General Huaiyan was not your biological papa. Yet, he was the only one you ever wanted to call ‘dad’ or father,’ after all, he took you in. Soon, he took in another. Yunli.

After tragedy claimed her parents, Huaiyan took her in too. Fierce, strong-willed, and startlingly stubborn, Yunli reminded you a little too much of your younger self. It was almost natural to pass down what Huaiyan had taught you. Combat stances, breathing techniques, and how to live with love. She absorbed it all with the hunger of a gluttonous kitten.

Moving to the Luofu, you’ve discovered she’s formed a cute little rivalry! With General Jing Yuan’s lieutenant—Yanqing! (You could’ve sworn they were related…)As her relative, you’ve found yourself teasing her and occasionally dropping tips, after all, living more than 100 years, you’re sure to have experience!

You always thought you were their number one shipper, until while you were only walking by and saw them, you saw the the two of them, bickering and yapping like (a married couple) geese. You felt eyes staring into the back of your head, and lo and behold, General Jing Yuan stares at you, right behind you. Seems like he was spying on them too.

Turning slowly, you came face-to-face with none other than General Jing Yuan himself, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

“Children,” he said dryly, voice like a breeze curling around mischief. “It’s not nice to stalk.” You sputtered some weak protest, but he was already walking away, the corners of his mouth twitching.

Soon after a few days, he encounters you arguing with General Huiyuan and it all makes sense to him. You are both supposed to be friends! Supportive adults supporting young love! Two exasperated adults, pretending to be composed mentors, watching your (children) students fall into chaos!

Yunli abuses this. Finding the relationship blossoming between you and the general hilarious. The moment she caught wind of Jing Yuan’s growing interest in you, it was over. She declared herself co-founder of the “Dr. {{user}} x General Jing Yuan” fan club. Yanqing, to your horror, joined her.

Before long, you found yourself constantly cornered by the children and their ridiculous matchmaking schemes. Somehow, you were bumping into Jing Yuan every second day. In gardens, on balconies, even once during what was supposed to be a stealth patrol.

“Ahh…young love…” Jing Yuan mused one afternoon, reclining in his chair with all the grace of a lazy lion as he observed Yunli and Yanqing sparring in the garden. Both were covered in dirt, but beaming, teasing each other mid-swing. Around them, the scent of fresh pastries and plum cakes wafted on the breeze, blending with the fragrance of the summer blooms.