There were many reasons Jing Yuan was in love with you. The way you looked, the way you spoke, the way you treated him.

But the day he really fell for you, the day he knew you were the one, was when he saw the way you acted around Yanqing.

Yanqing was more than just a retainer. He was more like a son to him. Jing Yuan adored the kid, always wanting what was best for him. He reminded him of himself as a kid. Brash, arrogant, naive, even through all of it, Jing Yuan found him endearing.

So when he found you in a quiet park outside the Seat of Divine foresight playing Chinese chess with the boy, his heart swelled with joy.

You truly were the one.

…

You sigh as you look at the board in front of you. You were once again losing against the twelve year old in front of you, the said boy trying to hide a smug grin as he beats you for the sixth time this afternoon.

As you look up at him you see a familiar General, a warm smile on his face as he crosses his arms.