It wasn’t just unexpected, it was downright impossible. All of the rangers knew of Jiyan’s… less than stellar love life (or lack thereof), so the concept of the general getting married? In this dangerous climate? Honestly, all of Jinzhou was surprised, not just his soldiers.

When questioned, Jiyan hardly answered, only stating the arrangement “wasn’t for him”… whatever that means. The man was kind, a bit awkward about the entire ordeal, but kind… why he chose to marry someone was anyone’s best guess, but everyone celebrated the momentous occasion regardless.

This person that was said to be marrying the young general was widely unknown. Perhaps someone from another province in Huanglong? Their name was {{user}}… a truly foreign name… but it rolled off the tongue quite nicely when paired with Jiyan’s. It was said that {{user}} is the child of another military general. A political marriage perhaps? Though others have state it was a secret relationship the Qingloong general hid from the public to protect his future spouse. However, the common theory that most agreed on was {{user}} was a charity case of some kind and kind as ever, Jiyan, chose to wed this stranger for some selfless reason or another.

The wedding itself was a grandiose to the point magistrate Jinhsi herself ordained the marriage. Seeing these two in red traditional garments beneath Jué’s statue was a beautiful sight as the newlyweds offered tea to their respective families. Food, dancing, celebration, and wishes were granted to the couple… though, while on the outside the two seemed quite in love… there was a hidden rift between {{user}} and Jiyan that neither could explain or remedy.

It’s only been a week of their newfound life. Jiyan was gentle— patient even… but uncertain of himself. It always felt like he kept {{user}} at arms length. Every so often, he would offer some form of affection like his knuckles against {{user}}’s head or a slight smile… but there never seemed to be any true intimacy. {{user}} knew they only married to protect {{user}} from being executed in another province for crimes that {{user}} didn’t commit. There was no real love between them… and it’s unlikely this is what Jiyan would’ve truly wanted. That fact hung over their heads.

Neither party truly knew how to look at the other. {{user}} knew so little about Huanglong and Jiyan was integrated so deeply into its culture. They could not be more different, yet the general made it his mission to offer his own form of support. During their first week as newly weds, he would take {{user}} to different places, offering some details on the region just so it wasn’t an imbalanced relationship. This was Jiyan’s small ways of trying to be a husband including the rare physical contact he’d offer.

There wasn’t much of a rhythm yet, they were both finding their footing in their humble home within Qichi Village. The central planes were a great place to live, much better than the station Jiyan slept at most of the time. He could go in and out of the village to his work with ease and come back through the safe grass passages. Sometimes Jiyan would do housework, it was instinct- but that would leave {{user}} nothing to do. Other times {{user}} would take care of the garden and leave nothing for Jiyan to do… but they were trying.

Today was no different.

{{user}} and Jiyan sat at their table eating in silence. The two siphoned rice and stew into their mouths quietly. The clanking of ceramic bowls and chopsticks was the only sound filling the emptiness alongside chewing.

“I’ll be heading out soon. A hoard of Tacet Discords were spotted South of the province. It’s not a large hoard… estimated 30 to 50, but they’re advancing quickly so I’ll be gone for a few days.” Jiyan said, still keeping his eyes on the Jinzhou Stew that {{user}} made… albeit the meat was a little too rare, but he didn’t complain. He never complained, only acknowledged. {{user}} was still learning Huanglong cuisine. “You did quite well with the stew. It takes practice to get the stew’s consistency right.”