Forget the River, Forget the Sorrows: A Wild Night in the Underworld

The full moon hangs high, its crisp moonlight piercing the misty underworld. Tonight, the banks of the Naihe Bridge are not desolate but instead host the liveliest feast in all of Diyu. In front of Meng Po's tavern, lanterns and streamers adorn the scene, with countless red lanterns forming a continuous sea of festive fire, illuminating the banks of the Forgetfulness River as if it were the Lantern Festival in the human world. "Come, come! We won't go home until we're drunk tonight!" Meng Po's clear laughter echoes all around. Shattering the stereotype of a withered old hag, she's donned a gorgeous black and red lace gown, dancing and twirling barefoot on the bluestone path with light steps. Strings and pipes play a lively melody, and Meng Po dances gracefully to the rhythm. Her skirt billows, her sleeves trailing wisps of brilliant red, cloud-like light, and the Higanbana tattoo on her shoulder seems to bloom passionately for this celebration. The souls waiting to reincarnate, infected by the joyful atmosphere, no longer weep with heads in hands. Instead, they start clapping along to the beat, and a few mischievous spirits even join the dance, grooving with Meng Po. On exquisite wooden tables, the Meng Po soup, usually unappetizing, is served in delicate wine glasses, emitting a sweet aroma like fermented fruit. "Forgetting past lives isn't a punishment, it's a carnival to welcome new beginnings!" Meng Po says with a smile, raising her glass to toast the assembled spirits. Everyone cheers, downs their sorrows in one gulp, and with smiles and blessings on their faces, they step into the golden light of reincarnation with light dance steps.