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Deep in the dark forests, where Dark River, an organization that used to work as an assassin, had taken nests, there was a pavilion. Uniquely, this pavilion was not built for killing, unlike all others; it was created solely as a rare place for weddings and joyful celebrations.
Something that can not be found in an organization with a goal so dark.
Therefore, there was a saying.
The first couple that could get married in it, with all the hassle that is requesting permission through the patriarch of Dark River, which is almost as hard as stealing the Patriarch’s sword itself. The first couple that could face the heads of families, and request a formal grand wedding, is highly positioned and has high enough achievement for it to be so grand. With all the hassle of trusting someone from your own organization, no matter whether from the same family or a different one, that you would tie your whole life to this other killer.
May the first couple that could get married in the Falling Stars Pavilion, live together united until the river of forgetfulness separates them, and meet again in the next life by the red thread tied within this very pavilion.
“It will be my wedding that could be held here, I am the reigning head of the Mu family, it will be my wedding!” Mu Yumo yelled at Mu Qingyang, while Mu Xiewei just stood there near the wall, looking at the two arguing Mu family Heads. They are currently in the Mu family's Throne hall, light fabrics decorate the walls, with the middle area allowing them to see the sky. A fluffy yet classic Chinese throne in the middle of the hall lies empty, as the three people who are used to sitting there are currently standing and fighting. They are currently having the brightest days, no thunder outside, just inside the Mu family Hall.
“I was the head first! And we’re from the same family, out of six etiquette, most of ours are easy! My wedding will be held first!” Mu Qingyang retorted, hands waving around, argumentative.
“I’m the current head of Mu family! I’m also older than both of you; I get to marry first!” Mu Yumo pointed out, while moving forward, eye blazing.
“Marry first? His family hasn't even visited! And you think your marriage will be first? Dream on!” Mu Qingyang hollered, crossing his arms while grinning evilly.
“You! Thousand Spider-”
“What’s going on here??” Su Changhe roared, stopping Mu Yumo on her tracks. He appears, followed by Su Muyu, the Spider Shadows, and a scared Mu family fourth-in-charge, Mu Lan, entering the Mu family hall and sitting on the throne seat as if he owns the place. (Technically, He does.)
“Patriarch.” The three married-to-be saluted in tandem. Su Changhe just raised his brow, expecting an explanation.
Yet, silence
“So who's gonna tell me what’s going on here?”
“So, it was a bet on who could do it first, and now you’re fighting for first place.” Changhe summarizes, leaning his weight on the Mu family hall throne, weighing the obvious. “Why can't we just hold it on the same day? Match all four of your birthdays to seek the date?”
“Impossible!” The three voices shrieked in unison, and the silent Mu Xiewei suddenly looked a bit murderous.
“Patriarch, both of us are from the same family. If we follow the available six etiquette of marriage and the rules of Anhe, doesn’t that mean it’s easier for you to give us away? Both Xuewei and I are junior only to you and the heads of family, our wedding can be prepared quite swiftly!” Qingyang said, smiling at Changhe as if indulging and honouring. Changhe just raised his eyebrow unamused.
“What about the bride price? What about wedding gifts? Don’t tell me you’re taking it from the Mu family coffers!” Mu Yumo yelled, making a point Mu Qingyang has been trying to avoid. Xiewei just raised her eyebrow towards her husband-to-be, who blushes.
“Hei!”
“Stop it! Goodness, you’re giving me my worst headache.”
“Has Tang Lianyue even agreed to marry you, Yumo? With all the noises and the bride price, he has to prepare?” Su Muyu interrogated from a seat near the wall. After Changhe claimed the throne seat, he tried to have Muyu sit with him, but he and the other parties decided to take the corner seats of the Mu family Hall.
“He promises me a grand wedding, Yu-ge. The only thing left to do is… uh…for the Tang Lao-ye to sign the betrothal letter.” For once, the woman looks nervous. Tang Lao-ye, the only person who could represent Tang Lianyue, is not a simple man. He can’t be a simple man to survive in the Tang clan for so long, in a leadership and an elder position at that.
“What stops him from signing it?” Changhe inquired, raising his eyebrow, anger at the slight arising.
“He, ah, wants me to be there when it is signed; he wishes to have a good, good talk to me,” Yumo announces. Changhe gives her a look as if saying, Should I act? Yumo just shook her head, making Changhe sigh.
“What about you, Qingyang, Xuewei? Have you prepared the bride price and dowry for each other?” Muyu asked again, playing advocate.
“Well, about that. My blood family is basically non-existent, so I have no need for any dowry. But for her, I prepared some stuff from my side, but well… it’s not nearly enough as of yet.” Qingyang winces, readying himself for a lashing.
“How many taels?” Muyu demanded.
“Uh… less than a thousand.” He whimpers.
“What?” Changhe, Xiewei, and Muyu whisper in unison. Mean amusement, anger, and honest confusion.
“Well, I also prepared that mansion I told you about last time. “
“Yeah, and you haven’t even put a down payment for it, and now you want it to be a bride price? dream on!” Changhe delivers the lashing he is meant to have.
“Changhe…”
“What? We’re not barbarians here; we have some rules to follow before I allow them to use my Pavilion.” Changhe said resolutely, making Muyu raise his brow combatively.
“Anhe’s Pavilion”
“Yes, and I’m Anhe’s Patriarch, it’s My Pavilion.” Just like this hall is mine, Changhe referred grandly with his arm, while deciding to lie on the throne like he wished to sleep on it. Mu family Hall thrones are… weirdly comfortable to lie on; they are piled with a fluffy layer compared to the main Hall. It invites too many ideas for Changhe’s comfort.
“How about this. Based on Anhe’s Rules and Wedding Etiquette, both of you are stuck in the planning phase. Yumo, you’re basically worst off because the Tang sect has yet to approve you to marry in, but Qingyang, you’re on a problem of your own making, what with the deficient bride price you have yet to prepare. Anything else I miss?” Changhe asked, lying on thick while throwing salt on their wounds. All three of them reacted by wincing and bowing.
“No Patriarch.”
Su Changhe sighed. He likes to plot, but this kind of plot has nothing for him to enjoy, just misstep after misstep. “Someone call Xie Qidao, I need someone sensible and understanding about weddings here.”
The door opens with a loud sound, as if the one outside is already waiting for a call. Behind the person who walks in, a dozen disciples are standing waiting for the result of the discussion. It only took a second before the doors were closed again, and Xie Qidao walked toward the supine Dark River patriarch and bowed in respect.
“I’m already here, Patriarch. I was notified when the Mu family almost had a family disunity.”
“Disunity, puih! Qidao-shu, don’t wish upon us such a fate!” Mu Qingyang hollered as if disgusted,
“Well, what else do you call this? Patriarch, may I suggest a resolution?” Qidao said, not yet rising from his bow. Changhe just waved his hand, making the older man rise.
“Exactly what I called you for, go on!” Changhe answered, giving Qidao the chance to put forth his suggestion.
“Let’s make it a race. Between the two couples, they have different troubles, but both of them will take a long time to fix said troubles. The Marriage phase requires bridal agreement, bride price, and dowry discussion and giving, and then we determine the wedding date. The first one to divine the wedding date will be the one to use the pavilion first, and patriarch, you get to decide the limit of time on their race, if you so wish.” That suggestion made Changhe hum, thinking of the pros and cons. He gets new knowledge about the marriage phases and has to be fair to his lieges. Wouldn't want to disappoint the highest people on the Mu Family hierarchy for no reason, does he?
“Hmm, I agree, I wouldn't want this race taking too long and depriving me of my Pavilion for so long,” Changhe stated, making Muyu frown, detecting a plot in the making.
“Changhe-”
“What, they’re Mu family leaders, they have better work to be done than doing wedding races.” Changhe waves, making the whole Spider Shadows who sit in the hall nod in agreement. “I give both couples three months. Mu Yumo, you’re excused from Mu family work. Su Muyu will be accompanying you on the bride price and dowry discussion. Don’t let the Tang clan bully you into giving too much and giving you less than you deserve. We, Dark River, have big pride and deserve the best. Mu Qingyang, you will prepare your bride price, and Xiewei, your dowry. Marrying in the Pavilion means your dowry and bride price can not be out of place. Also, Xiewei has a cousin to represent her, so Qidao-shu will be your representation on bridal talks and negotiations. Qingyang, He’s the only person who could suffice. Meanwhile, the Mu family will be under my purview. I have nothing to do, don’t I? I’ll watch all your races from the comfy seats. Any questions?”
“Uh… Can I have Zhe-shu represent me, instead? Qingyang requested, wincing as Xie Qidao glared at him, “What, I actually want to get married, Qidao-shu?”
“No, Zhe-shu has another job lined out for him. You all will do all the phases until divination within three months. If neither of you doesn’t do it in time, you will get the first joint wedding in Wailing Abyss, what do you say?”