Jing He didn’t understand what was going on. Seeing Qiu Ling a little sluggish, he thought about his perspective and realized that maybe his fiance was uncertain about where to begin because the symbolic meaning of plants in the dragon realm differed. In that case, he should explain more first.

“Speaking of love … peach petals are associated with love while the blossoms are a typical symbol of luck and the wood of the peach tree is thought to ward off evil. As the bath is supposed to work as a charm, peach is chosen very often for this custom. A small twig with a peach blossom or two is enough as well. It’s the gesture that counts in this case.”

“Peach …?” Qiu Ling was finally pulled out of his reverie when he heard this word mentioned several times in a row. He hurriedly composed himself and nodded with the most serious face he could muster. “I like that idea.” Anyway, peaches were tasty and smelled sweet. It seemed appropriate for a bath on their wedding day.

Seeing as Jing He had already made a suggestion, he felt that he couldn’t lag behind. Unfortunately, his knowledge of plants was limited but just thinking of one should be enough to start. As for what came to mind first … “What about the crystal lotus?”

“Crystal lotus?” Jing He’s face flushed red and he hurriedly lowered his head. The crystal lotus was what he had been named after. His mother decided on that name, not only because she liked this flower that grew in the place she hailed from, but also because of what it symbolized: purity and enlightenment, good fortune and prosperity. For a child set to grow up in a cursed family line, what more could she wish for?

For Qiu Ling to ask after this flower specifically, he felt that it definitely wasn’t just about the plant itself. No, knowing his husband-to-be, this should have a lot to do with the connection between him and this flower. It was a bit sweet to think of it this way …

Jing He’s face still felt hot but he tried to keep calm. He should be used to this by now. And no matter what exactly had gone through Qiu Ling’s mind when he inquired about this, he should still be serious about thinking of using it for the custom. In that case, it was only right to answer truthfully.

“It is a much rarer choice as the crystal lotus only grows in a select few places so getting it before the wedding might be difficult. It isn’t part of my mother’s garden or mine at least, although I roughly know a few spots. As for the meaning … it should fit very well. It’s …” The shade of red on his cheeks deepened but he forced himself to continue speaking. “Overall, it stands for purity and good fortune but it can also mean enlightenment, a connection with one’s roots or … prosperity.” He hesitated and bit his lower lip, uncertain how to say it. He felt that he owed Qiu Ling the full truth though. “Meaning … a blessing for offspring.” Finally, his head lowered even further. He truly couldn’t bring himself to look at his husband-to-be.

Qiu Ling … very selectively ignored the last part and focused on another one. “Connecting with your roots? That makes sense. Anyway, isn’t this what your mother named you after? We spoke a lot about your childhood days while you were gone and she mentioned it. I think it would be a beautiful idea to incorporate this into the ritual. What do you think?” He turned to look at Jing He and found that the tips of his ears which could be seen through his hair had turned red.

Qiu Ling stared in amazement for a moment. Jing He was thin-skinned. That wasn’t a secret at all. Over the years, he had often seen his face flush red because of the simplest love confessions. He didn’t feel that he had overdone it just now though. What had gotten into his beloved now?

He looked at him quietly and thought back to what Jing He had just said. Then … he continued to stare. Oh. Hadn’t Jing He explained that this ritual was meant to offer blessings? And now, one of the blessings of the crystal lotus would be for having offspring? No wonder his beloved was embarrassed. Well, as long as they ignored this part, he did like the other blessings though. Especially good fortune was something you definitely couldn’t have enough of.

Qiu Ling decided that it shouldn’t matter as much and simply tried to distract Jing He again. “So … how many flowers should there be overall? Is there a specific number we should have?” Bai Fen hadn’t mentioned these kinds of details, probably thinking that Jing He would explain when they talked about it. Thus, he could only ask now.

Jing He’s attention wasn’t diverted but he still calmed down when he was asked another question. Maybe Qiu Ling had somehow missed the last part? It wouldn’t be impossible. He had been too embarrassed to bring it up so it was entirely possible that his voice had lowered. If Qiu Ling was deep in thought, considering the other aspects, maybe this had slipped his attention. In that case … he should just focus on this new question.

“There isn’t a specific number. Every couple can decide on their own. Some will only choose a single flower, others combine two or three. I have even heard that some like to choose a variety of them, adding them bit by bit.”

“Then do you have a preference?” Qiu Ling wasn’t too particular about this. If Jing He had said he’d be happy with only the peach, he’d go along with it. If he wanted him to gather a dozen flowers all over the immortal and mortal realms for him, he’d still set out to do so. The fact that he didn’t know where they grew was a bit of an issue but … well, in the worst case, he’d grab Jinde and pull him along to help him identify the ones he needed. That was what parental support was for, right?

Jing He shook his head and then finally looked up at Qiu Ling again. “I believe it would be better not to use too many. While the symbolic meaning is important, the scents should also harmonize. The fewer flowers there are, the easier it is to make sure of that.”

Qiu Ling nodded. “Well, I suppose we have decided on peach and crystal lotus then. Is there another one that you would like to include?” Jing He was the one who had suggested the peach originally but that had sounded like it was a common ingredient. It would be alright to choose something else. Or, well, he’d go with whatever his beloved decided whether that was keeping it to just these two or adding anything more. He’d be happy with anything.

Jing He hesitated. It was said that good things came in pairs so choosing just two flowers might be good. But then, adding a third flower might not be bad either as the number three symbolized life, after all. He wanted the two of them to have a long and prosperous life together so it would fit. But thinking of how it could refer to separation as well … He really didn’t know what to do.

Once again, Jing He had trouble making a decision. Since he couldn’t tell for now, he first thought of which flower could possibly be added. If he couldn’t find one that fit, then this question was for naught anyway and they should just keep it at this. But if he found a good addition, then maybe it would be best to go with three flowers after all.

There were a lot of plants that were often chosen for this ritual: apricot, carnation, and jujube were typical choices, for example. But thinking of these, Jing He wasn’t quite satisfied. He had suggested peach because it was a common flower to use for the ritual bath and he liked the meaning it represented. The other options weren’t bad either but they were a lot less personal than Qiu Ling’s idea of picking the crystal lotus. Especially with how he had deemed it to be perfect for the reason that it meant to connect to one’s roots and thought of his mother’s stories. Since Qiu Ling chose so carefully, how could he simply go by what was a popular choice?

Jing He changed his approach and considered what was important to Qiu Ling: He cared very much for his family so something with reunion might be a good fit. But then, this reunion had already happened so it wouldn’t be much of a blessing, would it be? Still, Qiu Ling should cherish a connection to his family no matter what exactly it was.

Considering the question from that direction, he couldn’t help but think of the chrysanthemum: This flower represented autumn, the season Qiu Ling had been named after as a nod to his father whose name corresponded to spring. This … was indeed something Qiu Ling might like. Not to mention that the other meanings of the chrysanthemum weren’t bad either.

This flower was said to have cleansing qualities and to cure illnesses. It also represented longevity. At the same time, the chrysanthemum could function as a blessing for intellectual accomplishments which would be a good wish for someone in Qiu Ling’s position. After all, a king should be wise. This was what Qiu Ling’s people knew him as but adding further to this trait of his shouldn’t be considered too much.

Considering all of this, Jing He made up his mind. “I believe … the chrysanthemum would make a good final choice.”

Qiu Ling nodded, not questioning Jing He’s choice in the least. “Then that is what we’ll go with.” He smiled and leaned closer, kissing Jing He’s temple. “The peach and chrysanthemum can likely be found in your garden or maybe your mother’s, right? Then that would mean I only need to get the crystal lotus before everything is ready. How about drawing me a map when we go back to your palace?”

Jing He nodded but his fiance made no move to return now.

Don’t kid him. They finally had this chance to spend some quiet alone time. He’d be an idiot if he didn’t stay and use the opportunity to flirt. No, after these days of having to hide out for most of the time to not get caught, this was a very welcome chance for him.