Falling in Love with Qian Renxue

Today was Jiang Mingyang's first day as the Crown Prince's advisor.

At Qian Renxue's request, Jiang Mingyang changed into an advisor's robes.

In those specially made robes, he stood eight feet tall, with a fine figure, a face like polished jade, brows of eight colors, eyes like bright stars, a nose like a jade pillar, vermilion lips, and finely shaped ears. A scholar's headscarf crowned his head, and a crane-feather cloak draped his shoulders. He looked for all the world like an immortal descended to earth.

Even Qian Renxue could not help nodding again and again. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

Now that he was an advisor, Jiang Mingyang's task for the entire day was to keep the Crown Prince, "Xue Qinghe," company.

There was little he actually had to do. Qian Renxue was perfectly capable of handling affairs of state without his advice.

So most of the time, Qian Renxue sat above him attending to government business while Jiang Mingyang sat cross-legged below, meditating and cultivating.

Dusk soon fell. Attendants brought in the food, and Jiang Mingyang and Qian Renxue sat at separate tables to eat.

Unlike the cold imperial meals people spoke of in his previous life, the food here was served hot, thanks to the existence of Soul Masters.

Jiang Mingyang took a bite. It was excellent, and he promptly dug in.

After dinner, Jiang Mingyang accompanied Qian Renxue back to the Prince's Mansion.

Even after they reached the mansion, he kept following her. At this rate, he looked ready to follow her into her bedroom.

Qian Renxue hurriedly asked, "What are you doing?"

Seeing no one around, Jiang Mingyang glanced at her, silently asking whether he could speak of "Xue Qinghe's" true identity.

Qian Renxue nodded. Jiang Mingyang gathered his courage and said, "You've endured so much at such a young age, pretending to be the Crown Prince. It can't have been easy. I'm guessing you don't have a boyfriend, so... why don't we give it a try?"

He looked at Qian Renxue. Her face rapidly turned red, and she shot him a glare that was both adorable and furious. "In your dreams." Even then, she looked every inch a noble.

Jiang Mingyang answered without thinking, "I'm not just dreaming. I dare to think it, and I dare to do it.

"We've known each other for half a year, though I only learned you were a woman recently. I'm sure you're hesitant.

"But after what happened between us, we can't run away from it.

"We still have plenty of time ahead of us. We can get to know each other slowly! I'm hesitant too. I don't know whether I can make you happy.

"But I won't run from what happened between us. I'll take responsibility for you!"

Qian Renxue's face flushed. She met his unwavering gaze, lifted her chin, swallowed, then lowered her head and said, "Then let's try."

Jiang Mingyang smiled, stole a quick kiss from her, and fled back to the residence where he was staying.

Qian Renxue watched him flee in a panic and smiled.

Back at his residence, Jiang Mingyang could not help feeling nervous. Those few words had marked the beginning of his first romance across two lifetimes.

He had been single in his previous life. Now that things had reached this point, he wanted to seize the chance. With no experience to draw on, he had simply charged ahead.

No technique, only feeling.

And so the day passed.

The next morning, Jiang Mingyang was still asleep when a knock sounded at his door. Knock, knock, knock.

He hurriedly threw on a robe and opened it. Qian Renxue stood outside.

She glanced at him, the corners of her mouth lifting. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Good morning, Advisor Jiang. It's time to accompany this Crown Prince to attend to government affairs."

Her ears turned bright red, and she walked away before Jiang Mingyang could reply.

Delighted, Jiang Mingyang hurriedly dressed, put on his shoes, and chased after her.

He soon caught sight of Qian Renxue ahead. She was walking much more slowly than usual, as though deliberately waiting for someone.

The moment she sensed him approaching, she quickened her pace.

They walked side by side. When Qian Renxue said nothing, Jiang Mingyang stole a glance at her—only to find her sneaking a look at him too.

They both quickly turned their heads away. Their faces warmed, and faint smiles touched their lips.

Day after day passed like that. The understanding and affection between Jiang Mingyang and Qian Renxue steadily deepened, and the two of them wore the irrepressible happiness of people in love.

Jiang Mingyang rose at his usual time. Today, though, he would not be accompanying Qian Renxue as she handled affairs of state. He was going to the city gate.

He had learned from "Qianqian" that his godfather, Jiang Tian, had been recalled to the capital and named Grand General of Huaiyuan and Grand Marshal of Shenwu. He had been granted the Nine Bestowments and special honors: the right to wear his sword and shoes into the throne hall, to enter court without hurrying, and to have his name omitted when he was announced... uh...

Then there was more: "Virtue resides in a man, and his children share in its honor. Thus the court's gracious rewards extend to his family. His sons Ti, Nan, and Mingyang are accomplished in both letters and arms. His wife, Xue Fang, is chaste, serene, gentle, and virtuous. She has raised fine sons and possesses rare literary gifts. Though she cannot be present in person, her hidden virtues should be proclaimed. She is hereby named Lady of Yongjia Commandery and granted a fief of one thousand households."

"His eldest son, Jiang Ti, is hereby named Marquis of Zhongyong; his second son, Jiang Nan, Marquis of Zhongyi; and his third son, Jiang Mingyang, Loyal Tranquil Marquis. Each is granted a plaque inscribed 'Central Pillar.'"

In short, Jiang Mingyang had somehow become a Marquis.

His father, Jiang Tian, had been given full authority over military operations against the Star Luo Empire. According to the scouts' reports, he should arrive today.

Jiang Mingyang changed into a set of splendid clothes and went to wait at the city gate.

As soon as he arrived, he found Xue Qinghe waiting there too, with attendants behind her.

Puzzled, Jiang Mingyang asked, "Your Highness, are you waiting for someone?"

He could hardly help wondering. The Crown Prince was waiting for a senior military official—was she trying to form a faction and plot a rebellion?

As if she had read his mind, "Xue Qinghe" replied, "I hope you've been well, Loyal Tranquil Marquis. My father is unwell and instructed me to come personally to welcome the Grand General of Huaiyuan and his family. I must not slight them."

The attendants beside "Xue Qinghe" had probably come from the Imperial Palace; Jiang Mingyang had never seen them before. Hearing that the man before them was a Marquis, they hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, Loyal Tranquil Marquis."

It was not that they looked down on people. Jiang Mingyang seldom went out, and his title was newly conferred. It was only natural that they did not recognize him.

Jiang Mingyang nodded politely. "There's no need for such ceremony."

Before long, a splendid convoy appeared. Barely a minute passed between its first appearance in the distance and its arrival at the city gate.

Jiang Tian and the others spotted Jiang Mingyang as soon as they arrived, and their hearts filled with joy. At last, they were reunited after a long separation.

After greeting "Xue Qinghe," Jiang Tian entered the palace with Jiang Mingyang under her escort to meet Emperor Xue Ye.