Nobody dared to interrupt as the two lovers stood quietly embracing and gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes.

No further words were exchanged and, finally, the God of Love stepped forward. The one task he had during this ritual was to pick a leaf from the Tree of Love for the couple which symbolized their oath and also the relationship that was accepted by the High Heavens. It wasn’t a necessary part of the ceremonies before the wedding but it was a meaningful one nonetheless and those who could travel to the Tree of Love usually wouldn’t forgo it.

Looking at the silver leaves that shimmered in the sunlight, he smiled once again and then reached up, gently plucking one of the leaves that hung down close to where the couple stood. He imbued spiritual energy into it and mumbled the incantations that were passed down in the Palace of Love.

The leaf lit up in response and faint lines emerged on its surface. As the God of Love opened his hands, the names of Qiu Ling and Jing He were revealed. Whether it was due to their inherent fate or because of their own decision, from now on, they were bound to one another in the eyes of the High Heavens.

Yang Zan turned and walked over to the couple, formally offering the leaf up with both hands. “Your wedding ceremony may still be a few days away but the Tree of Love and the Great River that nourishes it have already perceived your love and your fate is now entwined. Going forward, whatever happens, it will always be a part of your story.”

Qiu Ling and Jing He both inclined their heads.

Jing He reached out and carefully took the leaf. Seeing their names next to each other, his heart fluttered. For so long, he hadn’t thought it possible and would constantly doubt that they could have a future together. But now, he held the proof that they were officially a couple in his hands, even though the wedding ceremony itself would only be in three days. Nobody could take that from them.

Meanwhile, Qiu Ling opened the spatial ring Jing He had once gifted him and took out an exquisitely carved jade box. He opened the lid and smiled at Jing He. This box would keep the leaf from the Tree of Love in its current state forever.

Jing He put it inside, his gaze lingering on it until Qiu Ling closed the lid. Before he could think about it, Qiu Ling handed him the box and covered his hands with his own.

“You should be the one to keep it. Whenever you feel doubts, take it out and look at it. It’ll be a beautiful reminder of everything we have managed to overcome.”

Jing He nodded, grasping the box more tightly. He hoped that his doubts would reduce after their wedding ceremony so he might not need it. But then, it would at least be a beautiful memento so he’d happily hold onto it.

The God of Love watched them as his smile brightened further. “There isn’t more for me to do other than to wish the two of you happiness. I know that it wasn’t easy to get here but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Each ordeal a couple goes through strengthens the bond between the two people and a strong bond is necessary to face the struggles of daily life and the ups and downs of the millennia.

“The two of you have gotten a small taste of what awaits you in the future and you have managed to come out of it on the other side as better people and a more committed couple. Even if it has caused pain at times, it was a blessing in disguise. I hope that the two of you will reflect on the lessons you have learned during this time and use them to ensure that your marriage will be a blessed one in which being together makes life better every day and you aspire to be your best version for both your own sake and that of your partner.”

He turned to Jing He, falling quiet before he sighed. “I have seen the love fate of many mortals and from what I know, you have gotten a short glimpse of how such a life might play out. Even though our lives differ from theirs in many ways, the way we love isn’t any different so take it to heart and reflect on it, even if not all of it might be applicable to your situation now. I believe that the basis of a good relationship can be found no matter one’s race and situation.”

“I will. Thank you for your guidance, God of Love.”

Yang Zan nodded and turned to Qiu Ling, keeping quiet even longer before he sighed again. “I don’t have anything special to say. I have seen some dragons in my lifetime and if there is one thing they are better at than us, then it is being in love and having successful relationships. Their straightforwardness is impressive, even if it sometimes feels brusque to us gods. Longjun should cherish this ability and not try to temper it just because your husband-to-be is a god.”

It was obvious just how much the dragon king loved their crown prince so it wasn’t impossible to imagine he’d try to hold back to accommodate him. But in this case, the God of Love truly didn’t think this was the best option. While the gods were naturally able to have successful relationships, some things were a lot more complicated if either of the parties didn’t dare to speak their mind. Among the dragon race, that hardly ever seemed to be an issue. That was something to be proud and make use of, not something to hide. Quite frankly, he saw no disadvantages and he hoped that this young couple would see it similarly and make the best use of what they had been given.

Qiu Ling naturally wouldn’t refuse such advice. “Thank you, I certainly will keep that in mind.” While he had sometimes held back in the past to not come on too strong, it naturally wasn’t necessary now that he and Jing He were about to get married. On the contrary, after the ceremony, wasn’t it the perfect time to utter all the love words he had so often had to hold back from? And not just that but also being able to hug and hold his beloved, kissing and … well, doing some more exciting things. Why would he ever even think of holding back now that he was finally given the opportunity to go ahead?

Of course, this was only in part for his own satisfaction. He also wanted Jing He to become more comfortable with speaking his mind and being open about his thoughts and feelings. Even if he couldn’t be that way with everyone, at least when it concerned him as his husband, his mother and uncle, his in-laws, and the friends he’d hopefully gain after settling down in the dragon realm, at least with this group of people who were close to him, he should not have to hold back.

But being that way would take time to learn and a lot of encouragement as well. The easiest way of doing that was to lead by example and show him the benefits of opening up. It would take time but … it would be worth it. One day in the future, Jing He wouldn’t think twice about what he said, knowing well enough that he wouldn’t be loved less simply for stating a different opinion. He’d be comfortable enough in their relationship and certain in the strength of it, that the God of Love had said they’d develop with everything they went through. He looked forward to that day, almost as much as he did to their wedding day itself.