The question of what to do if the Heavenly Emperor acted out on the day of the wedding ceremony was shelved for the time being. The outrageous plan of having him personally invite the guests to his son’s wedding, which he knew nothing of, went off without a hitch though.

This was mostly thanks to the insistence of his wife and also because the Heavenly Emperor naturally thought of his son’s return as a matter worth celebrating. Why wouldn’t he invite everyone who had at least some say in the Nine Heavens? He was more reluctant to send invitations to the dragon realm as well but thinking to himself that he could use the opportunity to draw a clear line between his son and the dragon king so he wouldn’t continue bothering him going forward, he still obediently wrote the same lines of text to invite them as he had done for the gods, inviting them to the big celebration which would be held only a week later.

As he happily waited for the big celebration and his chance to drive away the man he thought to be delusional … his precious son was instead getting even closer to the dragon king, getting ready to follow the customs that were traditionally done in the week leading up to the actual wedding ceremony. Of course, before they could start with those traditions … he first had to officially meet Qiu Ling’s rediscovered family.

The day he returned, Qiu Ling had told him that he’d like him to meet Jinde and now, it was finally time to do so. Needless to say, Jing He felt anxious about the prospect of meeting his father-in-law. In the past, this had never been a possibility and while he felt sorry for Qiu Ling not having any family members around, this also took a huge burden off his shoulders. Now, things were different though and he had to get through this situation after all.

Naturally, he wanted to leave Jinde with a good impression so Jing He had been agonizing over what to wear for most of the morning. By now, he had managed to pick out two robes that seemed appropriate for the occasion but he was still torn about which one would be better.

One of them was white without any adornments, the type that could be considered simple yet elegant. The color could highlight his appearance which was considered beautiful in the dragon realm as well while the simplicity might underline that he wasn’t one to cause issues. The other robe was similar in that it only sported faint embroidery, definitely nothing ostentatious either. The fabric was light blue though, adding a touch of color that might help to make him look more lively. He didn’t want Jinde to think of him as dull, after all.

Qiu Ling had been watching him try to choose for a while, feeling that this kind of quiet morning was very good. Seeing his beloved anxious though, he got up from where he had been waiting and walked up to him. He took the blue robe out of his hand, trailing over the familiar fabric. “I’d take this one.”

Jing He looked up at him with furrowed brows. “Really? Not the white one? I’m not sure …”

Qiu Ling hummed, pulling Jing He into his arms. “It’s the one you wore when we met. Seeing you in it, I fell in love at first sight. So if nothing else, just take it as a good-luck charm.” Smiling faintly, he kissed Jing He’s temple. “I know it won’t change a thing if I say it again but you have no reason to be worried. Jinde isn’t unreasonable. The most you have to worry about … is probably his teasing you. He likes doing that.”

Jing He nodded but still continued to worry. “What if he doesn’t like me though?”

Qiu Ling raised his brows, doubtful that this was even a faint possibility. “Well, if that were to happen, it wouldn’t matter, would it? You’re still the one I love and in the dragon realm, one’s elders don’t ask for anything else. Jinde should be that way even more so due to everything he has experienced. So no matter what, that won’t stand between us. Not to mention … he is about to have a child with his husband. How much energy do you think he’ll spare for us?”

Jing He nodded again but just as his fiance had said, the worry in his heart didn’t dissipate because of these few words.

Qiu Ling knew him well enough to understand. He gently placed another kiss on his temple and then motioned at the robe. “Alright, get dressed, and then go back to your mother’s palace.” Since words wouldn’t make him feel at ease, they could only confront this directly and go to meet Jinde.

Jing He took the robe Qiu Ling had picked out, putting the white robe back. After washing up and putting it on, he sat down to do his hair but the comb was snatched away at once.

“Allow me, my love.”

Jing He looked up. This wasn’t the first time Qiu Ling had asked to do this. In fact, since the day he returned, every day started like this as if doing his hair for him was something he loved doing. Jing He quietly remained seated, letting him do as he pleased.

Qiu Ling took his time but even though, he felt that it was too short when he finished. He really wanted to just start over so this moment could last a little longer. Unfortunately, he also knew that Jinde and his husband would soon arrive at the Heavenly Empress’s palace so he couldn’t delay any longer.

Seeing that Qiu Ling had stopped moving but was still standing behind him, Jing He turned around to look at him. “Are you done?”

Qiu Ling still felt reluctant. He requited Jing He’s gaze, hesitating before finally sighing. “I suppose I ought to be or we’ll run late. I’d love to stay a while longer with just the two of us though.” He leaned down and hugged Jing He, kissing his cheek while he was at it.

Jing He continued to look at him and turned further, wrapping his arms around Qiu Ling’s waist. He wanted him to be happy so even though he wanted to leave a good impression on Jinde, he was willing to wait a few more minutes.

Qiu Ling hummed contentedly but still let go of him. “Alright, let’s go. They should be here soon.” He pulled Jing He up and led him out of the palace, holding his hand all the way to the palace of the Heavenly Empress.