Chapter 22 : Meet the Parents

Wushan City is located beneath the Wuhuan Mountains and is a grand city with nearly a thousand years of history.

Due to the presence of the Ji family stationed here, no demons or evil spirits dare to cause trouble in the Wuhuan Mountain area. As a result, Wushan City is not only densely populated but also economically prosperous and very bustling.

The docks of Wushan City are filled with many boats, including passenger and cargo ships. The docks are lively and busy, with people coming and going.

A passenger ship slowly approached and docked at the quay.

Servants waiting at the dock craned their necks to look. Upon seeing the servants from the passenger ship, they knew their guests had arrived and hurried over to welcome them.

The Ji family had also sent people to the dock.

Since they didn’t know exactly when the young master would arrive, they sent people to the dock every day to keep watch.

When they saw Black Armor Guards escorting Ji Yu off the ship, the leading servant quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said with surprise, “Young Master, you’re back!”

Ji Yu greeted the servant and then turned to look at Jiang Shiqiu, who had disembarked with her.

Before Ji Yu could speak, the steward looked at Jiang Shiqiu, beamed, and said, “Lord Jiang, you’re here as well. Please, get into the carriage.”

Jiang Shiqiu responded with a smile and helped Ji Yu into the carriage prepared by the Ji family.

Inside the carriage, Ji Yu and Jiang Shiqiu sat together. Outside the carriage, the crowd was dense, with various noisy sounds overlapping, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere unique to human life.

Seeing Ji Yu staring at him, Jiang Shiqiu asked with a smile, “My wife, why are you looking at me?”

Ji Yu hesitated for a moment and then shook her head.

After the carriage passed through the bustling streets, it entered a quiet and serene alley. On either side of the alley were high walls, with white, pink, and red apricot blossoms peeking over the tops.

The alley was long, and there was only one household in the entire alley.

This was the Shuangyu Alley where the Ji family resided.

The carriage stopped in front of the main gate. The Ji family’s servants, having received the news that the young master was returning today, had opened the gate early and were waiting for the young master’s arrival.

As the carriage arrived, a slightly plump and amiable-looking woman came out with the servants to greet them.

Hongxiao smile first and called out, “Aunt Gui.”

Aunt Gui’s round face was full of smiles as she repeatedly asked, “Is the young master back? Was the journey smooth? How is the young master’s health? Is there any discomfort?”

Hongxiao replied with a smile, “Aunt Gui, don’t worry. With Lord Jiang taking care of him, the young master is well.”

As she spoke, the carriage curtain was lifted, and a man in fiery red attire stepped out. He was tall and graceful, standing with an impressive bearing.

He glanced over this way, then turned, reaching out to lift the person inside the carriage.

Ji Yu felt somewhat embarrassed as he carried her out of the carriage.

Although she wanted to protest, feeling she was not in such a condition that required being carried, she could not match his strength or eloquence, so she gave up.

Once her feet were on the ground, Ji Yu still held onto his arm, looked up, and saw Aunt Gui, who had come out with the servants, smiling at her.

“Aunt Gui, I’m back.”

Aunt Gui’s face lit up with surprise and relief upon seeing her return safely.

When her gaze fell on Jiang Shiqiu, who was standing beside Ji Yu, a warm smile appeared on her face, and she said kindly, “Lord Jiang is here as well.”

The Ji family servants accompanying Aunt Gui also stepped forward to pay their respects, addressing Jiang Shiqiu as “Lord Jiang.”

Ji Yu kept her eyes on Aunt Gui. Seeing the smile on her face, she felt a complex mix of emotions inside.

Aunt Gui had grown up in the Ji family, having previously served Ji Yu’s mother and remained unmarried. She had always treated Ji Yu as her own child.

Now, she looked at Jiang Shiqiu with the same affection she had for Ji Yu.

Ji Yu understood that in Aunt Gui’s eyes, Jiang Shiqiu was considered the Ji family’s son-in-law, her husband. Jiang Shiqiu maintained a smile. When he chose to make an impression, he could be the perfect gentleman, with no hint of harshness, speaking courteously and enwifeingly.

He also greeted Aunt Gui with, “Aunt Gui.”

This address, “Aunt Gui,” was like a younger generation greeting an elder, catching Ji Yu’s attention.

Aunt Gui responded with an “Oh!” and a beaming smile, quickly saying, “You must be exhausted from your journey. Please come in and rest.”

Jiang Shiqiu helped Ji Yu inside. As they walked through the house, Ji Yu observed quietly, gaining a deeper understanding of Jiang Shiqiu’s abilities.

Not only could he alter everyone’s memories at the Yan Yue Villa effortlessly, but he could also easily manipulate the memories of ordinary people.

The Ji family seemed to fully accept Jiang Shiqiu’s identity without question, readily accommodating his presence.

While walking, Ji Yu asked, “Aunt Gui, where is Grandmother?”

Aunt Gui replied with a smile, “The Old Madam went to the forbidden grounds in the mountains half a month ago. She is expected to return in a few days.”

Hearing this, Ji Yu fell silent.

Ji Yu was staying in Qingzhuo Courtyard in the east wing. To get there from the front yard, one had to pass by a lake adorned with green willows.

As they passed the lake, Jiang Shiqiu glanced at the shimmering surface with a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips and a mysterious, enchanting aura in his eyes.

Ji Yu noticed his smile and her expression subtly changed.

The Qingzhuo Courtyard had prepared washing water and clean clothes. Unlike when traveling, servants at home were available to help Ji Yu bathe and refresh herself.

As Ji Yu emerged from the bathroom dressed in a fresh spring outfit, she suddenly paused.

Looking around the room, she noticed that it had been furnished with many new items.

Qingzhuo Courtyard was her domain. The items in the room were all things she was accustomed to, making it clear that it was the young lady’s private chamber.

However, now there were many new items. It seemed that what was originally a room for the mistress had acquired items for a male occupant as well. The objects were arranged in a way that blended naturally, as if the room was always meant to be this way.

If she weren’t absolutely clear-headed, she would almost believe that her room was always meant to be like this.

“Are you hungry, my wife?”

The man’s gentle and melodious voice rang out. Ji Yu looked up to see Jiang Shiqiu, now dressed in a scarlet silk robe.

This crimson attire was not the official uniform of the demon-slaying officer from the capital but rather a set of casual clothes. The vibrant color, with gold thread embroidery of orchid patterns on the collar, cuffs, and hem, and a wide white jade belt with flying fish motifs at the waist, accentuated his tall, elegant figure and charismatic demeanor.

Jiang Shiqiu naturally approached and took her hand, leading her to the dining area.

He acted as though he were the master of the house, without any hint of formality.

The servants had already prepared the meal, consisting of Ji Yu’s favorite dishes, focusing on light and fresh flavors.

Jiang Shiqiu ladled a bowl of fish soup for her. The soup was milky white, with red goji berries floating on top. Just the sight of it was very appetizing, and the aroma was mouthwatering.

As Ji Yu lowered her head to drink the soup, Jiang Shiqiu smiled and said, “On another day, I’ll catch some fish from the river to make soup for you.”

Ji Yu paused, not responding.

However, she noticed that the fat-headed fish in the glass jar on the table looked terrified, trying hard to avoid Jiang Shiqiu’s direction, clearly fearing it might end up as fish soup.

Don’t doubt Jiang Shiqiu’s ruthlessness, he could indeed do such things depending on his mood.

After the meal, Ji Yu sat on the couch by the window, gazing at the apricot blossoms outside, her posture unusually relaxed.

Home means something different to everyone, especially in one’s own space, where one can unconsciously loosen up and drop their guard.

“My wife.”

As the almost enchantingly soft male voice spoke, a warm body pressed against her from behind.

The next moment, she was embraced warmly, the heat from his body enveloping her. His breath, hot and soft, brushed past her ear until their breaths mingled.

After a while, Ji Yu opened her eyes and looked up at the man who was gazing down at her.

He was playing with her slender fingers, seemingly intrigued by her hand. His fingertips traced the lines on her palm, repeatedly touching the life line that indicated her lifespan.

Ji Yu glanced at it briefly. Even without knowing anything about palmistry, it was clear that her life line was quite short.

She tried to withdraw her hand, but he held it firmly, so she had no choice but to let him continue.

“My wife, do you have any questions for me?” Jiang Shiqiu asked, his expression tender and intoxicating.

Ji Yu looked at him silently and asked, “Are you really the demon hunter officer of the capital?”

“I am!” Jiang Shiqiu nodded.

Ji Yu continued, “Don’t you need to return to the capital to report?”

Jiang Shiqiu casually replied, “No need. Compared to reporting back, my wife is more important.”

Hearing this, Ji Yu understood that this “demon division officer of the capital” was a willful person. Even if everyone in the world knew that Jiang Shiqiu was the officer, it wouldn’t change his attitude in certain respects.

Although he was wrapped in the guise of a mortal, he had no intention of fulfilling mortal responsibilities.

“How many people know that you are the demon division officer of the capital?” Ji Yu asked curiously.

How many people’s memories had he altered?

Jiang Shiqiu smiled, gazing deeply at her. “Everyone in this Dayu Mirror knows.”

Ji Yu was slightly taken aback, further speculating about his background and growing more puzzled about how their engagement had been arranged.

Unfortunately, Jiang Shiqiu did not elaborate, only smiling at her. If she continued to question him, he would directly kiss her, disrupting her thoughts.

This made her understand his attitude more clearly.

—

The day after returning to the Ji family, Ji Yu began to get busy.

Although the Ji family had dwindled in numbers, there were still many disciples. With the matriarch gone to the forbidden grounds, there were matters for Ji Yu, the young master, to handle.

After three busy days, Ji Yu finally managed to relax.

During a break, she asked her maid, Sui Yu, “Where is Jiang Shiqiu?”

Sui Yu covered her mouth and smiled, “Lord Jiang said the flowers outside the city are blooming beautifully and went to pick some for you.”

Ji Yu’s expression faltered slightly. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those around her, all of them looking pleased, she suddenly found herself at a loss for words.

She had originally thought that once they returned to Wushan City, Jiang Shiqiu would no longer be able to maintain his identity as the demon division officer of the capital.

However, even in the realm of a family renowned for its demon division heritage, he continued to uphold his identity as the officer without anyone questioning it.

Moreover, the Ji family members had easily accepted him as Ji Yu’s husband.

In the afternoon, Jiang Shiqiu returned with a bouquet of brilliantly blooming mountain flowers.

Red, yellow, pink, purple… the vibrant colors and lively appearance of the flowers clustered together were quite beautiful.

“My wife, these flowers are for you,” Jiang Shiqiu said affectionately. “You’ve worked hard these past few days.”

Ji Yu found it somewhat amusing. She reached out to take the flowers and asked, “Why the sudden gift of flowers?”

Jiang Shiqiu, with a smiling and charming demeanor, said, “What would you like, my wife? Or should I get you another fish? Since your name has the character ‘fish,’ does it mean you like fish?”

Ji Yu shook her head. “It’s not that I like fish. It’s because my mother loved eating fish when she was pregnant with me, so she named me ‘Yu’.”

Her name was simple, reflecting that she was a precious gift from her mother, who had used up her life to bring her into the world. Her mother hoped she would live a safe and peaceful life, like a fish in the river, free and unrestrained.

Although it was a naïve wish, it was the most beautiful hope a mother could have for her child.

Jiang Shiqiu praised, “What a wonderful name! It suits you perfectly.”

Just then, a commotion arose in the front yard.

Ji Yu and Jiang Shiqiu looked up to see a middle-aged woman in a plain Daoist robe, with a beautiful face, walking towards them. Her hair was simply tied up with a wooden hairpin, and she wore a golden bead around her neck. Her clothing fluttered lightly as she walked, like flowing clouds.

Ji Yu’s face lit up with joy as she saw her. “Grandmother!”

This was the Ji family’s old lady.

Although demon hunter had magical powers to slow aging, the matriarch, despite her advanced age, appeared as if she were in her thirties.

The matriarch’s expression was stern, her sharp gaze shifting from her granddaughter, who was holding the bouquet, to the man in the fiery red attire beside her.

She spoke coldly, “Yu, who is this young man?”

Ji Yu’s expression faltered. Perhaps having grown accustomed to the ease with which others accepted Jiang Shiqiu’s identity, she had forgotten that her grandmother, as the head of the Ji family, also possessed “absolute clarity,” and demons and evil spirits could not alter her memories at will.

Realizing this, she felt a sudden wave of nervousness.