Chapter 6: Can't help but reminisce?

Jiangning is not far from Yangzhou, and the two groups chose the same mountain road, so they temporarily teamed up.

The prince's entourage drove ahead in a grand procession, while Jiang Yinyue sat in her own carriage, repeatedly reminding Wei Qin to drive slower.

"When we reach the next post station, we'll skip it directly."

The towering mountains were surrounded by dark clouds, and the rain and snow were blowing, making people irritable.

An old minister wrung out his half-damp cotton robe and couldn't help but complain, "We haven't had any good weather along the way. It's been so cold and hot, rain and snow. My paralysis is about to flare up."

The military officer in the same carriage laughed and said, "Please bear with it a little longer. Once we cross the hill ahead, we'll be on the main road, and our journey will be faster."

"When rain and snow are mixed, frost is most likely to occur. Even a fine horse can traverse mountain roads, but ordinary horses would have a hard time." The old minister pointed behind him, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

The martial arts master understood, shrugged, and lifted the curtain to look at the couple at the back. He had intended to make fun of them, but like the others who wanted to tease them, he found that the young couple were sitting side by side, unhurried and relaxed.

In the same situation, some people are filled with anxiety and frustration, while others remain calm and composed.

Jiang Yinyue sat cross-legged on the carriage porch, her face covered by a hood, revealing only her pair of clear, almond-shaped eyes.

Bored, she raised her hand to shield her eyes from the sky. Rain and snow fell on the back of her hand, and a cold wind blew across her palm. She smiled lazily and turned her hand over.

"I can have whatever I want, whether it's wind or rain."

The deputy commander of the guards who was protecting the entire convoy rode past and came to the carriage of the man who truly had everything he wanted, and asked, "Your Highness, would you like to stop and rest?"

Wei Xichen's clear voice came from inside the car, "Let's go another ten miles."

Following the postman's advice, it was noted that landslides were frequent in this area, making it difficult to stop.

The dim light was hard on the eyes, so Wei Xichen put down his book, rubbed his nose, and casually asked, "Have they caught up?"

The deputy commander was taken aback, then heard the old eunuch coughing from inside the carriage. He belatedly realized what was happening and couldn't help but laugh, "Following along, still has the energy to make a fuss."

It's rare to find someone who is both learned and witty. Wei Qin and Jiang Yinyue, one a learned scholar and the other a quirky and clever girl, are a rare pair. The old eunuch smiled and inadvertently met the Crown Prince's intriguing gaze.

Fu Zhongcai pursed his lips and lowered his head to rub the silver bone charcoal in the copper basin.

Amidst the crackling of sparks, Wei Xichen suddenly recalled a scene from many years ago when thirteen-year-old Jiang Yinyue ran out of the mansion in a sudden downpour just to give him an umbrella.

"Brother Crown Prince, don't get caught in the rain on your way back to the palace."

But her makeup and hair were already wet.

As he took the umbrella, the girl's eyelashes curved with joy, as if he had accepted her feelings.

That oil-paper umbrella is still kept on the shelf in the East Palace study.

Clouds and mist gather in the sky and in our hearts; when the clouds clear and the mist dissipates, the past becomes a fleeting shadow.

After the rain and snow cleared, the wind stirred and the mist dissipated. Some people sat outside the carriage and hung their damp brocade robes to dry.

Jiang Yinyue spread the cloak on the roof of the carriage and sat back down next to Wei Qin. She happened to see some mountain people training horses in the snow diagonally in front of her.

The horse, with its messy coat and front hooves tied up, hopped and skipped comically, attracting everyone's attention.

Jiang Yinyue joked, "Look at it, once it's untied, it might just leap all the way to Yangzhou."

Inside the rosewood carriage ahead, the maid Han Yan looked at the horses being whipped by the mountain people and frowned, saying, "How cruel."

Upon hearing the maid's words outside the curtain, Yan Zhuyi's beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at the man inside the carriage who was engrossed in reading a book. "Your Highness, let's buy that horse."

Wei Xichen sat up straight, lifted the curtain to look at the amusing horses, and explained gently, "There are many similar situations on the grasslands. They are mostly wild and untamed stubborn breeds, and some will even take advantage of people who are not skilled at riding."

"I have misunderstood."

Speaking of horsemanship, Yan Zhuyi practiced diligently for months before leaving the palace, fearing that her lack of skill would cause her to lose face during the southern tour. The journey was long and the circumstances unpredictable; there was always the possibility of having to abandon the carriage and ride a horse.

It's always good to be prepared.

Seeing her eagerness, Wei Xichen smiled faintly: "Is riding in a car boring?"

"I never feel bored when I'm with Your Highness."

"Give it a try."

It was time to rest, so Wei Xichen ordered the caravan to stop and sent someone to the mountain people to exchange silver for horses.

Yan Zhuyi came from a poor family and had a weak foundation. In her three years in the Eastern Palace, she had not shown any outstanding performance and had difficulty winning people's respect. Most of the people accompanying her on this southern tour came from the Imperial Household Department and the Eastern Palace. Letting her show off her horsemanship in front of these people was also to help her establish her authority.

There are many refined young ladies who are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; it is not unreasonable for them to use equestrian skills as a unique path to gain popularity.

The mountain dweller stared in astonishment, took a big bite of the silver ingot, and without saying a word, grabbed the horse, turned around and ran away, afraid that the other party would change their mind.

Wei Qin could only stop the car and watch the scene ahead quietly with Jiang Yinyue.

The highly experienced guard swiftly cut the hemp ropes binding the horse's hooves, retrieved the bit, girth, saddle, and other tools, and installed them one by one, inevitably engaging in a subtle but intense struggle with the horse.

The horses became more uneasy in the presence of strangers.

Taming horses requires skill and composure. Yan Zhuyi seized the opportunity, stepped into the stirrups, and mounted the saddle with a light and agile gait. She tightened the reins, gradually applying pressure to the horse, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

But the horse was far wilder than she had imagined. It leaped several feet, violently thrashing its hindquarters and jumping wildly. The anger that the guards had just suppressed was all vented on Yan Zhuyi.

The two female envoys were on tenterhooks, while the rest of the crowd, with the Crown Prince by their side, chose to show their support, their eyes following him and whispering among themselves.

Jiang Yinyue nudged Wei Qin with her elbow, "Can she tame this horse?"

"I don't know."

Jiang Yinyue chuckled. Wei Qin was the least interested in watching, and he couldn't even be bothered to give a perfunctory response.

Wei Xichen stood on the carriage porch, one hand behind his back, stroking the jade thumb ring. Just as he concluded that Yan Zhuyi was incapable of taming this stubborn horse and was about to stop her, the horse suddenly turned its ears back and became agitated.

Everyone hurriedly dodged.

Yan Zhuyi's face paled. "Ah!"

The horses galloped faster, kicking and bucking as they ran, unintentionally heading towards the last carriage, neighing loudly.

Jiang Yinyue's dark eyes reflected the blue sky and white clouds, as well as a tall horse with a messy coat.

In a split second, Wei Qin protected Jiang Yinyue and leaped off the carriage.

A flash of emerald green arrived swiftly, and the horse pulled him several steps forward, forcing him to grab the reins.

"Your Highness, be careful!"

The crowd panicked and rushed forward.

Wei Xichen tensed his arms, grabbed the horse's mane along with the reins, and used his arm strength to somersault onto the horse, shouting, "Hold on tight!"

Losing her composure, Yan Zhuyi tightly gripped Wei Xichen's jade belt, closing her eyes and unable to face the chaotic scene.

Gradually, the bumps subsided and eventually the ride became stable.

The horses stopped struggling, panted, and under Wei Xichen's skillful control, began to trot around the caravan, no longer as wild and fierce as before.

Yan Zhuyi breathed a sigh of relief and rested her forehead against the man's back. "It's good that Your Highness is here. I have embarrassed Your Highness."

"There's nothing shameful about it. Practice makes perfect. You're just a little lacking in experience."

When Jiang Yinyue was helped up by Wei Qin, she noticed obvious bloodstains on the back of Wei Qin's left hand. She immediately pulled up his sleeve to check and found several fine scratches on the man's unusually fair skin.

Even though Wei Qin had protected her well and she hadn't been injured, Jiang Yinyue was still furious.

Wei Qin was injured while saving her, which indirectly meant that she suffered another undeserved misfortune because of Wei Xichen and Yan Zhuyi.

His anger surged, and he paid no heed to his father's earnest warnings.

Her fierce gaze was accusatory, much like the villainous character in a play.

Wei Xichen then asked Yan Zhuyi behind him if they should try again.

Yan Zhuyi looked surprised. Did she have to get up wherever she fell?

Jiang Yinyue chuckled almost imperceptibly, which, by sheer coincidence, reached the ears of the two of them.

Yan Zhuyi, being the type to never admit defeat, began her second attempt after Wei Xichen dismounted. With the experience from the first attempt and Wei Xichen's demonstration, she gritted her teeth and challenged the scruffy horse that seemed to be playing favorites.

Wei Xichen walked up to Jiang Yinyue, not even glancing at Wei Qin, and asked, "Do you have any scratches?"

"Thanks to Your Highness."

"Fu Zhongcai, fetch the medicine."

"No need, we brought our own wound medicine."

Wei Xichen insisted on ordering someone to fetch the medicine and placed it in Jiang Yinyue's hand, saying, "The resentment has been tempered."

The tone carried a hint of indulgence that was hard to decipher, perhaps even unnoticed by the speaker himself.

The indulgence he once showed her was ingrained in his very being.

In front of everyone, Jiang Yinyue couldn't let her anger flare up as she pleased. She grabbed Wei Qin's sleeve and began to wipe away the wounds meticulously, applying the ointment in circular motions.

Like a virtuous wife, she is extremely caring towards her husband.

Wei Qin did not stop them, his peripheral vision falling on the still frantic horses.

After a long whistle, the horse, which Yan Zhuyi had tried her best to tame, suddenly quieted down.

The entire audience was shocked.

Even the crown prince looked at him with surprise.

Jiang Yinyue turned her head in surprise, wondering why Wei Qin, who was usually unassuming and never sought the limelight, was behaving so unusually...

After his initial shock, Wei Xichen smiled calmly and said, "Wei Qing is quite capable."

"Your Highness is too kind."

Wei Qin nodded, took Jiang Yinyue's wrist, and walked away.

Wei Xichen followed their figures, his gaze stretching out, and almost forgot about Yan Zhuyi on horseback. After a moment, he walked to the side of the horse and personally helped Yan Zhuyi dismount.

**

At the foot of the mountain, far from the convoy, Jiang Yinyue held a wound medicine and gestured for Wei Qin to take off his shirt.

Wei Qin sat on the other side, his mind completely elsewhere than on his minor injuries. He stared at the jade-like figure in the distance, his double eyelids forming a sharp arc.

"I'm fine."

"We'll only know if there's anything wrong after the examination."

Sensing Wei Qin's absent-mindedness, Jiang Yinyue seemed to be deep in thought.

When they were discussing marriage, she was distracted by gossip and, in a fit of pique, agreed to the marriage without ever giving her groom a second glance. Later, living under the same roof and seeing each other all the time, she would occasionally observe him closely and discover that Wei Qin had a strange personality.

Firstly, in the freezing cold, he was wearing only a single layer of clothing; those unaware of the situation might think the Jiang family was mistreating their son-in-law.

Secondly, he was sensitive to heat and disliked contact with people. Even if someone tried to get close to him, he would carefully wipe his hand after shaking it.

"Wei Qin, do you also not want me to touch you?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Qin turned his head back, slowly lowering his thick black eyelashes. He pulled open his collar, revealing a part of the scratches, and leaned towards Jiang Yinyue.

Jiang Yinyue laughed in exasperation, placing the wound medicine on the rock. "Do it yourself."

There's no need to force yourself if you're unwilling.

Back when they were preparing for the wedding, the mother and father had a disagreement, worried that Wei Qin only agreed to marry into the Jiang family because he was after their power and influence.

She didn't care. Could it be that Wei Bangyan valued her character? She was willful, spoiled, and infamous. She was "rejected" by the royal family. Was Wei Qin blind or not? How could he be interested in her?

Their relationship was a mutually beneficial arrangement, a tacit understanding between them.

"Don't worry, I don't like to get entangled. When you meet someone you like in the future, you can ask me for a divorce."

Leaving behind what she considered a carefree remark, Jiang Yinyue suddenly reached for the wooden plaque at Wei Qin's waist. She had casually carved it during their journey to relieve boredom.

Wei Qin suddenly gripped the wooden sign and silently watched her.

Jiang Yinyue was no match for him, so she turned and walked away, leaving Wei Qin sitting alone in the same spot.

Only after the woman had walked quite a distance did Wei Qin loosen his clenched fist and murmur in a hoarse voice, "I like her."

**

Jiang Yinyue returned to the carriage without feeling bitter. Ever since she was used by the Crown Prince as a stepping stone for others, she had become smarter and would not be saddened by human relationships.

Suddenly, the cotton curtain fluttered, and Wei Qin sat in the carriage, staring intently at her, "Help me apply the medicine."

Jiang Yinyue was stunned, then realized what was happening, crossed her arms, and tilted her head slightly, "It's just a minor scratch, nothing serious."

The next instant, the man grabbed her soft little hand.

"help me."

Jiang Yinyue was startled. "Are you confused from the fall?"

Was he just playing hard to get? Jiang Yinyue didn't think Wei Qin was that kind of person.

Wei Qin took out a plaster, stuffed it into her hand, and then turned around and pulled down his clothes, revealing the abrasions on his back.

A strong, muscular back, its outline partially revealed.

An old whip mark, barely visible, was far more shocking than a scratch.

Jiang Yinyue squeezed out a dollop of ointment and applied it to his affected area, spreading it evenly but carelessly, feeling both angry and amused.

**

The young general, who was out frolicking in the snow, couldn't help but joke, "Is it really necessary to make such a fuss over a little scratch? No wonder they say civil officials are frail."

Another general rubbed his chin meaningfully, "The man who tamed that stubborn horse with just a whistle is weak? This Editor Wei is a man of great talent."

Wei Xichen sat in the rosewood carriage, not in a hurry to set off, and summoned Fu Zhongcai, "Go and find out about Wei Qin's background."

The Ministry of Personnel would keep detailed records of each official's background and resume, and Fu Zhongcai, who was meticulous, had already inquired about it.

Wei Qin's ancestral home was Jinyang. His biological father was a horse farm owner, and his biological mother died early. When Wei Qin was eight years old, his father, burdened with huge debts, hanged himself. To repay his father's debts, Wei Qin scraped together the money to pay off the debts, left Jinyang, and wandered around various places until he was adopted by a poor second wife and her husband in Yangzhou.

No wonder.

No wonder they can tame horses with just a whistle.

Wei Xichen leaned against the table, stroking the jade thumb ring on his hand. "Where's the wound medicine?"

Fu Zhongcai: "Huh...?"

**

Jiang Yinyue never thought the Crown Prince was a stingy person. When Fu Zhongcai sent someone to retrieve the wound medicine, she initially thought he was joking.

She threw out two bottles of wound medicine, including interest, which seemed completely inexplicable.

She remembered that when she was a child, she was bitten by mosquitoes in the Imperial Garden, and her skin was red and swollen. The Crown Prince sent people to deliver royal ointment for several days, and she never asked for a favor afterward.

It's probably related to her deserting at the last minute.

During that clearly targeted assassination attempt, when the Crown Prince led her to break through the encirclement, he shielded her from an arrow shot by the assassin and fell into a coma. She should have reciprocated, but she escaped.

Jiang Yinyue leaned against the carriage wall, laughing and shrugging her shoulders. She didn't hold back when Wei Qin looked over.

Everyone said she was ungrateful and cowardly, and few believed that she had diverted the assassins for the sake of the crown prince. A tidal wave of doubts overwhelmed the truth, leaving her speechless.

She tearfully recounted how the assassin had seen through her disguise halfway through, and how the crowd questioned why the assassin had spared her life.

Although the crown prince did not question her verbally, he retaliated with his actions.

When the servant presented Wei Xichen with two bottles of wound medicine, Wei Xichen opened his palm, staring listlessly at the small porcelain bottle he had taken back. Then, looking at the other bottle, he curled his fingers and pressed his fist against his left chest.

Just then, Yan Zhuyi climbed into the carriage and, seeing the situation, immediately stepped forward, "Is Your Highness feeling unwell?"

She cautiously reached out, wanting to gently pat the man's chest, but her wrist was grabbed.

Wei Xichen said gently, "It's alright."

Yan Zhuyi often felt a sense of loss, like being close to the water tower but unable to reach the moon. The Crown Prince was clearly gentle and approachable, yet he had a layer of estrangement about him.

A wife and a concubine are ultimately different, and she dared not directly question the source of this estrangement. She straightened her clothes and sat upright, no longer taking advantage of her concern to overstep boundaries. "I have embarrassed myself today, and I will practice more diligently in the future."

"Riding skills depend on talent, there's no need to feel pressured." Wei Xichen put down a bottle of wound medicine, put another unopened bottle into his robe, leaned back on the armrest, and casually raised his lips, "Yinyue has good talent."

Then there was no further sound.

Yan Zhuyi picked up the cloisonné enamel teapot on the kang table and poured him tea, with wisps of steam rising between them.

Three years of silence formed a mental barrier, blocking out the past. A childhood friendship ended unhappily. This chance encounter led him to naturally utter Jiang Yinyue's name. Was it because a crack had always been left in his mental barrier, and he couldn't help but reminisce after suppressing his feelings for so long?

Yan Zhuyi poured herself a cup of tea, the water splashing softly.

"Your Highness knows Lady Jiang very well?"

Wei Xichen took a small sip of tea but did not reply.

The tea reflected the man's lowered eyebrows and eyes.

A note from the author:

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

Wow, so many words updated! I can't help but praise myself! [Hands on hips] [Thumbs up]