28. Going Horseback Riding Together

28. Riding Together

Jun Prince’s Residence, Quiet Study

Today, Hui Yue’er was not in the best of spirits. Perhaps it was because of what the Qin Consort had said earlier, which brought to mind her brother Zhao Chengxian, who was living away from home. After dinner, Zhao Chengxian was busy writing something in the Quiet Study, while Hui Yue’er sat nearby reading, so as to avoid being summoned by him again—it was too much trouble to run back and forth. She couldn’t understand why, with so many maids in the Jun Prince’s Residence, Zhao Chengxian always called for her whenever he needed something. Thinking of Zhao Chengxian’s arrogant manner when he teased her, Yue’er couldn’t help but make a gesture as if to hit him.

Zhao Chengxian seemed to sense something and looked over at Hui Yue’er; she quickly hid her face behind her book and laughed silently, not daring to let her laughter escape. Zhao Chengxian knew Hui Yue’er was surely up to something behind his back, so he pretended to continue writing. Thinking he hadn’t noticed, Hui Yue’er repeated her trick. Suddenly, Zhao Chengxian lifted his head and caught her mid-gesture. Feeling guilty, Yue’er immediately withdrew, feigning innocence. Zhao Chengxian merely shook his head and smiled.

At that moment, Xuanyuan Ren arrived to see Hui Yue’er. He entered without being announced, dressed today in the uniform of a palace guard, though it could not conceal his innate dignity. Hui Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian both turned to him. As Zhao Chengxian rose to greet him, Xuanyuan Ren was quicker, offering a respectful salute and saying, “Greetings, Your Highness!” It left Zhao Chengxian standing somewhat awkwardly, surprised that Xuanyuan Ren would play such games, but he went along with it and waved his hand, allowing Xuanyuan Ren to stand.

Looking outside with a smile, Xuanyuan Ren said, “Your Highness, didn’t you invite me to ride horses with you today? You wished to see if my riding skills are fit for a position as a royal guard. Please, Your Highness!” In truth, he had never discussed riding with Zhao Chengxian, but today, on a whim, he wanted to ride—and to see Hui Yue’er.

Zhao Chengxian shot Xuanyuan Ren a glare but had no choice but to agree, saying, “I thought you might be busy and wouldn’t come. Let’s go then!” Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’m not prepared at all—unbelievable! That was the meaning in Zhao Chengxian’s eyes. In this world, aside from the Empress Dowager, only he dared glare at Xuanyuan Ren like that.

Xuanyuan Ren looked at Hui Yue’er and asked, “Miss Yue’er, do you know how to ride?” He remembered the first time he saw her, dressed in those sharp clothes, and imagined she was no ordinary gentlewoman, but someone accustomed to traveling the world.

Seeing that Xuanyuan Ren wanted to invite Hui Yue’er, Zhao Chengxian, aware of her gloomy mood today, said, “Little Moon, come ride with us!” Though he could see the way Xuanyuan Ren looked at Hui Yue’er, Zhao Chengxian didn’t dwell on it.

Hui Yue’er nodded and agreed, “Alright.” Finally, she could get out and breathe. Living in Jun Prince’s Residence was like being imprisoned. The once heroic woman roaming the land had become this pale shadow—how pitiful.

Evening, Pasture

They rode out to a broad meadow not far from the residence, galloping at full speed, feeling the wind’s embrace, watching wildflowers dance beneath their horses’ hooves. Such a scene let every cell breathe the air of freedom. For Xuanyuan Ren, who had never ridden without guards nearby, it was a novelty. He felt freedom for the first time. Zhao Chengxian and Hui Yue’er were less amazed, but this wild ride let them forget all worries, their spirits breathing freely.

Seeing Zhao Chengxian’s pace was not particularly fast, Hui Yue’er called out loudly, “Your Highness, why aren’t you giving it your all? What’s the point of our race if you hold back?” Though Zhao Chengxian hadn’t agreed to a race.

Zhao Chengxian replied, “Safety first. Our new guard is riding like this for the first time!” He wasn’t worried about Hui Yue’er’s skill—only about Xuanyuan Ren’s safety. If anything happened to him, the consequences would be grave.

Xuanyuan Ren protested, “Enough about safety—let’s run at full speed!” For the first time, he showed the vigor of youth. Xuanyuan Ren was two years younger than Zhao Chengxian, but his responsibilities forced him to set aside youthful energy. Sometimes, he forgot his real age. Being emperor was exhausting.

Hui Yue’er made a face at Zhao Chengxian and laughed, “Look, the new guard isn’t afraid. What are you worried about? Come on, race at full speed—unless you’re scared!” She shouted as she rode.

“Let’s race then! Who knows who’ll win?” Zhao Chengxian cracked his whip, urging his horse forward with all its might.

As the sky’s blue gradually faded to gray-blue, a round full moon hung at one end, and at the other, remnants of sunlight lingered over the distant mountains. Looking carefully, a few twinkling stars could be seen, and as the sky darkened, more appeared. Only then did they reluctantly return to the residence.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, those neither old nor young—quick, shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage even fiercer!