Acting with Conviction

While waiting yet again for them to finish at another stall - this one selling enchanted paper butterflies - Ao Min and Ao Fang suddenly froze. Their faces lit up with identical expressions of delight as they spotted something - or someone - across the street.

"Nu Jinhua!" the twins suddenly shouted in unison, making Ao Huli turn. A young boy about their age stood frozen in place, clutching a basket of fruit. Upon seeing the twins, his eyes widened in panic, and he spun around, trying to hurry away.

Before Ao Huli could process the boy's obvious attempt to flee, his brothers darted past him, moving with the practiced coordination of lifelong twins. They caught up easily, each grabbing one of the boy's arms and spinning him around to face them.

Immediately, they began showering him with affection, their words tumbling over each other in their excitement. The boy - Nu Jinhua - swallowed hard, his face flushing a deep red as he endured their enthusiasm.

Feeling a mix of pity and secondhand embarrassment, Ao Huli approached the scene.

Noticing their older brother's presence, Ao Fang gestured proudly. "This is Nu Jinhua," he announced, "a flower spirit and son of the flower goddess, Nu Yi."

"And my future wife," Ao Min added with a coy smile, only to receive a swift headbutt from his twin.

"You'll have to fight me first!" Ao Fang declared.

Ao Huli sighed as understanding dawned. "So this is why you wanted to come along."

His brothers only grinned sheepishly, their arms still locked firmly around their captive's.

"I- I really should be getting back," Nu Jinhua stammered. "My mother is expecting me..."

Ao Min smoothly plucked the fruit basket from Nu Jinhua's hands, holding it just out of reach as the flower spirit made a futile grab for it. "We can't have our future wife carrying things himself!"

"Absolutely not!" Ao Fang agreed, nodding vigorously with his arms crossed.

"Really, I'll be fine-" Nu Jinhua tried to protest, but Ao Fang's hand landed heavily on his shoulder.

"We insist," he said firmly.

The twins positioned themselves in front of Nu Jinhua, extending their hands simultaneously. "Which one of us would you rather hold hands with?" they asked in perfect sync.

Nu Jinhua looked between their offered hands with growing panic before his gaze landed desperately on Ao Huli. With a shaking hand, he pointed at the eldest prince.

Ao Huli blinked in surprise, but before he could respond, the twins shared a quick look before turning back to Nu Jinhua.

"Both, then," they declared together, each seizing one of Nu Jinhua's hands.

The flower spirit's face, which Ao Huli had thought couldn't possibly get redder, achieved an even deeper shade of crimson. Seemingly accepting his fate, Nu Jinhua began leading them toward his home, sandwiched between the enthusiastic twins while Ao Huli followed behind, wondering how he'd gotten caught up in this situation when he was supposed to be looking for Ao Qing and his mirror.

As they approached the sprawling manor, Ao Huli couldn't help but marvel at the lush greenery that seemed to engulf the building. Vines twined up the walls, their tendrils reaching for the sky, while wildflowers bloomed in riotous colors at their feet. It was as if the house itself had sprung from the earth, a living testament to the power of nature.

Just as they crossed the threshold, a melodic giggle filled the air, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "My, my," a feminine voice purred, "I wasn't aware we were expecting visitors today."

Ao Huli's eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of the voice, but he saw no one. 

Suddenly, a swirl of petals cascaded from the ceiling, spinning and dancing in an ethereal display. As they settled, a stunning woman materialized in their midst, her beauty so radiant it seemed to make the very flowers pale in comparison.

She wore elegant robes adorned with blossoms, each one perfectly placed to accentuate her graceful form. Her hair, an inky waterfall, was woven through with even more flowers, creating a living crown atop her head.

Ao Huli couldn't help but stare, struck by her uncanny resemblance to Nu Jinhua. It was as if someone had taken the boy's delicate features and refined them into the epitome of feminine grace. Suddenly, his brothers' infatuation made perfect sense.

The woman's eyes, a mesmerizing shade of green, landed on Ao Huli. A coy smile played at her lips as she raised a sleeve to cover her mouth in a flirtatious gesture. "Oh my," she exclaimed, her voice like honey, "you must be the eldest son of the Ao family. How delightful!"

Remembering his manners, Ao Huli quickly cupped his hands before him and bowed deeply. "I apologize for the intrusion" he said formally. "I am Ao Huli, son of Ao Liu and Xiaohei. It's an honor to

The woman giggled again, the sound like tinkling bells. "The honor is all mine, young prince. I am Nu Yi, the mistress of this house." She glided closer, her movements fluid as water, until she stood just beside Ao Huli. "I must say, I'm surprised to see how much you've grown. Such a handsome young man you've become."

Ao Huli blinked, confusion furrowing his brow. "Have we... met before, Lady Nu Yi?"

Her laughter was like the chiming of wind chimes in a gentle breeze. "Oh yes, at your hundred-day celebration, when you were just a tiny babe." She waved a hand dismissively. "But of course, you wouldn't remember. You were far too young."

She turned her attention to Ao Min and Ao Fang, who had taken advantage of the distraction to resume their snuggling of a very flustered Nu Jinhua. "These two have been frequent visitors as of late," she remarked, amusement coloring her tone. "But I haven't had the pleasure of meeting all your siblings yet. It must be quite lively, with so many children running about. I have only my dear Jinhua." She gestured fondly to her son, who looked like he very much wished to disappear.

"It can be... chaotic at times," Ao Huli agreed diplomatically. "But we manage." He glanced around the room again, remembering his original purpose. "Actually, Lady Nu Yi, I was wondering if you might have seen my sister, Ao Qing? The boys mentioned she planned to visit you today."

Nu Yi tilted her head, a look of confusion crossing her delicate features. "Ao Qing? Why, she's only visited once before, and that was quite some time ago. We certainly hadn't made any plans for today."

Realization dawned on Ao Huli, and he slowly turned to fix his brothers with a penetrating stare. Ao Min and Ao Fang, sensing the weight of his gaze, froze mid-cuddle. They turned to face him with exaggerated slowness, identical sheepish grins plastered across their faces.

"So," Ao Huli said, his voice deceptively calm, "you two just wanted an excuse to come bother Nu Jinhua, is that it?"

"What?" Ao Min said, his eyes wide with feigned innocence. "No, no, we really thought-"

"It was an honest mistake!" Ao Fang chimed in, nodding vigorously. "We must have misheard-"

Their desperate explanations were cut short by a sudden movement. Nu Jinhua, seeing his tormentors distracted, had seized the opportunity to make a break for it. He ducked out from under the twins' arms and sprinted past Ao Huli, disappearing into the depths of the house with impressive speed.

Ao Min and Ao Fang made to chase after him, but Ao Huli was quicker. His hands shot out, grabbing each boy by the collar and halting their pursuit. They struggled against his grip, but he held firm, his strength belying his slender frame.

"Because of your little deception," Ao Huli said coldly, "you two are going to help me search for Ao Qing. And I don't want to hear a single complaint."

The twins turned to him, their mouths open to argue, but any protest died on their lips as they caught sight of Ao Huli's expression. His magenta eyes were hard as stone, his jaw set in a firm line that brooked no argument. They gulped in unison, their cat ears flattening against their heads in submission.

"Yes, big brother," they mumbled together, their shoulders slumping in defeat.

Ao Huli turned back to Nu Yi, releasing his brothers to cup his hands and bow once more. "Please forgive the intrusion, Lady Nu Yi," he said formally. "And the trouble my brothers have caused. We'll be taking our leave now."

Nu Yi waved a hand airily, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Oh, it's no trouble at all, young prince. They keep things interesting around here." She turned to the twins, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "I'll see you both next week, my dears. Do try not to torment my poor Jinhua too much, won't you?"

With that, she dissolved into a swirl of petals once more, her laughter echoing through the room as she vanished.

Ao Huli turned on his heel, striding out of the manor with purposeful steps. Ao Min and Ao Fang trailed behind him, their usual boisterous energy subdued by the weight of their brother's displeasure.

As they walked, Ao Huli's mind raced. If Ao Qing wasn't at the flower maiden's house, where could she be? And more importantly, where was the mirror? The thought of the sacred artifact being lost or misused sent a chill down his spine.

He quickened his pace, his red-tipped ears twitching with agitation. He needed to find his sister, and fast. The consequences of failing in his duties weighed heavily on his mind, a pressure that seemed to grow with each passing moment.

Behind him, Ao Min and Ao Fang exchanged a look of trepidation. They had never seen their eldest brother so visibly unsettled before. Whatever was going on, they realized, was far more serious than their usual mischief.

In silence, the three brothers made their way through the winding streets of the celestial city, each lost in their own thoughts. Ao Huli's jaw was set in determination, his magenta eyes scanning every passerby for a glimpse of his wayward sister. Ao Min and Ao Fang, chastened by their brother's stern demeanor, kept their usual chatter to a minimum, their cat ears swiveling to catch any hint of Ao Qing's presence.

Ao Huli's footsteps echoed through the market as he searched each building, his brothers trailing behind him. Wherever they went, immortals and spirits stopped to bow, recognizing the princes of the celestial realm.

As Ao Huli scanned another section of the market, his attention was drawn by a commotion at a nearby stall. Ao Min and Ao Fang were standing in front of a display of hair pins, holding one up to the light.

"Nu Jinhua would look so adorable wearing this!" Ao Min exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

Ao Fang slammed his hand on the stall repeatedly, his voice rising with each word. "He's just so cute! Can you imagine him with this in his hair?"

Ao Huli strode over, his patience wearing thin. He grabbed each of his brothers by their pointed ears, eliciting yelps of protest as he dragged them away from the stall.

Just as he rounded the corner, a flash of white caught his eye. For a moment, he swore he saw the swirl of his sister's robes disappearing down the street. Without hesitation, he broke into a run, determined not to lose her.

But as he turned the corner, the street was empty. Ao Huli's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Ao Qing. Then, a flicker of movement above caught his attention. There, jumping from roof to roof with feline grace, was his sister.

Ao Huli leapt onto the nearest building, his feet finding purchase on the tiles as he gave chase. Behind him, he heard Ao Min and Ao Fang's frustrated shouts.

"Brother, wait! We can't jump that high!"

But Ao Huli was already gone, his focus entirely on catching up to Ao Qing.

The twins stood there for a moment, their cat ears drooping slightly. Ao Min turned to his twin, a blank look on his face. "You want to go back to the flower palace?"

The twins shared a conspiratorial look, their tails swishing with excitement. Without another word, they turned and headed back.

Above on the rooftops, Ao Huli called out to Ao Qing as he ran, his voice lost in the bustle of the crowd below. 

"Ao Qing! Stop!"

If she heard him, she gave no indication. She continued her breakneck pace, leaping gracefully from building to building.

As they ran, Ao Huli glanced up at the sky, noting the position of the sun. Time was slipping away, and he needed to be at his post in the soul sanctuary soon. The thought of being late, of disappointing his mentors, spurred him on.

Finally, he saw Ao Qing vault over the edge of a roof, dropping to the street below with a nimble landing. Ao Huli followed suit, his feet hitting the ground just as she took off again.

But as they weaved through the streets, a growing sense of familiarity began to tug at Ao Huli's mind. These winding paths, the ornate architecture - they were approaching the golden palace.

Just as Ao Qing was about to disappear into their family's pavilion, Ao Huli's hand shot out, grasping her arm and spinning her around to face him. Startled, she immediately fell into a defensive stance, her eyes wide with surprise and anger.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded loudly, yanking her arm from his grip.

Ao Huli faced her, his expression stern. "Give me back the mirror, Ao Qing."

Confusion flickered across her face, quickly replaced by indignation. "I don't have your mirror!"

Ao Huli's brow furrowed. For a moment, he was thrown by the genuine bewilderment in her tone. But he shook it off quickly, convinced she was merely trying to deceive him.

"Ao Qing, I'm not playing games. Give me the mirror, now."

"I told you, I don't have it!" she snapped, her hands balling into fists at her sides.

Just as Ao Huli opened his mouth to retort, the door beside them slid open. A figure leaned out, his expression one of bored annoyance.

Ao Zhang Wei, their fifteen-year-old brother, looked between his arguing siblings with a raised eyebrow. "Are you looking for a mirror, Ao Huli?"

Ao Huli turned to him, surprised by the interruption. "Yes, I am. The mirror I need for my duties. Do you know where it is?"

Ao Zhang Wei shrugged, his voice flat as he delivered the news. "The triplets took it. They're in the central hall."

Shock rippled through Ao Huli, followed quickly by a surge of frustration. He ran a hand through his hair, a sigh escaping his lips. Why would the triplets have taken the mirror? What possible use could they have for such a sacred artifact?

Ao Qing, her hands planted firmly on her hips, fixed Ao Huli with a pointed look. "Well? Are you going to apologize?"

Ao Huli met her gaze, his magenta eyes cool and assessing. After a moment, he clasped his hands before him and bowed, the picture of formal contrition.

"I apologize for accusing you, sister. It was wrong of me to assume."

Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and strode off towards the central pavilion, his mind already racing ahead to his impending confrontation with the triplets.

As he walked, he couldn't help but wonder at the strange twists this day had taken. First Ao Qing, now the triplets... it seemed everyone was conspiring to keep him from his duties.

With purposeful steps, he made his way to the central pavilion, the residence of Ao Bing and Ne Zha. As Ao Huli carefully entered the pavilion, the echoing voices of his siblings greeted him. Laughter and strange popping sounds bounced off the walls, growing louder as he approached the main room.

The scene that met his eyes was one of utter disbelief. The triplets were huddled on the floor, surrounding the sacred mirror. But instead of treating it with the reverence it deserved, they were using its smooth surface as a playground for their marbles. The popping sounds Ao Huli had heard were the marbles clacking against each other as they rolled across the mirror's face.

Ao Jingyi, the first to notice his eldest brother's presence, leapt to his feet with a shout of joy. "Eldest brother!"

Ao Su and Ao Zedong looked up from their game, their faces splitting into wide grins at the sight of Ao Huli.

Approaching cautiously, Ao Huli fought to keep his voice even. "Where did you get that mirror?"

Ao Su shrugged, her tone matter-of-fact. "We found it in your room. It was under your mattress, so we didn't think it was important."

Ao Huli's shoulders slumped, a wave of weariness washing over him. He moved forward, picking up the mirror and watching as the marbles slid off its surface and clattered to the floor.

The triplets' faces fell, their earlier delight turning to dismay. Before they could voice their complaints, Ao Huli fixed them with a questioning look.

"Why did you take it?"

Ao Zedong piped up, his eyes shining with excitement. "The marbles look so much cooler when they roll over the reflection!"

"And it's such a smooth surface," Ao Jingyi added helpfully. "It makes the marbles roll really well."

Ao Huli sighed, tucking the mirror into his robes as he stood. Immediately, the triplets clung to him, their small hands grasping at his clothes.

"Why are you taking it?" Ao Su whined, her voice edging into a plea.

"Give it back!" Ao Zedong and Ao Jingyi chorused, their eyes wide and beseeching.

Gently but firmly, Ao Huli detached himself from their grasp and made his way towards the door. But as he reached for the handle, the door swung open, revealing a figure on the other side.

Ne Zha, in his child form, blinked up at Ao Huli. A smirk played across his youthful features as he leaned casually on one foot.

"Did you see the triplets using your mirror?" he asked, his tone playful.

Ao Huli quickly cupped his hands and bowed to the emperor, his heart sinking. When he straightened, he met Ne Zha's amused gaze with a question of his own.

"Were you coming to retrieve the mirror from them, Your Majesty?"

Ne Zha laughed, rubbing his nose with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Nah, I was going to join them!"

Ao Huli's face remained carefully neutral, but inside, he felt a flicker of exasperation. He bowed again, then sidestepped Ne Zha and made his way out of the pavilion.

Once outside, he tucked the mirror securely into his robes and broke into a sprint. He was late, very late, for his duties at the Soul Sanctuary.

When he finally arrived, Yan Wang's displeasure was evident. The god's gruff voice greeted him with a stern rebuke.

"You're late."

Ao Huli bowed deeply, his voice contrite. "I apologize, Master Yan Wang. I had to attend to some family matters."

Yan Wang's eyes narrowed. "Don't always use your family as an excuse for your slip-ups, boy."

Ao Huli merely bowed deeper, choosing not to argue or shift blame. He took his seat, and the day's work began in earnest.

Throughout the session, Yan Wang would ask Ao Huli to look into the lilies and relay what he saw of each soul's life. Then, he would follow up with a pointed question.

"Do you believe this soul should be reincarnated?"

Each time, Ao Huli would hesitate, his brow furrowing with concern. "I... I don't know," he would admit, his uncertainty clear in his voice.

Yan Wang's annoyance seemed to grow with each indecisive response. Finally, he fixed Ao Huli with a stern look.

"This will be your job one day," he said, his voice firm. "You must learn to act with a definitive hand."

As the day drew to a close, Yan Wang delivered one final edict. "Because you were late, you'll stay behind and continue cleaning."

Ao Huli accepted the punishment without complaint, bowing respectfully as Yan Wang and Meng Po took their leave. As they departed, the river stilled, the lilies coming to rest on its tranquil surface.

As dusk approached, Ao Huli threw himself into his tasks, his focus unwavering. He organized scrolls with meticulous care, losing himself in the work. When he found a moment to spare, he would pour over the records of past soul judgments, studying the informational scrolls with a diligent eye.

Time seemed to slip away as he worked, his mind fully engaged in his duties. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows through the sanctuary, but Ao Huli hardly noticed. He was determined to make up for his earlier tardiness, to prove himself worthy of the responsibilities entrusted to him.

But even as he worked, his thoughts kept drifting back to the mirror and the strange glimpses it had shown him. The changing mortal realm, the hints of a shifting dynamic between humans and gods... these were not matters to be taken lightly.