Chapter 33 Spring Ploughing Ceremony? No, it's a massive display of affection!

After the system went into hibernation, Yun Zhan's world became completely quiet (and lonely). Occasionally, he would habitually mutter a few complaints in his mind, but he would no longer receive a response from that cold, electronic voice, which made him feel a little uneasy.

"Hey, Xiao Qi? Really on strike? So stingy?" One day, as he was eating the candied dates that Yan Linye was feeding him, he subconsciously muttered a sentence to himself, but before he knew it, it slipped out.

"Who is Xiao Qi?" Yan Linye, with his sharp ears, caught the subtle whisper he unconsciously uttered and asked with a gentle look in his eyes.

Yun Zhan's heart skipped a beat, and he almost choked on the jujube. He quickly laughed it off, "Ah? It's nothing, it's nothing! I... I was just humming! These jujubes are so sweet! You should have one too!" He hurriedly picked up a jujube and stuffed it into Yan Linye's mouth, trying to get away with it.

Yan Linye found his flustered appearance extremely cute, so she obediently ate the jujube and didn't ask any more questions. However, her gaze towards him grew deeper, as if to say, "I am willing to accept all your little secrets."

Yun Zhan breathed a sigh of relief, inwardly cursing the system for being unreliable and leaving him alone to face this "thrilling" moment.

Life flowed by in this blissful atmosphere. Before they knew it, it was time for the annual Spring Ploughing Ceremony in Hejian Prefecture. This was not only an important ritual for praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests, but also an occasion to examine the people's livelihood and unite their hearts. As the Prince of Yan, who effectively controlled Hejian Prefecture and was deeply loved by the people, Yan Linye was naturally the only choice to preside over the ceremony.

Yun Zhan, as the "inventor" of a series of "miracle machines" that benefited people's livelihoods, such as the "curved plow" and the "water conservancy waterwheel," enjoyed an absurdly high reputation among the people of Hejian Prefecture, almost being hailed as a "little god." Naturally, Yan Linye wanted to bring him along.

On the day of the sacrifice, the crowd was enormous. Below the high altar, a dense mass of people stood. When Yan Linye, dressed in a solemn black prince's robe, ascended the altar with an upright posture, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

When Yun Zhan, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with cloud patterns, looking exceptionally handsome and dazzling, was personally led by Yan Linye up the altar step by step and stood slightly behind him, the crowd fell silent at first, and then burst into even more enthusiastic cheers and discussions, which were even filled with a sense of understanding and goodwill.

"Look! It's Young Master Yun!"

"Young Master Yun is truly handsome and dashing! He and the Prince are a perfect match!"

"Of course! Young Master Yun is a lucky star for our Hejian Prefecture!"

"It's so comforting to see the Prince and Young Master Yun standing together!"

Hearing the faint whispers coming from below, Yun Zhan's cheeks flushed slightly. Feeling a little embarrassed, he subconsciously wanted to shrink back behind Yan Linye.

Yan Linye, however, seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. Under the cover of his wide sleeves, he accurately reached out and gently squeezed his hand, tickling his palm with his fingertips, with a gesture of comfort and encouragement.

Yun Zhan's heart instantly calmed down, even feeling a touch of sweetness. He raised his head, straightened his back, and stood beside the man who was destined to overthrow his "tyrannical lineage," looking down at the countless faces filled with hope and admiration, a strange feeling welled up inside him.

The sacrificial ceremony was solemn and elaborate. As the chief officiant, Yan Linye's every move was composed and dignified, exuding natural majesty. His voice, reciting the sacrificial text, was clear and steady, carrying far and wide. Yun Zhan stood quietly beside him, his gaze mostly fixed on Yan Linye.

Sunlight bathed Yan Linye's sharply defined profile, gilding him with a golden hue. His focused expression and composed demeanor seemed to connect him with the heavens and the earth, and with the hearts of the people. Yun Zhan gazed at him, somewhat mesmerized.

Just then, Yan Linye seemed to sense his gaze, and as he completed a turning and bowing gesture, his gaze swept over Yun Zhan with remarkable naturalness.

Their eyes met.

It was just a fleeting moment.

Yan Linye's eyes were deep, devoid of the gentle smile he usually wore when he looked at him. In their place was something deeper and more reserved, like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm sea, carrying an undeniable possessiveness and an almost devout focus. That gaze was tangible, burning Yun Zhan's heart, as if saying, "Look at me, only look at me."

Yun Zhan's face flushed crimson, and his heart raced. He hurriedly lowered his eyelashes, but couldn't help glancing up again. Yan Linye had already turned back and continued the sacrificial ceremony, as if that intense glance from before was just Yun Zhan's imagination.

But Yun Zhan knew it wasn't true. The silent declaration in that gaze made his legs go weak. This man... he truly exuded an irresistible charm at all times! In this solemn and dignified setting, just one look from him was enough to make him lose his bearings!

The final step of the ritual was the symbolic act of "starting the plowing." Yan Linye personally descended from the altar and went to the oxen that had been prepared and harnessed to Yun Zhan's improved curved plow. He did not immediately begin the plowing, but instead turned around and extended his hand towards Yun Zhan on the altar.

Everyone was stunned.

Yun Zhan was also stunned.

Under the watchful eyes of thousands of people, Yan Linye looked at him calmly and firmly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Yun Zhan, this plow has benefited all people because of you. This first plowing should be done by you and me."

The crowd erupted in even louder cheers! It was practically a blatant declaration!

Yun Zhan's heart pounded like a drum. Amidst countless blessings, curiosity, and understanding gazes, he stepped down from the altar and placed his hand in Yan Linye's waiting palm.

Yan Linye's hand was warm and strong, tightly enveloping his. The two walked side by side to the plow, Yan Linye holding the plow tip, while Yun Zhan's hand rested on the back of his hand.

"Let's go." Yan Linye turned his head and gave him a very faint but extremely gentle smile.

Then, witnessed by all the people of Hejian Prefecture, they jointly held the plow and drew the first deep furrow on the soft soil of early spring.

The sunlight shone brightly on the two people standing side by side, creating a harmonious and beautiful scene, like a painting. The cheers of the people were deafening, interspersed with shouts of "Long live the Prince!" and "Young Master Yun brings blessings to all people!" Many young men and women looked at their tightly clasped hands and smiling profiles, revealing smiles of envy and blessings.

Chen Feng stood at the front of the crowd, stroking his chin and grinning foolishly: "Hehe, Your Highness and Young Master Yun, how wonderful!"

Liu Yingying, standing beside her, covered her lips with a round fan, her eyes sparkling, and chuckled softly, "Isn't that right? A match made in heaven."

As Yun Zhan listened to the cheers around him, felt the warmth and strength from Yan Linye on the back of his hand, and looked at the straight furrows they had plowed together, symbolizing hope and new life, his heart was filled with a great sense of happiness and satisfaction.

At this moment, all notions of imperial power and hegemony, of the skull warning, became distant and blurred.

He wished time could stand still at this moment, still in this bright spring sunshine, still beside this man's warm and steadfast presence.

After the sacrificial ceremony, on the return journey in the carriage, Yun Zhan was still immersed in the dizzying feeling of being blessed by everyone, leaning on Yan Linye's shoulder and grinning foolishly.

Looking at him like this, Yan Linye couldn't help but lower his head and kiss the top of his head, whispering, "Happy?"

"Yes!" Yun Zhan nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling. "I'm so happy!" He paused, then added softly, "Being with you makes everything I do enjoyable."

Yan Linye's heart felt as if it had been gently tickled by a feather, melting completely. He tightened his arms, holding the other man even closer in his embrace, his chin resting against his forehead, silently conveying the same joy and tenderness.

The carriage swayed gently, carrying a load of tranquil sweetness, as it headed towards their destination.

Yun Zhan thought that if this really was a dream, then he hoped he would never wake up.