Chapter 113: The Other Shore and the City of Decline

Linhe City was perpetually shrouded in night. In the desolate darkness, winds occasionally surged from the Yellow Springs, carrying spiritual energy. They swept dryly and obscurely over the city, as if cleansing something unseen. Through the narrow spaces between buildings, the red moonlight seemed to have bathed the city for millennia. The snow on the rooftops had frozen into troughs of ice shards, their crystals reflecting the moonlight, never melting in this world devoid of warmth.

From an old, dilapidated house, its worm-eaten door suddenly swung open, and a small boy came running out, crying. He stumbled and fell after only a few steps, his face streaked with blood. He wiped his face, revealing hard grains of rice at the corners of his mouth.

From the doorway, a woman slowly emerged, attempting to call the small boy back, but no sound escaped her lips. Her long hair hung disheveled, and in her hand, she clutched a handful of yellowish uncooked rice. Her gaunt, skull-like face was obscured by her hair, making it impossible to discern if she was human or ghost.

After falling to the ground, the small boy sobbed, crying out, "I want to go find the Immortal Lord…"

The woman let out a long sigh. She stepped out cautiously, seemingly fearful of the red moon overhead, daring only to move within the shadows cast by the eaves. She reached the boy, who was as thin as a stick, and grasped his hand. He struggled frantically, but she swiftly picked him up and pulled him back beneath the shelter of the eaves.

The small boy cried out, "Mother, please take me to the Immortal Lord! I don't want to eat rice anymore. He can surely save us."

The woman, who appeared half-human, half-ghost, remained silent. She held the small boy in her arms, her skeletal fingers pressing into his shoulders, and let out a few guttural cries, as if issuing a warning.

After taking the small boy back into the house, the woman knelt down and began to painstakingly pick up the scattered, yellowish uncooked rice grains from the ground.

This small boy was one of the few survivors remaining in the city. These survivors had discovered that by continuously consuming uncooked rice, they could resist the red moon's erosion and cling to their human form, barely surviving.

However, prolonged consumption of uncooked rice led to unbearable stomach pain. What's more, this unending darkness seemed as if it would never give way to dawn. Some souls had even begun to embrace their spectral existence, re-entering the world illuminated by the red moon to live as ghosts in the city. Yet, many could not endure such suffering; even as disembodied spirits, they desperately cast themselves into the Yellow Springs, seeking total annihilation of both form and consciousness.

Earlier that month, the City Lord had appeared to calm the populace, announcing that although they had become spirits of the dead, they had gained eternal life in return. He assured them that as long as they maintained cheerfulness and faith in their hearts, they could live happily forever in Linhe City, in an immortal and indestructible form.

This declaration initially brought relief to many. The powerful allure of eternal life even prompted many citizens to worship with profound gratitude. The City Lord, utilizing his limited authority, demonstrated powers beyond mortal comprehension to these spirits, further reassuring them and solidifying their devotion. This even led many who were still consuming uncooked rice to abandon the practice, opting instead to pursue eternal life after death.

However, this tranquility was short-lived. After almost half a month, the inherent conflicts within Linhe City finally began to surface.

By the Yellow Springs, as the spirits of the dead gathered to prostrate themselves before the Underworld Monarch, the leading man stood on a high platform by the river, chanting a ritual. Midway through the ceremony, the man suddenly went mad, clutching his spiritual body, trembling with the rapid frequency of a dragonfly's wings.

His madness did not last long. Soon, countless shadows, resembling corpse beetles, emerged within his already deceased form. These shadows scurried frantically within his soul, like headless flies buzzing chaotically. His spirit was swiftly dismembered by these terrifying, darting shadows. In front of everyone, the man's soul was thus tainted with a gruesome, cadaverous hue, and then agonizingly perished beneath the sacred red moon, a symbol of eternal life.

Following this anomaly during the assembly and prayer, the news was quickly suppressed by the City Lord.

The City Lord informed everyone that only individuals who had been benevolent during their lives could receive the favor of the Underworld Monarch and attain true eternal life after death.

As if to corroborate the City Lord's statement, several spirits of individuals who had been notorious local bullies in the city also vanished without a trace after a period of time during those days.

The inglorious deaths of the bullies convinced many of the City Lord's words. Yet, not long after, the city's most venerable old scholar also, in full view of everyone, began to manifest beetle-like creatures within his body, rapidly perishing and vanishing like snow melting into water in the protracted darkness.

This incident rapidly spread within a small circle. Before chaos could erupt, the City Lord once again appeared before the crowd, accompanied by the two Underworld Officials, Black and White Wuchang. He meticulously listed all the alleged crimes of the old scholar from his life, telling them that the issue was not with eternal life itself, but that the old scholar had deceived them for many years, and in his youth, he had actually been an unforgivable demon.

To substantiate his claims, the City Lord even summoned numerous spirits to provide testimony. Among them, a woman in her thirties tearfully recounted how the old scholar had bullied her over a decade ago, detailing the events with vivid precision.

Some did not believe these words, but the majority accepted them. In the boundless darkness, without a single glimmer of hope, no one could truly survive.

Nevertheless, the occurrence of these events ultimately changed everything.

The old scholar had enjoyed an exceptionally high reputation in the city during his lifetime. Now, two entire generations within the city had been his students, and based on their deep understanding of their teacher, they naturally could not believe the City Lord's words. Many principled students had already decided to unite, intending to raid the City Lord's mansion and kill the old man along with Black and White Wuchang, who were aiding his tyranny.

"If we had caused trouble or held hope when we were alive, now that we are dead, we are merely lonely, wandering spirits. Yet that old man has received the Underworld King's grace and has two demonic soul-reapers by his side. Even if we were to combine our strength, how could we possibly be his match?"

"And White Wuchang—he was the master's student in life, yet now, he and that old man seek to suppress everyone here."

"He was always an ungrateful wretch. He couldn't succeed in his studies or attain official rank. After his family died, he feigned mourning for three years, wearing sackcloth and acting sorrowful. During those three years, it was our teacher who repeatedly sent people to secretly assist him; otherwise, he would have starved to death long ago."

"So, gentlemen, what do you think we should do next?" asked a man in his forties, impeccably dressed in a traditional robe, from the center of the long table.

"Lord Qin, even when we were students, you were the master's most esteemed pupil, our senior disciple. It is fitting that you make the decision now."

"Yes, this matter needs leadership. Your scholarship and virtue command the most respect, so you should naturally bear this important responsibility."

The others all readily agreed.

The middle-aged man, addressed as Lord Qin, stood up and bowed to everyone. After a few humble words, he ensured that all doors and windows were tightly closed, confirming that no human or spirit was eavesdropping. Only then did he sit down and, with great solemnity, finalized the assassination plan for the City Lord with everyone. They discussed many details and jointly swore an oath that even if their souls were to perish, they would kill the City Lord who had caused everyone's demise.

Everyone who attended the meeting that night perished in the City Lord's mansion the following day, their souls completely annihilated.

Black and White Wuchang carried out the execution. Before it began, the man known as Lord Qin respectfully bowed to the group once more and sighed, "My apologies, everyone."

He turned his back, and the curses in his ears grew steadily fainter, gradually subsiding into silence.

Lord Qin sighed.

When the City Lord emerged from behind the scenes, some of the weariness on his face had dissipated. He smiled at Lord Qin and patted his shoulder, saying, "Well done."

Lord Qin quickly asked, "My lord, what about the matter of the unnamed corpse beetles?"

The City Lord smiled and replied, "Stay by my side, and you will remain safe. Once the Underworld Monarch returns, the Divine Kingdom can be rebuilt."

Lord Qin felt a little relieved and then asked, "May I inquire as to the Underworld Monarch's current whereabouts? And when will he return?"

The City Lord clasped his fist to his chest, his expression one of wistful contemplation: "The Underworld Monarch is currently on the other shore."

Lord Qin deliberated for a moment, then asked, "And what about… those few individuals?"

He was referring to the three young people who appeared to be like deities.

The City Lord's expression darkened. If not for those three individuals, the Divine Kingdom would have already been established. The city would not have fallen to this tragic state, where people were no longer truly human, and ghosts no longer truly ghosts. The red moon indiscriminately corroded everything, rendering eternal life an empty promise.

The City Lord sneered, his words slow but heavy: "Do not worry, when the Underworld Monarch returns, they will all perish… Currently, they have no time to concern themselves with us. My decision not to tell everyone about their sabotage of the Divine Kingdom is already an act of clemency towards them. If I were to reveal it, they would become the target of universal hatred, and they would know no peace unless they killed every innocent person who dared to confront them."

Lord Qin verbally agreed, acknowledging the City Lord's magnanimity, but inwardly, he scoffed incessantly. He knew that both the City Lord and the Underworld Monarch were preoccupied with their own preparations and simply had no time to deal with the major and minor spirits in the city. If the City Lord truly dared to act as he suggested, he himself would be the first to perish.

Everything he was doing now was merely a desperate attempt to secure his own survival.

The City Lord walked outside and paused beneath the eaves. He gazed at the messy snow and the ground, which resembled red frost, and slowly began to speak: "Lord Qin, you are also a distinguished figure in this city. For the stability of Linhe City, you were compelled to choose between minor justice and the greater good. Those who accompanied you were also heroes. I am not a narrow-minded man. Once everything is settled, I will certainly ensure their reputation. It is simply that this course of action is unavoidable for now."

Lord Qin's expression was one of noble sorrow: "You humble yourself too much, my lord."

The City Lord turned slightly, looking at Lord Qin's face, and asked earnestly: "The myriad people in this city are difficult to unite. In the past month, there have been many short-sighted wretches gathering to cause trouble, which is detrimental to the city's stability. Lord Qin, you care deeply for the common people, and the old scholar himself believed you to be the most talented. Now that we have an opportunity to collaborate, I humbly seek your counsel: what do you believe should be done about the current situation in the city?"

Lord Qin feigned contemplation, though in truth, he already had a plan. He furrowed his brows and, after a moment's deliberation, stated, "In my view, from this day forward, the consumption of uncooked rice should be forbidden in this city. This way, all citizens will be united, with no distinction between life and death, and they will naturally stand on the same ground."

The City Lord closed his eyes, thought for a moment, and asked, "Is this proposal perhaps a bit… improper?"

Lord Qin declared loudly, "With the greater good on your side, my lord, what could possibly be improper?"

The City Lord's hand, clasped into a fist against his chest, tightened slightly. He said, "Then, this matter, I shall trouble Lord Qin to implement."

Lord Qin's expression subtly shifted, and he quickly responded, "Why must I attend to this in person? I have several talented disciples. One of them, despite all counsel, stubbornly continues to consume uncooked rice daily. I could try to persuade him to lead by example, and then…"

The City Lord waved his hand. "They are still young. How can they compare to Lord Qin's revered virtue and persuasive power? This matter will be handled by you. I appreciate your effort, Lord Qin."

Lord Qin wanted to speak further, but he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Black and White Wuchang had appeared without a sound. Black Wuchang carried an erhu on his back, his eyes bound by a black blindfold, his expression solemn. White Wuchang watched him with a subtle, knowing smile, as if savoring a theatrical performance.

Lord Qin offered a bitter smile and bowed, saying, "As my lord commands."

After Lord Qin departed, a door at the back of the house opened, and a pair of utterly adorable small children—a boy and a girl—ran out, circling around the old City Lord's knees.

The small boy, who had secretly overheard their recent conversation, looked delighted and asked, "Grandpa, are we not eating uncooked rice anymore? My stomach hurts so much, and I've passed blood many times. My sister also often wakes up in pain. We haven't wanted to eat that for a long time. Why don't we give it to those who wish to endure such suffering? I…"

The old City Lord slapped him across the face, his expression furious. "How many times have I told you," he said, "uncooked rice must never be stopped! Three meals a day, not a single one can be missed. You and your sister must supervise each other; not a single grain of rice less. And from now on, you are forbidden to complain about this, understand?"

The small boy covered his face, looking panicked and confused. "But Grandpa clearly told that person…"

The old City Lord sighed, gently touching the boy's reddened cheek. His voice was weary and hoarse: "When you grow up, you will understand Grandpa's painstaking efforts."

The small boy lowered his head and murmured a faint "Oh." The little girl, with a humble expression, remained silent throughout.

And the matter of forbidding uncooked rice, just as it was about to be implemented, was suddenly interrupted.

This occurred one month after Linhe City had transformed into Fengdu.

On that day, by the banks of the Yellow Springs, a girl in a white dress appeared. As if by a unspoken understanding, Lady Bai also emerged on the opposite bank, accompanied by a rather unassuming young man who was pushing her.

They gazed at each other for a long time.

This event astonished nearly everyone in the city.

From a great distance, they watched, anxiously awaiting a specific moment. Until that moment arrived, they remained uncertain of their allegiance.

As Ning Changjiu and Ning Xiaoling rushed out of the house, Zhao Xiang'er, clad in a pristine white dress, coincidentally appeared at the doorway. Her silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, perfectly neat. Although her expressionless face conveyed a certain coolness, her porcelain-white complexion and skin showed no sign of injury.

"Xiang… Sister Xiang'er," Ning Xiaoling exclaimed, surprised to see Zhao Xiang'er at the doorway.

Although Ning Changjiu frowned, he felt a sense of relief and asked, "Where have you been?"

Zhao Xiang'er clasped her hands behind her back, her eyelids subtly raised, and cast a glance at him. "Why do you care?" she retorted.

Ning Changjiu asked, "Did you go to see Lady Bai?"

Zhao Xiang'er paused briefly and said, "It seems you weren't beaten senseless."

Ning Changjiu asked anxiously, "What was the outcome?"

Zhao Xiang'er replied, "We did not fight."

Ning Changjiu was slightly surprised. He didn't yet understand the implications of this outcome, but simply said, "It's good that nothing untoward happened."

"What could possibly happen to me?" Zhao Xiang'er scoffed, turning to walk back into the house.

Ning Changjiu followed her, asking, "Are we not practicing punches anymore?"

Zhao Xiang'er replied, "You've been beaten for a month, and I haven't seen any improvement in you. I've just been exerting myself for nothing."

Ning Changjiu lowered his head, looking at his injuries, and said, "Don't go out alone again in the future."

Zhao Xiang'er stopped and said coldly, "I give you daily punch practice only because I hope to see some miracle from you. Don't flatter yourself or entertain any romantic notions; nothing will come of it."

Ning Changjiu ignored her cold remarks and asked, "What exactly happened?"

Zhao Xiang'er didn't answer, merely saying, "In any case, from today onwards, you won't need to be beaten anymore. It won't yield any results anyway."

Ning Changjiu smiled, voicing his suspicion: "Is it the Other Shore?"

Zhao Xiang'er's delicate eyebrows subtly arched. She turned her head, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, and finally nodded gently, asking, "You knew?"

Ning Changjiu replied, "I had a suspicion."

Zhao Xiang'er sounded a little annoyed. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Ning Changjiu explained, "This matter is too significant. I only considered it yesterday, and I was planning to verify it today before telling you."

Zhao Xiang'er glared at him, clearly unsatisfied with his explanation. Coldly, she said, "Come into my room."

"But that's my room…" Ning Changjiu thought, but dared not voice it.

Ning Xiaoling, listening nearby, was utterly bewildered, wondering if she was now unable to understand even their banter.

Once inside the room, the three sat down on chairs, and Zhao Xiang'er began to recount everything that had transpired that day.

"By the banks of the Yellow Springs, Lady Bai and I did, in fact, engage," Zhao Xiang'er said, closing her eyes and recalling the scene. "Neither of us moved physically, yet in an unseen exchange, we countered each other seventy-eight times."

"And the outcome?" Ning Xiaoling asked curiously.

Zhao Xiang'er shook her head. "There was no decisive outcome."

Ning Changjiu closed his eyes and sighed, "So it truly is the Other Shore."

Zhao Xiang'er hummed in affirmation and said, "Lady Bai likely realized this long ago, which explains her reluctance to act."

Ning Xiaoling asked, "The Other Shore? What is that?"

Ning Changjiu explained, "Legend has it that many secret realms or enclosed cities in this world, to maintain their internal balance, spontaneously establish a law. This law is known as the 'Other Shore Theorem.' It dictates that along the city's central axis, two worlds are mysteriously divided. Though connected, these two worlds are fundamentally independent, much like the two sides of a scale, where their combined weight is nearly identical. If the power on either side becomes too dominant, it will cause the scale to tip, ultimately leading to the destruction of the entire city."

Ning Xiaoling listened, seeming to understand yet not quite grasping the full meaning.

Zhao Xiang'er explained in more straightforward terms: "This means that although we and Lady Bai are separated by the Yellow Springs, we are effectively living in two distinct worlds. The combined cultivation levels of our world and their world are almost identical. Because any significant advancement or weakening on either side would disrupt the world's balance, the world, to prevent its own destruction, ensures that when the overall cultivation level on one side increases, the other side also experiences an increase through numerous 'fortuitous coincidences.'"

Ning Xiaoling asked, "So, if we diligently cultivate and raise our levels, the people on the Other Shore will also gain the same increased levels, without any effort on their part?"

Zhao Xiang'er nodded. "Theoretically, yes. It's like looking into a mirror: if we draw an eyebrow, our identical reflection in the mirror will also do so. But this mechanism is somewhat cumbersome, so usually, the world's approach is to… lock down cultivation levels."

Ning Xiaoling was startled; she instantly thought of something and looked at her senior brother.

Ning Changjiu hummed in affirmation.

This was precisely why, despite his month of arduous cultivation, his level had not significantly improved.

They were now in Fengdu, abiding by its laws. With the Underworld Monarch's authority currently lost, the city was lordless. Its laws had spontaneously generated and could not be altered by anyone. Without sufficient cultivation to resist, they could only endure them.

At the same time, such laws were inflexible. Inevitably, one day, the powers on both sides would, for various reasons, find it impossible to maintain equilibrium, and then the entire city of Fengdu would be destroyed.

A chill ran through Ning Xiaoling's heart. She had never imagined such peculiar occurrences existed in this world.

Then, she suddenly remembered something, her eyes widening as she looked at Ning Changjiu. Ning Changjiu, having already anticipated her thought, gently said, "Yes, Miss Lu might come."

A month had now passed, and it was time to return to their sect. If Lu Jiajia, concerned by their absence, were to descend the mountain to find him and inadvertently enter Fengdu, the entire city's balance would be instantly shattered. Even if they had defeated Lady Bai, they would not be able to save the city.

Ning Xiaoling worried, "What should we do then? Lu Yuanbai knows we came to Linhe City, and Master will surely know too. If she comes looking for us then…"

Ning Changjiu said, "That would be a city-destroying catastrophe."

Zhao Xiang'er declared, "This is the territory of the Zhao Kingdom, and it is my city. I will not allow anyone to destroy it."

Ning Changjiu sighed, "I hope Miss Lu doesn't come. However, she cares deeply for us, and she might already be on her way."

Zhao Xiang'er hummed in affirmation, then suddenly stood up. Though she wore a white dress, she exuded the majesty of a pitch-black, gold-embroidered dragon robe. Her exquisite face was filled with kingly dignity. She glanced at Ning Changjiu and commanded, "Punch practice."

"Hm?" Ning Changjiu's expression subtly shifted. "Didn't you say cultivation levels were already…"

Zhao Xiang'er said, "Less talk, come out."

Ning Xiaoling watched him with pity, seeing her senior brother dragged out by Zhao Xiang'er.

Many witnessed the events that unfolded by the Yellow Springs today, but due to differing perspectives and viewpoints, their interpretations of what transpired were, naturally, quite varied.

After Lord Qin and the City Lord concluded their final consultation, they decided to issue the decree banning uncooked rice that very night. However, the moment Lord Qin reached the doorway, his raised foot instinctively drew back.

"These… two…" Lord Qin's heart chilled slightly. Clenching the document in his hand, he found himself in a dilemma.

Before him stood a young man and a young woman. The girl was exquisitely beautiful, with a graceful figure, noble features, and a captivating aura. At first sight, his knees felt somewhat weak.

It took him several breaths to steady himself. His gaze shifted slightly to the young man beside her. The young man was also handsome, though he appeared to be significantly injured, likely serving as a guard or similar role.

He was aware of their identities; from a distance, he often heard a man's agonizing screams coming from that direction, leading him to believe that the unfortunate young man must be the source.

Lord Qin sighed, considering this young lady of extraordinary cultivation. Despite her exquisite beauty, she possessed a sadistic streak, having tormented the young man for an entire month. Such a person would certainly not be easy to deal with, and he absolutely could not afford to be careless.

Zhao Xiang'er didn't even glance at him. "Where is the City Lord?" she demanded. "Tell him to come out."

Lord Qin had intended to offer an excuse, but unexpectedly, the old City Lord indeed emerged. It seemed he had long anticipated their visit, greeting them with a smiling face. As if to show sincerity, Black and White Wuchang were not by his side.

The City Lord saw Zhao Xiang'er, bowed, and said, "Young lady, you must be an immortal master from a celestial mountain, correct?"

Zhao Xiang'er replied, "No."

The City Lord felt a flicker of surprise but quickly reassessed. He said, "Then, young lady, you must be the esteemed daughter of some prominent cultivation family. Your confrontation with Lady Bai across the Yellow Springs today was tense, thrilling, and ultimately, you intimidated Lady Bai into retreat. We all witnessed your divine demeanor and hold you in deep admiration."

Zhao Xiang'er smiled faintly and asked, "So, what will you offer?"

The City Lord rejoiced at her directness. Without a moment's hesitation, he promptly stated, "I presume the immortal master can also sense that the city is currently unstable. We happen to hold various fragmented powers, which we can use to stabilize half of the city for the immortal master, allowing you to cultivate in peace and slay the bone demon who deceived us all. When that time comes, all authority in the city, whatever the immortal master desires, we will respectfully offer to you."

Zhao Xiang'er listened quietly. "Is that all?" she asked.

The City Lord was startled. He had expected the other party to make some concessions, but he never imagined she would still be unsatisfied. He cursed inwardly but quickly thought of something and immediately said, "Linhe City is a crucial strategic point contested by both the Zhao and Jin Kingdoms. If it falls into the immortal master's hands, you will undoubtedly possess the power to challenge an entire nation with just one city. At that time, if the immortal master establishes this as your capital and launches an assault with immortal underworld soldiers, both the Zhao and Jin Kingdoms can surely be brought under your domain."

Zhao Xiang'er smiled and asked, "How can a woman be an emperor?"

The City Lord immediately responded, "Perhaps the immortal master is a visitor passing through and is unaware, but the current emperor of the Zhao Kingdom is indeed a female empress. However, this empress is young, only sixteen, and ignorant of the world, imposing cruel policies and oppressing her people, utterly lacking in conscience. This is also one reason why I was forced to comply with the Bone Demoness, leading to the entire city becoming a city of the dead. If the immortal master is willing, we are all ready to contribute and help the immortal master replace that empress. This would indeed be a great blessing for the Zhao Kingdom."

Zhao Xiang'er listened, then calmly remarked, "That is indeed a good idea."

The City Lord secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He lifted his head slightly, but then suddenly noticed a faint, mocking smile on the face of the young man in white beside the girl, for reasons unknown to him.

He saw no strong expression on the girl's face either, unable to fathom her thoughts. He hesitated for a moment, wanting to say a few more words to demonstrate his loyalty. But suddenly, a small boy came running frantically down the long street. The boy plopped onto the ground, clutched Ning Changjiu's leg, and kowtowed, pleading, "Big brother, please, big brother, save us! We are all on the verge of death… There are still many living people in this city, but they are all turning into ghosts. I secretly saw you draw your sword that day in the street… You are so powerful; you can definitely save us! Please, don't believe what this old man says!"

The small boy had been watching from the shadows for a long time, initially lacking the courage to approach. However, seeing them converse seemingly harmoniously with the City Lord, he finally couldn't restrain himself. Believing it was a risk worth taking, he mustered his courage, rushed onto the street, and knelt before the young man.

The City Lord thought, "This is bad," and quickly said, "Immortal Master, please do not trust this child's words. He must have been instigated by someone who delights in chaos. How could they possibly understand my painstaking efforts?"

Zhao Xiang'er raised a hand, signaling him to remain silent. She then looked at the small boy and asked, "What can he do to help you? Why are you kneeling to him?"

Ning Changjiu was speechless.

The small boy looked up. From his previous vantage point, he had only vaguely seen someone standing beside the 'big brother' but couldn't make out who it was. Now, seeing such a beautiful older sister, he was surprised and immediately wondered if he had knelt before the wrong person. Being the most astute among his companions, he instantly understood, pivoted on his knees, and heavily kowtowed to the exquisitely beautiful girl.

He was nervous, however, and couldn't immediately think of the proper way to address her. Anxious, he reasoned that since the man hadn't objected to being called 'big brother,' the woman with him should be called… He instantly recalled the etiquette his mother had taught him and loudly proclaimed:

"Please, Eldest Sister-in-law, be our arbiter!"