Though this story features historical events and people, this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, organization, dates, and incidents are a product of my imagination and used fictitiously. Any references to characters from the Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Mile of Peach Blossoms (三生三世, 十里桃花), are trademarked by Tang Qi. Tang Qi created and owned the characters. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Mile of Peach Blossoms.
Prologue
As the sun made its gradual descent below the horizon, it bathed the surroundings in a warm and golden light, exposing a surreal landscape that was mesmerizing. The gentle evening breeze caused the delicate petals of peach trees to dance and sway, filling the air with a sweet and enticing fragrance. Zhe Yan, one of the ancient deities, Phoenix Medicine god, along with Bai Qian, the revered ‘Gugu’ White Fox goddess, found themselves in a state of relaxation as they leisurely lounged by the jade pool, completely immersed in the tranquil ambiance of Zhe Yan’s ten miles filled with vibrant peach blossoms. They leisurely sipped on fragrant peach wine, cherishing a quiet moment amidst the serene ambiance.
Over the years, she had enjoyed many bottles of Zhe Yan’s wines before, but this vintage was different, a departure from his usual preferences. Instead of the simple, unassuming ceramic bottles he usually favored, this wine was contained in bottles made from exquisitely polished white jade from the immortal realm of the flower nymphs and water spirits. She understood the occasion called for something special, and Zhe Yan had chosen to open his most treasured and potent vintage, which he held carefully guarded and secretive. He smiled with prideful satisfaction as he pressed his lips to the rim of the bottle and took a sip; the aroma of peaches filled the air, alluring and sweet. With each sip, the fragrance grew stronger and more intoxicating, enveloping Zhe Yan’s senses in its richness.
As the Phoenix god’s drunkenness intensified, his voice took on a more curious tone and his cheeks turned a deep shade of red. Zhe Yan, usually calm and collected, now had a flushed face from indulging in extremely potent alcohol. His eyes were slightly unfocused, but the spark of curiosity remained evident. His lips were parted, holding onto the remnants of the sweet peach wine he had been sipping on. “My dear, Xiao Wu”, He addressed her as ‘Xiao Wu’, the intimate name reserved only for her immediate family members, “I didn’t expect to see you so soon, but I couldn’t be more pleased.” He gushed with delight, “Since the dust has settled, we can finally meet and enjoy each other’s company and share bottles of wine, just like we have done in the past.”
A sly smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, giving him a coy appearance. But knowing Zhe Yan, it was all just an act; he had never been innocent in his life.”Of course, I won’t impose any pressure, but perhaps we can speak of your human trials only if you’re ready and willing. Only if you’re willing. I’m sure it’s nothing I haven’t heard before, but as your close confidant, allow me to lighten the burden of carrying your secrets alone.”
She snorted with a quick chuckle. The White Fox goddess smiled knowingly, a mischievous gleam dancing in her dark eyes. She took a sip of wine, relishing its rich flavor before answering. “Zhe Yan, what’s with this absurd act of coyness? It’s not like you to mince words.” Bai Qian smirked, so her dimples showed as her soft, plump lips pursed against the rim and took another drink. “I know you. You’re dying to hear of the trial. Or at least all the private details,” she said, her cheeky voice sounding for the first time in many centuries, wonderfully untroubled. He would go as far as to say. She was relaxed, and playful, like the young girl who’d once stolen all his wine more times than he could recall. She was the way she had been before she began Bàofù.
Zhe Yan’s smile stretched from ear to ear, making him appear more youthful and ageless when he spoke. “You know me well. There’s been endless gossip, but I know not to believe anything. These bored immortals flap their gums but rarely know the truth, so you must tell me everything, leave nothing out. But first, I must ask what everyone in the immortal realms wants to know but is too afraid to ask: Your sufferings have been immense, unspeakable, but was it worth it? Did you accomplish everything you set out to do, Xiao Wu, or do you have any regrets?”
She had been smiling, but it didn’t last long, as it eventually disappeared. She sighed softly and took a sip of her wine before responding. “Regrets,” she said, her laughter sounding dry and hollow, almost as if she were mocking or laughing at herself. “Don’t we all, Zhe Yan?” She motioned to where he was sitting next to her. “It was in this very location that I asked Ye Hua to meet me and assist me in a plot of sheer madness, and it was here, right at this spot, that he foolishly agreed. Had he any sense, he would have turned and rushed right back to Nine Heavens, but you know well that he has never been able to say no to me in any situation, and now it’s clear that I have made a complete disaster out of everything. Like Sun Wukong, I created chaos and disaster.”
Zhe Yan’s gaze rested on the woman who had been a part of his life since she was a young girl. He studied her with a mix of curiosity and concern, well aware of the deep sadness and regret that lay beneath her calm demeanor. He could empathize, as he too carried his share of regrets, which he confessed. “I should have intervened when I first realized your intentions,” he murmured. “I should have suspected something was off when Mo Yuan’s actions became truly surprising.” He signed, “And perhaps it would have been better if I had never brought you to Kunlun; maybe you should have stayed in Qingqiu and married Sang Ji.” His gaze drifted heavenward, ” So many should and would haves. The only silver lining in this is the imperial children.” He added.
“Our children are the most precious and best parts of ourselves.” Bai Qian’s smile held a hint of sadness as her daze drifted toward the tranquil jade pool in front of her. “It’s hard to know where to begin when there are more regrets than moments in time, even for immortal beings like me,” She paused, closing her eyes before continuing, “Through my many years as an immortal and even during my human trial, I have learned that love can bring out both the best and worst in people. It can also make us selfish and cruel, and unfortunately, love alone is not always enough to sustain a relationship. Even with the best intentions, mistakes will happen. And while forgiveness may not always be an easy choice, it is necessary for healing and finding closure.”
Zhe Yan leaned forward, the soft pink fabric of his ethereal silk sleeves mimicking the delicate petals of a cherry blossom tree as they cascaded down his arms. His dark hair pulled back into a sleek topknot, highlighted the sharp angles of his face and added to his regal appearance. His hands, clasped gently in front of him, were long and elegant with slender fingers.
Bai Qian exhaled deeply as if she’d been holding her breath and her slightly intoxicated eyes wandered off into the distance as she nostalgically reminisced. “It all began with an innocent love that was forbidden,” she whispered, almost wistfully, as she relived memories of her human trial – something she had never shared with anyone before. “Despite the promises of a sweet peach blossom romance, fate had different plans for me. And what is a human trial without bitter betrayal and inexplicable heartache…” She frowned and motioned to the empty bottle in her hand. “If you want to hear this intimate recall of the human trials, we’re going to need more wine, Zhe Yan. Because, as it did in my immortal life, in the mortal world, it all started with twin brothers and one girl.”