Yin Qingyue hadn’t expected Chu Jingcheng to agree so readily.
Noticing her thoughts, he lifted his eyes, deliberately adopting an arrogant expression. “Are you wondering why I agreed so quickly?”
“If only you could guess my thoughts, that would be something.”
“Guessing your thoughts? That’s no trouble at all,” Chu Jingcheng said confidently.
Yin Qingyue knew he had no mind-reading ability. “Then guess—what am I thinking right now?”
Chu Jingcheng furrowed his brows, pretending to ponder, studying her carefully. A faint curve appeared at the corner of his mouth. After a moment, he laughed. “I guess you’re thinking about how to prepare to be my bride, since the wedding is so near.”
“Prince Jing, you’re teasing me again.”
“Then tell me—is my guess correct?” he asked.
Yin Qingyue smiled. “If I said it wasn’t, would you be upset?”
“Of course not. Now that Yin Ziyu’s matter is settled and the Emperor’s decree has been issued, your mind should only hold thoughts of the wedding and me. Any other thoughts better not exist—otherwise, I won’t let it slide,” Chu Jingcheng said in a threatening tone.
Before, Yin Qingyue might have resisted such words. But now, as the Prince had said, her heart belonged solely to him. Nothing else mattered. Even without the wedding, she wouldn’t mind—being with him was enough.
She nodded. “Alright. I promise you—my heart will belong only to you, for my entire life. No one else will ever take your place.”
The atmosphere softened. Chu Jingcheng’s previously stern, threatening expression gradually relaxed. Looking at Yin Qingyue, a hint of emotion appeared in his eyes.
It was as if a promise was being fulfilled: to grow old together, hand in hand, never to part.
Chu Jingcheng said, “Qingyue, I promise you too. In this life, you alone—no matter how long, I will stay by your side, never abandoning you.”
“I understand your feelings. As long as I’m with you, everything is enough,” Yin Qingyue said, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Seeing her so charming, Chu Jingcheng longed to carry her back to the room right away.
But Yin Qingyue, looking into his eyes, caught his little thoughts and couldn’t help laughing.
He frowned. “Why are you laughing? Is there something on my face?” He touched his face, puzzled.
Her laughter grew. “Nothing on your face. I just thought of something and couldn’t help but laugh.”
Pretending to be annoyed, Chu Jingcheng scowled, then walked over and pulled her close, kissing her swiftly.
He always acted this way—catching her off guard and kissing her.
But this time, Yin Qingyue didn’t resist. Instead, she met him halfway, and their warmth intensified.
This moment was full of both emotion and excitement. No more worries, no more fear of death or separation—they could be together forever.
Seconds passed. Reluctantly, Chu Jingcheng released her, resting his forehead against hers. “This is my good girl,” he murmured.
Then Yin Qingyue pushed him away lightly. “You’re never serious,” she said, but a shy smile spread across her face.
Seeing her like this, Chu Jingcheng couldn’t help but embrace her tightly. “Alright, now I’ll be serious. The wedding will be in three days. Until then, rest well and don’t worry me. I’ll handle everything. On the wedding day, just be my obedient bride.”
“Alright, I understand,” she replied obediently.
At that moment, a guard in the front courtyard suddenly reported in.
Seeing Chu Jingcheng and Yin Qingyue embracing, he stepped back a few paces, clearing his throat.
Chu Jingcheng released Yin Qingyue, frowning. “What is it?”
The guard bowed. “Prince, Leng Yi has returned.”
Speaking of Leng Yi, it had been some time since he left for the county. Surely something must have happened on the way.
Chu Jingcheng said, “Bring him to me immediately.”
“Yes,” the guard replied, bowing before leaving.
Yin Qingyue felt it was inconvenient to stay. “Since Leng Yi has returned, I’ll go downstairs first.”
“That’s fine, but remember what I just told you—otherwise…”
“I know. I’ll follow everything you say,” she interrupted and left.
Once she departed, Leng Yi hurried over, looking dust-stained from travel. Upon seeing Chu Jingcheng, he immediately bowed. “Greetings, Prince.”
“Rise,” Chu Jingcheng said, his tone serious but softened.
“I apologize, Prince. My journey was delayed, so I’m late,” Leng Yi said.
“How was the county?” Chu Jingcheng asked with concern.
“Rest assured, Prince. Everything there has been arranged. The new county magistrate is a good man, well-loved by the people. That’s why I dared to return,” Leng Yi reported diligently.
Chu Jingcheng nodded in satisfaction and studied Leng Yi carefully. “You weren’t at Leng Feng’s wedding. You don’t need to stay by my side these days. Go visit Leng Feng.”
Receiving Chu Jingcheng’s approval, Leng Yi was pleased but kept his usual composed expression. “Thank you, Prince. I also heard that the Emperor has decreed your marriage to Miss Yin. Congratulations, Prince.”
“You speak differently from Leng Feng—I like hearing your words.”
“I’ve been by your side for years. Seeing you and Miss Yin together naturally makes me happy,” Leng Yi said sincerely.
Chu Jingcheng, in a good mood, said, “Alright, Leng Yi. Go see Leng Feng. You two haven’t met in a while and surely have a lot to talk about.”
“Yes, I’ll take my leave then,” Leng Yi replied.
After Leng Yi left, Chu Jingcheng sat on a stone bench, reminiscing about the past. From meeting Yin Qingyue to now, they had endured so much together. Without persistence, none of this would have happened.
Meanwhile, Leng Yi went to meet Leng Feng. As soon as they saw each other, they began talking, especially Leng Feng.
“I say, Leng Yi, what’s going on? Didn’t you leave for the county before my wedding? Why are you only here now?”
“I was delayed by several heavy rains on the road,” Leng Yi explained.
Leng Feng was unconvinced and punched his chest. “You liar!”
Leng Yi looked innocent. “I’m telling the truth! You don’t know how many horses I killed on the way. Of course I wanted to attend your wedding!”
“Yeah, sure,” Leng Feng muttered.
At that moment, Ding Ying brought over some pastries. Hearing their conversation, she couldn’t help laughing, then scolded Leng Feng. “Alright, stop blaming Leng Yi. He said he was delayed on the road.”
Hearing this, Leng Feng’s anger dissipated, and his tone softened. “I’m not blaming him, just saying.”
Leng Yi chuckled, teasing, “Looks like someone’s already in trouble. Without his wife’s say, he won’t dare act freely anymore.”
Leng Feng, annoyed, glared at Leng Yi. “Don’t think just because Ding Ying favors you, you can act recklessly! I’m your elder brother—you still have to listen to me.”
“Who says?”
“I say.”
…
Their bickering continued until Ding Ying interrupted. “Enough! You two brothers worry about each other even when apart, and now that you’ve met, you fight.”
Leng Feng smiled at Ding Ying. “Alright, alright. I’ll listen to you.”
Seeing this, Leng Yi laughed.
The atmosphere was finally harmonious, as they had long hoped.
After a while, Ding Ying said, “By the way, the Prince and Miss Yin will marry in a few days. I’ll visit her tomorrow. She was with me at my wedding too.”
Leng Feng agreed. “Good. Women should visit each other more often.”
“Yes. I’ll go tomorrow. A bride should be a little nervous.”
Leng Feng nodded, then nudged Leng Yi. “By the way, when will you get married?”
“When?”
“When are you marrying?”
Leng Yi ignored him, taking some pastries from Ding Ying and praising them. “Wife, your pastries are delicious. I’ll come often.”
Leng Feng snatched them away. “Dream on.”
For a single pastry, they began playfully fighting again. Usually, Leng Feng started first, and Leng Yi had no choice but to retaliate.
Ding Ying watched, smiled, and left.
The next morning, Ding Ying arrived at Prince Jing’s mansion.
Yin Qingyue greeted her. “Why are you here so early?”
“I came early to wish you luck—you’re getting married in two days,” Ding Ying said.
“There’s such a custom?”
“Of course.”
Yin Qingyue led her inside. The mansion was already decked with red decorations, everyone bustling about. The Prince’s wedding was a major event, and no one dared slack off.
Seeing this, Ding Ying asked, “Are you busy? Am I disturbing you?”
“Not at all. I’m glad you came,” Yin Qingyue said.
Ding Ying smiled, looking at the decorations. “Have you prepared everything for the wedding? Anything missing? Do you need me to help?”
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