The coastal city of Canghaizhou was built along the sea, its waterways bustling with activity. The docks were always crowded with ships of all sizes, their holds filled with silk and porcelain from distant lands, as well as freshly caught seafood from local waters. The salty breeze often carried the shouts of boatmen and the calls of merchants.
For those returning to Jiangnan, passing through Canghaizhou was an excellent route choice.
Chu'he was visiting Canghaizhou for the first time, her curiosity piqued by the local customs. She tugged Ninth along as they stepped down from the carriage and wandered among the crowds, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Her eyes darted around as she weaved between stalls, her pace quickening and slowing unpredictably.
Ninth followed leisurely behind her, occasionally lifting a hand to nudge a wind chime hanging from a vendor's pole out of her way, ensuring it didn’t hit her head.
Chu'he picked up a shell bracelet, instantly taken by its charm. She pulled Ninth closer, lifting his wrist to compare the bracelet against his skin—pale as fine porcelain.
"It’s beautiful!" she declared.
Without hesitation, she paid for it and slipped the bracelet onto his wrist before darting off to another stall selling gemstones. There, she selected a pair of exquisite red agate earrings, holding them up to Ninth’s ears. The vibrant hue only accentuated the striking beauty of the young man.
Her eyes sparkled. "Gorgeous!"
Chu'he paid again and stood on tiptoe.
Ninth bent down, lowering his head with an amused smile, letting her adjust the earrings as she pleased. Once she fastened the new ornaments, he tilted his head slightly, letting the red agate earrings catch the sunlight, their gleam highlighting his ethereal features.
"Do I look good?"
He knew full well how captivating he was, yet he asked anyway, his voice laced with subtle mirth, carrying a hint of the sea’s crisp freshness on the wind.
Chu'he clasped her hands to her cheeks, her dark eyes alight with excitement. "You’re stunning! The most beautiful person in the world is Ninth!"
He lifted a hand, fingertips brushing the new earrings, tracing the shimmering light. The warmth on his skin felt like touching sunlight itself, as if the clouds had parted just for him.
Chu'he’s sharp eyes soon caught sight of a stall selling hair ribbons. Dragging Ninth along, she zeroed in on a red ribbon adorned with gemstones. Her eyes gleamed as she stood on tiptoe again.
Ninth obediently lowered his head, letting her hold the ribbon against his silver-white hair. She ran her fingers through a loose strand, her gaze mirroring the jewels’ brilliance.
This time, Ninth beat her to it. "Beautiful?"
Chu'he nodded eagerly. "Absolutely!"
As they strolled, she couldn’t resist picking up trinkets, her constant exclamations of "Beautiful!" drawing bewildered glances from passersby.
Ninth, with his silver hair, crimson eyes, and deathly pale complexion, dressed in foreign attire, resembled a specter from folklore—an eerie presence that kept others at bay. Yet this girl beside him kept loudly proclaiming his beauty.
Before long, Ninth was bedecked in glittering ornaments, his appearance now opulent and regal. Chu'he had completely forgotten her earlier vow of frugality, too engrossed in adorning him.
As it happened, their tastes aligned perfectly—both loved gemstones, both adored anything that sparkled. To others, it might seem gaudy, even vulgar.
Ninth reached out, lightly touching the golden butterfly hairpin nestled in Chu'he’s hair, its jade eyes glinting, wings poised as if ready to take flight.
His lips curved into a soft smile. "Only A’he would call me beautiful."
The gazes around them were usually filled with scrutiny, fear, or outright revulsion—as if he were some cursed being. Had he not been in high spirits, those disdainful looks would have long turned to dust.
"Ninth is beautiful!"
"Your hair is beautiful."
"Your eyes are beautiful."
"Every part of you is beautiful—I adore you so much!"
Now, the wary stares shifted to her, as if she were some madwoman.
Chu'he clasped his hand, interlacing their fingers, and beamed up at him, her eyes crinkling with joy.
Ninth’s throat tightened. Swallowing back an inexplicable ache, he tapped her cheek lightly, his voice tender.
"Silly A’he."
She pursed her lips, glaring.
She didn’t think herself foolish at all. She’d survived the venomous wilderness of Miaojiang, and now she’d even snagged herself the most breathtaking partner—she was plenty clever.
The aroma of food wafted through the air, teasing the appetites of those nearby.
Chu'he tugged Ninth toward a stall, buying a portion of sticky rice cakes. She fed him the first bite before taking one herself. As she chewed, her gaze drifted upward, landing on the towering statues at the city’s center.
Curious, she asked, "What are those?"
"Those are statues of Canghaizhou’s past rulers or revered figures who made significant contributions," Black Goose answered from nearby, leaning casually against a post. His striking profile, accentuated by the light, drew admiring glances from a few passing fisherwomen.
Chu'he glanced around but didn’t spot White Dove. Puzzled, she turned back.
Black Goose, well-traveled and knowledgeable, pointed at the statues. "That’s Shangguan Wuju, the ruler from three generations ago. Next to him is Shangguan Qu’ai, his successor and the grandfather of the last ruler, Shangguan Huanxi."
Crossing his arms, he added, "Shangguan Huanxi was the only one in her family ever deposed. Likely, she’ll also be the only one denied a statue by the people."
Chu'he’s attention shifted to another pair of statues—a man and woman standing close, swords in hand, their intimacy setting them apart from the others.
"And who are they?"
Black Goose explained, "Those are Yi Yezhi and Shui Zhinan, renowned swordsmen of Canghaizhou. A pair of legendary lovers. Twenty years ago, under Shangguan Qu’ai’s rule, evil spirits invaded. They fought alongside him to defend the city. When the spirits captured their two children, they were forced to choose—save their kids or the city. They chose the latter."
Chu'he’s voice softened. "What happened after?"
"Well, their children perished. Not long after, they were ambushed by remnants of the evil forces, their bodies never recovered."
That was why the people of Canghaizhou broke tradition, erecting statues for the couple despite their not being rulers—a tribute to their sacrifice.
"Canghaizhou is a crucial hub for land and sea routes, and rumors of hidden treasures make it a target for malevolent forces. If not for these heroes, the city’s people would have been scattered to the winds."
Black Goose straightened, gazing solemnly at the statues.
As he turned, the vivid red handprint on the other side of his face came into full view.
Chu'he covered her mouth, stifling a reaction.
But the young man beside her let out an unapologetic, mocking laugh.
Perhaps it was because they had faced life and death together in the inn, but Black Goose grew bold enough to retort at Ninth: "What's so funny? Beating is affection, scolding is love—beating and scolding together is true love! Does Chu'he ever hit and scold you like that?"
