Shou Quan stepped forward and inclined her head. “Your Majesty.

Qiu Ling nodded in return. “General Shou Quan.” He didn’t say more and instead turned to Qiang Yan. “Well, let’s get everyone settled.”

Qiang Yan gave a hum and led the way taking the same route Bai Fen had chosen earlier when she led Qiu Ling outside. The place they finally arrived at was a corridor not too far away from where Qiu Ling and everyone else had moved to. Seeing as the guards were here because of Qiu Ling, it didn’t seem good to separate them too much.

Shou Quan nodded with satisfaction and then waved. “Alright, you’ve seen it. Everyone take up their rooms, then familiarize yourself with the location. Don’t move around willfully and don’t get into trouble with the gods. After you are done, gather back here and wait for further commands.”

“Yes!” The guards answered in unison and immediately moved to follow her orders.

These people hadn’t been chosen randomly. They were all soldiers from the capital city directly under Shou Quan’s command so she knew exactly what she could expect of them. They were strong but more than that, she had paid attention to their temperament. These were people who listened to every word that was said to them and wouldn’t accidentally cause trouble. Even if something happened, they could rein in their temper and apologize no matter what they thought. They were definitely the most suitable to be on a mission outside the dragon realm.

Shou Quan didn’t worry about them and instead turned back to Qiang Yan and Qiu Ling. “Then, what about me?” It would be good to be close to the guards but she also didn’t intend to stay too far away from their king. While the gods might be their allies, their king was too important to trust that everyone was on their side. Who knew if there weren’t also people in the Nine Heavens who’d rather see the alliance break down? In short, she wouldn’t risk it! In fact, not just her, but it would be best if there was a small team around their king at all times.

Shou Quan had made up her mind so she looked at Qiang Yan intently, clearly showing that she did not intend to stay here.

Qiang Yan raised his brows, glanced at Qiu Ling, and finally motioned for Shou Quan to follow. Even though he was a little afraid that news about his nephew’s current state might get out, this was only one person and Qiu Ling seemed to trust her. Not to mention … if something did happen to Qiu Ling, what were they supposed to do? Thus, it was best to take a few safety measures.

The group moved to the corridor not far away and Shou Quan nodded, satisfied with this arrangement. She didn’t bother to look at the room at all, only caring about how close it was to Qiu Ling’s. Feeling that the distance was acceptable, she turned to her king. “Your Majesty, let me take a look at your room to check whether it’s safe.”

Qiu Ling raised his brows. He hadn’t thought Shou Quan was the type to make a fuss but then, he actually didn’t know her that well. “Are you afraid I’ll be attacked?” Even though he asked, he still moved to open the door and motioned inside. “Don’t worry. I’ve been inside already and there was nothing odd about it.”

Shou Quan hummed but still circled the room once. She stopped in front of the door to the back of the palace and knocked on it. “This isn’t good. We should definitely station a pair of guards in front. Over in the corridor too.”

Qiu Ling’s lips twitched. “This is still the Heavenly Emperor’s palace. How dangerous can it be?”

Shou Quan turned back, looking strangely serious. “Well, their crown prince was kidnapped during day time. Clearly, the Nine Heavens aren’t all that safe.”

Qiu Ling could only smile wryly. He couldn’t very well tell her the truth but … “I’m not a delicate flower that needs protection.”

Shou Quan didn’t seem convinced at all. Even though she would usually listen to her king without fault, this concerned his safety. She couldn’t take it lightly! How would she ever have the face to return to the dragon realm if something happened to him under her watch? Seeing his expression though, she knew that he really wasn’t willing to agree. She could only purse her lips and try hard to come up with a compromise. “Then … I’ll put a pair of guards at each end of the corridor instead?” That wasn’t as close as she’d like them to be in case of an emergency but with double the people, it should still be alright.

Qiu Ling stared back, wondering if it was too late to change the person. Even though Fu Heng’s husband was an issue, at least Fu Heng never tried too hard to protect him. He had gotten rid of that habit ages ago.

At the side, Qiang Yan lightly cleared his throat. “To be honest, it seems like a good idea. In any case, even if you don’t consider yourself, there are still others living in the surrounding rooms. If something were indeed to happen, every additional pair of hands is a win for us. Also, I wouldn’t know how to face my nephew if he came back and found out you had been injured under my watch. So just accept it. In the worst case, think of it as providing extra care for your in-laws.”

Qiu Ling paused and glanced at the other people. Indeed. One was his mother-in-law, the other his uncle-in-law, and then there was his cousin-in-law with his fiancee. It sure wasn’t wrong to say that he would help protect Jing He’s family this way.

In the end, Qiu Ling could only sigh. “Very well. Two guards each on both sides of the corridor then and another one outside in the garden.”

“Great! I’ll go and arrange it!” Shou Quan immediately rushed out, not wanting him to change his mind.

Qiang Yan chuckled and motioned at the door. “I’ll follow along and help her set up positions for the rest of them.”

Qiu Ling nodded and then sighed. Well, no matter what, this was only a temporary arrangement. As soon as his beloved came back, they’d hold the wedding and go to the dragon realm. By then, he would have nothing left to worry about.

Thinking of this, he turned to Bai Fen and the other two, restoring his smile. “Since that is taken care of … let’s talk about happier things. Cousin-in-law, have you decided on your wedding yet? Because if not, let’s discuss it together. I still want to arrange mine before Jing He gets back so he won’t have to wait too long for the ceremony.”

Anyway, in life, you needed some goals to look forward to. That way, even the most difficult times were possible to weather.