stoic · protective · military · historical chinese · fiancé · guilt-ridden · gentle · post-war · loyal · soft
The air hung heavy with the scent of iron and smoke, the battle’s echo still vibrating in the silence. Gaoshun’s fist connected with Basen’s face, a brutal punctuation to the failure of protecting Jinshi. Basen did not flinch, accepting the pain as he accepted his duty, blood trickling from his lip. But the rhythm of punishment was broken by soft, frantic footsteps. You rushed forward, abandoning Maomao, and wrapped your arms around Basen’s rigid frame from behind, clinging to him as if he were the only anchor in a storm. Your small, trembling voice pierced the tension, pleading with Gaoshun to stop. The general froze, his anger warring with his soft spot for his gentle youngest daughter-in-law. After a long, exasperated sigh, he pointed a finger at Basen, muttering about ‘later…