The time passed by peacefully. Su Su couldn't remember ever been as happy as she was with Ye Hua. Su Su was still embarrassed about how she kept sleepwalking into the bed with Ye Hua, but he didn't seem to mind or at least he hadn't complained. Unfortunately, she was having a hard time ensuring food for both of them. A grown man ate a lot more than small animals.
Su Su noticed Ye Hua eating the last of the rice. It was becoming increasingly difficult with the oncoming winter. "Ye Hua." Su Su called out to the man sitting at the small table outside her room. "Go ahead." He set down the bowl of porridge. "I have something to say. You see, I have no problem living on the mountain and taking care of some of the small animals. But taking care of a man like you…is difficult. We are going through food faster than normal. The rice we just bought a few days ago is now all gone." Su Su said softly.
"Not having any provisions is an issue. It is late autumn. Getting through the winter will be a problem." Ye Hua agreed. He had been noticing that Su Su seemed to be working a little harder than usual. He didn't realize that he was putting such a strain on her and she had yet to complain. "It's not the issue of passing the winter." Su Su paused. "Then what is it?" Ye Hua asked. Su Su wondered how to go about this. Ye Hua's wounds looked pretty healed. "I don't mind working harder to gather food, but your injuries look fairly healed. I didn't know if you were going to leave?"
Ye Hua felt his heart sink at those words. He had thought Su Su enjoyed his company. "You want me to leave?" he asked hesitantly. Su Su's head snapped up to look at him as she realized that she probably said that poorly. "No! I don't mean it that way." She reassured him. "It's just that I can't really afford to take care of you." Ye Hua felt a little comforted by the fact that Su Su was not trying to kick him out. "You saved me. Naturally, I should stay to repay you."
This was not exactly the conversation Su Su had planned. She didn't want him to stay because he felt indebted to her. "You don't need to repay me. Saving someone is what people should do." Ye Hua stood up and moved closer to Su Su who was still sitting. "Whether you thought it and whether I'm doing it are two different matters. I am not an ungrateful person. I must pay this debt of gratitude." Su Su felt like crying in frustration. "I didn't help you to make you indebted to be. I don't need anything..." Ye Hua knelt down next to Su Su. "You can take some time to think about it."
Su Su thought about it before softly mumbling "Can you stay by my side?" A small blush crept up on her checks. She noticed the silence and quickly stood up. "Please don't feel obligated. I saved you because it was right."
Ye Hua smiled at her uneasiness. "All right." He said standing up and walking over to Su Su whose gaze snapped to his the moment he spoke. "All right?" She asked hesitantly. "I agree." Ye Hua kept stepping forward until Su Su hit the wall. "To devote myself to Su Su." Ye Hua kept staring at Su Su's face lovingly. She stared at him for a bit in astonishment, but quickly looked away in embarrassment. She was not used to this much attention.
"I thought you might need a few days to think it over." Su Su said, still slightly shocked at the fast agreement. "That would also give me time to find out what I need to prepare."
"Prepare?" Ye Hua asked the nervous female in front of him.
Su Su blushed even more. "Since you agreed to stay by my side, we should be proper and bow down to heaven and earth, making an oath to become husband and wife and never to abandon each other."
Ye Hua smile as he watched Su Su's blush grow and moved his face closer to hers. There was something he needed to hear from her before anything could take place. "You want to marry me?"
Su Su shifted slightly not making eye contact with the man mere inches from her face. Twirling her hair in her hands she finally spoke up. "I want to marry you."
Ye Hua smiled, finally hearing the words he had wanted to hear. "I have never bowed down to heaven and earth with anyone else."
Su Su turned her body slightly a little embarrassed about the lack of space between them. "I haven't either."
Ye Hua grabbed Su Su's arms and turned her back towards him. "Then let's keep everything simple. Formalities are not important." Su Su's heart was racing. This was happening so fast. "Keep everything simple? Then what do we need to do?" Ye Hua moved closer as if to kiss her causing Su Su to shut her eyes in nervousness. "Buy things." He whispered. "Buy things?" Su Su cracked her eyes open and looked at him a little puzzled. Ye Hua moved back a bit, giving Su Su more space. "Aside from your crimson wedding quilt we need to add some other items to this house."
They had managed all of the items they needed for the wedding at the town marketplace. Su Su couldn't help the small smile and blush that adorned her face when Ye Hua interlocked their hands. They decided to stop by the tea house to watch a drama. During the entire trip, Ye Hua paid close attention to his bride-to-be. He noticed that she enjoyed simple things and she had a habit of twirling objects in her hand with her finders or tapping her fingers on her lip like it was a flute.
They didn't stay too long in the village because they wanted to have the ceremony before the sunset. It was nearly evening by the time they returned to the small hut and close to dinnertime when the small table was set up. Ye Hua nodded and took Su Su's hand leading her back up to the house. He had already changed into his wedding clothes while Su Su finished setting up the table and now just needed Su Su to change into hers.
It wasn't long before she told him he could come in. Su Su had a bright smile on her face when he stepped into the room. "This dress is so pretty." Ye Hua grabbed Su Su's hands. "If you like it, nobody would stop you if you wear it all year-round." Su Su just shook her head. Her simple colored clothes suited her best and were more functional.
Su Su sat on the bed and picked up the veil. She had some things on her mind and wanted to talk to Ye Hua about it but was a little embarrassed. Stopped playing with the veil only to start playing with her hair. It was a habit she had when she was bored or nervous. "Ye Hua. Will you regret marrying me? Are we moving too fast?"
A light laugh reached her, but she continued. "I am serious. I don't know anything about your family and we have no idea if I have any. Wouldn't they be unhappy if we got married without them knowing?" He didn't answer her right away and she could tell that he really didn't want to talk about his family. Which made her wonder…. "Are you ashamed of me?"
Ye Hua smiled softly at the frazzled young woman and knelt down in front of her. "Su Su. My family's situation is complicated. It is hard to explain." He placed a hand over hers. "But, you just have to remember from this day forth, you are my wife. Since I have married you, I will not betray you." His words comforted her and she gently brought her hand to his cheek and smiled. "Promise?"
His hand covered hers on his cheek. "You have my word."
The ceremony was sweet. She had no idea what to do, but luckily Ye Hua was there alongside her. For the first time in a while, she didn't feel alone. It was like something she had been missing was finally back where it belonged.
Despite having heard the assurances earlier. Su Su still felt like she had more to say. Before Ye Hua could lift her veil for the second time that night, she spoke up. "Ye Hua." she paused waiting for him to respond. Ye Hua turned slightly on the bed to look at the veiled woman sitting next to him. "Go ahead." Su Su took a deep breath. "We have made an oath to be husband and wife for all eternity. I am a person to take promises and oaths very seriously, so you can't do me wrong or else…" She trailed off. "What will you do?" He asked with a slight smile, not that she could see it. "I will consider the oath broken and leave. I won't deal with you again." Ye Hua smiled and let out a light laugh. He knew just how honorable she was and he had no plans on betraying her. "If I do betray you, won't you leaving be giving me what I want?" He asked playfully. "I am serious." Su Su pouted.
She felt him slowly lift the veil, setting it on top of her head before running his fingers down her cheeks. "Su Su. Close your eyes." he softly ordered. She did so the moment he started moving closer and then she felt his lips on hers. He pulled back to look at her again. "I will never betray you. I promise." He then kissed her, but this time with more passion. A familiar warmth spread throughout her body as he pulled her against his body. She wondered where she had felt it before. She couldn't dwell on it as her thoughts scattered becoming more disoriented with every kiss and gentle touch.
—
Su Su quietly started the fire in the kitchen. She wanted to do something nice for her husband and decided to surprise him with a morning meal. She thought she could handle something simple but soon the fire in the kitchen started to spread.
The smell of smoke woke Ye Hua from his slumber. It clouded the room, making it difficult to see. He looked down next to him to see his wife missing. "Su Su!" He quickly tossed on his boots and went to look for his wayward wife. He saw her waving her hand in the kitchen and quickly pulled her out of the house.
The couple ran away from the burning house. Su Su was covered in soot looking her over before turning to watch the burning house. "Su Su, what happened?" Ye Hua asked in an astonishing tone as he looked at the destructive damage she caused. "I wanted to cook chicken for you." She told him heavy heartedly. Ye hua looked over at the depressed young woman. "Didn't we agree I would do it?" Su Su looked up at him with a sad expression. "You have been cooking for me all this time, so I wanted to do it for you." A thought suddenly struck her mind. "My flute! Our wedding clothes!" They were the only treasures that she had and the flute was the only clue she had to her past. She tried to run in there but was stopped by Ye Hua. "The fire is too big. Our wedding outfits are long gone." He told her. She looked at him and then back at the house. He was probably right about the outfits but…. "But… their our treasures." Ye Hua grabbed her arms, encouraging her to look at him. "Our memories are the treasures." Ye Hua moved and pulled out the jade flute from his robes. "Besides, I did manage to save something."
"Ye Hua. You know just what to say to make me feel better." Su Su grabbed the flute and traced over its designs before looking up at him with a loving smile. "Our house has burned down. Where will we stay tonight?" She asked after a moment of silence. Their house was ablaze with no sign of the fire stopping. Ye Hua looked down at his depressed wife. It was obvious that she felt attached to the humble dwelling. "Where do you want to live?" he softly asked. "Here. It's the only place I have ever known, or at least that I can remember." Su Su said solemnly.
Ye Hua stood behind Su Su and covered her eyes. "Don't move." whispered before proceeding to use his powers to put out the fire and restore the house.
Su Su thought that he was worried she wouldn't be able to see their house burn down. "I'm not upset." She tried to reassure him. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm alright, really." She finally felt him drop his arm and she blinked in disbelief at the sight of their home. It looked like nothing ever happened.
"Where's the fire?" Su Su asked, touching one of the posts. She turned to look at Ye Hua who had stepped forward to stand behind her. "Who are you?" She asked softly. "What are you?"
Ye Hua glanced over at his wife watching her reaction carefully. "I thought you felt different." Su Su's forehead furrowed in thought. "You healed so quickly too."
"Ye Hua, you aren't that…Golden Lion, are you?" Ye Hua laughed at the way her mind worked. "Su Su, why do you think I am a monster?"
"Not a monster, but you were injured around the same time." She told him. Ye Hua stepped forward and Su Su took a step back nearly tripping over the knee high foundation of the house. Ye Hua put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you afraid of me?" Su Su looked at him, the man who made her feel so comfortable and cared for. She shook her head. "No. How can I fear my husband?" She paused as another thought crossed her mind. "Ye Hua, if you really are the Golden Lion then you must have had a terrible fight with that black dragon. He knows this place well. If he were to return and see you here, he might try to kill you."
Su Su grabbed Ye Hua's hand and pulled him away from the house. "We should leave. Go someplace he can't find you." Ye Hua couldn't help but smile at his wife. "Su Su. If I really am a monster, are you still willing to follow me?" Su Su stopped pulling on him. "Of course." She grabbed Ye Hua's hand with both of hers. "Ye Hua. I made a promise to always be by yourside and remain faithful. It doesn't matter if you are a man or a monster."
Ye Hua looked at the unique woman who was his wife. "Are you not afraid of death?" Ye Hua asked her. Su Su thought for a second on how to explain it to him. "Promises mean a lot to me. It is a commitment and people who can't keep commitments are not trustworthy. I care for and am loyal to those close to me. You are my husband. I made a promise to you. No matter what you did in the past, I will follow you. Even if it means following you in death."
Ye Hua stepped up to his wife, cradling her face in his hands. "Say it again." He did not think he could love this woman any more, but she continued to surprise him. Despite her childish tendencies and soft demeanor, she had an inner strength and conviction that never ceased to amaze him. He wondered where she hid all that strength in her small body. Su Su smiled at him, placing a hand on his cheek. "I go where you go. As long as our oath stands, I will never leave you." He pulled her into a hug.
"Shouldn't we be leaving?" Su Su asked him softly. Ye Hua let out a chuckle. "No need. I am not a monster." Su Su gave him a questioning look. "Then…what are you?" Ye Hua looked down at his wife, thinking about what he wanted to tell her. "I am just a mortal." He continued when he noticed her raised eyebrow. "I am just a mortal who wants to achieve immortality through cultivation and have learned some minor magic."
Su Su finally nodded her head. It made sense and why should she doubt him. She looked down wondering if it was ok that he married. Most of the priests she met that were seeking immortality showed no interest in doing anything other than cultivating. "What is it? Are you disappointed?" He asked with a slight humorous tone to his voice. She just shook her head playfully. "No. Just wondering how someone who practices Daoism could take a wife." He laughed and gave her a big hug.
—
Su Su sat on a chair by the window and played her jade flute. Ye Hua was gone again. The first time he disappeared he was gone for six months and now he is gone again. He would be gone for a year to two years this time. He wouldn't even tell her where he was going, which was another issue plaguing her mind. Ye Hua kept a lot of secrets.
The secretiveness made her feel like she was less like a wife and more like a mistress. On the positive note, Ye Hua had left a magic copper mirror, that allowed them to communicate. It could still be days between their talks but it was better than silence.
When Ye Hua disappeared the first time, Su Su started composing a song. Its melody was soft, loving yet sad. She had finished it not too long after Ye Hua left the second time and had started playing it whenever she missed him. She had now been playing it so much that the notes were ingrained in her mind and fingers. The house just wasn't the same without Ye Hua.
One of the kind ladies in town, the one she bought her wedding dress from, told her that perhaps she should have a child. That way when her Ye Hua was gone, there would be someone else at the house.
Su Su stopped playing and let out a sigh. She had never thought of having children before, but the idea wouldn't leave her head. It would be nice to have someone here to fill the hut with laughter, someone she could take care of.
It was nightfall when Ye Hua finally answered Su Su's call. "I was worried the mirror had stopped working." She spoke into the glowing mirror, holding it up even though she knew that he couldn't see her. "It wasn't a convenient time to talk just now." His voice came through the mirror. Su Su started talking about some meaningless things, but her mind was still on the idea of a child. Ye Hua, however, knew her well enough to know that there was something she wanted to talk about. "Su Su…Just be honest." He told her. Su Su didn't speak for a bit. She lowered the copper mirror as she thought about what she wanted to say. "Are you angry?" he asked softly.
She shook her head but remembered he couldn't see her. "No. I just don't want to argue with you." She was worried that he might not react well to the idea of children. He never brought up children before and she never broached the subject with him either.
"I wish you'd argue with me more." Ye Hua knew that Su Su didn't like to share her worries or burdens. She would continue to suffer until someone realized and did something about it. "You want to argue?" She asked in confusion. "If you argue with me more, then you'd talk to me more." He explained.
Realizing he was not going to let this go, Su Su took a deep breath to build up her courage. "Ye Hua. Do you want children?" She paused briefly, encouraged when he didn't immediately reject the notion. "I was thinking that it might be nice to have a child here while you are away…. Someone to keep me company…..If you don't want them, that's alright, I just thought that it might be nice..." Despite saying that she understood, Su Su knew that if he didn't want kids her heart would ache. "Do you want a boy or girl?" Ye Hua asked. Su Su's heart fluttered in joy and dismay at those words. "You mean…" She gulped staring at the mirror, hoping with all her heart he meant what she thought he meant. "Tell me when I come back."
Su Su went to sleep with a bright smile on her face and dreams of a child's laughter.
It was not long after that that Su Su returned to smoke coming from the house. Hope filled her heart making it race in anticipation as she dropped the fire timber she had been carrying and ran to the kitchen. There inside was Ye Hua preparing a meal. "You're back. Hurry and add some firewood." Ye Hua said acting like he had not been gone at all. Her mind was blank. The only thought going through her mind was that he was back. In a dazed, she took some wood and placed it in the fire, grabbing a fan to stoke the flame.
The tears she had been keeping in slowly started to fall from her eyes. She had managed not to make any noise, that was until her shaky hand dropped the fan. She picked it back up and began fan it again. Ye Hua finally noticed her tears and walked over to her. He crouched down and took hold of the hand holding the fan. "What's wrong? Did you burn yourself? Come." He stood them up before turning his attention to her hands, inspecting the skin for burns. "I know you said you would be gone for one to two years." Su Su paused. "In the one year and nine months you were gone, did you miss me?" He didn't act like he missed her at all. He just acted like normal. "I did. That's why I'm making plans for us to stay together for a long, long time."
All of Su Su's insecurities came back to her. "Is it because of your family? Do you already have a wife?" She didn't have the courage to look into his face in fear of what you would see. Ye Hua shook his head and moved his hands to cradle her face. How did he not notice these fears bothering his adorable wife? "Before marrying you, I've never been married before. Don't cry." He gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. "I don't know what I would do if I was unable to be by your side." Ye Hua gave her a hug and gently rubbed her back. "Don't worry. Everything's okay now."
Su Su pulled back and smiled at him. "I wrote you a song. Would you like to hear it?" Ye Hua nodded and returned to cooking.
Soft notes soon filled the room as Su Su started to play from her room nearby. Ye Hua closed his eyes briefly and let the beautiful melody wash over him. It had a soothing tone that seemed to speak of love and longing. He could feel all of Su Su's emotions in it's tones. He only wished he could promise never to leave her side again.
By the time the song ended, the food was ready. Ye Hua gathered food for Su Su and himself and brought it to their room. It took a few trips but soon all the food was on the small table. "Eat it while it's hot." It was quiet for several minutes, neither knowing quite what to say. "I have to go far away again." Ye Hua broke the silence first.
Su Su felt her heart drop and anxiety make its way in. "Really?" she managed to say without shaking. "I have to leave tomorrow morning." It took all her strength not to drop her bowl and chopsticks. "So soon? How long will you be gone? Do you even know?" Her fear gave away to frustration. "Su Su." Ye Hua scolded. "Take me with you." She demanded softly. "No." His answer only furthered her frustration. "Why not?" she asked setting down her bowl standing up, looking away from him. "It's dangerous. I can't take you with me." Ye Hua explained. He was trying to prevent his grandfather, the Heavenly Lord, from learning of her existence. He didn't even want to think about what would happen if he did.
"I told you that my place is by your side." Su Su lowered her voice. "When you are not there, it is unbearable. I don't know if I can handle the loneliness" She turned to face him. "Am I not your wife? Did we not promise to be together?" It was Ye Hua's turn to stand up. He grabbed her hands and looked into her eyes, hoping she would understand. "Su Su, you don't understand. I don't want you to be in any danger." Su Su shook her head. "You don't understand. I would rather be by your side, happy and in danger than being safe here while feeling dead inside."
Ye Hua remembered the sorrow he felt when she played the song. She had been suffering. If he took her with him he could at least protect her, but how could he protect her heart when he was away? He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. "Pack up tonight. We'll head out tomorrow morning." Su Su pulled away with a tearful smile. "Really?" Ye Hua smiled at her. "What? You want to back out now?" She just shook her head. "I should start packing." She turned to leave the room but Ye Hua grabbed her hand stopping her. "After we eat."
It was sad to leave her home, but she knew she would be even sadder if she couldn't be with Ye Hua. Ye Hua had insisted that Su Su dress up in male attire for her protection. It was weird and Su Su wondered if anyone would be fooled. She had rather feminine features. Before they left, Ye Hua handed Su Su her flute. "In case you get bored. Perhaps you can write a new song, one that is full of happiness."
Su Su twirled her flute in her fingers and flashed him a smile. "It might take me awhile, but I will write one for you."
It was a long journey to wherever they were going. Sometimes they would walk hand-in-hand, other times Ye Hua would carry Su Su like a princess, and other times he watched as she ran ahead twirling and dancing in the trees. Occasionally he would chase after her, turning it into a game of chase. However, the fun travels were cut short when some monsters came upon them threatening to take Su Su back to their leader. Ye Hua pushed her behind him and told her to hide.
Su Su watched as human-shaped fish attacked Ye Hua. He was greatly outnumbered, but managed to kill a few. A group of soldiers suddenly came up behind her, rushing past her to join Ye Hua in fighting the fish men.
After the battle, Ye Hua turned to his rescuer, the Second Prince of the West Sea, Die Feng. Die Feng looked in slight shock. The man in front of him looked so much like Master Mo Yuan. He was taken back a second time when a female looking eerily similar to Si Lan ran up to him. He almost would have mistaken her for his sister if it wasn't for her mortal aura.
Su Su carefully looked over Ye Hua's body before turning to look at the commander of the soldiers who had approached them. She didn't learn much about what was happening because Ye Hua had asked the commander to speak with him elsewhere. She let out a sigh. There he was going all secretive again. After a long conversation, Ye Hua came to her side and told her that the leader of the soldiers was taking them somewhere.
"This is the Crystal Palace of the Chang Sea." Die Feng told the two following behind him. "After entering here, you will have left the mortal world and entered into the immortal world." Su Su stopped Ye Hua from following. "What did he say to you?" She asked. "Did he ask you to fight for him?" She had noticed the leader of the soldiers was nicely dressed and appeared to be someone important. Ye Hua just laughed. "Am I wrong?" She asked, eyeing him. "I'm a mortal. How could an immortal regard me so highly?" Su Su suddenly turned to look at the immortal man. "Immortal?"
Die Feng turned and walked back to the couple. "Sir, do you know that one day in the immortal world is one year in the mortal world? Once you enter into the sea, every day that goes by is one who year, with all the seasons."
Su Su looked towards Ye Hue, "You mean that's true?" She remembers hearing that but didn't know if she believed it. She wondered how long they would be in there and how long would her sister be alone. "That means that a few months for you is a lifetime for us."
Die Feng away from them with a depressed appearance. "So what if we live for a long time? I've been spending the past 70,000 years looking for two people but haven't made any progress at all. Isn't that like living in vain?"
"Are you looking for relatives?" Su Su asked. "Not relatives, but like relatives." Die Feng told them thinking about Si Yin and Si Lan, his missing brother and sister from Kunlun. Once this war with the mermaids was over, he would return looking for them.
—-
The Crystal Palace was beautiful and full of beautiful people. Su Su couldn't help but think of the people she saw when exploring. Ye Hua had gone to talk to the Second Prince Die Feng and told her she could explore so long as she took the copper mirror. She had even managed to learn more about the heavenly realm when she accidentally overheard a conversation between a princess and her attendant.
Ye Hua managed to find her before she was caught eavesdropping. They sat down near the water. "The immortal realm is very unique." Su Su told him looking up at the sky. "A princess who doesn't want to marry because she is infatuated with a man she never met." It didn't make sense, but then again marrying someone you don't love does make sense to her either.
"Ye Hua, is the Celestial Crown Prince really that famous?" She asked remembering how the princess went on and on about the crown prince. "There's only one celestial crown prince in the world. How could he not be famous?" Su Su nodded her head in understanding. "He must be really charming to have a princess pine over him even though they had never met." Ye Hua was barely able to hide his smile. "What? Are you also interested in him?" He asked. Part of him was really curious.
Su Su just looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Why would I be interested in him?" Ye Hua looked away when he spoke. "It's just that when compared to the crown prince, I have nothing." Su Su smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "I married you for you. Didn't I already tell you that." Her answer made his heart soar and he couldn't keep the smile off his face. "This place is beautiful but there are no flowers. I want to see peach blossoms." Su Su looked around only seeing ocean, sand and coral. There was something about peach blossoms and their smell that made her feel at home. Which was odd considering they didn't have peach trees back at the house. She wondered if it had to do with her forgotten past.
Ye Hua glanced over at his wife. "I know of a place. There the peach blossoms bloom all year long." That caught Su Su's attention. "Where? That sounds like heaven." Ye Hua smiled at her "Close your eyes. I'll take you there." Without any hesitation, Su Jiao shut her eyes.
"You can open your eyes now." Ye Hua told her. She gasped at the beauty. Surrounding her from all sides were the most beautiful peach trees she had ever seen. She ran forward and twirled beneath the branches. "Is this a dream?" She could not believe a place like this actually existed. "No." Yu Ha watched as his wife moved to smell the blossoms. "Where are we then?" She asked looking over to him with the most joyous expression on her face. "Qing Qiu's Ten-Mile Peach Tree Forest."
Su Su's eyes got big. "Ten miles?" She looked around and didn't see an end to the trees. "That's right. There was someone who spent a long time planting these woods. He didn't have much else to do anyway. All day long, he just takes care of the peach blossoms and ferments peach blossom wine." Ye Hua told her watching as she twirled in the falling blossom petals. "Sounds like a nice way to live."
Her comment made Ye Hua wonder if she would rather live a more carefree lifestyle that the laborious one she currently has. "Are you jealous?" Su Su looked over to him, a little confused by his question. "Jealous? Why would I be jealous? Don't we like a similar lifestyle back home. We take care of animals, hunt and cook. There isn't much else we have to do." Ye Hua smiled and made his way over to his wife. "That's right. We don't have to be jealous of others."
They stayed in the forest a while longer. Su Su asked Ye Hua about the person who tended to the forest and he explained that he had only met him a few times but admired the man. However, he said that he wasn't in the forest at the moment and that he didn't want to see him for reasons he didn't share. Ye Hua did manage to find some wine. They both were a little shocked at how well she could handle alcohol. She had hoped to return to the forest one day, but Ye Hua said that was unlikely, but he promised to plant peach trees for her one day. Her last sight before she dozed off was the canopy of peach blossoms.
—
Su Su sighed feeling a little depressed. The princess seemed to have developed an infatuation with her Ye Hua. Because she had to dress and act like a man, she couldn't do much about it. She also realized that immortals look down on mortals. For the first time she felt like she was holding Ye Hua back from being something special.
The camp they were at was filled with wounded soldiers and for some reason the smell and sight was making her nauseous. When Ye Hua noticed her condition he had her brought to see the physician.
"How is he?" Ye Hua asked. It was not like Su Su to get sick at the sight of blood. If he expected any reaction it would have been tears. The physician seemed hesitant to answer. "Be forthright." The physician quickly stood up and bowed. "Report, Master. This young man has the pulse of one who is pregnant." Ye Hua's eyes widened slightly as he looked down at his wife. She too looked just as stunned. "What?" she asked. But before the physician could repeat himself, Ye Hua asked that they all leave the makeshift shelter.
When they left he sat down next to her on the mat. "Ye Hua…Could I really be?" Su Su was almost afraid to say it in fear that it would jinx it. Ye Hua just pulled her into a hug. Part of him was overjoyed at the thought and another part of him was worried, he was about to go into battle. He pulled back to look at her. "Su Su. You cannot stay here now. I must send you back immediately." She wanted to protest, but knew that she shouldn't stay in her condition. "Why must you send me back? Can't you come with me? Why do you need to fight in an immortal war?" Ye Hua sighed. "One last time." She looked at him and debated about arguing but decided against it. "Promise?" Ye Hua nodded. "I promise."
Su Su sighed. She was trying not to let Yu Hua see how upset she was. "Ok, I believe you." She moved to stand up but was stopped. "Where are you going?" Ye Hua asked with a slight panicked look. "I am just going to walk." She told him honestly. Realizing he was being a little silly, Ye Hua helped his wife up. "Are you upset? Do you not want a child?" She asked, looking down and holding a hand to her stomach. "Upset?" He questioned. "You haven't smiled at all since hearing the news and we only talked about having a child once." Su Su said looking up at him. "I'm so happy that I don't know how to smile." He told her while finally smiling. She responded with a smile herself and gave a slight bow. "Congratulations, you are going to be a father." He repeated her bow. "Congratulations, you are going to be a mother." Ye Hua laughed lightly and his eyes started watering up. He then proceeded to pull Su Su into a hug.
That night Ye Hua cooked for her and they talked about his childhood. He had been taken away from his mother the moment he was born and only got to see her when he became a young boy. He talked about all the studying he did. Su Su wished she could share some of her childhood stories with him. She didn't know what she was like as a baby, if she had any formal schooling or if her parents even loved her. After so long not remember, she had given up hope that she would ever regain her memories.
Morning came quickly and after helping Ye Hua with his hair, he brought them back to their house on Mount Junji. It was raining when they arrived, but it felt nice to finally be back home. Ye Hua guided Su Su into the room and helped her dry off.
"I have to leave." He told her. "How long will you be gone?" She asked, grabbing the hand that held the cloth. "You can't be gone long." Ye Hua guided her over to the bed and helped her sit down before sitting himself. "A half a month." He told her. "Promise?" Ye Hua wanted to laugh at her need to make promises. "I promise. But Su Su. After I leave, you must not set foot outside of this forest. Now that you are carrying my child, you could be easily found by my family. If you are found, it will not be good." Su Su felt worry flood through her body. "Why wouldn't it be good?" she asked. "I'll tell you everything when I get back." Ye Hua told her, but her thoughts were not so easily reassured. "Why won't your family like me?"
Ye Hua raised his hand to his wife's face and smiled at her. "Wait for me to come back. We'll find a suitable place to plant ten miles of peach trees that will belong only to you." He brought her forehead to his when she finally nodded. "You should change. I will be back as soon as I can." He told her before standing up. He glanced at her one last time before leaving the room.
Su Su slowly got up and changed. She wondered why Ye Hua wouldn't tell her anything. She had a bad feeling too and her feelings were rarely wrong. Her hands brushed the copper mirror once before stepping out of the room. The rain had finally stopped, she noticed. She placed her hand on her stomach. "Don't worry little one. Your father will be back soon."
It was hard not being able to leave the house. She had limited food in her yard, just a few fruits and vegetables she managed to grow with Ye Hua's help. It also got really boring. She tried to compose a new song, however, she couldn't shake this sinking feeling that something bad was about to happen.
Su Su had a rough night that night. She had been playing her flute in the chair when she had finally dozed. A flash of lightning caused her to flinch and the copper mirror to fall off her lap and onto the floor. Su Su picked it up and dusted it off when it lit up "Ye Hua? Ye Hua, wake up! Ye Hua!" A voice floated through the mirror. Su Su's grip on the mirror tightened. "Ye Hua, hold on! Hold on!" the voice once again shouted. "Ye Hua?" Su Su called. As the voice on the other side sounded more frantic, so did Su Su's as she called her husband's name. Su Su couldn't take it any longer and ran out the door. She didn't get very far before she tripped in the mud. Immediately, she noticed the feet of a person standing in front of them.
Su Su's mind could keep up with all that was happening. One minute she was in the forest near their house and the next they were on the ground in front of a man sitting on a throne. The man who had found them standing just off to their right. "Who are you?" The scary throned man asked. Despite being scared, Su Su's only thought was on her husband. "Where is Ye Hua?"
"Why would you know the crown prince?" The scary old king asked. "Speak!"
"I don't know any crown prince." Su Su said, shaking her head and looking at the floor. "I just want to find Ye Hua. Do you know where he is?" Something was telling Su Su to be cautious of this man.
"Impudence." The old king shouted. "Who are you to speak the crown prince's given name?"
The man that had found them moved closer to them and bowed to the man on the throne. "Please calm your anger, Father." All the servants and guards outside bowed a deep bow and all said. "Please calm down, Heavenly Lord."
Su Su suddenly felt sick and moved to stand. She barely made it to her feet when the man, now known as the Heavenly Lord, yelled out in an enraged voice. "I did not tell you to rise. You dare to rise?"
Su Su felt faint and was trying not to fall back down, but she did manage to turn around to face the enraged man. "Do you know what this place is? This is the Celestial Palace."
Now she really was confused. "The Celestial Palace?"
The Heavenly Emperor stood up and made his way towards the mortal women. "Who are you two? How dare you act atrociously in the Celestial Palace? Nobody can save you."
Slowly Su Su realized the danger she was in as the man continued to talk. "Even if it is Ye Hua, he wouldn't have the courage to save you." The Heavenly Lord then proceeded to tell the guards to take her and throw them into the Evil Sealing Pagoda.
She didn't know how but she managed to toss the guards away from her, but in doing so she ran into a beautiful older woman. "Please help me!" Su Su kneeled and pleaded to the woman, hoping that she would take pity on her. "You… You are Ye Hua's woman?"
"Ye Hua is my husband. I am carrying his child." Su Su told her woman with tears in her eyes. "I just want to see Ye Hua. Is he ok?"
The news of a baby made the woman immediately check Su Su's pulse. "Stand up." She told Su Su while helping her up. "Come with me." The woman pulled the terrified Su Su back over to the Heavenly Emperor. "Kneel." The woman commanded.
Su Su kneeled and the woman dropped to her knees as well. But instead of speaking with the emperor, she turned to the prince. "Your Highness. She really is carrying Ye Hua's child in her womb."
The prince looked briefly at the young mortal woman. "Are you certain? Could there be a mistake?" he asked. "Your Highness, you know very well in the Celestial Palace, aside from the Medicine King, I am the only one who can read a pulse most accurately." Both the prince and the woman turned to look at the king.
The woman moved closer to properly kneel before the proud emperor. "Father. She really is carrying Ye Hua's child. It is still not known whether Ye Hua is dead or alive." The Princess started tearing up. "Please save his only child."
Su Su wondered if the woman beside her was her husband's mother. "Le Xu." The Heavenly Lord started. "She and Ye Hua have violated heaven's law. You want me to spare her. Wouldn't that be telling me to bend the law?" "She truly is carrying Ye Hua's child. Or, why don't you punish her after she gives birth to the child? Or, I am willing to carry the punishment in her place." The princess bowed deeply to the Heavenly Lord.
"Father. I did not teach my son well. I am willing to suffer the punishment for this mortal. Please save Ye Hua's child." The said while bowing to his father. The Heavenly Lord thought deeply for a while before finally speaking. "Take this mortal to the unoccupied Zhaohua Palace and place a strict watch on her." He commanded. "Thank you, Father." both the prince and princess said.
The Zhaohua Palace was dusty and dirty. The moment she was tossed inside, Su Su curled up and started to cry. "Ye Hua, where are you?"
Su Su sat there in the dark playing the first and so far only tune she wrote for Ye Hua. She had been locked in this palace for quite a while, with hardly any contact and the only outside person that spoke to her was a young woman who had yet to return.
She tried to eat, but it was difficult when she couldn't keep her mind from thinking about how Ye Hua was and if he was even still alive. The smell of smoke drifted through her nose. She quickly turned her head to see a blazing fire covering the front of the room they were in. She tried to open the door but the lock wouldn't budge. Soon the smoke forced her into unconsciousness.
When she finally woke up, she was in a different room surrounded by strangers. "What is this place?"
The people in front of her were dressed in dark colors, but their faces seemed more concerned which helped to ease her mind a bit. "Do you feel better?" The man in front of her asked.
Su Su looked at him. Something about him was familiar, but she couldn't place him. "Who are you?"
"I am Ghost Lord Li Jing. Just now, it was my mount who accidentally set the fire. I am truly sorry." The man bowed his head in apology. Somehow the knowledge that the fire was an accident made her feel far more relieved. "It was an accident? I am glad. I thought they were trying to kill me." She gave a relieved smile
Li Jing looked at her with confusion. "They?" Su Su didn't answer. A young boy came over to touch her hand, which caused her to flinch. "How old are you?" she asked not wanting him to take her action to mean she was disgusted by his touch.
"70,300 years old."
Su Su looked a little shocked. He looked so young. "Sister, the peach blossom scent on you smells so nice." If he had said that a few days ago, it would have made her smile. But it seems she didn't have any smiles left.
"Why would a mortal be living in the Celestial Palace?" Su Su finally noticed the woman standing in the back. Something about her made the hairs stand. "They took me from my home." Her response was more for the man in front than the woman behind him.
Su Su glanced at them and wondered if they knew anything about Ye Hua. "Do you know if Ye Hua is okay? Have you seen him?"
"Ye Hua? Who are you to the Crown Prince?" Li Jing asked. Su Su was about to respond when the woman she assumed was Ye Hua's mother entered the room. The introduction she gave to the Ghost Lord confirmed Su Su's suspicions on who she was. Apparently she was there to retrieve them. Su Su tried not to cry as she was dragged off by maid to no doubt be locked in some other part of this forsaken place.