At this time, the person further inside actually hadn’t finished preparing and had barely sat down for his uncle to do his hair. A water mirror had been quietly conjured up, reflecting his own face. Looking at it, Jing He found himself in a daze.

Contrary to his uncle and Qiu Ling, he wasn’t trained for battle and the subtle sounds from outside escaped his ears so he didn’t know that his soon-to-be husband had already arrived. Instead, he wondered what exactly he might be doing right now. After all, he was well aware that the party from the dragon realm would have to set off earlier to be here on time. Surely, they should be on the way already.

Behind him, Qiang Yan glanced in the direction of the door and then looked to the side where faint light fell in through the window. It was still early with some time to spare but it was no wonder that the dragon king was already waiting outside. He probably couldn’t keep calm any longer and wanted to snatch up Jing He as fast as possible.

Qiang Yan’s lips twitched at that thought and he picked up the comb, carefully starting to tidy Jing He’s hair one strand at a time. “It isn’t long anymore. Do you feel up to it?”

Jing He looked at the water mirror but his uncle’s face could not be seen. Retracting his gaze, he looked at his own hands instead which were framed by the hem of the white robe. “I … am looking forward to it.” But he also felt worried because of his father. Now more than ever. After all, it would indeed be time soon.

Qiang Yan could imagine what was going through his mind. He didn’t want to mention his brother-in-law at such a time though. No, right now, all focus should be on the young couple. “Longjun must be ecstatic. He has wanted to marry you since the moment he first spotted you at the banquet that day.”

Jing He’s lips couldn’t help but curve into a smile. Yes, this was indeed the case. When it happened, he had felt overwhelmed and uncomfortable and wished for nothing more than to be able to slip away. Now, looking back, he remembered Qiu Ling’s fiery look and the way he had grasped his hands and wished he could have melted into his arms right then and there, allowing him to take him away.

It had been too long since then and this wedding was overdue. And yet, even if it had taken him a long time, at least he had made the right decision. From now on, he would be Qiu Ling’s and he would make up for what he had done wrong before. “I hope … I will be a good husband.”

Qiang Yan glanced at the water mirror. Seeing some worry left on his nephew’s face, he pursed his lips. “Do you really believe you could do anything wrong in his eyes?” That man basically worshiped the ground Jing He walked on. No matter what his nephew did, he’d be happy just being married. “After you are married, just be yourself. He loves you so he will accept everything about you even if you might think you aren’t living up to what you imagined you should be.”

His nephew had always been insecure while wanting to strive for perfection. It was an issue they had hoped would be curbed when he fell in love but … it seemed that it hadn’t. While it might have gotten a little better, he still worried about such useless things even on his wedding day.

Jing He nodded but just as his uncle feared, the worry in his heart wouldn’t dissipate. Just because they had finally reached the day of the ceremony, that didn’t mean he couldn’t do better. It had taken him much too long to decide on his path going forward.

In the future, he couldn’t be the same. He had to listen to Qiu Ling well and make the appropriate decisions. He could make mistakes in anything else and learn slowly but this had to be done well. After all, too many mistakes had already been made in the past. He couldn’t continue that way.

Qiang Yan quietly finished combing Jing He’s hair as his nephew’s thoughts wandered. He himself couldn’t help but think of the future as well. Although … his thoughts didn’t travel quite as far. He started to put up half of Jing He’s hair but his expression turned subtle. He wasn’t sure if he should bring it up or not but … getting ready like this was also to talk about any doubts that remained.

Surely, Jing He didn’t have any as far as the wedding itself and the life that followed were concerned. At most, he didn’t dare to trust that his father would be on his best or even acceptable behavior. If there was one thing that might be worth worrying about, it could only be that.

Qiang Yan looked up at the ceiling, sighing quietly to himself. The dragon king was already outside and they didn’t have much time left so if he wanted to say anything, it could only be done now. He really didn’t want to but … this kind of was his task. Anyway, it was still for his nephew’s benefit.

Qiang Yan lightly cleared his throat, hoping to drive away some of the awkwardness he felt. “After the wedding ceremony, there’ll be a banquet, and you’ll leave the capital with the people from the dragon realm after that. We’ll accompany you for the celebration in their realm in the second half of the day.”

Jing He nodded. “Yes, uncle.” All of this had been meticulously planned beforehand. In the dragon realm, a lot more people were aware of what was to transpire today so the festive atmosphere should be even higher than here in the Nine Heavens. He was … looking forward to seeing the city that way when he first arrived.

Qiang Yan nodded as well and gave a hum. “Well, we’ll leave in the evening … while you are going to stay. Are you …” He looked at the water mirror again and seeing his nephew’s innocent expression, he felt even worse about having to bring this up. “I mean, do you feel ready for that?”