Muchan asked.

Wei Xilou said: "This mask is something I lost years ago. I never thought I'd see it here."

With that, he curled his fingers like claws and yanked the dog-face mask from a distance. Young Master Huang let out a blood-curdling scream, but his body seemed nailed to the ground, his head twisting desperately.

The mask was fused on tight, and Wei Xilou had to pull harder to rip it off Young Master Huang's face.

Once off his face, the mask seemed dead, but it still tried to escape. But Wei Xilou snorted, squeezed his fingers, and crushed the mask into a ball.

The mask struggled, its features squirming out, until it turned into a fist-sized dog head.

It looked a bit better than when it was on Young Master Huang's face, with a look that seemed almost fawning.

Xu Muchan's eyes widened in curiosity, and he poked it: "It looks like a keychain."

Seeing he liked it, Wei Xilou handed the dog head to him: "If Achan likes it, you can find a string and hang it as a charm."

Xu Muchan was curious, but felt shy when Wei Xilou offered it: "Didn't you say you lost this years ago? Isn't it important?"

Wei Xilou said: "Nothing matters more than Achan."

His sweet talk came easily, and Xu Muchan, being shy, blushed and went quiet, but he didn't give the dog head back.

Wei Xilou glanced at the bloody mess of Young Master Huang on the ground and told the steward: "Lock him up. I'm taking my wife out for a walk."

Young Master Huang raised his bloody face, struggling to look at the old madam and Miss Ling, and yelled: "Mom, Mom, save me!"

He yelled so loud that Xu Muchan turned back. When he saw the bloody face, he froze.

The wailing Young Master Huang had a square face, a flat nose, and thick lips—he looked... kind of like the old man in the portrait?