Red Luan Star Manor.
"Broom Star, please stay a moment."
Outside the hall doors, the Matchmaker God raised a hand in salute and spoke with a smile.
Broom Star understood at once and promptly returned the salute. "This humble immortal would not dare delay the two high immortals' discussion."
With that, he bowed and withdrew to one side.
"Brother Lord God of Wealth, this way!"
"Elder Brother first."
The two immortals entered the hall side by side.
A tea setting had long been prepared inside. Clear tea steamed gently, its fragrance refreshing the heart and mind.
The Matchmaker God had clearly expected him to come.
Lord God of Wealth furrowed his brow.
A vague sense of unease rose within him.
The two sat down on opposite sides of the tea table.
"Elder Brother, was there some way in which this little brother had been inhospitable before? Or... are you unwilling to do me this favor?"
Lord God of Wealth went straight to the point, with no intention of beating around the bush.
The Matchmaker God stroked his beard and smiled, waving a hand. "Worthy Brother, do not overthink it. You and I both belong to the acquired immortal ranks, and we have known one another for many years. With the friendship between us, how could I possibly refuse to show you face?"
Lord God of Wealth asked doubtfully, "Then this is...?"
"Do not be hasty, Worthy Brother. You will understand once you see it for yourself."
With a beckoning gesture from the Matchmaker God, a strand of black silk drifted over from the rootless, leafless Marriage God Tree in the hall.
Two jade plaques hung from the thread, engraved respectively with: Zhao Wanliang and Sun Yourong.
"Why is this marriage thread so pitch-black?" In Lord God of Wealth's memory, marriage