As for Jing He’s side, rather than worrying about tonight, he was more worried about the future. Knowing him for a short time was enough to see that this child was especially timid and watching him interact with Qiu Ling showed clearly that he was the type to give way and just follow what his husband said, putting his own wants and needs second to those of his spouse. Jinde really didn’t believe that this was a good attitude to have for a long-lasting, happy marriage.

He had grown up with Chun Yin, knowing him almost as well as he knew himself. But despite that, the two of them had needed two lives to finally get together, marry, and find happiness. Compared to them, Qiu Ling and Jing He were less familiar. Sure, they had gone through a lot of things but it couldn’t compare to the understanding you’d develop through literal millennia. With this basis and one of them not speaking out, while they had made it to the wedding itself, the marriage might be tricky.

He turned to look at Jing He, his gaze soft. Jing He was a lot like him. Well, he had never been that meek but he had also always put the one he loved first, not asking for anything for himself. In the end, where had that led them? He didn’t want to see the same happen to these children.

He thought for a bit and finally flashed Jing He a comforting smile. “Since your husband is busy, why don’t I accompany you to your room and wait with you? I can give you some final advice on how to achieve perfect bliss in your marriage.”

The people behind stared at Jinde’s back with some worry, both wondering if this was the result of their discussion just now. While Jing He might not have heard, the dragons usually had better hearing so the chances were high that Jinde had heard every word. Did he … want to have the talk with Jing He that they had failed to do in time?

Jing He had no idea what was going through the minds of his mother and uncle. He was similarly shocked though. Looking up at Jinde, his heart raced. He still put on a decent smile and nodded though. “Of course, father-in-law.” If Jinde wanted to advise him, he certainly couldn’t refuse. It wouldn’t be right. He should feel honored to get this opportunity. He just … was also very nervous.

Jinde was happy enough that Jing He agreed and faced the front again in a good mood. Anyway, Qiu Ling would probably need a while so why not use the time? Maybe they could also chat about a few other things. What was it? Didn’t Jing He like to garden? He had never done so outside of the spiritual herbs for refinement but it seemed similar enough that they should have an easy time talking about this topic. Otherwise, just randomly tell him something about the dragon race or ask about the Nine Heavens. It couldn’t be that difficult to cultivate a good relationship with his son-in-law.

Leng Jin Yu next to him glanced at him but didn’t ask. He didn’t think Jinde really wanted to talk about the topic the God of War had brought up but there certainly was something he intended to tell Jing He. He wasn’t sure what it was but he’d just wait for Jinde to come back. Surely, his husband would tell him everything by then.

The six people soon arrived in the corridor where Qiu Ling, his family, and the advisers lived. Leng Jin Yu took the initiative to bring the God of War and the Heavenly Empress to a set of two free rooms close by.

Meanwhile, Jinde indeed entered Qiu Ling’s suite of rooms with Jing He, directly making his way over to the table and sitting down. With how Jing He was, if he didn’t take the initiative, he was afraid they wouldn’t get to do anything.

Jing He looked at his father-in-law taking a seat and felt a bit lost. Now … he should probably offer some tea? Or not offer but directly brew it? After pondering for a moment this should be for the best. Anyway, he was married to Qiu Ling now so in Qiu Ling’s absence, he had the role of host and as a good host, he should definitely get his guest a cup of tea if nothing else.

Jing He made his decision but then felt stuck again. He was here for the first time after his trial and while he had regained his memories, he didn’t feel very familiar with this place. After all, even during his trial, he hadn’t lived here for long. Now, some time had passed but he hadn’t been here with Qiu Ling even a single time. Was it alright to simply pick up the tea set and brew tea?

Jinde watched his son-in-law and naturally saw his tangled expression. He wasn’t sure what was going on in his mind though. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, simply watching on. This was precisely what he was worried about: That this child would happen upon some problem but not say it because he was too timid or didn’t want to make trouble. In the end, who would help then?

He was certain that Qiu Ling was aware of this and would try to figure it out, but there was no way to read Jing He’s every thought. Even trying to would be exhausting as well, making the start into this life unnecessarily difficult for them. Instead of doing it that way, it was better to get Jing He to speak up directly. After all, it was his husband and his close family members they were talking about here. How difficult could it be?

Thinking of that, he finally raised another smile. “What’s the matter, child? You look a bit tangled. Maybe I can help?” Anyway, one thing after the other.