Qiu Ling wasn’t the only one who felt happy when he said this. Behind them, Jinde tightly grabbed his husband’s hand. He had the urge to walk up and hug Qiu Ling but he also knew that now wasn’t the time to disturb so he could only hold onto Leng Jin Yu. Still, his gaze softened further as he looked at the person kneeling on the ground who was happily telling his ancestors about his upcoming wedding. As soon as Qiu Ling got up, he probably wouldn’t get around that hug.

Jinde didn’t have to wait long. Qiu Ling only said two more sentences and then turned to look at his beloved. The two of them bowed to the row of jade tablets once and then quietly put them away. From now on, these would be carried with them or they might find a place back in their suite of rooms in the dragon king’s palace to display them, whatever felt more appropriate at that time.

When they were done with this, they got to their feet, Qiu Ling gently holding Jing He’s hand to help him up. This had been the last ritual before the actual day of their wedding. At that time, more would follow but for now, everything had been taken care of and they could spend the next two days leisurely.

Qiu Ling put away the table and turned around, only to be immediately wrapped up in a tight embrace. He was still holding Jing He’s hand and even now, he didn’t let go but he still reached out with his other arm, hugging Jinde back.

This custom, more than any of the others, should have stirred up feelings for Jinde as well. He got that. There was the memory of Chun Yin that would forever haunt the two of them but also … also Jinde’s own family and how he seemed to be more officially a part of it now.

The two of them quietly held each other for a moment before the corners of Jinde’s lips quirked up. “Oh, son.” He patted his back and let go, instead turning to the person next to him. He looked at Jing He for a moment and then simply leaned forward and hugged him as well. “Son-in-law.”

Don’t kid him. This child clearly didn’t know how to behave around him and would get scared whether he managed to take a look at his face or had to deal with looking at the veil while they were outside. Of course, he should make it a little easier for him and show his acceptance outright. Anyway, he should be used to the dragons’ straightforwardness by now. He didn’t believe for a second that Qiu Ling would have given him a calm and collected impression when they met.

Jing He instantly froze. He indeed wasn’t all that sure about Jinde’s attitude toward him. Even though he hadn’t said anything negative, he generally seemed to be a polite and happy person. Not saying anything harsh toward him couldn’t be counted as approval. Suddenly being hugged by his soon-to-be father-in-law though … he couldn’t quite misunderstand that. Especially not after Qiu Ling had just received the same kind of hug with a similar address. But just because he understood what it meant, he didn’t immediately know how to deal with it. This was … still very new to him.

Jinde also felt the person in his arms freeze up. Knowing how Jing He was, he didn’t take it personally and simply let go after a moment. He did take the opportunity to take both of their free hands though, looking from one to the other. “I am so happy for the two of you that you are getting married. I am especially looking forward to the two of you moving to the dragon king’s palace together so we can spend more time with each other.” He turned back to Jing He when he said that, giving him another smile.

“There wasn’t much time to get to know each other before. With my current identity, I’m afraid that can’t be helped. But we’ll make up for that after the wedding ceremony. In the future, if Qiu Ling doesn’t treat you well enough, you just need to say the word and I’ll help you intercede.”

“Ah, that …” Jing He wanted to say that that would never happen but he didn’t really dare to speak up in front of Jinde. Not to mention … he was offering his help right now. If he said that this wouldn’t ever happen, would Jinde feel like he was rejecting his intentions of getting closer? He felt like both ways forward were wrong and tensed up even further, not sure what to do.

Jinde coughed lightly, wondering if he seemed like he was trying to bully the child. “Uh … you can also come to me if you want to hear any of the embarrassing stories from his childhood. I definitely have a lot to say about that.”

Qiu Ling glanced at him, wondering what he was referring to. He certainly remembered nothing of the like. No, he had definitely always been a well-behaved child … in front of Jinde, at least. Still, he didn’t mind whatever story he’d like to tell. Even if he made something up, as long as he and Jing He got along, everything was well.

Unfortunately, his beloved seemed unsure how to deal with this conversation. Looking at him, he had stiffened completely and the hand Qiu Ling was still holding was squeezing hard. He was staring at Jinde with wide eyes and his lips trembled as if he wanted to speak up but didn’t know how to.

Qiu Ling suppressed a sigh and shook Jinde’s hand, giving him a look. “Don’t tease him.” He pulled back his hand and wrapped both arms around Jing He, kissing his cheek. “My love, even if Jinde is making things up, it’s true that at this time in three days, we’ll already be married. Isn’t that beautiful to think about? We should use the time and plan the last few details.”

Hearing his words, Jing He snapped out of his daze and turned to look at him. “Plan? What is left to plan?” He was sure everything had already been done. That was why he was relatively calm going into everything.

Qiu Ling smiled faintly and kissed his cheek again. “Well, we’re about to get lots of gifts. Where do you want to put them? And which side of the bed do you prefer? Also, isn’t there anything else we should get for the place we’ll share together? I believe I don’t have a cupboard for tea. You might miss that …”

He thought of all the daily things that would change going forward, listing one after the other without pause, completely dispelling the awkward atmosphere that had threatened to develop before and making Jing He start to imagine the marital life that lay ahead of them.