The Substitute Bride Mountain God Comes to the City to Find Her Husband

Blurb: Substitute marriage | Childbearing | Feudal mountain god Tan Xi x sharp-tongued domineering CEO Xie Qingyu

Xie Qingyu built his business from nothing. As a child, he was offered to the mountain god in his older sister's place.

He thought mountain gods didn't exist, until one night a soft, adorable young man suddenly appeared under his blanket.

The boy had horns atop his head, his glossy black hair spread across the bed. His clear eyes were as pure as water as he reached out to him, asking to be held.

"My wife, don't you want your husband anymore?"

Tan Xi was the guardian deity of Black Spirit Mountain, protecting this little corner of the world.

The mountain god had nothing to do for most of the year, and loved nothing more than curling up in his little cave to sleep. Then the sound of firecrackers woke him. He opened his eyes in confusion and found himself facing a tiny human in the cave.

The tiny human had a cold expression and wore a festive red robe. He folded his arms and sized Tan Xi up.

Tan Xi fainted in fright. W-who was sending him a person?

He safely sent the sacrifice away, only to discover that the mountain god's spirit stone had gone missing.

With no other choice, he went down the mountain. With no other choice, he went to great lengths to move in with his wife.

There was food, clothing, and everything else at home, plus a little square box that made sounds. It was much more comfortable than his cave.

Then one day, he happened to tell Xie Qingyu's fortune. Looking at the result, Tan Xi was overcome with worry.

With no other choice, he went out and became a rookie Taoist, carrying out Heaven's will.

Perhaps because he had carried out Heaven's will too many times, Tan Xi realized he was getting fatter and fatter, while his powers kept draining away.

Tan Xi slumped on his knees in front of the mirror, lifted his shirt to reveal his round little belly, then grabbed Xie Qingyu's arm with a face full of sorrow and burst into tears.

"Honey, you have to miss me while I'm gone too, sob!"

…

A family ritual offering means sacrificing the family's child blessed with good fortune to the legendary mountain god, in hopes of ensuring the family prospers for generations.

Once the offering is made, the person sacrificed can belong only to the mountain god for the rest of his life. If he breaks this vow, he will never be reincarnated.

[Reading Notes]

1. The mountain god is a chatty, adorable little heir of a feudal tradition, a bit tsundere and a little show-off. The CEO gong is all talk and no action, though he also likes to put on an act. They have a bickering, lovable-rivals sort of dynamic. The gong is currently 25. One-on-one romance, both are virgins!

2. Content warning: Childbearing, secret identities. More to be added.

3. Slightly spooky but funny. The story involves folk customs and supernatural beliefs. Please believe in science.

4. No need to tell me if you drop the story. Please read rationally and be friendly in the comments (handshake).

Note: 2026.6.27. The inspiration came earlier and has all been recorded. This was posted on 6.27, the official blurb was uploaded on 7.7, the second edit was on 7.19, and the third edit on 7.23.

Theme: Persistence brings hope.