“I just said you and my grandson were deeply in love and that our family lives far away, so you went there to marry him,” Dragon Grandpa said, pleased with his storytelling. He had hoped for this outcome when he first told the story, never expecting it would come true. The thought made him beam with joy.
“Grandpa, you really said that? Oh! So you were plotting against me all along?” Lan Lan pretended to realize. Although leaving her mother and sister left her with a slight regret, coming here and meeting Hao made her feel lucky.”
Moreover, Dragon Grandpa had done so much, arranging everything before returning. She couldn’t blame him and was genuinely grateful for everything he had given her.
“Silly girl, how could Grandpa scheme against you? You’re wronging me!” Long Dahai said, aggrieved.
This was how they used to banter in the modern world. The others in the room were stunned to see Long Dahai and Lan Lan teasing each other. In their eyes, he had always been tall, mighty, and authoritative; they never imagined he could be such a cute old rascal, revealing how irreplaceable Lan Lan was to him.
“Ahem! Alright, everyone leave!” Long Dahai coughed and waved them away.
“Sweetheart, I’ll come see you another day! You must cook something delicious for Grandpa!” he added as Lan Lan was about to leave.
“Okay! Grandpa, you might as well just live with us. I can take care of you every day!” Lan Lan really wanted to be with Grandpa Long to experience deep familial love. Moreover, she had something to ask of him, so she naturally wanted him there.
“No way, living with you young people would be too much for me. I’ll stay at my Yile Garden for retirement! I’ll come find you when I’m free, so don’t worry!” Long Dahai wanted to agree but swallowed his words after seeing the glance beside him. This great-grandson of his was not easy to provoke.
On the surface, he seemed cold and indifferent, but those who angered him never met a good end. It was better not to provoke him.
Lan Lan looked back repeatedly, reluctantly following Long Junhao to the Royal Wang Mansion. Today, her mood was good; she had finally learned news about her mother and others, reassuring her heart. Although her mother couldn’t attend the wedding, she believed her mother would bless her from afar.
Upon returning and closing the door, Long Junhao embraced Lan Lan tightly, afraid of losing her, knowing she came from another world.
“Darling, don’t leave me!” he said softly.
His embrace felt perfect, and the petite Lan Lan enjoyed nestling against him.
“Silly, of course I won’t leave you!” she reassured him, promising to stay by his side forever.
Long Junhao looked at her smiling face, feeling exposed, and to hide his embarrassment, he pressed his lips against hers.
The next day, when the sun was high, Lan Lan opened her eyes, stretching and discovering the person beside her unusually still, his strong hand resting around her waist.
Long Yi lifted the carriage curtain, admiring the majestic figure of her beloved on horseback. Her heart swelled with happiness; being close to him was rare in the past, but now, due to Lan Lan’s upcoming role as her sister-in-law, she had more opportunities. Gratefully, she glanced at the beautiful woman beside her.
Understanding her feelings, Lan Lan patted her hand and gave her an encouraging look, genuinely hoping that Long Yi and Long Feng could be together, relieving her guilt towards Long Feng.
However, Long Feng, who appeared gentle but was actually unyielding, would require considerable effort from Long Yi to touch his heart.
Lost in their thoughts, the two women remained silent until the carriage stopped and Long Jun Hao’s gentle voice broke the quiet.
“We’re here. Come down!”
Lan Lan lightly lifted the curtain and descended from the carriage with Long Jun Hao’s assistance. Her beautiful eyes swept around, discovering they had arrived at a market filled with people.
Simple stalls lined both sides, resembling a modern flower market but offering a more diverse range of goods—everything from food to utensils to clothing.
After instructing Long Yun to settle the horses, he led Lan Lan and the others into the market. The crowd included farmers in coarse cloth and elegantly dressed young gentlemen and ladies in vibrant attire. The bustling atmosphere and variety of items momentarily overwhelmed Lan Lan.
Long Yi couldn’t stop talking, frequently exclaiming in excitement. She bought numerous items, causing Long Feng to trail behind her with a helpless expression. Lan Lan hadn’t purchased much; what Long Jun Hao had already bought for her filled an entire jewelry box. She estimated that if she brought these items back to modern times, she would become quite wealthy. However, she couldn’t resist delicious food and bought anything that looked appetizing, eventually filling her stomach.
“I can’t go on, husband. I’m too full. Let’s find a place to rest,” Lan Lan said, leaning against Long Jun Hao.
At this point, Long Feng had also accumulated many items, while only Long Yi still seemed eager to shop.
They found a clean place to drink tea and rest.
In the tea pavilion, Lan Lan felt frustrated recalling previous events. With Long Jun Hao accompanying them, nothing should go wrong.
After several pots of tea, they set out towards Hongfa Temple. Lan Lan was curious to see what a temple blessed by divine spirits looked like. She wanted to burn an incense stick, praying for her mother, sister, and everyone who loved her, hoping for their health, happiness, and longevity together.
“Miss Lan, there’s no need to be reserved. If you feel uneasy, you can donate some incense money to the temple,” Master Kongling said with a smile.
His smile made Lan Lan feel at ease, so she accepted his gift.
“Your Highness, this old monk congratulates you both on your marriage, wishing you a long life together and early offspring! However, there will be twists and turns in your relationship, and you will face trials. Remember to keep an open heart, go with the flow, and take a step back to see the broader perspective. Take care!” Master Kongling concluded and closed his eyes.
Long Junhao and Lan Lan exchanged a glance, then bowed to Master Kongling and took their leave.
Entering the main hall, they lit an incense stick and bowed three times to the Buddha statue, making a wish they held in their hearts. Lan Lan, a believer in gods and Buddhas, felt that many things were predestined.
After making her wish, she noticed Long Yi also praying devoutly with a blush on her face, seemingly lost in romantic dreams.
After donating incense money, they left the temple and returned to the Rui Wang Mansion as evening approached.
Getting off the carriage, they saw the steward Lin Bo waiting at the entrance, relieved to see them return.
“My little ancestors, the Emperor has already sent people three times to invite you to the reunion dinner!” Lin Bo said, quickly ordering servants to prepare hot water.
Long Junhao’s face darkened; they had forgotten about the New Year’s Eve reunion dinner. They rushed to wash and change into festive attire before heading to the palace.
Entering the imperial dining room, the royal family was already seated. Lan Lan felt embarrassed for making everyone wait while her cool-faced companion remained indifferent. Her great-grandfather smiled at her, but the Emperor looked displeased.
The others remained expressionless, their thoughts unreadable.
After paying their respects and sitting down, they heard the Empress’s warm yet reproachful tone: “Junhao, you’re not young anymore. How can you be so inconsiderate and make everyone wait on such an important holiday? You must be more mindful in the future, lest others say I haven’t properly guided you!” She deliberately glanced at Lan Lan.
