If the circumstances had been different, Qiu Ling would have simply taken Jing He along so they didn’t have to be separated. But as things stood, he wasn’t entirely sure how General Min Jun would react and he didn’t dare to have his beloved close by in case the reaction was violent. While he didn’t doubt that he could win against the other person, his Jing He shouldn’t have to see something like this.

He leaned in and kissed Jing He’s forehead, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry for leaving you alone on our wedding day. I’ll be with you again as soon as I can.”

“It’s alright. I know there are many things you have to attend to.” Jing He indeed had no illusions about this. As a king who clearly cared about his people, Qiu Ling wouldn’t be idle in the future. As his spouse, he ought to be understanding of that and do what he could to lessen Qiu Ling’s burden. Not making a fuss about being left alone was the least he could do.

Qiu Ling definitely wouldn’t have minded if Jing He made a fuss as he thought of it. He truly felt apologetic for having this happen on their wedding day and all of it because he hadn’t thought before acting earlier today. He really wasn’t acting like a good husband should. Unfortunately, it was too late for regret now.

He hugged Jing He tightly and kissed his temple again, holding him for a moment. “I’ll hurry back as soon as I can. Just … have a chat with Jinde maybe or have a cup of tea. Whatever you’d like.”

Jing He nodded and hugged him back. “It’s alright. Don’t rush for my sake. I know there are a lot of things you have to deal with. Today isn’t an exception.”

Qiu Ling could only sigh. His beloved was really too understanding. It would be alright to be a little more selfish. Especially today. But Jing He simply wasn’t the type for that. He’d always give preference to other things before asking for things himself. But that was precisely why he ought to be quick in this matter.

He finally let go of Jing He and looked at their family members instead. “I’ll leave Jing He with you for a moment. Just go back first. I’ll be with you in a moment.” He actually didn’t know how long it would take but considering that both Jinde and two of his advisers had already spoken to General Min Jun, he hoped it wouldn’t be all that long. Some additional reassurance might be everything that was needed for now.

The others naturally nodded and then continued on their way, with Jinde and Leng Jin Yu who were most familiar with the palace taking the lead.

Qiang Yan used the opportunity to eye Jing He but Jinde was so close to him now that it was still difficult to bring up his concerns.

Bai Fen next to him finally leaned over though, unable to watch her brother’s odd behavior any longer. “What’s the matter?”

She hadn’t lowered her voice so the three people in front turned around to look at him.

Qiang Yan hurriedly shook his head, pretending that nothing was going on. He did slow his steps though, falling a little further behind. When Jing He had turned back around and Qiang Yan was sure that he wasn’t paying attention to him any longer, he leaned closer to his sister. “Jing He … doesn’t really understand what’s, well, going to happen tonight. I’m a bit worried about him.”

Bai Fen raised her brows and glanced at her son. She definitely hadn’t talked to him about this and she was sure that her husband hadn’t either. For one, Rong Su would probably feel like he was polluting his pure child’s ears with such talk, and two, Jing He himself was very … well, easily embarrassed, to say the least. He certainly wouldn’t stand such talk.

She thought for a moment, wondering what to do now. It definitely was too late to give him any thorough education on the matter but a few pieces of last-minute advice might be possible. Although, well, her son would still be incredibly embarrassed.

Seeing her tangled expression, Qiang Yan finally didn’t feel as alone any longer. “I tried to bring it up in the morning but … well, you also know him. The topic had ended over the course of a single question and answer. I don’t dare to bring it up with him again.”

Bai Fen nodded. Neither did she. Freaking Jing He out on his wedding day wouldn’t help anyone. But then … “I suppose Qiu Ling will know what he’s doing?” After all, even though she regularly forgot about it, he was a lot older than her son. Even if there was no relevant personal experience due to the habits of the dragons, there at least ought to be enough theoretical knowledge … right?

The two of them exchanged another glance and then fell silent. Neither of them knew and it was tough to ask now. Anyway, they might be thinking too much but if they weren’t … It was tough to imagine what exactly would happen.

Up front, Jinde raised his gaze to the ceiling. Oh. He should have thought of that. The child walking next to him was much too innocent. It made sense that nobody had talked to him about these things.

As for Qiu Ling … he somehow couldn’t imagine Chun Yin taking the time to do that either but then, dragons had a pretty good instinct when it came to these things so there should be no major issues. Even if it took some time to figure things out, they should be alright. At most, he should pull Qiu Ling aside and remind him ahead of time that Jing He wasn’t a dragon and thus a lot more fragile. The kind of things he and his father would have done … he’d better not even think about it!