Seeing Qiu Ling’s expression, Bai Fen could only smile wryly. She didn’t like to think about it either but in the last few days since she knew that Jing He fell, she had inevitably been reminded of it again and again. Now that she was aware that he had woken up, she was able to relax a little at least. After all, as long as he was awake, he could work on healing, and being away from the dispute between his father and Qiu Ling might allow him to truly come to terms with what he felt and wanted from this life. Soon, he might indeed turn back into a trueborn god.

It seemed that by mentioning this, she had now made her future son-in-law worry though. “Don’t worry. Even Rong Su wouldn’t think of that this fast. Frankly, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about this for at least a year.”

Qiang Yan next to her nodded. “He might be extremely stubborn and cause trouble all the time but he does love his son. Since he doesn’t want to believe you, he’ll have to consider Jing He abducted for the time being. So if anything, he’ll just have my men go on pointless searches which … well, I’d have sent them on those anyway.” After all, they had to protect Jing He’s secret. If he could return with none being the wiser, it would be for the best.

Qiu Ling took a deep breath and nodded. Yes, they were right. It was something to keep in mind but not something to obsess over right now. Jing He was safe. Even if something were to happen, there’d be signs before the Heavenly Emperor dared to do anything and they could come up with a plan by then.

In fact, he could have Fu Min stare at the Heavenly Emperor if he really felt anxious. Even though the guy was often unreliable, he felt that he would still take it seriously if it was about this. Fu Min probably understood better than anyone else just what it meant to fear losing your soul-bound partner. Apart from him, Fu Min and Fu Heng were the only ones among his advisers who were in a relationship after all and from the rumors he had heard, they had indeed bound their souls.

Thinking it through, Qiu Ling finally relaxed again. “Well, it seems like that is indeed a worry for the future. Seeing as father-in-law isn’t here yet … let’s have a chat.”

Bai Fen raised her brows. “I thought we were already having one.”

Qiu Ling hummed. “Yes, but not like that. I actually wanted to come back to what we discussed the first day when we had just moved here. You know, how I would like to hear more about the gods in general and also Jing He’s past specifically because his trial and now his fall made me realize that I didn’t know nearly enough.”

Bai Fen finally nodded, remembering that. Well, of course, Qiu Ling had mostly wanted to know about Jing He’s past. The rest was at most a byproduct. Still, hearing him say this made her feel gratified. He was doing this for Jing He, of course, but he was also working for the good of the gods and the dragons in general. This effort should be praised and, well, it should also be looked at realistically.

“Your knowing little about the gods is to be expected. The relationship between our people … despite the alliance, it has never been too close. Clearly, it was a decision made out of calculation, nothing more. I am afraid there might not even have been much mutual respect during many stretches of its duration.”

Qiu Ling silently agreed. His knowledge had been incredibly limited thanks to the way he had grown up but he had made up for much of what he should know about the dragon realm. Thus, the ins and outs of this alliance or the attitude of the kings who had come before him, he was well aware of them. “This might change in the future.

“Jinde was already very open-minded. From what I’ve read, he had closer dealings with the Nine Heavens compared to his predecessor and those who came before him. Now, my stance has been made more than clear. Unless your husband continues to make an issue out of my relationship with Jing He, it is the perfect opportunity to strengthen this alliance as well.”

“I don’t disagree, although I am not sure if Rong Su will be on board with this. Clearly, he is a lot less open to this compared to you.” In fact, she was indeed afraid that the alliance would break down in this generation because her husband just couldn’t get a grip.

Qiu Ling gave a hum, feeling the same. Personal dislike aside, most of the recent Heavenly Emperors seemed to regard this war as an issue that was for the dragons to deal with. It was as if they had forgotten that originally, the fight had been between the demons and the gods. If not for the dragons becoming independent and joining their side, would they have had this period of tranquility where their own land and people were hardly in danger?

But somehow, these sacrifices were now simply expected and the ones who had once welcomed this alliance because they could see the benefits in it didn’t care any longer. This showed especially in a person like the current Heavenly Emperor who hadn’t lived through the last large-scale battles. To put it simply, as somebody who was used to the peaceful situation, he figured they didn’t have any use anymore and would rather stop this alliance that didn’t seem to bring any benefits. Who knew if — in his mind — the difference between the dragons and the demons was actually rather small? It wouldn’t surprise him.

Qiu Ling didn’t feel like thinking about that any further and looked at Bai Fen with a faint smile. “So, in the interest of our continued alliance … what about Jing He’s childhood?”

Bai Fen laughed. Yes, clearly, that was what he really wanted to hear about. And, well, she had promised him so she naturally wouldn’t go back on her word. “Well, let me tell you then. You should be ready though. None of this is going to sound good. It was … a time fraught with danger.”

“I already figured as much. No need to spare me.”

Bai Fen hummed and then thought back to the time when Jing He had been young. The things that had happened … she was afraid there were too many to count. And indeed, sometimes, it had almost felt like not a day went by that Jing He was not in trouble one way or another. Heaven knew that she had felt like she herself was the one afraid and in pain each time it happened but, in the end, how could it compare to what this small child had needed to go through? To be honest, she didn’t even dare to think about it.