Chapter Eighty Harassment

Jiang Huan was completely unaware of Huo Lin's jealousy and happily went to learn horseback riding with Ayina every day.

That day, she rode her snowmobile, trembling as she jogged under Ayina's watchful eye.

Although her posture was still as stiff as a piece of wood, at least she could control her direction independently, and her screams turned into soft gasps.

Although progress was slow, it was enough for Ayina to occasionally utter a "so-so" between her sharp tongue remarks.

"Stop! Stop! Jiang Huan, I told you to trot, not to gallop! Put the reins back, don't you understand?!"

Ayina's roar echoed across the horse farm once again.

Jiang Huan inwardly groaned, frantically trying to tighten the reins.

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from afar.

A magnificent, jet-black horse charged into the arena like a black lightning bolt, carrying a handsome young man in a purple-gold python robe with a somewhat sinister look.

The visitor was none other than Prince Mu, Huo Ting, who had just arrived in the capital to report on his duties.

Huo Ting reined in his horse and stopped not far from Ayina. His movements were clean and swift. His gaze first fell on Ayina, carrying a deliberately cultivated appreciation and just the right amount of amazement.

"This must be Princess Ayina, the renowned pearl of the northern desert, who is famous throughout the capital. Meeting her today, she is indeed extraordinary. Your Highness, Prince Huo Ting, greets you."

He nodded slightly, his posture elegant, but his gaze seemed to have hooks.

Ayina frowned slightly, a hint of wariness and annoyance flashing in her blue eyes.

She had never liked men from the Central Plains who deliberately approached her, especially their seemingly gentle but actually calculating gazes, which resembled those of hyenas circling around carrion on the grasslands.

She nodded curtly in response, her attention quickly returning to Jiang Huan.

"Jiang Huan, look ahead! Don't bother with people who are not involved!"

Just as Jiang Huan managed to control Ta Xue, her attention was drawn to the person who suddenly barged in.

Did this prince wander onto the wrong set? The horse farm isn't a fashion show!

She rolled her eyes inwardly, speechless at this peacock-like entrance.

Huo Ting was met with a rebuff, but his smile remained unchanged as his gaze slid to Jiang Huan.

Upon seeing this, the formulaic amazement in his eyes instantly changed.

The woman before him was not as flamboyant and wild as Ayina.

She wore a well-fitting riding outfit, her figure slender, her face flushed from nervousness and exercise, and her bright eyes held a hint of panic mixed with a stubborn attempt to remain calm, like a fawn that had wandered into the territory of a wild beast.

Innocent yet... it arouses a destructive desire.

"And who is this?" Huo Ting's gaze was fixed on Jiang Huan, his voice deliberately lowered and tinged with magnetism.

Ayina's brows furrowed even more.

She spurred her horse to the side, intentionally or unintentionally blocking Huo Ting's view of Jiang Huan, her tone stiff.

"This is Consort Zhuang, the Emperor's most beloved concubine. If Prince Mu has nothing urgent to attend to, please move aside and do not disturb this princess as she teaches her to ride a horse."

Ayina emphasized the words "most beloved" to Huo Ting, as if afraid he hadn't heard her clearly.

A dark glint flashed in Huo Ting's eyes.

The emperor's most beloved concubine, playing with her must be even more fun.

He seemed oblivious to the implied dismissal in Ayina's words, and instead spurred his horse closer.

"So it's Consort Jiang. I apologize for my rudeness. Your Highness's courage in riding a horse for the first time is truly admirable, but..."

He changed the subject: "Although the Snow-Treading Horse is gentle, it is still a bit dangerous for a beginner to ride it alone. If Your Majesty is willing, I am a skilled rider and may be able to give you some pointers."

As he spoke, he actually reached out his hand, seemingly wanting to help her adjust the reins.

Jiang Huan's alarm bells went off; this man's gaze was far too clingy.

And that hand, stay away from her!

Jiang Huan almost instinctively pulled on the reins, and Taxue snorted in dissatisfaction, taking two steps to the side and cleverly avoiding Huo Ting's outstretched hand.

She forced herself to remain calm, managing a distant smile.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. With Princess Ayina's guidance, I am more than capable and would not dare to trouble Your Highness."

Ayina was already furious. She suddenly spurred her horse, and the chestnut horse stood like a wall between Huo Ting and Jiang Huan.

Does this man not understand what she's saying?

"Prince Mu, I am the princess's riding instructor. Please leave immediately!" Her emerald eyes gleamed with a chilling light, exuding the imposing aura of a wild beast.

Huo Ting's smile faded slightly, and a sinister glint flashed in his eyes.

He glanced at Jiang Huan, who looked wary, then at Ayina, who was standing protectively in front of him, and twitched the corner of his mouth.

"In that case, I apologize for my rudeness. Let's talk again another day."

He gave Jiang Huan a deep look, a look that seemed to etch her into his very bones, before turning his horse around and riding away with his entourage.

Jiang Huan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a thin layer of sweat on her back.

They're finally gone.

What's wrong with this person? The way they look at people is like a venomous snake, sticky and disgusting.

"Hmph, putting on airs."

Ayina spat at Huo Ting's departing figure, then turned to look at Jiang Huan, her tone unusually serious.

"Stay away from this person, he's no good!"

A sharp glint flashed in Ayina's eyes; she had an instinctive wariness of men like Huo Ting.

Jiang Huan nodded vigorously, also having a bad impression of this prince.

However, things did not go as planned.

In the following days, Huo Ting seemed to have made the horse farm his home.

He always seemed to "coincidentally" appear during their practice time, or "accidentally" meet them while riding alone, his gaze always fixed on Jiang Huan.

He was no longer as reckless as the first time, but kept a distance that was neither too close nor too far, wearing that mask, occasionally asking a few words of "concern" or "casually" showing off his superb riding skills.

"Your Majesty looks very well today."

"This Snow-Treading Horse seems to have a good affinity with Your Highness. It seems Your Highness is quite talented."

"I have recently acquired a gentle foal with an excellent temperament. If Your Majesty would like to try it out, I am ready at any time."

His words were impeccable, yet they made Jiang Huan feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

During practice, they were even more hesitant, afraid that making big movements would attract even more excessive "attention" from Huo Ting.

Ayina's expression grew uglier day by day, and her scolding of Jiang Huan was tinged with anger.

Half of it was out of disappointment and frustration, and the other half was because Huo Ting was such a persistent nuisance.