Two Green Cabbagges

In the military compound, Ou Junsan stood on the tower that over watched where soldiers were just filling up the training grounds underneath. Because of his wedding, he'd granted his division three days off to spend with their own families. He was cold and strict on the battlefield, but he had his own leniencies.

"Ouyang Junsan!" A cheerful man's voice came up the stairs with a string of hums.

"Commander Kong, you're quite sticky," Ou Junsan muttered bitterly. Could he not get one day of peace from this chatterbox?

Kong Yunru ignored his friend's remark as if Ou Junsan hadn't uttered a word. Years of working together had built up his skin when interacting with Ou Junsan. More than being used to the stone's way of talking, he'd even found his own paths to make sneak attacks at the stone's sore spots. "Oh my, your outfit is sure eye catching today, Commander Ou."

Knowing what was to come, Ou Junsan groaned. First his father, and now his best friend. "Not you too."

"Of course, me too. You know I'd never pass up a chance to tease you," Kong Yunru announced proudly. "In fact, if we head to the market on a day you're dressed like this, I'll be able to easily see you from all corners. I can even point out to strangers— you see that bright spot over there? That's the demon commander Ou Junsan. Yep, no mistakes, that's the devil himself standing out like a drop of bright ink on a black and white painting."

"Only you'd be interested in such a boring conversation."

Kong Yunru popped a candy into his mouth, his high spirits stronger than ever. "Nope, wrong. You know who else would be interested? I bet you Mohua and I can talk about this all day."

"Mohua and you talking all day?" Ou Junsan repeated.

"Unlike you, sister-in-law is so much fun to be around. We can talk all day and we can have fun anywhere."

"Ah huh..."

"You don't believe me? This morning when I was looking for you, we talked for a bit. I asked her to recommend another type of tea for me to try and she not only gave multiple suggestions, but even wrote down a list."

"Somehow, we started talking about food and she shared about a candy shop in town I hadn't tried before, so I gave it a visit before coming here. This one in my mouth right now is truly delicious. If I didn't need to come find you, Mohua and I could've continue talking all day."

Ou Junsan listened to every word from the chatterbox Kong Yunru. His only question was, "Since when do you address my wife on a first name basis?"

"Since the first day we met," Kong Yunru replied enthusiastically. He was about to hand Ou Junsan a piece of candy, but withdrew his hand. "Oops, I forgot you don't like sweets."

"Remember that duel you asked about?"

"Of course."

"I'm thinking right now would be a great time to test it out."

Kong Yunru raced back down the stairs, sensing a hint of fire hidden underneath the stone's calm exterior. "Ouyang Junsan, I can't believe it. You actually know how to feel jealous."

Ou Junsan leaned back with a shrug, "I don't know about jealousy, but I do know a punch towards your face would be lovely right now."

"I can't believe after all these years, you finally share the same feelings as us mortals again," Kong Yunru roared into satisfied laughs. Needless to say, Ou Junsan didn't think it was funny.

After Kong Yunru enjoyed himself to the brim with his friend's grim look, he calmed down. His next words were his sincere thoughts, " Ou Junsan, you really surprised me."

"With what?" Ou Junsan asked patiently, even after his friend's endless teasings.

"You're not as cold as I thought you'd be," Kong Yunru stated honestly. "I thought you'd put sister-in-law at a distance, maybe even divide up the manor after marriage, or worse ignore her existence altogether— but you've done neither of those."

"Shen Mohua is her own person. If I let the past determine how I treat her, it'd be unfair wouldn't it?" Ou Junsan touched the cold ring that became warm in his palm. "Song Qinyue was my past, Shen Mohua is my present and future. I'm well aware of where I stand."

"Yes, commander. Your wisdom is praiseworthy," Kong Yunru nodded in admiration. The stone was cold, but his loyalty was clear as usual.

"I take it you didn't come to find me so early in the morning just to chit chat?"

Kong Yunru glanced around, then stepped close. With each of his word, Ou Junsan's previously rare easygoing expression hardened further. 

————

In front of the commander's manor, a carriage was drawn and waiting at the gate. Little Ou Jie laid casually against the large lion statue, his arms crossed behind his head.

Shen Mohua was currently in their bedchamber staring at the opened box on the table. Her eyes blinked slowly, not quite believing what laid in front of her. This was the so called special gift from Grandma Shen... At least Shen Fai's "best wedding gift"was usable.

Ou Junsan slid the door open and heard a bunch of loud noises crashing in the room. "...Shen Mohua, are you alright?"

"Y-yes," she quickly responded as she slid the yellow book back into the box and slammed it shut.

"Sorry it took longer than I thought, are you ready?"

Shen Mohua kicked the box under the bed, then brushed off her dress. "Ready."

On the way to the Shen's Residence, she couldn't look up in Ou Junsan's direction. Never before was she glad he couldn't see. If he were to find out the contents inside the box, how would she ever face him in the future?

Grandma Shen, the old lady full of schemes, was the first to see them at the gate. In fact, she was giving directions to Shen Fai on moving her belongings into another carriage.

"Look, the newly weds have arrived," She announced gleefully.

Shen Fai glanced over to the stairs where the couple came down. Dressed in matching green outfits, it was hard to miss.

Shen Mohua excitedly ran over upon seeing her family, "Greetings, Nainai. Greetings, brother."

"Welcome back, A'mo," Shen Fai nudged her shoulder knowingly.

Grandma Shen dropped the small box in her hands and immediately fawned over her new grandson-in-law. "Oh my, look at this handsome man... but what's up with this color? A'mo, you too...?"

Shen Fai grinned proudly. "I did a great job, didn't I?"

"Why did you have to choose such a bright green, brother? Couldn't you have chosen a more you know subtle color?" Shen Mohua was becoming more and more conscious of how much they stood out. Green was her favorite, but it was honestly a bit too much even for her.

"Why not?" Shen Fai laughed mischievously. "Although A'mo, you sure put this gift to use sooner than I expected."

"As if this isn't exactly what you wanted," Shen Mohua revealed. For some reason, he thought it'd be a good idea for them to wear this on their first visit.

"It's cute," Shen Fai fell into another fit of laughter. He walked by his new brother-in-law who hadn't spoken yet and probably had no idea about the little trick he played. When he was a safe distance away, he stuck out his tongue. "You two look exactly like two bloated green cabbages out on a stroll!"

"Shen Fai, come here this second!" Shen Mohua yelled, ready to chase him down when Ou Junsan stopped her.

Grandma Shen had gone inside to grab something else and now they were left alone. Ou Junsan cleared his throat. This morning, Shen Mohua volunteered to pick out an outfit for him and he naturally agreed, however... "Wife, you didn't tell me we were matching."

Pure embarrassment was splashed all over her face. Shen Mohua hid behind her hands, full of guilt. "It was Shen Fai's wedding gift for us and I thought it'd be a fun surprise... Ou Junsan, are you mad?"

He leaned over, "Not at all, I actually wanted to see how you'd look like as a bloated green cabbage."

Shen Mohua watched speechlessly as he strolled comfortably into the house, not sure exactly if she should laugh or cry.