Chen Changsheng’s gaze suddenly became sharp.

Huang Shan met Chen Changsheng’s eyes but quickly looked away.

Under the watch of both gazes,

Huang Shan trembled, his arms shaking, then changed his words: “Dead…”

As he spoke, it felt like a heavy stone had fallen to the ground, and he breathed a long sigh of relief.

Zhong Zhengyuan asked, “Who killed him?”

“Not me!” Huang Shan replied urgently.

His voice was too loud; a few guests turned their glances their way.

“I, I…”

Huang Shan lowered his head, unsure what to say.

Chen Changsheng raised his hand. “Don’t be too nervous. Just answer what you’re asked.”

“Really, it wasn’t me.”

Huang Shan panted heavily, then explained: “In the draft two years ago, he went to the Frontier Pass and never came back. Later I learned… everyone who went there that day died!”

Chen Changsheng nodded. “But if he died, why take his name?”

“I…”

Huang Shan opened his mouth. Seeing the two men before him, knowing he couldn’t fight them, sighed deeply and confessed the whole story.

“It was like this…”

“Originally I was an old dog…”

As Huang Shan told the story step by step, Chen Changsheng and Zhong Zhengyuan slowly understood what happened.

This ‘Huang Shan’ was no longer the real Huang Shan.

That year, when the Northern Desert and Beixiang attacked Great Jing, the Frontier Pass was in crisis. To defend the country, men were drafted from the Civic District, Huang Shan included.

After Huang Shan left, his old father cried for days. Then he’d often sit by the Civic District gate, watching the road, hoping to see his son return.

Overnight, the old man’s hair turned white.

Every day he sighed or visited temples to pray for his son’s safe return.

Sometime later, the old man found an injured old dog outside the Civic District. Hearing its pitiful whimpers, he took pity, brought it home, and nursed its wounds.

After a few days of rest, the old dog could move normally.

Grateful, the old dog stayed by the old man’s side.

The old man’s heart was heavy; having no one to talk to for months, he treated the old dog as his listener.

The old dog listened quietly. At one point, it finally understood the old man—that desperate longing for his son’s safety.

“To repay his kindness, I turned into Huang Shan, staying by his side always.”

That day the old man sat at the Civic District gate as usual.

A figure came walking down the Imperial Road. The old man just stared for a long time.

Shuffling forward unsteadily, his eyes grew red instantly.

Huang Shan said, “Seeing him then… he looked so old. So very old. Too old to shed tears even as he cried. That joy, that hope… words can’t describe it.”

He wanted to explain that feeling but didn’t know how.

Huang Shan gave a long sigh. “I’d planned to leave after a while, but that day… I changed my mind.”

From then on, the old dog became Huang Shan, accompanying the old man faithfully—as a son fulfilling his duty.

He just wanted to repay kindness… but the act became real.

Huang Shan looked up. “If you gentlemen want to arrest me… could you wait till after the wedding? It’s the one thing the old man’s dreamed of for half his life…”

Zhong Zhengyuan found himself torn.

He glanced at Chen Changsheng, as if looking for guidance.

Chen Changsheng stared at ‘Huang Shan.’ Not Huang Shan—an old dog.

Chen Changsheng began, “This wedding—”

Huang Shan explained: “Don’t worry, sir. It’s just a play. Only meant to fulfill the old man’s wish.”

Chen Changsheng nodded.

He looked at the wine pot on the table and reached for it.

Huang Shan quickly raised his hand. “Let me.”

He took the pot from Chen Changsheng, pouring wine into three cups.

Chen Changsheng raised his cup. “Happy occasion today. Sharing your joy? Hope the groom doesn’t mind?”

Huang Shan stood frozen before the table.

For a long moment, he couldn’t speak.

…

“Time’s up!”

A loud voice rang out in the yard.

The bride-welcoming party waiting outside was ready.

‘Huang Shan’ glanced at the two men at the table.

Chen Changsheng and Zhong Zhengyuan smiled, motioning him to go ahead.

Huang Shan nodded, smiled, pinned a red flower on his chest, and walked out of the yard.

“Begin!”

Suona horns blared, drums boomed—the wedding parade moved off grandly.

Chen Changsheng and Zhong Zhengyuan came to the gate.

As they watched the joyous scene, their own hearts warmed.

Zhong Zhengyuan said, “An old dog repaying kindness… quite a tale.”

Chen Changsheng scanned the parade: carriers, suona players, drummers… all were old men.

“The world must be full of hardship,” Chen Changsheng murmured.

Zhong Zhengyuan paused.

Chen Changsheng turned. “Without war… would this sorrow even be?”

Zhong Zhengyuan thought for a long moment, then sighed. “True…”

The old man came from the yard leaning on a short stick.

Guests had joined the wedding party; only he stayed. As the family’s elder, he must sit in the Main Hall, waiting for his son and bride.

“Not joining the fun, gentlemen?” the old man asked.

Chen Changsheng smiled. “No relation. Feels improper.”

The old man chuckled. “Many rules? Forget them.”

Chen Changsheng asked, “Your son’s over thirty. Late to marry, isn’t it?”

“Very true…”

The old man said, “His mother died young. I’m old. This wedding… lingered in my thoughts half a lifetime. Glad it’s finally done.”

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“Once I’m gone… he needs care. All I wish is his safety—not a lonely life like mine.”

He grinned, his cloudy eyes full of hope and contentment.

Seeing that smile, Chen Changsheng finally understood the old dog’s feelings then.

Human hearts are so simple.

Just live safe. Not alone.

“Come inside, gentlemen. The procession’ll take time yet.”

“Alright. You head in first, old sir. We’ll follow.”

The old man nodded in agreement before returning inside.

Bent over, walking slowly.

The walking stick was longer once—worn short over the years.

Zhong Zhengyuan watched the old man’s trembling back, murmuring at last,

“Now I finally see… why Mr. Chen treasures this Mortal World so deeply.”

Chen Changsheng smiled with quiet warmth and said only one thing.

“The rolling Mortal World comforts hearts most truly.”