"This is ridiculous! How could there still be an arranged marriage? I think it's a ploy. Look at you, you're the fifth spirit, Elsa. What is going to happen to the Enchanted Forest when you leave? You can't just leave. As Queen, I should be able to stop this."
Elsa tries very hard to calm down her sister as they approach Lotus Pier. They had chosen wisely to leave Olaf and Sven at home - a concern for Sven's health in slightly warmer climes and a concern of how the people of Yunmeng would react to a walking, sentient snowman. Once Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff had approached the waters that led them to Lotus Pier, the fifth element in question used her powers to change their clothes to fit in a little bit better with the residents.
Apparently, it had been arranged by their parents with hopes that either it would be forgotten or Elsa got a control of her powers by the time she was older. But then the letter appeared one day, officially speaking of the arrangement by Iduna and Agnarr and the clan leaders Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan.
The doors open and Elsa steps forward with Anna and Kristoff behind her, ready to approach another new turn to her life. Perhaps she would be able to explain to her groom that...well, things have changed since the agreement had been made. And perhaps powers weren't as willingly accepted in this place.
"Anna, it's going to be all right," she says quietly, squeezing her sister's hand.
Jiang Cheng isn't particularly any happier about the arranged marriage than
it seems anyone from the other party is. He needs this. Yunmeng needs this,
that is the only reason he hasn't lost his temper, the only reason he stays
composed as they go to greet the other party. When Jiang Cheng comes upon
them he bows politely. His eyes move over Anna and Kristoff first before
taking a longer time on Elsa. He shouldn't let his eyes linger but she is
beautiful and she seems smart even from a glance. There's something...
different about her that he can't pinpoint but whatever it is it makes him
want to keep his gaze on her.
"Welcome to Yunmeng," Jiang Cheng greets them. "I hope that your journey
was not too difficult."
They bow politely back, learning some of the manners that are required in
this place. Anna takes a deep breath to tell him exactly what's on her mind
when Elsa stops her sister with a squeeze to her hand. She turns back to
Sect Leader Jiang.
"I am Elsa. This is my sister, Queen Anna of Arendelle and her husband,
King Kristoff. Our journey proved to be pleasant, Sect Leader Jiang," she
says smoothly. "Thank you for taking the time to receive us on this day."
Though she hasn't been queen for nearly a year already, Elsa still hasn't
forgotten her manners. She takes the moment to look over Sect Leader Jiang.
He seems...handsome, at least, with a first glance. She wonders if he would
prove to be someone whose conversation would be interesting, at least. She
had chosen white robes with hints of lavender along the hems and diamond
stitched patterns along the lapels to represent the different spirits. It's
a little warmer than what she normally wears but she wanted to make a good
impression on the Sect leader.
Their journey had nearly taken a week and that was with the ice slide and
sled that Elsa had created and sent them off on over land. By sea would've
taken them months. They already had arrangements to ask Gale to help her
sister and Kristoff back to Arendelle in a quick manner.
"Thank you for coming," Jiang Cheng says and motions for them to follow
him. There is food prepared for all of them. As he leads the way he looks
back at Elsa again. She's stunning and it's hard not to keep his gaze from
returning to her over and over again.
"I know this is probably unexpected," he says to her, those with him had
taken to speaking to the King and Queen in his stead. "I have a meal ready
for you all."
Elsa smiles at the spread and turns to her husband. Husband, what a strange
notion. She places a hand on his, smiling kindly at him. His features are
very handsome and Elsa counts herself lucky that he seems to be very regal
in how he holds himself. She leans and presses a kiss to his cheek, finding
it warm, then pulls away. She isn't quite sure how public displays of
affection are welcomed in this court, but the kind gesture certainly
warranted for some sort of reward. And, perhaps, as they learn more and
more about each other, the attraction could grow into love. Something Elsa
had never considered for herself.
"Thank you, it looks and smells delicious. Will you be joining us?"
Jiang Cheng looks perplexed when Elsa placed a kiss on his cheek and he's a little flustered by the unexpected affection, though he doesn't seem to shy away from it. He doesn't return it either. While his clan is much warmer than some, Jiang Cheng himself has a harder time with displays of affection of any sort. He does offer her a smile, though, and he doesn't smile easily.
"I will," he says, it would be a bit rude if he didn't and there's no point in him eating alone.
One of the few ways she'd found to escape Prince Jin's control was to agree to a marriage to a strong sect's leader. By the point it was even offered, she was disheartened and angry with how her power and skills and disciples had been used, abused, and destroyed in one way or another.
So yes. She was using the marriage. Just as, she expected, her new husband is using her to silence his advisors that he needed to marry and start having children. That was fine. And he wasn't an evil man, from what she has learned even before the ceremony. It's only been cemented and confirmed since that day.
But now she can breathe. Lotus Pier is a beautiful place. Much like her own beloved Four Seasons. She's already begun to divide her day time between exploring her new home, and helping instruct any who wished to learn from her - male or female, though it seemed more of the latter dared approach her than the former.
So she could often be found out walking in the early evening hours, especially - waking too early was relegated to necessity.
While Jiang Cheng had spent time raising his nephew, he had had a reason to fend off the insistence of marriage and heirs but now -- Jin Ling is a man and with Jin Guangyao's death he's in charge of the Lanling Jin already. The stirrings had started in earnest and the elders were just as annoying as the matchmakers. Finally, they did bring him someone that interested him or at the very least he could stand it seemed from their first meetings. She was talented, smart and he is fairly certain she had a certain level of pragmatism about the whole idea s well.
So, they used each other. They used until each other until Jiang Cheng didn't quite feel like he was using her anymore. When he would wake in the early morn sometimes he would seek her out. He wouldn't always go talk to her, sometimes he would stand on a pavilion and watch her at the piers or he would go to the pier himself. This time he join her. They'd become companionable enough even if she could drive him a bit crazy -- and she could quite possibly out drink Wei Wuxian (it was unseemly!).
Not to mention she dislikes arguing - except for the sake of teasing. Zhou Zishu has the art of almost seeming a ghost when she so wishes. And her husband has so many buttons that she's already learning are fun to poke at - she finds him cute when he gets particularly riled up.
So it's not an unbearable marriage, and there are days when their time spent together is comfortable. She even doesn't mind him watching her as she trains or meditates, though she doesn't always indicate she's aware of his presence. If he wishes to speak with her, she's not hard to find.
This particular morning though, she'd had trouble sleeping, so had woken with the sun and slipped out to welcome it in meditation. Her hair is down this morning, pulled back only at the temples.
His greeting has her turn, slowly, gracefully rising in one move. "As are you. Are you well?"
Jiang Cheng thinks as he comes closer to his wife that she is very beautiful. Maybe, under different circumstances they could have met and this could have-- well, probably not. Jiang Cheng had never been all that lucky with such things that had all gone to Wei Wuxian. His eyes follow her movements, always so fluid -- like air or like water or both. In many ways it felt as if she certainly belonged her.
He exhales, his hands clasped behind his back as he looks out at the early morning view and way from Zishu.
"Sleep was illusive but I'm not quite ready to start the day. Did sleep escape you as well?"
She's always known she would marry. Not when, or to whom, but that it would almost certainly happen. Making use of it, now, to be free...Jiang Cheng has her honest affection for that. She sees how hard he tries, in everything he does.
Zishu's hands settle at her waist, hidden under sleeves as she turns back to the water when he steps up beside her, though she keeps her face half turned to him. "Aah. Have I been remiss in attending you, husband?" Innocently spoken. Soft. Eyes just a little wide as if dismayed by the thought.
Mirth brightens her eyes and her laugh is almost silent as she lowers her gaze at his perfect reaction. He's so cute when he gets flustered.
Her amusement fades when he calls her on not answering and she tips her head in acknowledgement. Here is a man who sees more than others might think. She doesn't immediately answer though, picking her words carefully.
Just because she's technically free of Prince Jin doesn't mean she can be careless in what she says about certain things.
"As you said. Sleep was elusive." She could leave it at that. But...he came out here too. "I like coming out here. It is peaceful."
Gods rue the day she calls him cute out loud. Really, pigs might fly or something! In any case, he almost feels saddened to see her smile and laugh fade away -- maybe he is a bit -- but he wants to know her answer so he doesn't regret pressing.
Jiang Cheng isn't stupid, he can see when someone is careful about what they say and Zishu often is. He understands it, it's not as if he is not also careful -- or more often than not just refuses to say a word about certain topics.
"Mm," Jiang Cheng glances at her once more, less flustered now. "Only until everyone rises and it returns to chaos," he smiles to himself -- he likes that Lotus Pier is bustling. He also likes the moments where the pier is quiet and the water calm.
Zishu watches the water, how the gentle waves lap at the wood under them. She doesn't mind his stare. He can raise his voice all he wants - she doesn't fear him. Respect? Yes. That grows by the day as she watches him work.
He is a good man. Just not the most patient, which is perfectly fine with her.
She smiles again at his addition, catching the gentler cant to his expression. "Even that has it's peace. It's a display of life." Not a dig at his words, only an addition - an agreement to his unspoken preference.
Jiang Cheng is quiet after that. It's true. It reminds him sometimes as it was before. But there is less peace and life left in him to fully enjoy it. He's satisfied that it's being provided to his sect and he hopes his wife.
"Are you hungry," he asks, breaking the lingering quiet.
She lets the silence linger, turning her gaze back fully to the water as it stretches. Even a year here would be enough to satisfy her - she could die happily then. She doesn't deserve it for what she's done.
...And yet her husband treats her well. His people have even welcomed her. She finds she even wants to try and be a good wife for him, not just on the surface. But that takes time.
"I will eat with you if you are going to have morning meal." Assuming he wishes her with him, as the question hints.
There's a flicker of relief that she agrees to a meal with him, as if he had been thinking she wouldn't want to. He's still unsure of himself in so many ways in this marriage. He knows he's not an easy man and their marriage had been arranged.
He expects nothing but his affection had grown over time and he wants... more. He just doesn't really know how. And he doesn't know if she wants more with him.
They're expected to have an heir at some point but Jiang Cheng isn't even thinking that far just yet. He just wants something more.
He doesn't have to be an easy man. But it helps that Zishu finds him and his temper adorable, rather than infuriating or insulting. She's used to dealing with people who's temper or personalities end up with them lashing out with fists and revenge, or simple cruelty.
Jiang Cheng has a sharp tongue and temper to match, but he has not once raised a hand in anger in her direction. She recognizes that she probably confuses him more than anything else. And his awkwardness is rather endearing.
Zishu hums and turns at the information, then waits for him to either lead the way or offer his arm or hand for her to take.
Jiang Cheng tries not to be cruel -- at least to those that don't deserve it. He can be ruthless at times but not in the everyday. Especially not with his family and his wife -- arranged or not -- is family. He seems to hesitate for a moment at her turn and then takes a chance to offer his hand. It's a small gesture as is the asking her to eat breakfast with him. He's trying to build something between them even if each brick is tiny or so it feels.
Once she takes his hand he does lead her to where their breakfast has been laid out, it's outdoors as the morning is quiet and beautiful, the weather not too cold or too warm.
"They might have made more than they needed," he says -- or he hadn't been sure what she'd want so he had went overboard in what he said to bring.
She respects his strictness and demand for excellence. Maybe others would say it's cruel - but theirs is not always a forgiving world. Knowing how to defend oneself and those unable to themselves is important.
Zishu rests her hand in his and moves at his side, letting him guide her. She wants to be a good wife to him... even when she can't always resist teasing him or drinking his brother under the table.
The location has her smile, though she lowers her gaze to maintain control over it. The amount brought out... and specific options... don't miss her attention. He's being sweet again.
"Do not worry. It won't be wasted." Whatever they didn't finish would be sent to other tables. But she squeezes his fingers just a little, to hint she knows why there's so much food.
Jiang Cheng would deny being sweet until the end of time but he tries in his ways to make her happy to create and strengthen a bond between them. He knows his parents had loved each other but they had struggled and their situation hadn't been totally different... he wants to do things better.
He nods, almost smiling at the squeeze of his fingers but he stifles the urge as he does finally let go of her hand so they can both settle at the table.
He'll pay attention to what things she seems to favor out of the selections for future reference.
Of course he would. And Zishu knows to hold her tongue...mostly. She has more freedom here, she's reluctant to risk losing it.
And he doesn't need to smile. She's heard much about what he's been through - if he smiles, she wants it to be genuine. Maybe even because of her. She takes her seat and takes small portions of a few specifically choice dishes - steering clear of any with walnuts.
Then shows she's also observant by picking what she knows he likes from the array, and serving him equally small portions of each, and pouring him tea before herself.
Jiang Cheng pays attention as she serves herself and then him. It's clear
she's paid attention to the things he likes as well. He reaches for the tea
once everything is settled and takes a sip before starting to eat. His gaze
stays on Zishu for a long time before he looks away at the serene scenery
around them. There's the soft sound of water, that's ever present and
relaxing to him.
"Is there anything you lack here?" he asks after a few moments.
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Jiang Cheng
Arranged Marriage
Elsa tries very hard to calm down her sister as they approach Lotus Pier. They had chosen wisely to leave Olaf and Sven at home - a concern for Sven's health in slightly warmer climes and a concern of how the people of Yunmeng would react to a walking, sentient snowman. Once Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff had approached the waters that led them to Lotus Pier, the fifth element in question used her powers to change their clothes to fit in a little bit better with the residents.
Apparently, it had been arranged by their parents with hopes that either it would be forgotten or Elsa got a control of her powers by the time she was older. But then the letter appeared one day, officially speaking of the arrangement by Iduna and Agnarr and the clan leaders Jiang Fengmian and
Yu Ziyuan.
The doors open and Elsa steps forward with Anna and Kristoff behind her, ready to approach another new turn to her life. Perhaps she would be able to explain to her groom that...well, things have changed since the agreement had been made. And perhaps powers weren't as willingly accepted in this place.
"Anna, it's going to be all right," she says quietly, squeezing her sister's hand.
Re: Arranged Marriage
Jiang Cheng isn't particularly any happier about the arranged marriage than it seems anyone from the other party is. He needs this. Yunmeng needs this, that is the only reason he hasn't lost his temper, the only reason he stays composed as they go to greet the other party. When Jiang Cheng comes upon them he bows politely. His eyes move over Anna and Kristoff first before taking a longer time on Elsa. He shouldn't let his eyes linger but she is beautiful and she seems smart even from a glance. There's something... different about her that he can't pinpoint but whatever it is it makes him want to keep his gaze on her.
"Welcome to Yunmeng," Jiang Cheng greets them. "I hope that your journey was not too difficult."
Re: Arranged Marriage
They bow politely back, learning some of the manners that are required in this place. Anna takes a deep breath to tell him exactly what's on her mind when Elsa stops her sister with a squeeze to her hand. She turns back to Sect Leader Jiang.
"I am Elsa. This is my sister, Queen Anna of Arendelle and her husband, King Kristoff. Our journey proved to be pleasant, Sect Leader Jiang," she says smoothly. "Thank you for taking the time to receive us on this day."
Though she hasn't been queen for nearly a year already, Elsa still hasn't forgotten her manners. She takes the moment to look over Sect Leader Jiang. He seems...handsome, at least, with a first glance. She wonders if he would prove to be someone whose conversation would be interesting, at least. She had chosen white robes with hints of lavender along the hems and diamond stitched patterns along the lapels to represent the different spirits. It's a little warmer than what she normally wears but she wanted to make a good impression on the Sect leader.
Their journey had nearly taken a week and that was with the ice slide and sled that Elsa had created and sent them off on over land. By sea would've taken them months. They already had arrangements to ask Gale to help her sister and Kristoff back to Arendelle in a quick manner.
Re: Arranged Marriage
"Thank you for coming," Jiang Cheng says and motions for them to follow him. There is food prepared for all of them. As he leads the way he looks back at Elsa again. She's stunning and it's hard not to keep his gaze from returning to her over and over again.
"I know this is probably unexpected," he says to her, those with him had taken to speaking to the King and Queen in his stead. "I have a meal ready for you all."
Re: Arranged Marriage
Anna and Kristoff already take their seats.
Elsa smiles at the spread and turns to her husband. Husband, what a strange notion. She places a hand on his, smiling kindly at him. His features are very handsome and Elsa counts herself lucky that he seems to be very regal in how he holds himself. She leans and presses a kiss to his cheek, finding it warm, then pulls away. She isn't quite sure how public displays of affection are welcomed in this court, but the kind gesture certainly warranted for some sort of reward. And, perhaps, as they learn more and more about each other, the attraction could grow into love. Something Elsa had never considered for herself.
"Thank you, it looks and smells delicious. Will you be joining us?"
no subject
"I will," he says, it would be a bit rude if he didn't and there's no point in him eating alone.
shhhh pretend I have fem!zzs icons :3
So yes. She was using the marriage. Just as, she expected, her new husband is using her to silence his advisors that he needed to marry and start having children. That was fine. And he wasn't an evil man, from what she has learned even before the ceremony. It's only been cemented and confirmed since that day.
But now she can breathe. Lotus Pier is a beautiful place. Much like her own beloved Four Seasons. She's already begun to divide her day time between exploring her new home, and helping instruct any who wished to learn from her - male or female, though it seemed more of the latter dared approach her than the former.
So she could often be found out walking in the early evening hours, especially - waking too early was relegated to necessity.
no subject
So, they used each other. They used until each other until Jiang Cheng didn't quite feel like he was using her anymore. When he would wake in the early morn sometimes he would seek her out. He wouldn't always go talk to her, sometimes he would stand on a pavilion and watch her at the piers or he would go to the pier himself. This time he join her. They'd become companionable enough even if she could drive him a bit crazy -- and she could quite possibly out drink Wei Wuxian (it was unseemly!).
"You're awake early, Madam Zhou."
no subject
So it's not an unbearable marriage, and there are days when their time spent together is comfortable. She even doesn't mind him watching her as she trains or meditates, though she doesn't always indicate she's aware of his presence. If he wishes to speak with her, she's not hard to find.
This particular morning though, she'd had trouble sleeping, so had woken with the sun and slipped out to welcome it in meditation. Her hair is down this morning, pulled back only at the temples.
His greeting has her turn, slowly, gracefully rising in one move. "As are you. Are you well?"
no subject
He exhales, his hands clasped behind his back as he looks out at the early morning view and way from Zishu.
"Sleep was illusive but I'm not quite ready to start the day. Did sleep escape you as well?"
no subject
Zishu's hands settle at her waist, hidden under sleeves as she turns back to the water when he steps up beside her, though she keeps her face half turned to him. "Aah. Have I been remiss in attending you, husband?" Innocently spoken. Soft. Eyes just a little wide as if dismayed by the thought.
Teasing.
And not answering.
no subject
"What? No!" Jiang Cheng snaps and looks away from her and toward the water instead.
"You didn't answer," he points out. Not that easy to evade, Zhou Zishu!
no subject
Her amusement fades when he calls her on not answering and she tips her head in acknowledgement. Here is a man who sees more than others might think. She doesn't immediately answer though, picking her words carefully.
Just because she's technically free of Prince Jin doesn't mean she can be careless in what she says about certain things.
"As you said. Sleep was elusive." She could leave it at that. But...he came out here too. "I like coming out here. It is peaceful."
no subject
Jiang Cheng isn't stupid, he can see when someone is careful about what they say and Zishu often is. He understands it, it's not as if he is not also careful -- or more often than not just refuses to say a word about certain topics.
"Mm," Jiang Cheng glances at her once more, less flustered now. "Only until everyone rises and it returns to chaos," he smiles to himself -- he likes that Lotus Pier is bustling. He also likes the moments where the pier is quiet and the water calm.
no subject
Zishu watches the water, how the gentle waves lap at the wood under them. She doesn't mind his stare. He can raise his voice all he wants - she doesn't fear him. Respect? Yes. That grows by the day as she watches him work.
He is a good man. Just not the most patient, which is perfectly fine with her.
She smiles again at his addition, catching the gentler cant to his expression. "Even that has it's peace. It's a display of life." Not a dig at his words, only an addition - an agreement to his unspoken preference.
no subject
"Are you hungry," he asks, breaking the lingering quiet.
no subject
...And yet her husband treats her well. His people have even welcomed her. She finds she even wants to try and be a good wife for him, not just on the surface. But that takes time.
"I will eat with you if you are going to have morning meal." Assuming he wishes her with him, as the question hints.
no subject
He expects nothing but his affection had grown over time and he wants... more. He just doesn't really know how. And he doesn't know if she wants more with him.
They're expected to have an heir at some point but Jiang Cheng isn't even thinking that far just yet. He just wants something more.
"It's ready for us."
no subject
Jiang Cheng has a sharp tongue and temper to match, but he has not once raised a hand in anger in her direction. She recognizes that she probably confuses him more than anything else. And his awkwardness is rather endearing.
Zishu hums and turns at the information, then waits for him to either lead the way or offer his arm or hand for her to take.
no subject
Once she takes his hand he does lead her to where their breakfast has been laid out, it's outdoors as the morning is quiet and beautiful, the weather not too cold or too warm.
"They might have made more than they needed," he says -- or he hadn't been sure what she'd want so he had went overboard in what he said to bring.
no subject
Zishu rests her hand in his and moves at his side, letting him guide her. She wants to be a good wife to him... even when she can't always resist teasing him or drinking his brother under the table.
The location has her smile, though she lowers her gaze to maintain control over it. The amount brought out... and specific options... don't miss her attention. He's being sweet again.
"Do not worry. It won't be wasted." Whatever they didn't finish would be sent to other tables. But she squeezes his fingers just a little, to hint she knows why there's so much food.
no subject
He nods, almost smiling at the squeeze of his fingers but he stifles the urge as he does finally let go of her hand so they can both settle at the table.
He'll pay attention to what things she seems to favor out of the selections for future reference.
no subject
And he doesn't need to smile. She's heard much about what he's been through - if he smiles, she wants it to be genuine. Maybe even because of her. She takes her seat and takes small portions of a few specifically choice dishes - steering clear of any with walnuts.
Then shows she's also observant by picking what she knows he likes from the array, and serving him equally small portions of each, and pouring him tea before herself.
no subject
Jiang Cheng pays attention as she serves herself and then him. It's clear she's paid attention to the things he likes as well. He reaches for the tea once everything is settled and takes a sip before starting to eat. His gaze stays on Zishu for a long time before he looks away at the serene scenery around them. There's the soft sound of water, that's ever present and relaxing to him.
"Is there anything you lack here?" he asks after a few moments.
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