Chapter 28 (First published on Jinjiang) 028 (Updated) "You ride me..."

In the afternoon, Chao Lu went out again. Ruan Yu sat in the tent for a while and then began to think about the autumn hunt.

Neither she nor Xuanniang knew the specifics, so they called Afu over. After hearing the news, Afu laughed and said, "Siqdun, actually, the real autumn hunt was already held once in September, before you came. Our nomadic people live by herding and hunting, and that was the real hunt. This autumn hunt is also very important, mainly because before the White Festival, the Great Khan will inspect the tribes below, but it will not be mainly about killing, but just for good luck. So this time, there are indeed women who can accompany you."

Ruan Yu understood: "You mean it's like a trip?"

Afu laughed and said, "You can understand it this way. Starting from our tribe, we travel north and west for about ten days, and when we return, it will be time to celebrate the festival."

"Wouldn't it be very inconvenient if a woman accompanied you?"

Afu: "No, it's not that. It's just that the place we stay each day is not always the same. But there are many of us, so we can definitely take good care of the Khatun. The second Khatun goes there every year because he will arrive at Liangzhou Prefecture and stay there for a day. Everyone likes to stroll around the prefecture."

This is the fundamental reason why Ruan Yu wanted to go there. No matter how remote Liangzhou Prefecture was, it was still back at the foot of the Central Plains...

"By the way, Your Highness said that Yunqi Town is also very prosperous, is that right?"

Afu paused for a moment, then laughed, "It certainly can't compare to Liangzhou Prefecture. Yunqi Town is still a small town, it's just closer to us..."

Ruan Yu understood. Hmph, everything is so prosperous, Chao Lu's words are not very credible.

"I understand, thank you Afu. By the way, if I want to learn to ride a horse or a camel... can you help me?"

Afu laughed and said, "Of course, we have many in our own yard! Shall I take Ketun to see them?"

Ruan Yu stood up with a smile.

Qingguo followed Ruan Yu and asked impatiently, "Khatun, do you want to go on the autumn hunt with us?"

Ruan Yu nodded: "What do you think?"

Xuan Niang: "Of course, then I'll have to prepare in advance."

"No rush. I'll go see if horseback riding is easy to learn first. Also, I'll discuss this with Chaolu when he returns tonight." Ruan Yu wanted to go, but she also wanted to make careful arrangements.

Chaolu loved horses, so the stables and horse farms of the four Taiji were not small. Ruan Yu had only passed by before and had not come in to take a look. Now that he had come in, he saw more than a dozen fine horses of different sizes grazing inside, very neatly arranged. Further back, there was a shed where Chaolu's camel caravan was kept.

Qingguo and Xuanniang had never been here before, and they both looked around curiously.

There were horse breeders here, and when they saw Ruan Yu, they were all taken aback and immediately bowed, saying, "Greetings, Khatun."

Ruan Yu smiled at them.

Afu smiled and said, "Khatun, would you like to lead a horse or a camel?"

Ruan Yu looked around and still felt that the horse was very tall. In fact, the camel was also tall, but the camel was docile and not very fast to ride.

What is Erkedun riding?

“Camel. Sankhtun seems to know how to ride a horse, but she doesn’t go; Dakhtun rides a horse.”

Ruan Yu felt that it was good to keep in line with Qiqige.

"Then help me choose a camel!"

Afu smiled and replied, "This servant will go right away."

Ruan Yu wandered around the horse farm again and was surprised to find that it was very clean and had no strange smells. Chao Lu really liked these horses.

"Khedun!" Jin'er ran over.

"The milk you ordered earlier has arrived. Shall we prepare it now?"

Ruan Yu still remembered that she was going to make some pastries for Buhe, and nodded: "Go to the small kitchen and have them start the kiln. I'll be there in a bit."

Qingguo smiled and said, "If the Khatun is going to make some snacks for the young prince, would you also like to make some for the fourth prince?"

Xuan Niang lowered her eyes and chuckled softly, while a sly glint flashed in Ruan Yu's eyes: "Don't do it, let him go ask my sister for it."

Qingguo couldn't help but cover her lips.

After leaving the horse farm, Ruan Yu went to the small kitchen. After washing her hands, she stood in front of the stove. Today, she was not making milk cakes, but preparing to bake a milk shortbread for Buhe. It was a small snack that would be fragrant and crispy, and Buhe would probably like it.

Before putting the prepared batter into the oven, it can be shaped into different forms, which children will love. Ruan Yu simply drew a few cats and dogs, as well as some flowers and plants, before putting them into the kiln to bake together.

Xuan Niang: "Khatun is really thoughtful. I wonder how happy Prince Buhe will be when he sees it."

Ruan Yu smiled, glanced at the remaining batter, pondered for a moment, and casually baked some more round ones.

Qingguo saw this, but smiled without saying a word.

...

Half an hour later, Ruan Yu arrived at Haila's tent. Haila was playing with Buhe's cloth tiger. When Buhe saw Ruan Yu, his eyes lit up and he ran over: "Aunt!"

"Aunt, you look beautiful today!"

Ruan Yu was already used to Buhe's sweet talk, but she had to admit that she was very happy to hear it: "Sister, just you wait and see, Buhe will definitely become the most popular man on the grassland."

Hela also stood up with a smile: "Just being good at sweet talk isn't enough to be the most popular. You also need to hone your skills. Why did you send it over so soon? I didn't say I was in such a hurry."

"I have nothing to do, I'm just killing time anyway."

Buhe shook Ruan Yu's hand: "Aunt, what delicious food have you made for Buhe again?"

"Milk shortbread, would Buhe like some?"

"think!"

Hela: "He wants to eat everything, he's been talking about it for days."

"If you want to eat it in the future, just go to your aunt anytime."

After Ruan Yu sat down, she opened the food box. Buhe's eyes lit up when he saw the small biscuits inside: "Are these little tigers?!"

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "It's a cat. Have you ever seen a cat before?"

Bucher shook his head.

Hela: "I've always wanted to have a cat, but they're not common on the grasslands. My mother had one before, but it died not long after."

Ruan Yu was also very sorry when she heard about it.

Buch: "But it looks like a little tiger, I like it!"

Ruan Yu smiled and patted his head: "Try it."

The maid brought hot tea and milk tea, which were perfect to eat with the pastries.

Ruan Yu and Haila chatted and ate tea in the tent.

"You want to go on an autumn hunt?" Hela was a little shocked when she heard this.

Ruan Yu tentatively asked, "Yes... but I don't know if it's feasible? Wouldn't it be very troublesome?"

Hela thought for a moment and said, "My mother went there! She should be alright!"

Ruan Yu: "So my mother-in-law went there, with my father-in-law?"

"Yes, but it's been many years, and my mother stopped going."

Ruan Yu seemed to be deep in thought.

Hela laughed and said, "With Chaolu here, you can go if you want."

Ruan Yu: "What about you, sister? Do you want to come along?"

Hela hesitated for a moment: "Actually, I... have always wanted to go, but I was in Haryan a few years ago, and now... it's almost White Day. If you and Chaolu both leave, my mother and I..."

Ruan Yu understood: "That's true, it's not good if they all leave. I didn't think it through."

Hela laughed and said, "It's alright. You're new to the grasslands and don't know anywhere. Let Chaolu show you around!"

Ruan Yu: "I would like to... but I mentioned it yesterday, and Chao Lu said I can't ride a horse or a camel..."

Hela frowned: "Then what's the point of having him?! Why are you thinking so much? Let the men think about these things!"

After Hela finished speaking, Ruan Yu couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, I'll listen to whatever you say, sister."

Ruan Yu stayed in Haila's tent for the entire afternoon. As dusk approached, Ruan Yu finally got up and said, "I'm getting ready to leave."

Hela also stood up and said, "Okay, I'll see you off."

Just as the two reached the outside of the tent, Yang Chong happened to pass by.

Hela: "Hey, Guard Yang!"

Yang Chong stopped in his tracks: "Dabieji, Khatun."

"Don't you go on the autumn hunt with Chaolu every year? This year, the Khatun also wants to go. You should make the arrangements in advance."

Ruan Yu was startled, and Yang Chong paused for a moment before looking at her.

“Guard Yang, there’s no need to rush. I haven’t discussed it with His Highness yet.”

Yang Chong understood: "It's not a difficult matter. I'll report it here. The Khatun just needs to prepare her own things, and no more than four maids will accompany her. That's all."

Hela: "See? I told you it wasn't a big deal."

Ruan Yu nodded with a smile.

"Farewell!"

A maid called out to Hela from behind. Hela replied, "I'll go check. I wonder what's wrong now."

"Sister, go quickly."

After Haila left, only Ruan Yu and Yang Chong remained. Ruan Yu couldn't help but ask about Liangzhou again. Yang Chong nodded: "We will stay there, at the post station, for about a day or two, and will be traveling in plain clothes."

Ruan Yu: "Then I really want to go and see."

Yang Chong laughed and said, "The Khatun is just missing his hometown. Of course, that's fine."

Ruan Yu then discovered that Yang Chong was actually very thoughtful: "Thank you. By the way, has your mother-in-law visited before?"

Yang Chong paused for a moment, "Yes, but my father was still accompanying us at that time. My wife did go, but only once."

"Speaking of which... Your subordinate thanks Fourth Lady!" Yang Chong suddenly bowed deeply to her.

What are you doing?

“When my father was sick before, you sent him medicine and offered your condolences. My father was very happy and recovered much faster.”

Ruan Yu had almost forgotten about this.

“It’s a small matter, but it’s not worth you going to such lengths.”

Yang Chong: "I should have thanked you earlier; it was my fault for being impolite."

Ruan Yu shook her head and asked, "How is your father?"

"Much better. Father will probably go on the autumn hunt this time. He also misses the Central Plains, but he probably won't go with the main group."

Ruan Yu expressed her understanding.

Suddenly, Yang Chong seemed to see something, his eyes paused, and he abruptly took a step back, turned to the side, and bowed.

Ruan Yu turned around in confusion and was caught off guard to see Chao Lu's figure.

She didn't know when he arrived, but he quietly and stealthily walked up behind her, his gaze fixed on her.

Ruan Yu: "When did Your Highness arrive?"

Chao Lu then stepped forward, saying, "I just arrived."

As he spoke, he pulled her hand closer, drawing her very close to him.

"It's windy, what are you doing standing here?"

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "My sister just saw me off and we ran into Guard Yang and chatted for a bit."

"What are you talking about?"

Yang Chong hurriedly said, "Your Excellency, please inquire about the autumn hunt."

Chao Lu was surprised that she still remembered it, and raised his eyebrows.

"You might as well just ask me directly, it will be faster."

Ruan Yu: "...?"

Yang Chong smiled and said, "Your Highness, my patrol is not finished yet, so I will take my leave now."

"Okay, go ahead."

Yang Chong stepped back and left, while Ruan Yu was pulled along by Chao Lu, who said, "What are you doing..."

Chao Lu stared at the man: "You really want to go?"

Ruan Yu pouted: "Would Your Highness be willing to take me along?"

Chao Lu thought for a moment: "I already said it was possible this morning, but—"

"I'll learn to ride a camel."

Chao Lu was somewhat surprised: "You planned this all along, didn't you?"

Ruan Yu laughed: "So what if it is?"

"Don't think that learning to ride a camel is easy. Come on, I'll take you to try it first."

Ruan Yu wasn't intimidated; she was willing to give it a try.

The two returned to their tent together and went directly to the vicinity of the horse farm.

"You've already made your choices?" Chaolu looked at the camel that Afu was leading with some surprise.

Afu smiled obsequiously: "This camel was chosen by your servant for the Khatun. It's gentle and won't jol the Khatun!"

Chao Lu glanced at it a few times and shook his head: "No way."

Ruan Yu asked, puzzled, "Why?"

"We'll all be riding horses then. You're already slow riding a camel, and you'll have to choose the slowest one to be at the very back of the group. If you're riding a camel, you should choose a strong one; being docile isn't the most important thing."

Ruan Yu pursed her lips: "Then what should we do?"

Chaolu glanced at her several times, then suddenly said, "You really don't want to learn to ride a horse? I can teach you."

Ruan Yu tugged at her handkerchief: "I want to learn, but I'm afraid I won't be able to learn it in just a few days."

Chao Lu raised his lips, his brows furrowing with a hint of smugness: "With me here, what are you afraid of?"

Ruan Yu's eyes flickered. That's true, Chao Lu's horsemanship is excellent; if he had taught her…

Chaolu personally went to the horse farm and picked out a foal for her.

"This one is good, the size is just right, and the limbs look strong."

Although it was a foal, it was still quite tall for Ruan Yu.

"May I?"

"How will we know if we don't try? Let's go! First, let's learn how to mount a horse!"

Inside the horse farm of the Four Taiji, everyone consciously turned away, for His Highness was going to teach the Khatun how to ride a horse, and they should not look at him improperly.

"I'll go change my clothes first... no rush." ​​Ruan Yu glanced down at her outfit.

Chao Lu clicked his tongue: "Just get on a horse, no need. You come here, step on my knees!"

After saying that, he stood beside the colt.

Ruan Yu hesitated for a moment, but still went over.

"Just like that, grab the saddle, yes, step on me—push hard, and you're up there!"

Ruan Yu tried her best to do as he said. She didn't succeed the first time, but the second time, Chao Lu grabbed her waist and helped her pull.

However, Ruan Yu's skirt today was indeed not very convenient, and it was naturally not as neat as pants. In addition, she was nervous and failed to go up twice. She sighed to Lu.

"Your dress is very complicated."

Ruan Yu: "I already told you!"

She fussed around for a while, her cheeks flushed, and she looked a little angry. She had said she wanted to change her clothes!

Looking at her soft, peach-like face, Chao Lu suddenly thought of something else. He pulled Ruan Yu's hand over and whispered, "Don't be angry. I promise I'll teach you. If I can't, I'll take you with me, okay?"

The man's low voice made Ruan Yu feel relieved. She looked up at him and asked, "Really?"

Chao Lu lowered his eyes, his gaze darkening.

Ruan Yu's eyes were like grapes, her cheeks like peaches, and her rosy little mouth like cherries; in short, she had everything that tempted him to eat.

Chao Lu's large hand was still on her waist, and the man gave a low "hmm".

"Even if you can't learn anything, you can still ride me. I'll definitely take you."

Ruan Yu was taken aback for a moment, then realized the teasing in his words. Her cheeks flushed, and she suddenly punched him with her fist.

Chao Lu grunted and then burst into hearty laughter.

...

In the end, Ruan Yu successfully mounted the foal, though he was carried up by Chao Lu. He then climbed up himself. Although it was called a foal, it was only relative to the large horses of the grasslands. In the Central Plains, it was not considered small.

Chao Lu instructed her on how to exert force and how to clamp her legs together.

Ruan Yu did as instructed.

This was a completely new experience. Sweat beaded on her temples, and she was completely focused, but Chaolu's thoughts wandered further and further away.

Ruan Yu noticed that his arms were tightening around her, and she could no longer control the reins.

"Loosen your grip a bit."

Ruan Yu moved twice.

But as soon as she moved, she felt something in her lower back, which made her turn around in disbelief.

Instead of loosening his grip, Chao Lu suddenly squeezed his legs together: "Giddy up!"

The horse beneath him charged forward instantly!

The initiative returned to Chao Lu's hands. Ruan Yu fell backward, and Chao Lu suddenly realized that even a small horse has its advantages.

For example, it makes it convenient to do many things.

Night had fallen, and the two arrived at an open meadow where only the bright moon and the rustling wind could be heard.

Ruan Yu was completely shrouded in his cloak, with only her flushed face showing.

Chao Lu could do whatever he wanted with one hand. He slowed the horse down and lowered his head to bite Ruan Yu's earlobe.

"It can't be loosened even a little bit."

-----------------------

Author's Note: Horse: I'm still so young!

There might be an extra update this afternoon. [Empty bowl]