The table meant for the wedding couple was located right in the middle of the square, in front of the staircase leading up to the Heavenly Emperor’s palace. It was a spot that was easy to reach for people who wished to congratulate them but also easy enough to defend should anything go awry.

The seats of their respective families were close by with those for the Heavenly Family to the right and those for Qiu Ling’s family at the front of the group from the dragon realm to the left. When they passed by, Jinde smiled at the two of them. He even considered getting up but wasn’t entirely sure if it would be appropriate.

Qiu Ling caught his gaze and gently pulled Jing He to signal him to stop walking. Even though his wedding was the most important today, this had always been about gaining a family to him and, well, Jinde was part of his.

Seeing them stop, Jinde got to his feet after all and stepped around the table. He pulled Qiu Ling into a hug before pulling back and then turned to look at Jing He. He knew this son-in-law was still a little awkward around him but … well, it wouldn’t get better if they didn’t work on it. With that thought, he hugged him as well but made sure to withdraw after a moment so Jing He wouldn’t have too much time and start to feel uncomfortable.

Looking from one person to the other, his smile brightened. “Congratulations, you two. This has been long in the making and I know you both wish it could have happened earlier but … honestly, I am glad it took you so long. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss even a minute of this.”

The actual wedding ceremony of the gods was surprisingly short compared to all the rituals they did before and the Supreme Sovereign sure didn’t understand how to create suspense and make things last a little longer. Still, even just such a short ceremony was worth it when it was the wedding of his own child.

Qiu Ling couldn’t help but give a hum. Even though he had indeed wanted to marry Jing He as soon as they met, looking back now, he was somewhat glad things had taken a different turn. Waiting this long had given the two of them more time to get to know each other and also allowed them to grow as people. And, yes, of course, meeting Jinde again and being able to have him at his side on this day was something worth celebrating as well.

Seeing the four of them gathered in the same spot, Bai Fen also left her seat at the table opposite and walked over to them. She followed Jinde’s example and hugged both of them for a moment before congratulating them as well. “You must be happy that things have finally worked out for you.”

Qiu Ling hummed again and used the opportunity to wrap his other arm around Jing He as well. How could he let everyone else hug his beloved and not do so himself? Especially on their wedding day, that really seemed too unfair! “Obviously, I am the happiest man alive today. I’ve waited a long time for this which only makes it feel sweeter that it has finally happened.” He craned his neck and kissed Jing He on the cheek. “Wouldn’t you say so, my love?”

Jing He naturally nodded. He was also happy that their wedding had finally happened. Even more so that it had happened without issues.

Jinde looked from one person to the other and then at the one who hadn’t bothered coming over. “I am surprised your husband didn’t make a fuss after all. I already had my speech prepared for when he did. Now, he’s made me feel like I’m the bad person for wasting time on that.”

Bai Fen couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, believe me, it’s not you. His keeping quiet definitely wasn’t of his own volition.” She glanced at Jing He, not sure if she should say this in front of him but … she also didn’t want to pretend any longer. Her husband had done a lot of things wrong and she was simply tired of acting as if it was any different. If he dared to do it, then she dared to talk about it openly. If her husband felt embarrassed by it, he ought to curb his bad behavior. It was as simple as that.

Jinde raised his brows while Jing He looked at his mother in doubt. He had been too focused on the ceremony so apart from the very beginning, he hadn’t paid any attention to his father. Jinde had at least taken a peek and seen how Bai Fen pulled the person down the staircase and over to their table after the Supreme Sovereign appeared. He hadn’t checked after that though since he was focused on the ceremony so he didn’t know more than that either.

Bai Fen smiled but took a moment to consider her words. “Well … let’s say the Supreme Sovereign likely isn’t too happy with him and might have ascertained that he wouldn’t cause any issues. Rong Su definitely was trying to speak up but … he couldn’t make a sound.”

Jinde looked at her and couldn’t help but feel that she looked as if she was gloating. Well, he could understand it. He had genuinely loved Chun Yin back then but sometimes, he also would have wished that he simply shut up. When it came to this couple whose relationship was strained as it was, that feeling was likely even more intense. “Well, sounds like he did everyone a favor then. It would have been bad if the occasion was ruined by some … inconsiderate words.”

Bai Fen hummed. “True. Although I do wonder how long this will last …” She somehow hoped it’d be until the end of the day at least but it wasn’t like she could ask. No, it seemed that she’d simply have to observe to make sure.