Married to the Grim Reaper Against My Will

The powerful Lord Xuanyang

The man's smile was gentle, his demeanor refined, a far cry from the "monster" she remembered. She hadn't expected that his violent nature would transform into such a gentle and refined young master in human form.

Ji Mian felt a slight relief, secretly letting out a breath, but remained wary. She huddled in the corner of the bed, watching the man at the door with suspicion.

Seemingly sensing her hostility, perhaps to reassure her, the man stood at the door without entering, explaining gently, "Madam, I am not the Divine Lord, but his attendant, Xiang Shu."

Xiang Shu exuded a gentle and refined air, and hearing him say he wasn't Lord Xuanyang, Ji Mian truly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is there something you need?"

As soon as Ji Mian finished speaking, another thunderclap boomed outside, startling her. Xiang Shu pointed outside, indicating the thunder, "The Divine Lord is somewhat resistant to the marriage, so..."

He seemed unsure how to describe the situation, his face showing embarrassment.

Ji Mian suddenly realized, and sensibly continued, "So he's causing trouble; all this lightning is his doing."

Xiang Shu glanced at her subconsciously.

Ji Mian felt a little awkward, realizing she had forgotten to use a respectful title. Although she was in a daze during the wedding, she knew everything about Yunxiu Heavenly Palace, including the people she had seen, all following ancient customs and etiquette.

The ancients placed great importance on the order of hierarchy.

She smiled sheepishly and corrected herself, "I meant the Divine Lord."

Xiang Shu smiled and corrected her, "Madam should address Lord Xuanyang as 'Husband.'"

Ji Mian's face flushed instantly; she pursed her lips and remained silent. Fortunately, Xiang Shu didn't dwell on the issue, saying, "I've only come at the Ancestor's behest to greet you, Madam. The Divine Lord is in a bad mood and causing a commotion, but he won't harm you, Madam. Don't be afraid."

Ji Mian nodded gently, then suddenly remembered something and asked softly, "Then Lord Xuanyang won't be coming?"

Her voice was soft, but her large eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"...The Divine Lord is a rather opinionated person, so he probably won't for the time being," Xiang Shu said, adding as if to reassure her, "Madam, don't worry. The Ancestor asked me to convey that they won't let you suffer any injustice; they're already dealing with that...that brat."

Ji Mian pictured Lord Xuanyang being beaten by a group of old men, a vivid image appearing in her mind, and she couldn't help but smile. Seeing her smile, Xiang Shu awkwardly explained, "Those were the Ancestor's exact words."

Ji Mian suddenly remembered something and asked, "Then who was performing the wedding ceremony just now?"

"..." Perhaps feeling that the Heavenly Palace's actions were inappropriate, Xiang Shu carefully chose his words, "The Ancestor used a strand of the God Lord's hair to create..."

After explaining his matter, Xiang Shu immediately took his leave.

The room returned to silence. This time, Ji Mian felt much more relaxed. She translated Xiang Shu's euphemistic words. In short, Xuan Yang Jun had a bad temper and was disobedient; he wouldn't come to see her until he was subdued by the Ancestors.

Listening to the surging thunder outside, Ji Mian no longer felt as tense and afraid as before; she even felt a sense of familiarity. This proved that Xuan Yang Jun hadn't been subdued and wouldn't appear.

Thinking of the statue, she hoped that the bad-tempered Xuan Yang Jun would be even more stubborn; it was better if they didn't meet.

*

According to the rules of the Heavenly Palace, on the second day of her marriage, Ji Mian was to serve tea to her elders.

The attire for the tea ceremony had already been prepared and placed aside. Although ancient clothing was intricate, it wasn't difficult to discern how to wear it. Ji Mian quickly dressed, but then worried about her long hair.

She couldn't very well tie it into a ponytail, could she?

She found a hairband and loosely tied her black hair back. It didn't look out of place, and she went out.

Outside the door, two people were waiting on either side. One was a girl who looked about her age, and the other was a boy of similar age, who, judging from their clothing, should be a maid or servant.

The girl was very petite and delicate, with eyes that, while not large, were round and bright, with dark, clear pupils that made them appear very lively. Upon seeing Ji Mian, she immediately bowed and greeted her, "Madam, I am Xiao Zhi, the maidservant sent by Lord Xiang to serve you."

Xiao Zhi's voice was very clear and melodious, like a bird chirping in the morning, pleasing to the eye.

"Hello, my name is Ji Mian," Ji Mian greeted her in a modern manner, offering a friendly smile.

Xiao Zhi was clearly a little uncomfortable, but having likely been instructed beforehand, she didn't say anything.

She pointed to the young man beside her and introduced, "This is Xiao Luo, who has always been responsible for serving the God. Because the God rarely returns and doesn't like being surrounded by servants, there are only the two of us servants in the entire Zhengyang Palace. If Madam needs more, she can ask Lord Xiang to arrange some more people."

"No need, this is fine." Ji Mian had lived alone for seventeen years and was completely unaccustomed to being served. "By the way, Xiao Luo serves the God, so what about Xiang Shu?"

"You mean Lord Xiang? He is the God's personal attendant, born alongside the God, and doesn't attend to the God's daily needs. If you really want to say, he..." "He's probably the head steward of the entire Yunxiu Heavenly Palace." Xiao Zhi beamed as she spoke of Xiang Shu, her bright black eyes sparkling with admiration, her face practically radiating adoration. "Lord Xiang is amazing; he supports the entire Heavenly Palace..."

"Hey, how can you talk like that?" Xiao Luo, standing nearby, rolled her eyes, annoyed. "Who's the God-Lord anyway?"

Xiao Zhi realized she'd broken her promise and cautiously glanced at Ji Mian. "M-Madam, I..."

Xiao Zhi's words might be considered a grave offense in the Heavenly Palace, but Ji Mian didn't see anything to be ashamed of. She smoothly changed the subject: "Weren't you going to pay your respects? When are you going?"

Xiao Zhi breathed a sigh of relief, giving her a grateful look. "Now, but Madam cannot tie her hair up completely."

"?"

"According to the rules of the Heavenly Palace, Madam's hair must be tied up with a ribbon by the God-King after the marriage is consummated."

The words "consummation" made Ji Mian's face burn. Having almost no contact with men, she was now openly facing such a topic.

What a shameful rule! What was Death thinking about all day? She was too embarrassed to speak, standing there with a flushed face as Xiao Zhi restyled her hair.

Xiao Zhi divided her long hair into two sections, simply tying the top section into a bun, while the bottom section was left to fall loosely down her back. Cool strands of hair brushed against her delicate neck, and Ji Mian couldn't help but think of how the terrifying Xuanyang Jun would later tie them up for her. She felt a chill run down her spine. Her neck stiffened, as if a sword were hanging there.

Emerging from Zhengyang Palace, Ji Mian immediately saw the mountains floating in the distance. Zhengyang Palace was already atop Yunshan Mountain, and now phantom-like peaks appeared in mid-air, their summits invisible, surrounded by swirling clouds.

Xiao Zhi explained that those were the Shouyang Palace, where the three ancestors resided.

"Madam, I'll carry you there. I'm going to transform into my original form, don't be afraid."

After saying this, Xiao Zhi transformed into a huge and magnificent bird.

Ji Mian: ...

However, since Xiao Zhi had given her advance warning, and she had gradually digested and become immune to these mystical things, she calmly climbed onto the bird's back.

The giant bird spread its wings and took flight, its movements slow and gentle. A breeze caressed her face; compared to the fierce winds of the previous night at the bluestone monument, this was a true pleasure.

Ji Mian was in a good mood and reached out to stroke the giant bird's head. "Thank you."

The little pheasant smiled. "No need to thank me, Madam. It's my honor to serve you. This was all instructed by Lord Xiang. Madam is mortal, so please be gentle in all things, lest you frighten her. It was Lord Xiang who specifically sent me, considering Madam's inability to fly."

The little pheasant's admiration for Xiang Shu was palpable.

"We're going to pay our respects to the Ancestor, shouldn't we also pay our respects to Lord Xuanyang's parents?"

"Lord Xuanyang's parents are no longer here."

Ji Mian was speechless. She hadn't considered that gods could die. Xiao Zhi explained, "The Death God lineage isn't immortal; they also have a lifespan. In your human terms, they're a species with long lifespans and special talents."

Ji Mian immediately thought of a tortoise—long lifespan and an indestructible shell.

"Similar to a tortoise?"

Xiao Zhi stammered, "...About, roughly."

If the Divine Lord knew he was being compared to a tortoise… Xiao Zhi thought of his explosive temper and his dark, brooding face, and her scalp tingled.

Shouyang Palace looked far, but they arrived in just a few breaths.

Compared to the coldness of Zhengyang Palace, this place was much more lively. Servants and maids bustled about, all bowing respectfully to Ji Mian.

Ji Mian was led into the main hall by the maids. Seated in the main seats were three elderly men with an air of otherworldly wisdom, all dressed in flowing white robes, their hair and beards white.

Along the way, Xiao Zhi had already briefly explained to her that the three elders were all of the [missing information] generation, meaning they were the fathers of Xuan Yang Jun's grandfather. Xuan Yang Jun's father and grandfather were deceased, leaving only the [missing information] generation, a gap of two generations.

The three ancestors were: two great-grandfathers, Shou An Jun and Shou Xiang Jun, and a great-grandmother, Shou Ya Jun.

Ji Mian, following custom, knelt and offered tea, followed by a lengthy lecture, and then an even longer period of gift presentation.

As the servants announced the names of the gifts, the number of servants carrying gift boxes behind Ji Mian grew longer and longer. She couldn't understand the rare magical artifacts and elixirs, nor did she know the value of the various precious items and jewels. But one thing was clear: Xuan Yang Jun really seemed unable to find a wife, and his parents were willing to give him everything they had to find him one.

Finally, after presenting the gifts, the most senior figure, Lord Shou'an, stroking his white beard, sat in the center, smiling at her. "Mianmian, what else do you want? Tell the old ancestor, and I'll get it for you."

Lord Shouxiang beside her scoffed, "As if you can get anything back. Mianmian, think of something ruthless to teach him a lesson."

"Is there anything in this world that I can't get back?" Lord Shou'an's eyes widened, clearly displeased.

"Fine, then bring that brat Jiang Xuanyang back!"

"Jiang Shouxiang, do you want a fight?!"

"Come on. Jiang Shou'an, don't think I'm afraid of you just because you're a few hours older than me."

Ji Mian: ...This doesn't quite fit the image of an immortal being.

Ji Mian stole a glance at the two white-haired old men bickering, speechless for a moment. Shouya Jun, however, was furious. She slammed her hand on the tea table, "At your age, what kind of behavior is this? If you two want to fight, go outside and do it. Don't embarrass yourselves here. If you scare Mianmian away, I'll never forgive you!"

After her outburst, she smiled lovingly at Ji Mian, her crow's feet brimming with joy, "Mianmian, tell your great-grandmother, what else do you want?"

Ji Mian did indeed want something, but hadn't dared to speak up. Now, she honestly stated her request, "I want to go back to school."

The hall fell silent for a moment, as if the scene had frozen. Ji Mian stared at the three elderly women, so nervous that she forgot to breathe.

"You've got potential!" Just as she thought she was about to be rejected, Shouya Jun stood up and shouted, "Much better than those two wasting their lives! Study hard, become the top scholar, and Great-Grandma will post a notice there. Let's see if they're ashamed!"

Ji Mian: ...

Yunxiu Heavenly Palace exudes a sense of ancient, rigid rules and conservatism, especially from Xianpo and Xiang Shu, who clearly distinguish between superiors and inferiors and adhere to strict rules. Unexpectedly, the three patriarchs are quite open-minded, without so many restrictions, even showing a touch of childlike innocence.

When she left Shouyang Hall, her great-grandmother personally saw her off; she must have something to say to her privately.

Shou Yajun gently stroked the strands of hair that fell behind her, sighing deeply. "Mianmian, don't worry, I won't let you suffer. We already disciplined Xuanyang last night. That stubborn brat won't back down anytime soon, so don't be sad."

Jimian listened obediently, whispering, "Shou Yajun..."

"Great-grandmother."

"...Great-grandmother, there's no need to rush things, don't push him too hard..."

Jimian genuinely didn't want Xuanyang to be subdued and run back too quickly.

But Shou Yajun interpreted it differently; she simply thought Ji Mian was worried about Jiang Xuanyang getting hurt, and felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

Shou Yajun gently patted Ji Mian's hand, clicking her tongue in admiration, "Mianmian is such a good child. Xuanyang is lucky to have married such a considerate wife. Don't worry, your great-grandmother knows what she's doing and won't really hurt that brat. I also need to let him know how considerate you are, lest he become too ungrateful."

Ji Mian pursed her lips, not daring to speak, only silently replying in her heart, "Really, there's no need."

After seeing Ji Mian off, Shou Yajun returned to the main hall, where Jiang Shou'an and Jiang Shouxiang were discussing something. Seeing her enter, she immediately asked, "Should we tell Xuanyang that Mianmian is going back to school, to be in the same school as him?"

Shou Yajun glared at the two brothers. "Why tell that brat? So he can bully Mianmian when we're not looking? With his despicable character, if he finds out Mianmian is the bride he was forced to marry, won't he take his anger out on the girl?"

Shou Yajun paused, then added, "Also, tell all the busybodies to shut up. The time isn't right. Anyone who says anything about messing things up is going against our Yunxiu Heavenly Palace. Tell Xiang Shu to hurry up; secrets don't stay hidden forever, it'll come out sooner or later."

The two brothers nodded knowingly. Given Jiang Xuanyang's despicable character, he was definitely capable of doing something as shameless as bullying a young girl. Nearly a thousand years have passed, and only now have they found such a suitable young girl. If she's bullied by Jiang Xuanyang to the point of refusing to marry him even at the cost of her life, the three old men will be nearing their end, and the lineage of the God of Death might be wiped out. It seems the only option is to slowly persuade him, and wait until his attitude softens before bringing this up again.

*

After returning from Shouyang Palace, Ji Mian remained silent.

Seeing Ji Mian's silence, Xiao Zhi assumed that being alone in her room was making her sad. She landed, transformed into human form, and went over to comfort her softly: "Madam, don't be sad. I heard from Shouya Jun that this is quite good. You're still young, there's no rush. Besides, your soul is unstable right now, and you can't withstand the God-King."

Ji Mian, who was thinking about her unfinished weekend homework: ? What? "It's just that, with your mortal body, Madam... the Divine Lord..." Xiao Zhi stammered, but still dutifully explained quickly in a low voice, "It's just that the Divine Lord... the Divine Lord is quite powerful... if we were to share a room, you... you wouldn't be able to handle it..."

The conversation inexplicably veered from innocent learning to strange and bizarre matters!

Suddenly overwhelmed with shame, Ji Mian felt like she was on fire, and said angrily, "I wasn't thinking about such things!"

"Ah, what is Madam thinking about?" Xiao Zhi asked, somewhat bewildered.

Ji Mian remained silent, hurrying inside as if fleeing a crime scene, nearly bumping into the screen.

She looked up and unexpectedly saw the true form of Xuanyang Jun, with his blue face and fangs, depicted on the screen, and gasped in shock.

She hadn't noticed in the morning's rush, but now she did. Many places in Zhengyang Hall displayed portraits or statues of Xuanyang Jun.

Everyone else was depicted in human form, except for Xuanyang Jun, who was always shown in his hideous form.

Just then, Xiao Luo came over, and Ji Mian asked curiously, "Why are they all Xuanyang Jun's true forms? Isn't it scary?"

Xiao Luo stared in surprise, practically questioning her mistress's aesthetic sense. "The Divine Lord looks so handsome like this! Madam, doesn't the Divine Lord look majestic like this! He looks so powerful and formidable!"

Ji Mian: ...

She could no longer look directly at the words "powerful" and "formidable."