How did I, an Onmyoji, become the Lord of Yokai?

Hmm... Let's decide on the day Suzuka Mountain is successfully established, as the first celebration of Suzuka Mountain will take place.

As she pondered, Qing Shui Chao Yang's thoughts unconsciously began to spread.

Fortunately, his wandering thoughts were quickly brought back to the present.

"Hey, wait a minute, what is the Spring Festival? I don't know anything about it and you're telling me to start preparing?"

It was Ōtakemaru who spoke first. He looked at the three of them, Shimizu Asahi and Ōtakemaru, who were talking back and forth, and his lips twitched involuntarily.

Even if you want me to work, you should at least tell me what I'm supposed to do first.

Upon hearing this, Shimizu Asahi and the other two immediately looked at Ōtakemaru, and then... they couldn't help but laugh.

"Indeed, Ōtakemaru has never celebrated the Lunar New Year."

"It's his first time too..."

"Then it seems we need to prepare something for this little guy."

"We'll talk about the preparations later. Let's tell this little guy what the Spring Festival is for now."

The black-haired boy smiled and stopped his two wives' discussion. He then told Ootakemaru the meaning of the Spring Festival. After understanding what the Spring Festival was, he also understood Shimizu Asahi and the others' thoughts. So he patted his chest and promised that he would definitely complete the mission.

To avoid wasting time, Ōtakemaru quickly finished his lunch and then rushed off to work.

Watching his departing figure, Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but smile and shake his head.

This little guy is really all talk and no action. He keeps saying no, but when it comes to work, he's more serious than anyone else.

"Alright, with Ootakemaru handling things on the island, we don't need to worry too much. After dinner, I'll set up a Memory Palace, then go see Xiaodie and her grandmother. You all go to Father's place to prepare the things we'll need for the Spring Festival."

"I'll go over tomorrow morning."

"Shall we go and prepare first...? That way we won't waste time." Ye Zi and the other person thought about it and felt there was no problem, so they agreed.

Soon, the three of them finished their lunch. Reiko left with Yoko, while Shimizu Asahi headed towards the village.

Just as he had imagined, the once deserted village has gradually developed, and the original houses have not only been transformed into various shapes, but are also full of vitality and life.

He arrived at Xiaodie's house amidst the siren's respectful shouts of "Lord Shimizu".

Grandma Xiaodie fully recovered from her injuries two months ago and is now able to do some ordinary work.

As for Xiaodie, she doesn't have a fixed job because she is very skillful and can handle any job, so she usually goes wherever she is needed.

Because of this, everyone in the village liked the little girl very much, and some sea monsters would even give her food and supplies.

In this friendly and kind atmosphere, Xiaodie became more and more cheerful. The wariness and fear she felt when they first met had long since disappeared. However, compared to these neighbors, the little one still preferred to stick close to Qingshui Chaoyang.

However, she knew she couldn't disturb him casually, so she only visited Suzuka-dono occasionally. (Chapter 391, Section 394: As long as they laugh, everything is worthwhile)

After visiting Xiaodie and her grandmother, it was already dark. Shimizu Asahi returned to Suzuka Palace to rest for the night, and the next day, he set off for Yamashiro Kingdom on a paper crane.

Knowing he would be coming, Reiko specifically instructed the servants to prepare an extra breakfast.

When he arrived, although it was past breakfast time, his breakfast was still sitting quietly.

After thanking his wife, Shimizu Asahi began to enjoy his breakfast.

However, while he was eating breakfast, Lingzi told him that his father also wanted to go with him for the New Year.

"Does Father want to spend the Spring Festival in Suzuka Mountain?"

Shimizu Asahi paused for a moment, then asked with some confusion, "Although I welcome Father's arrival, but... why did Father suddenly make this decision?"

"Actually, it wasn't that sudden, since my father had always had this in mind."

“Since we left, my father has been the only master of the house. It’s alright most of the time, as the servants and soldiers can keep him company. But when the Spring Festival comes, all the servants and soldiers will leave, and then my father will be all alone. It’s too lonely and boring for him to spend the Spring Festival alone, so he plans to come with us.”

Ye Zi offered a brief explanation.

“This…indeed, I didn’t consider that. Since that’s the case, let’s take Father back with us this time. It’ll be good to give the servants an early holiday.”

“We have already spoken to our father, and he has agreed. However, before we go, we must pay our respects to our ancestors; we cannot forget this.”

"Yes, I'll talk to my father about it after I finish breakfast."

After a quick breakfast, Shimizu Asahi drove skillfully to Tamura Samurai's study.

"Father."

He addressed him respectfully.

"Sunrise, you've arrived."

"sit."

Tamura Shi smiled and poured him a cup of tea, then brought up the matter of spending the New Year with them at Suzuka Mountain.

“I’ve already set the date. We can pay respects to our ancestors in a couple of days. Once we’ve done that, we won’t need to come back for the Spring Festival. Also, I’ve had the things you need prepared prepared, and I believe they’ll be ready soon.”

Shimizu Asahi said everything Tamura wanted to say, and not only said it, but also did everything that needed to be done. He didn't need to do anything else; he just had to wait for the time to come.

"As expected of a father, he is truly reliable."

Facing his father's decisive and efficient manner, Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but admire him, while the old man chuckled.

"After all, this is all I can do for you. If I don't handle this well, I'll be unworthy of my father's position."

Under Tamura's care, Shimizu Asahi seemed to have nothing to do, spending his days either with his two wives or studying Yin-Yang arts. Time passed quietly, and half a month later, they had completed all the preparations. After confirming that nothing had been forgotten, the four of them set off back to Suzuka Mountain.

On their way back, they saw the first snow of the year.

Light snowflakes fell from the sky, and the whole world was instantly covered in white. The four people sat on the paper crane and looked at this scene, and they couldn't help but sigh.

Aside from Reiko, this was the first time they had ever seen the sea and sky covered in snow.

However, this is for the best.

For Qingshui Chaoyang, it still needs some snow to celebrate the New Year; only with snow will the New Year's atmosphere be more intense.

Soon, amidst the swirling snow, they returned to Mount Suzuka.

Upon returning to Suzuka Mountain, they discovered that the mountain had undergone some changes compared to just two weeks prior.

Because of the festival, people from all walks of life have begun to prepare. Although paper-cuts, pine and plum blossoms, and other items have not yet been delivered to them, this does not diminish their anticipation for the festival.

Shimizu Asahi was very satisfied with the scene. He took his father to Suzuka-dono and arranged a room for him. Then he took the necessary things, such as paper cutting, to find Ōtakemaru.

The Spring Festival is just two weeks away, and this first Spring Festival must be celebrated in a lively and festive manner.

Thanks to the efforts of Qingshui Chaoyang and his team, paper-cuttings, New Year cards, black beans, and glutinous rice were delivered to the people, who then decorated their houses according to the local customs.

Then, every household was decorated with festive red.

And amidst this celebratory atmosphere, New Year's Eve arrived silently...

According to traditional customs, the last day of the year is also considered part of the Spring Festival, so people can start celebrating today.

However, since the New Year's Eve celebrations only start in the evening, Shimizu Asahi decided to hold a large celebration banquet that evening.

Suzuka Mountain is everyone's 'home,' and everyone here is each other's 'family.' Gathering everyone together for a banquet is the best decision we could make.

At night, after gathering everyone together, Shimizu Asahi casually said a few words that suited the occasion, and then let the people of Suzuka Mountain celebrate.

The people cheered and drank together before celebrating with their relatives and friends.

Of course, they hadn't forgotten their Shimizu-sama. After Shimizu Asahi announced the start of the banquet, those who were nearby rushed forward.

They surrounded him happily, expressing their deepest gratitude.

The sirens taken in by Suzuka Mountain were either homeless and displaced, or bullied and helpless. They had felt hopeless and disheartened about their lives and had thought about escaping such a life.

However, they did not have that power.

As the vulnerable, they cannot escape this life and desperate situation no matter where they go.

But just when they thought they would be trapped in this despair for the rest of their lives, they were greeted by clear water and rising sun.

This human Onmyoji embraced them with kindness and changed them with warm care. He not only gave them a complete family, but also the respect and equality they deserved. For the first time, they had the idea of ​​wanting to live like this forever.

Therefore, they are very grateful for and respect Shimizu Chaoyang.

Although the nominal owner of Suzuka Mountain was his wife, Shimizu Reiko, and the person in charge was his younger brother, Ōtakemaru, in their hearts, Suzuka Mountain belonged to Shimizu Asahi, and he was the true master of the island.

Shimizu Asahi was very happy and proud of the people's love and respect.

When he sees them integrate into this 'family' and see their smiles return, a sense of satisfaction rises in his heart.

—My efforts were not in vain.

As long as they can smile again, then whatever I do will be worthwhile. Chapter 392, Section 395: It's time for me to leave...

The celebrations continued, and after receiving the gratitude of all the people, Shimizu Asahi returned to Reiko and Yoko's side.

They looked at the black-haired boy, who was already quite drunk, and couldn't help but laugh.

"You're really popular, Chaoyang."

"When I was watching just now, I was worried that you might get drunk like that."

"Fortunately, there aren't too many people in Suzuka Mountain yet, and some of the kids don't drink alcohol, otherwise, I might really have collapsed."

The boy smiled and shook his head. He went to his seat, drank a glass of warm water, and tried to clear his somewhat fuzzy mind.

There are fewer than a hundred people living in Suzuka Mountain now, and a small portion of them are still children. That's why he's been able to hold on. If it were Suzuka Mountain five years ago, and Reiko hadn't come to his rescue, he would definitely have gotten drunk.

"Well, we've dodged it for now, but that might not be the case in the future."

"By the next Spring Festival, they will have the quantity and ability to get you drunk."

Reiko squinted her eyes and smiled happily, seemingly looking forward to the day when Shimizu Asahi would be drunk.

"Hmm... let's leave the next time for next time. Anyway, I've gotten through this."

After clearing his head of grogginess, Shimizu Asahi poured himself another glass of wine and said, "Alright, let's raise a glass too."

"We don't need to pray to the gods tonight, so it's okay to drink a little more."

"That's true, but don't drink too much, or you'll feel unwell tomorrow."

Ye Zi said something to him with concern.

Although that's what her sister said, she still hoped that Shimizu Asahi wouldn't drink so much, as the feeling of being drunk and having an overnight would be very unpleasant.