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Chapter 19: Household RegisterRong Lin did not understand the meaning of Xiao Bai’s words. How would this small fish demon know someone in heaven? If she wanted to become a member of the heavenly household register, she could only go to him. After weighing over the matter, he was already treating her with extreme benevolence and utmost duty. It was the same as doing good works, but he also had not done good works of this degree. Over thirty thousand years, he had done many benevolent acts, but this matter was of great concern, and was absolutely not something that could be done by simply lifting one’s hand.
Rong Lin titled his head to glance at her, and saw her expectant face looking at him.
'Don’t mind it,' Rong Lin thought.
Then he turned towards A Lian and said, "Prepare the household register book, then we will go to the Secluded Department."
A Lian wanted to answer right then, but hearing Xiao Bai then neither too fast nor too slow said, "Then what kind of identity do you intend to use?"
What kind of identity? Rong Lin pondered for half a day. The difference between him and this small fish demon’s ages was a bit large, but his figure was youthful and bright; looking at her, he was not clear on how big of an age difference there was.
He immediately said, "Before, when this small fish demon went to the Secluded Department, I pretended to be her older male cousin to take her out."
"…Cousin," Xiao Bai muttered, a smile appearing on the corner of his lips.
Seeing Rong Lin’s rather dissatisfied reaction, he then explained, "It may be assumed that you have not been versed in the things of the world for a very long time. After a few years many achieved the Dao and became immortals. Heaven’s population suddenly rose, and moreover, giving preferential treatment with the heavenly household register was quite abundant, increasingly taking advantage of the loophole. If you want to use the title of older cousin to go and do it, then I advise you not to go on this trip…"
Then indifferently explaining the sentence again he said, "If not for being closely related, the Secluded Department will likely not accept the case."
A Lian faintly thought this matter was troublesome; then turning to look at Rong Lin, said, "High, High God?"
Even though Rong Lin was High God, and accepted people’s reverence, he usually did official business according to the official principles, and nevertheless was doing this entering through the backdoor for the first time. With everything in order, he had lived for thirty thousand years and disliked destroying this order. Just now he had thought of helping this small fish demon since he was feeling a small bit of compassion. But now, after calming down and thinking it over, he was really no good to assist her in breaking heaven’s rules."
"If you say she is your lost daughter from outside, it actually might work," Xiao Bai said.
Not waiting for Rong Lin to get angry, A Lian immediately opened her mouth and said, "That won't do. How can I sully High God’s pure reputation?"
Clearly Rong Lin was also not receptive to this suggestion. Now seeing the originally calm and silent small fish demon's face flushing so emotionally, naturally he knew she wasn't only protecting his pure reputation – if she knew how to protect his pure reputation, then why did she speak so vaguely and cause fairy Hong Qiao to misunderstand that day?
It naturally called to mind that if someone as bright and incomparable as High God, were to really have had some sort of father and daughter relationship, then the thoughts she kept for him would be all the more too embarrassing to mention. Nevertheless it may be assumed that this small fish demon still had a bit of vision.
Xiao Bai said, "It really is somewhat inappropriate."
He looked at A Lian in front of him and then said, "Since you are Xiao Zao's friend, naturally I want to think of a way to help you."
A Lian gratefully said, "Thank you, High God Xiao Bai."
Continuing, Xiao Bai said, "I heard that you and Yuan Jiang’s relationship is pretty good?"
A Lian did not know why Xiao Bai had suddenly mentioned Yuan Jiang. She then honestly said, "Immortal Lord Yuan Jiang is very considerate towards me."
Immortal Lord Yuan Jiang was the head chef of the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion’s cafeteria, and was very infatuated with A Lian and had tried to woo A Lian numerous times.
In the end she did not understand at all, and with presently glowing cheeks, turned towards Xiao Bai and said, "How did High God Xiao Bai know?"
Xiao Bai did not reply, but said, "Immortal Lord Yuan Jiang’s infatuation towards you; just now when you were on the competition stage, from the beginning, he watched from the side. He immediately came to look me after seeing you lose to beseech me to think of a way. He even said – as long as you could continue to stay at the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion, he was willing to do anything."
Rong Lin's brows pinched and he said, "It’s merely a carp, that’s all."
Xiao Bai looked at him, then said, "Even though Yuan Jiang is a carp, he grew up in the Jade Floor heavenly lake however, and has a genuine heavenly household register. His temper is meek, and is without much addictions. Because Miss A Lian is a freshwater fish, it may be assumed that there is quite a lot of common language. This is the reason why Yuan Jian looked for me. Miss A Lian wishes to stay in the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion, and you both have a pretty good relationship, so it would be better to go to the Bureau of Fate and receive a marriage contract…when the time comes Miss A Lian would properly and honorably be on Jing's heavenly household register, and this will easily solve everything."
Speaking to A Lian again he said, "Yuan Jing’s reputation in the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion is pretty good;.he is honest and guileless. It may be assumed that it is unlikely Miss A Lian will be treated unfairly, so wait until your schooling is complete and then you two can take a trip to the Bureau of Fate and take a divorce book."
Xiao Bai was cherished as a highly respected character, and spoke very few words. But he had no choice but to speak and put forward this suggestion, which was indeed appropriate.
A Lian tightly clasped both hands, and secretly sent a measuring glance at Rong Lin. His face was calm and collected and he did not speak. She also understood that presently, apart from this way, there was no other method.
A Lian thought, then in a small voice said, "Then, then I will have to trouble High God Xiao Bai."
Xiao Bai wore an amiable expression. If it were not for Xiao Zao beseeching him, how could he possibly look after this troublesome matter? He then said, "In that case, I will call Yuan Jing to come over at once; Rong Lin and I can be the witnesses. That way, Yuan Jiang will never dare to bully you someday."
A Lian was moved to tears.
"Thank you High God Xiao Bai."
Immortal Lord Yuan Jing really was deeply attached to A Lian. Seeing his sweetheart fight as though her life depended on it that day, precisely because she wanted to keep staying at the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion, naturally he wanted to do anything to help her. Now hearing High God Xiao Bai was calling on him, he hastily rushed over, and waited to hear High God Xiao Bai’s meaning. Immortal Lord Yuan Jing’s face was somewhat burning hot, and with a gaze full of tender feelings he looked at A Lian beside the two High Gods, then pledging said, "To both High Gods, I, Yuan Jing, will treat Miss A Lian well in the future, and will do everything for Miss A Lian."
Immortal Lord Yuan Jing’s appreciation was already very clear.
A Lian and Immortal Lord Yuan Jing looked for a quiet place, for both people to talk over the marriage together. A Lian gazed at Immortal Lord Yuan Jing’s refined and honest face, and realistically explained her own purpose.
Immortal Lord Yuan Jing then said, "I know. To be able to quickly help Miss A Lian is exactly what I was looking for. You can be at ease, and just like our marriage contract, I will also treat you with mutual respect between husband and wife. If you don’t want to make it public, then we can just keep this a secret. These next few years you only have to worry about properly cultivating into a Ninth Heavenly Pavilion immortal. He will wait until the day school is completed, and if Miss A Lian still want to part with me, I will still be okay with this."
This couldn’t be said any better.
A Lian then said, "En, thank you, Immortal Lord."
Immortal Lord Yuan Jing was simple and honest and smiling, said, "You can call me Yuan Jing, you need not be courteous like this."
Speaking again he said, "In that case, shall we will take a trip to the Bureau of Fate tomorrow?"
'Entering school is an imminent affair', she thought before saying, "…Okay."
Immortal Lord Yuan Jiang chatted very happily, then A Lian watched him leave and went to Xiao Bai with a smile on her cheeks. However she saw that High God Xiao Bai was the only remaining person, and High God Rong Lin’s whereabouts were unknown.
With one look Xiao Bai understood and said, "Rong Lin already went back."
"…Oh." A Lian nodded disappointedly, and then High God Xiao Bai left.
When Tian Luo saw A Lian return, she immediately bounced over and said, "Let me have a look; is your leg okay?"
A Lian calmly smiled and lifted her skirt to show two perfectly straight, slim and snow white legs before saying, "It’s okay."
Astonished, Tian Luo said, "How is that possible… just now I definitely smelled the fish fragrance."
A Lian secretly told Tian Luo, that it had been High God who cured her. Tian Luo relaxed in one breath and said, "It’s good that it's fine."
Yi Gui and Yi Zhang walked over. Today, the two sea clan woman had smoothly passed the new disciples' competition. Yi Zhang was like Tian Luo, and was able to meet the qualifications. Yi Gui had good luck and had selected a weaker team, which was enough to achieve 'Grade As' in both the writing exam and the martial arts exam.
Today A Lian’s performance on stage was also seen by the two sea clan women. Previously she'd had one hundred and one ways to run on a bank, but today A Lian’s performance was seen in front of all the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion people, so packing up and leaving was an obvious thing.
In a good mood, Yi Zhang comforted her saying, "Not just anyone is able to stay at the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion, bighead carp ah, you had better return a bit earlier to your small place. Take advantage of your youth and marry into a good household; don’t have these daydreams again."
Tian Luo inhaled through her nose, then said, "A Lian, I hate to part with you…so how about I think of a way again. It might be possible to use money to completely settle all the problems."
Tian Luo’s heart was also very clear. This time was not the same as the previous competition, fair and above board, and to prevent new disciples from slyly obtaining relations to enter through the backdoor, a lot of silver could not buy an individual’s place.
A Lian thought, but nevertheless did not want to tell Tian Luo about Immortal Lord Yuan Jing's matter, and that waiting until tomorrow’s matter was done then telling Tian Luo was better. Or else if something unexpected happened, it would not be good if Tian Luo was emptied of joy.
She then said, "During these two days I will think of a way."
Tian Luo nodded with an "en".
The moon above the tip of the willow branch fully brightened the pond.
Rong Lin stood at the side of the Blue Wave Pond, his godly appearance incomparable.
He was waiting for the small fish demon to arrive.
After a moment he saw the small fish demon run over. Intimately pulling his arm, she crooked her head, and said, "Did High God wait for a long time? It’s not my fault."
The corner of Rong Lin’s mouth tilted upwards and he lifted his hand to pinch her face, smiled at her painful "aiyo", and immediately a misty layer of water spread over her large glossy eyes. That was a good mood.
Rong Lin studied her before saying, "The moonlight is very beautiful tonight, should we compete in swimming together?"
He waited for the small fish demon to happily agree from the bottom of her heart. However, after a moment a man appeared from behind the small fish. It was the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion's Immortal Lord, Yuan Jing.
Immortal Lord Yuan Jing held the small fish demon in his embrace, and the two people looked at each other, full of tender feelings. Then the small fish demon raised her head and spoke to him. "High God Rong Lin, I cannot keep you company and swim together with you anymore… I am already a married fish."
Immortal Lord Yuan Jing smiled even more and stepped forward. Then offering with both hands said, "High God, inside this is the wedding sweet from my wife and I."
The small fish demon also smiled and said, "This wedding sweet is very sweet and delicious, please eat a lot of it, High God."
Rong Lin’s anger raised for no reason, and he reached out and grabbed Yuan Jing’s collar. After a moment, a glossy pink adorable little girl resembling about seven eighths of the small fish demon stepped forward, dragging his arm and noisily said, "Uncle, you let go of my daddy."
Afterwards, the little girl, turned into two people, then three…then seven, then eight…
Rong Lin awoke dripping with sweat.
He walked towards the window in front of him, and seeing the phoenix carving on the shelf, lifted his head to look at the moonlight outside.
Recalling the scenario in the dream, Rong Lin inhaled deeply.
The next day A Lian woke up very early.
Opening the window wide, an emerald green plumed bird flew in. The bird chirped continuously, then finally placed a paper in its claw in her hand. Then with a flap of its wings, it flew away.
A Lian’s brows pinched, and she slowly unfolded the paper in her hand, murmuring as she read aloud, "At 1:00 pm, come to the Blue Wave pond…"
"What are you looking at?" Tian Luo moved closer to take a look and then said, "Why didn’t you write anything on it?"
A Lian paused. This response had come just now. Generally speaking, it was written to her by High God. High God wanted her only to see, and that was the reason why Tian Luo could not see the handwriting on top.
At exactly 1:00 pm, A Lian finally arrived at the Blue Wave pond, and in the distance saw the back of High God Rong Lin’s tall, lofty figure.
She hurriedly walked forward.
Then glancing at him, she saw that today High God was dressed even more formal than yesterday. The garments made his appearance increasingly more and more eminent and bright. He looked matchless and incomparable.
For a moment A Lian was somewhat dazzled, then she greeted him, "High God."
High God lightly answered with an 'en 'before indifferently asking, "Brought the household register book?"
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Chapter 20: Conjugal Union"…Brought it."
A Lian pointed her finger to the jade gourd fastened to her hips, then said, "It’s already packed inside. What matter did High God call me for? Is it possible to speak quickly? Immortal Lord Yuan Jing made an appointment to go to the Bureau of Fate to receive the marriage contract. After seeing High God, I must rush over."
Rong Lin reached out and pulled the jade calabash from her waist, then took out the household register inside. Stuffing the jade calabash back into her embrace, with an annoyed expression said, "There is me; you still want to do something with Yuan Jing? He's only a carp. If not for being born in the Heavenly Lake, perhaps now he would already have been made into someone’s fish soup. What good prospects do you have in following him; not having to worry about clothes and food and life? Or endless pieces of gold and silver jewelry? In that case, his monthly salary is still not enough to buy you a complete skirt made from raw shark silk."
Even though High God’s words were sensible, nevertheless A Lian quietly retorted, "Immortal Lord Yuan Jing is very good to other people."
Rong Lin became even angrier, and resentfully said, "Is being a good person the same as eating food? You are still young. Your brain is completely full of passion, love and affection; when the moment comes to really live one’s life, there is no time for regret."
A Lian suddenly responded, and looked up at him. "Then High God’s wish is…"
Rong Lin's eyes flickered open, and he gazed at the calm surface of the pond.
"I will not be getting married in approximately the near future. You and I were brought together by fate. In that case, I will help you again once more."
Even though A Lian was astonished, she was able to recall Immortal Lord Yuan Jing from the day before and did not feel good. "But I promised Immortal Lord Yuan Jing," she said.
Knowing that her heart was not happy at the moment, and that he had already spoke to this extent, she still played back and forth with him.
Rong Lin thought, then angrily looking at her, said, "My official salary is high, I am good looking, and have a house and a mount. Half of the Ninth Heavenly Pavilion’s real estate is mine; how can that Yuan Jing compare to me even a little bit?"
He continued, "…You say it yourself; between Yuan Jing and I, will you choose me or choose him?!"
Walking high above the clouds, A Lian turned to look at the man beside her and said, "High God, how about I first go to Immortal Lord Yuan Jing and explain? We are going to the Bureau of Fate now, and Immortal Lord Yuan Jing is still in my Ninth Heavenly Pavilion class."
Rong Lin had unexpectedly mentioned Yuan Jing, and now contrary to expectations, his mood was pretty good. He patiently said, "This time you can be at ease. I already sent someone to the school to notify him."
A Lian said praisingly, "High God really is attentive."
The corner of Rong Lin’s mouth tilted upwards, but he didn’t speak.
Afterwards they quickly arrived at the Bureau of Fate.
The Bureau of Fate was in charge of heaven’s marriages. However, upon their entrance, it was desolate. A Lian followed closely behind Rong Lin, then said, "Why are there so few people here? Even the Secluded Department is a bit lively."
Contrary to expectations, Rong Lin was actually slightly aware of this. The majority of heaven’s male and female relationships were short lasting love affairs, in which they had sex once and then parted ways, without interference. Immortals liked to be unfettered; why would they be willing to fetter themselves with a marriage contract, and shoulder the responsibility of a married couple? In Rong Lin’s thirty thousand years of life in heaven, he nevertheless disapproved slightly of this viewpoint. It was probably because he was very talented, that he did not need to use pair studies to boost the capacity of his cultivation, and he was also upright and kind hearted, not liking to take small advantages of people.
Immortal Lord Si Yuan had just began to doze off, but seeing that High God Rong Lin had honored them with his presence, he rubbed his eyes, somewhat rather unconvinced. Still thinking it was a dream, but looking carefully, he saw that it really was undoubtedly High God’s appearance. Immediately getting up, he bent and cupped his hands in greeting, then saluting him, said, "High God Rong Lin, we are honored by your presence. Excuse this small immortal for not going outside to greet you; may High God forgive me."
He then asked, "As I am unaware as to why High God suddenly descended to the Bureau of Fate, how can I help?"
Rong Lin’s character had always been good, and so he would not put on airs. He then waved his hand, saying, "Immortal Lord does not have to be over-courteous. I came to this place today, not for the purpose of public affairs…"
He then held out the two household register books in the palm of hand, and then took out ninety-two silver and pressed it on top of the household register books.
"Thank you for your trouble, Immortal Lord, in assessing this written marriage contract," he continued.
Immortal Lord Si Yuan had a naturally affable appearance, with grey hair and a long beard. His position in heaven was not high, but his experience was considerably deep. In regards to age, he was actually still High God Rong Lin’s senior by a little.
All throughout his life he had seen countless gales billow; common matters simply could not incite even small ripples in his mind.
But now—
Immortal Lord Si Yuan’s eyes widened, and astonished, he said, "High God… wants to get married?"
Rong Lin coughed lightly, then curving his lips and smiling, said, "Yes. I’m not very young, it’s time to settle down."
Immortal Lord Si Yuan was actually glad to see it happen. From the time he’d originally met High God he had absolutely admired him and his unusual esteem for others' interests. He glanced at the small young woman beside High God. It looked really symbolic; then turning towards A Lian he said, "It looks as if High God avoids immorality. A man who lives his life low-key is already very rare. Young Miss indeed has very good fortune."
A Lian bashfully said, "Thank you."
Rong Lin raised his hand and rubbed her head, then said to Immortal Lord Si Yuan, "She has little courage, and is afraid of strangers."
Immortal Lord Si Yuan nodded, showing that he understood. Looking the small young woman up and down, and seeing her original form for a moment, he was actually slightly sluggish, however he soon reacted, and smiling, said, "The height difference is quite adorable."
Since it was a personal matter, after Immortal Lord Si Yuan politely greeted High God, he then proceeded with official business. He picked up the two people’s household register books, then seeing the small young woman’s birthday, mentally said, 'This age difference is even more adorable…'
However, Immortal Lord Si Yuan was used to seeing all kinds of newlywed husband and wife age differences; it was very common in heaven, and also was nothing serious.
A Lian wrote in the information. Her characters were graceful and proper, and her face was just as good looking. Suddenly thinking of something, she turned to look at High God, who was holding the pen beside her, and seeing him somewhat lost in thought, then called, "High God?"
"…En?" Rong Lin answered, inclining his head to meet the small fish demon’s eyes. His heart suddenly sped up a bit, and he said, "Then write this dedicatedly, and really earnestly finish filling out the form."
The two people finished filling in the information, and had their thumbs stained with red paste. Then they pressed their fingerprints on top of the marriage contract.
Afterwards Immortal Lord Si Yuan led the two people to the Marriage Pavilion.
Inside the Marriage Pavilion was a large spherical mirror. Precisely, it was heaven’s Marriage Mirror.
Rong Lin led A Lian to stand in front of the Marriage Mirror. Inside was the quiet clear reflection of two people’s figures, and even their hair was completely clear.
Immortal Lord Si Yuan said, "Getting married is a happy matter; two newlyweds smile, and this Marriage Mirror will record everything.
Having heard what was said, Rong Lin quirked his lips.
The gold light of the Marriage Mirror flashed, then the two people’s appearances were recorded.
Rong Lin indicated to the still scene displayed in the Marriage Mirror. The small fish demon’s smile was also sweet, and he was even more extraordinarily handsome. Standing together was indeed heartwarming and pleasing to the eye, and contrary to expectations, he was somewhat satisfied.
Coming out from the Marriage Pavilion, Rong Lin and A Lian closely followed behind Immortal Lord Si Yuan to the rear courtyard of the Bureau of Fate.
Inside the courtyard there was a tree with many luxuriant leaves The large tree covered the sky and the moon, and hanging on top were countless red fruits, suffused with golden light. However, the dimension of each of the tree's fruits was completely wrapped around by red silk thread.
Surrounding the large tree were tall, newly sprouted saplings. Some were already seven to eight feet high, while some were still just germinating; large and small, unevenly matched.
Explaining, Immortal Lord Si Yuan said, "This is the Conjugal Union Tree."
The Conjugal Union Tree was also known as the Yearning Tree, or the Married Couple Tree. The top of the tree was full of Conjugal Union fruits. After coming to the Bureau of Fate to receive a newlyweds' marriage contract and completing looking at the reflection in the Marriage Mirror, the married couples came to this place next to receive a Conjugal Union fruit. They wrote their names on the top of it and planted it here, to take root and germinate. If the feelings between the two people were deeply sincere, the Conjugal Union Tree below would grow healthy and strong, opening branches and scattering leaves; naturally, when the fate ends, the Conjugal Union Tree would also wither.
Immortal Lord Si Yuan saw the two people choosing a good Conjugal Union fruit; then not disturbing them, let them plant it together.
Rong Lin easily copied his name, then handed over the Conjugal Union fruit to A Lian.
A Lian held it and wrote her name on top, then seeing the their names side by side, crooked her head, then turned towards High God, who digging a hole with a hoe, and said, "High God, if someday we want to part, what would be done about this Conjugal Union Tree?"
His snow-white gown splashed from head to toe with mud, Rong Lin frowned and said, "When that time comes we would receive a divorce book, then take a hoe and remove the tree by its roots."
"But this pitiful good Conjugal Union Tree will die…" A Lian said.
Rong Lin lightly humphed, and no longer spoke to her, but continued to dig the earth. This small fish demon had unexpectedly hinted that she wanted to part with him, how couldn’t he see it? It was actually satisfying to think about.
Finished planting the Conjugal Union Tree, Rong Lin was resting to the side. A Lian cautiously and solemnly watered it.
Then afterwards they received the marriage contract from Immortal Lord Si Yuan.
Rong Lin glanced at the marriage contract, and cautiously receiving it, tucked it into his wide sleeve, then turned towards A Lian and said, "This marriage contract will be with me for safekeeping. Do you have any complaints?"
If parting in the future, they would have a need for this marriage certificate. If he gave it to the small fish demon and then she didn’t want to be with him, it would not be good for her to have the marriage contract.
A Lian nodded, then calmly said, "En, putting it at High God’s side is good."
After coming out of the Bureau of Fate, Rong Lin saw clouds and mist winding around the surroundings. He then reached out and pinched the marriage contract in his sleeve, still feeling somewhat mystified.
He glanced at the small fish demon. It was hard to believe that he had just received a marriage contract with her like that.
Rong Lin drew in a deep breath, then took A Lian to the Secluded Department to change household registers.
However, afterwards he did not immediately carry her back.
Puzzled A Lian asked, "High God, where are we going now… ah?"
Rong Lin did not even think about it. "Going to look for Yuan Jiang."
"What is High God looking for Immortal Lord Yuan Jiang to do?"
Rong Lin thought, a smile aroused on his lips and then he said, "Naturally, proper behavior is based on reciprocity – to invite him to eat the wedding sweets."
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