After accidentally marrying a fierce general

Yu Zhiguang is a nineteen-year-old noblewoman from the prominent Yu family in the imperial capital. Although she is betrothed to Zhang Anrong, the son of an Earl, their relationship is distant and strained by persistent rumors regarding her reputation. The rumors stem from a traumatic incident where Yu Zhiguang was kidnapped by bandits while traveling from her ancestral home. She was rescued by Xue Shen, the Right General of the Imperial Guards, a fierce and disciplined warrior known for his brutal efficiency in suppressing rebellions. The encounter left Yu Zhiguang deeply frightened, as she had accidentally injured Xue Shen during the rescue, leading to a tense and awkward interaction afterward.

At a banquet hosted by the Princess, Zhang Anrong attempts to use Xue Shen to dispel the rumors by having the General publicly clarify the situation. However, Yu Zhiguang, terrified of facing Xue Shen again, feigns illness and flees the event. She attempts to leave the premises quietly but encounters Xue Shen on a secluded path. The encounter is brief and cold; he returns her dropped shoe and warns her not to move again, reinforcing her fear of him. Shortly after, Xue Shen sends a letter demanding that she take responsibility for his injury, which Yu Zhiguang misinterprets as a threat. Instead, Xue Shen’s messengers arrive with extravagant betrothal gifts, formally proposing marriage to her.

The situation becomes complicated when Zhang Anrong’s family, citing the rumors and perceived incompatibility, sends a letter breaking off the engagement. Yu Zhiguang’s family is divided on how to proceed. Her parents are concerned about her ruined reputation, while she herself is hesitant to marry a man she fears. Xue Shen reveals his true motivation: the Empress Dowager intends to arrange a marriage between him and a princess. He uses his proposal to Yu Zhiguang as a strategic excuse to refuse the imperial arrangement and protect his autonomy. Despite her reservations, Yu Zhiguang accepts the proposal, and the wedding is hastily arranged.

The wedding night is marked by awkwardness and distance. Xue Shen sleeps on a mattress on the floor rather than in the bed with Yu Zhiguang, citing his busy military schedule and lack of wedding leave. He leaves early for camp, and Yu Zhiguang spends her first days in the General’s mansion feeling like a guest in her own home. The mansion is large, cold, and sparsely furnished, reflecting Xue Shen’s solitary and disciplined life. Yu Zhiguang struggles to adapt, finding the food too heavy and the environment intimidating.

A significant turning point occurs when Yu Zhiguang discovers a locked room in the mansion that has been ransacked. She witnesses Xue Shen brutally interrogating a mason who had been spying on military secrets. The sight of Xue Shen’s violent and ruthless side reignites her fear, causing her to retreat to her parents’ home for three days. During this time, she reflects on their relationship and realizes that her fear is based on misunderstandings and past trauma rather than Xue Shen’s actual behavior toward her. She also recalls a childhood memory where Xue Shen, then a lower-ranking officer, led the raid on her neighbor’s house, an event that had terrified her but was unrelated to her family.

Upon returning to the General’s mansion, Yu Zhiguang decides to take an active role in her new life. She begins managing the household, hiring a new cook and purchasing ingredients for medicinal soups tailored to Xue Shen’s health needs. She also rearranges the furniture in their bedroom to make it more comfortable and familiar. These actions signal her willingness to build a genuine relationship with Xue Shen. Xue Shen, in turn, begins to notice her efforts. He returns home earlier, participates in family meals, and shows a softer side, particularly when interacting with his sister, Xue Qing, who visits and expresses concern about their lack of intimacy.

The story concludes with Yu Zhiguang and Xue Shen navigating the early stages of their marriage. While the foundation of their union was pragmatic, their interactions reveal a growing mutual understanding and respect. Yu Zhiguang continues to be cautious around Xue Shen but is gradually overcoming her fears. Xue Shen, though still reserved, begins to integrate her into his life, acknowledging her contributions to the household. The narrative sets the stage for a developing romance built on shared experiences and gradual emotional closeness, despite the initial barriers of fear and duty.