There was a mysterious island in the southern sea. It wasn’t very large, and was far away from other islands.

If pirates approached, they would almost certainly meet their ends. If there was a shipwreck, the people onboard would lose consciousness, and when they awoke, not only would their wounds be treated, but they would have plenty of food and water. Even a ship would already be approaching the coast.

But in most cases, the small island was inaccessible to ships that spied it at sea. There seemed to be undercurrents and reefs near it, and if a ship forced its way in, a shipwreck and death would follow.

Over time, this mysterious island was said to be the abode of gods. Some people wanted to find out what was there by relying on their wealth, but they were always forcibly persuaded to leave by the nearby navy.

“I heard that a pair of gods live there.”

“I heard there are treasures and secret tomes.”

“No, no, no, it’s just a retreat for a young couple.”

However, it was just an after-dinner conversation topic.

On a painted boat in Ming’an County, Miss Xi Ran was entertaining Song Xingmu. Listening to the boisterous conversations outside, she said with a smile: “That island is truly mysterious. Have you ever been there?”

Song Xingmu set down his wine glass with a smile and said: “It’s just a small island where people live in seclusion.”

As he spoke, there was a commotion outside. Song Xingmu stood up and straightened his sleeves, saying: “It seems he’s been caught.”

“You made Young Master Yi Chuan go catch the thief while you sit here drinking and having fun. You really know how to relax.” Xi Ran smiled and said, “How about we call Young Master Yi Chuan up and let him relax as well?”

Song Xingmu gave her a look, clearly displeased. Xi Ran said: “Never mind. Will you come tomorrow? I still have other news…..”

Song Xingmu waved a hand: “I won’t come tomorrow. I’m going on a long journey.”

Xi Ran was a bit puzzled and said: “It’s rare to see you travel far away.”

Song Xingmu smiled mysteriously and said: “I’m going to attend my friend’s wedding banquet.”

With that, Song Xingmu went downstairs to pick up Yi Chuan, who had already detained a man and sheathed the long and short swords at his waist. Seeing that Song Xingmu was slightly drunk again, he said impatiently: “You tricked me into doing hard labor again! You don’t do anything yourself!”

Song Xingmu just leaned over as if he had no spine, hanging an arm carelessly over Yi Chuan’s broad shoulders: “Aiyaya, those who are capable should do more work, right?”

“Your hand is healed now!” Yi Chuan narrowed his eyes dangerously. He had obviously reached the limit of his patience and was about to take action.

Song Xingrmu immediately coughed and said: “We’re setting off tomorrow. If you hurt me, they might misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand?” Yi Chuan stared blankly.

Song Xingmu hooked the ends of his fiery red hair and said: “They’ll misunderstand that I took advantage of you, so you beat me up.”

Yi Chuan thought he meant taking advantage of him doing all the work, but when he turned to see Song Xingmu’s sly smile, he followed the other’s obscene train of thought and grasped his meaning. In a flash, Yi Chuan became furious and Song Xingmu fled.

The next morning, the two men appeared at the docks. Instead of using their own vessel, they had waited for the Yue family’s ship.

Yue Xuqian was already waiting for them at the bow. They were all old acquaintances, so after saying their hellos, they jumped on board. 

Although Yue Xuqian was a modest gentleman, according to Liu Zhenqing, the Yue clan were all full of bad intentions. Seeing that Song Xingmu seemed to have a black eye, he smiled and said: “What happened?”

Song Xingmu shamelessly glanced toward Yi Chuan with a resentful look on his face.

Yi Chuan stoically pretended not to see it.

Yue Xuqian smiled and said: “Isn’t Brother Song a tender person? Did you tease Brother Yi too fiercely, so he hit you?”

Yi Chuan was instantly dumbfounded by his words. It took him a long moment to find his words and try to explain, “We’re…..not……it was because he only cares about enjoying himself and leaves me to suffer alone.”

Yue Xuqian immediately donned a look of innocence and gave an awkward cough, as if Yi Chuan had said something suggestive and made him uncomfortable. In any case, it had been determined that they were a couple.

Yi Chuan came to a realization and immediately glared at Song Xingmu to make him explain carefully.

Song Xingmu smiled and said: “It’s all my fault. I made Yi Chuan suffer.”

Yi Chuan could hardly breathe. He felt it was too easy for him to suffer a loss in such a situation, so he could only sit down and drink tea without responding.

The two men bullied an honest person for a while and then discussed the recent state of affairs. They had been helping Huo Fenglie and Liu Zhenqing monitor the situation in the court this year.

“It’s said that the emperor has become moodier, and his health doesn’t seem to be good,” Yue Xuqian said.

“He didn’t send anyone to look for them in my area. I guess he really believes they’re dead.” Song Xingmu said with a sneer, “I’m afraid his bad health must be due to a guilty conscience.”

The two of them talked briefly about what gifts they’d brought. Yue Xuqian’s were normal, but Song Xingmu wore an extremely odd smile as he said: “I didn’t prepare anything expensive, just a small item that can add some fun to their lives. Liu Zhenqing will definitely like it.”

“Isn’t it my good brother who should like it?” Yue Xuqian smiled faintly.

“You don’t understand Liu Zhenqing.” Song Xingmu smiled mysteriously. He knew his brother’s dog nature too well.

Amidst pleasant conversation, the ship sailed for a long time before a familiar island came into sight on the vast sea. They slowly approached using a specially made nautical chart.

Very soon, they caught sight of a vessel already docked at the pier.

At this time, as he slept at home, Liu Zhenqing felt it had grown a bit noisy outside.

“Qing-ge…..”

Huo Fenglie’s voice roused him, and Liu Zhenqing let go of him where he had been clinging to him like a pillow.

The two were currently only wearing thin under robes, and their body heat seeped through those inner garments, not to mention other unusual places. 

Even though he wasn’t fully awake, Liu Zhenqing habitually teased Huo Fenglie by rubbing his legs against him with intention. Sure enough, he heard the other’s breathing catch.

He murmured innocently: “What’s wrong?”

Huo Fenglie’s voice was already hoarse: “Guests must be arriving.”

Liu Zhenqing went to sit up, but Huo Fenglie pulled him back down and held him in his arms.

Liu Zhenqing struggled a little: “What are you doing?”

“Qing-ge…..” Huo Fenglie’s voice became even rougher. His clear eyes were covered by an emotion-induced mist, blurring his rationality.

“We agreed not to sleep in the same room for three days before the wedding. You were disobedient, sneaking into my bed last night.” While scolding him, Liu Zhenqing also squirmed in Huo Fenglie’s arms, fanning the flames to the extreme.

Huo Fenglie knew very well that he was deliberately causing mischief. Making such a ridiculous request was just to make trouble for him.

Huo Fenglie really wanted to be vengeful and teach Qing-ge a lesson, but he only dared think about it. With a look from Liu Zhenqing, Huo Fenglie would instinctively obey him. At most, he could give him a strong kiss and then calm down using his internal force.

They were together day and night, and whether or not they were married was just a formality. In order to make the situation more interesting, Liu Zhenqing had come up with a “distance makes the heart grow fonder“ scheme to add a little fun. Seeing Huo Fenglie’s patient appearance always moved him.

Liu Zhenqing reclined in bed with a smile on his face, watching Huo Fenglie get up. The other sent him an aggrieved look, but when Liu Zhenqing lazily raised his arms, he still went forward to pick him up. Dressing him and tidying him up, he pampered him without limits.

Liu Zhenqing was finally able to realize his dream of calling it quits to be a lazy salted fish.

The two of them got ready and went out, arriving at a familiar courtyard.

With weeping willows, a peach grove, a stargazing tower, pavilions, streams, and a martial arts training ground, it was a near replica of the General’s Manor.

Huo Fenglie had spent a year slowly building it for Liu Zhenqing. He had said he wanted to live in seclusion with Liu Zhenqing in such a place, so he was determined to accomplish it.

They walked through the courtyard and went outside. Smoke could be seen rising from the pharmacy stoves, and they happened to meet Han Ye coming out. He had dark circles under his eyes, and yawned before saying speechlessly: “You guys just woke up?”

“Did you not sleep?” Liu Zhenqing asked curiously.

“I’m not like you!” he said with displeasure.

During this year, every time the master wanted to help his wicked disciple re-enter the medical profession, Liu Zhenqing declined for various reasons. Yet on the contrary, when Han Ye and the master visited together, the two medical disciples clashed and sometimes studied all night long.

It just so happened that there were some good things in the sea that could be used as medicine, so they were staying on the island temporarily to conduct research.

Liu Zhenqing asked: “Is Master asleep? Then why aren’t you?”

Han Ye rolled his eyes in a familiar manner. Clearly unwilling to talk to him, he turned to Huo Fenglie and said: “We don’t have enough basic medicinal ingredients. There will be many guests these two days, so more attention must be paid to what they will eat and drink at the wedding banquet. I also need to go into town for more medicinal herbs.”

Huo Fenglie nodded and said: “A ship on the east side will set sail.”

The wedding was being arranged by Huo Fenglie. Liu Zhenqing knew nothing about it, so Han Ye just went to Huo Fenglie for instructions.

As the two of them left the pharmacy and walked to the gate, red silk decorations could be seen, as well as servants replacing the lanterns. When they saw their lords coming, they all greeted them warmly. Although they didn’t dare say much to Huo Fenglie, they spoke to Liu Zhenqing very happily.

Soon after the two exited the gate, they saw a figure running toward them furiously.

Seeing that it was Qiao Jin, Liu Zhenqing said in surprise: “Is he one of the guests? What is he doing out here?”

“That’s probably not the case,” said Huo Fenglie.

Qiao Jin came to a stop, looking out of sorts: “It’s not me. The guests are on the shore.”

Liu Zhenqing asked curiously: “Then you…..”

“I came here last night.”

Lu Zhenqing instantly came to a realization and stifled his laughter: “So……you had another fight with Qiaoqiao last night? Is that why you were running away so angrily?

Qiao Jin’s expression turned ugly: “What do you care! Go pick up your guests!”

When Qiao Jin stormed away in a huff, Huo Fenglie still reminded him: “Liu Qiao is in the kitchen helping the aunties prepare food.”

QIao Jin immediately switched directions with a curse, seeming to scold Liu Qiao for having no conscience.

Liu Zhenqing really couldn’t hold back his laughter. After all, such scenes had been far too common the past year.

After following them here, Liu Qiao had refused to leave, but how could Qiao Jin agree to this? Even though he had the Western Shu Kingdom to manage, he still had to come here once a month. Fortunately, Western Shu was close to the sea and travel was fast, otherwise Liu Zhenqing suspected that most of his time would be spent on a ship.

It was just that Qiao Jin was no longer concealing his feelings, but Liu Qiao was slow to learn. Often, when Qiao Jin grew so excited that he was about to lose control, Liu Qiao would slap him back and Qiao Jin would rush to the riverbank after the conflict. Liu Zhenqing figured he was waiting for Liu Qiao to coax him. But this kind of thing was too difficult for Liu Qiao, so Qiao Jin would basically have to come back alone in a temper.

Liu Zhenqing laughed for a long time and walked along a path through the woods with Huo Fenglie. They were almost to the pier.

“I wonder who will arrive first,” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

Huo Fenglie thought for a moment and said: “Song Xingmu?”

Liu Zhenqing was about to speak when he abruptly stopped, then hid timidly behind Huo Fenglie.

When Huo Fenglie looked over, his footsteps became a little unsteady.

There had been many people who didn’t find out about their escape until later, but there were two that they were most afraid of facing.

On the shore, the tall, upright He Lan had already walked to the end of the pier. Looking from left to right, he spied them at once. His entire handsome face filled with the joy and surprise of meeting someone he hadn’t seen in a long time.

Behind him was Li Xingruo, whom he had escorted there.

Being pulled along on either side of Li Xingruo were Yunci and Yunqian, who didn’t look as lively as they had before.

“Mother, what are we going here?”

“Mother, aren’t we returning to worship our ancestors?”

As she spoke, Yunci glanced around and paused. In the next moment, she let out a scream and released her mother’s hand, then suddenly rushed out.

Yunqian’s attention was also diverted by the sound. When he looked over, his face instantly paled and his lips trembled: “Second Uncle……Uncle Liu?”

Seeing the two children’s reactions, Liu Zhenqing inwardly cursed Li Xingruo to death for not telling her children the truth for an entire year.

What were he and Huo Fenglie supposed to do, ah?

Liu Zhenqing walked out with his head held high. He was about to apologize as he watched Yunci run toward him, but then the young girl threw herself into his arms.

“Uncle Liu! Uncle Liu! You didn’t come back on the seventh day, you didn’t come back at the Ghost Festival, why are you here…..wait, why are you warm?”

Huo Yunci realized something wasn’t right and looked up at once, staring at Liu Zhenqing in astonishment.

Right then, Huo Yunqian ran over too. He first stared at them in a daze for a brief moment, then grabbed Huo Fenglie’s and Liu Zhenqing’s wrists in each hand.

A few seconds later, Huo Yunqian cried: “Second Uncle, Uncle Liu, you’re not dead? You…..faked your deaths?”

“What!” Huo Yunci was speechless. Her eyes reddened, and she immediately turned back to look at her mother. When she saw that Li Xingruo didn’t seem surprised, she felt suddenly aggrieved. “You knew! You lied to us!”

Huo Yunci burst into tears, and Huo Yunqian couldn’t hold his back either.

“I’m sorry, it’s all our fault. We apologize, you can punish us however you want, all right?”

“We were wrong, don’t cry.”

Liu Zhenqing could only hug the both of them. He glared at Li Xingruo in displeasure, who glared back with absolute self-assurance. The two children were attending the Imperial Academy, and with so many eyes on them, how could she dare tell them the truth? The more upset they were, the more people outside would believe it.

Huo Fenglie, with a rare look of guilt and worry on his face, patted their shoulders as he stood behind Liu Zhenqing.

There was another ship about to dock at the beach. The people onboard also saw this scene and felt that they, as elders, hadn’t been very considerate.

Yue Xuqian spied He Lan, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, and gave him a smile and a wave. But He Lan’s eyes seemed to be scanning, searching.

Yue Xuqian had been the last person to see Qin Yu, and seeing this, he smiled and gestured to indicate that a certain person wasn’t aboard their ship.

He Lan didn’t seem surprised. Even if he had come, He Lan might not be able to see that heartless scumbag.

At this time, a horse-drawn carriage came slowly to the mainland port.

An elegant scholar was the first to emerge. He explained the matter of renting a vessel to the coachman, then turned back to the people inside the carriage and said: “The ship will likely be ready tomorrow. Let’s go into the city first and look around to see if we can find a better wedding gift. I keep feeling like what we brought isn’t satisfactory enough.”

“You’re too picky,” came a soft, reserved voice.

Bai Su smiled faintly and said: “We’re Zhanyuan’s brothers. We can’t lose face. Besides, it’s incredible that Zhanyuan is able to marry in this life, ah. It’ll only happen once, so we must prepare well. I’ll make preparations when you get married too.”

The person inside seemed to choke: “I can’t marry.”

Bai Su raised an eyebrow and smiled: “That’s not necessarily true.”

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Chapter 148 << Table of Contents >> Wedding Extra 2