Burning Bridges | | Jing Yuan X Reader | |

Deceptive is the Heart

Your wedding was set for an auspicious date towards the end of the lunar rotation. Though the preparation was enthralling, you could not allow yourself to become wrapped up in such luxuries. 

The reason for your return was not out of the interest of rekindling your old love, but to finally bring justice for your family. 

Jing Yuan on the other hand, seemed especially interested in the wedding. 

Such vibrancy on his face as he ran around his estate, ordering his attendants to decorate the hall in glorious fabrics and luxurious materials. 

"Y/N, what do you think of this color?" 

"It's nice." 

Noticing your absent expression, he placed a tender hand to your face. "What's wrong?" 

"Nothing. I just-" Unable to drag it out of yourself, you paused. Shaking your head as you sent him off to finish his preparations. 

Watching as he began to happily set up decorations, a warmth began to flow within your chest. Perhaps, you could enjoy this moment. To have your cake and eat it too...

Jingliu's tyranny would end, you would assure it- Though, that didn't mean you couldn't accept pleasantries where they existed. 

Sighing, you dawned a content expression, lifting the other side of the banner to help him. 

"Y/N-" He exclaimed with joy, kissing you lightly. The attendants began to giggle before giving the both of you some space. Never had they seen their General so pleased before. 

"Here." Handing you delicately woven lanterns to be hung upon the side of the entrance, you smiled. The calligraphy was intricate and beautifully expressed, with a tinge of laziness thrown into the mix. It was most certainly of Jing Yuan's handywork. 

Having gone to sit down, he stretched his back, acting like an elder who'd fallen down the stairs. He left you to complete all the finishing touches. Thinking he was being lazy you grinned. Not realizing how your own emotions began to encompass your mind, swirling with thoughts of only him. 

The General, though assumed to be lazing around as you did all the work- had secretly gotten up late in the night to prepare for the event. 

Sprawled across the bright wooden table, his gaze was trained on you. Imagining that this could have been the life you'd shared if he hadn't...

"General." Yanqing interrupted, sitting across the table. His filial student poured his distracted master a drink. 

"So, this is why you are always absent minded on the battlefield-" 

Jing Yuan takes a deep breath before gently flicking the side of his head. 

"Y/N is no distraction. They are the purpose...everything up until now." A horrifying depth smeared onto his usually carefree face. 

Yanqing had noticed the change, it was subtle, but over time it had uncomfortably festered. The young boy knew that whomever you were, you played an integral part in the General's past. The disciple feared, that regardless of your intentions with returning, this union was nothing more than fanatical idealism. 

"General, is this wise? To parade your greatest weakness before the one person who wants them dead?" 

"This is the only way to protect Y/N. I owe it to them, to their family." 

Looking at the distant and contemplative features on his master's face, Yanqing dropped his shoulders. "Then this marriage?" 

"Is as it has to be, there is no other choice." Standing with a despondent look, the General wipes his face of any discontent. Returning to your side as he lifts you upon his shoulders, allowing you to finish placing the lanterns above the entrance.