Chapter 47 Chapter 47 Prince Pei...died in battle

August in Jinling is always bright and golden, but when riding on a horse, the wind blowing in his face seems to have swept away all the summer heat. Through the thin layer of white gauze of his veil, Wu Jingxun can only see the lush green summer trees and the long lake in the distance that looks like a jade belt.

Fortunately, Pei Huaiguang was still rational and did not take her on horseback riding through the busy streets with flying sleeves. Instead, he took a more secluded road.

Wu Jingxun could even see the boatman standing on the lotus-picking boat on the long lake, rowing lightly through the clusters of lotus leaves and handing a handful of fresh green lotus seeds to the woman on the shore.

Under the blazing sunlight, the lake surface flickered, and the scattered golden light fell into the girl's eyes. The continuous wind blew her hair around her temples, and a few strands of hair, whether by chance or unintentionally, gently brushed against the young man's tense jaw.

A little itchy.

It was the first time for Wu Jingxun to experience the thrill of horse racing. It was so refreshing and free that she soon immersed herself in the scenery passing by along the road. In fact, there was nothing special about it. It was just that she had been tense for a long time in the past and was particularly craving the feeling of being free.

I'll settle the score with Pei Huaiguang later.

Pei Huaiguang was somewhat surprised to feel that her body, which had been tense due to her anger, was slowly softening. Because of the veil covering her, he could not see her expression clearly.

But, it's always good that she is not angry anymore.

It only takes half an hour to gallop from Jinling to the mountains. The green mountains are right in front of her eyes. Wu Jingxun has also had enough of the feeling of the free mountain breeze blowing across her body. When Bai Zhenzhu stopped, the man behind her had no intention of getting off the horse. The young man's slightly bitter breath, without the obstruction of the wind, completely enveloped her.

Wu Jingxun frowned, clenched his fist, and gave Pei Huaiguang a hard elbow.

Pei Huaiguang swallowed the groan that was about to burst out of his throat. She knew how to find a place. The injury she had suffered two days ago had not yet healed fully.

But he didn't say anything. He just dismounted quickly and looked at her from bottom to top: "Murdering your own uncle?"

Wu Jingxun remained calm and composed, "Have you ever read the saying 'Misfortune lasts for a thousand years'? With your talent, you will definitely not be easily harmed by me."

People will feel unhappy when others are scolded.

But Pei Huaiguang was different. He liked the unique and lively look on Wu Jingxun's face when she got angry at him.

My brother hasn’t seen as much as he has.

"I'll help you off the horse."

Bai Zhenzhu was so majestic and powerful that Wu Jingxun estimated in her mind that the distance between the horse's back and the ground was probably four or five feet. She didn't know how to ride a horse, but she had seen others riding, so she just had to step on the stirrups and slowly get down.

She was very stubborn and ignored Pei Huaiguang, but his eyes were always on her.

Looking at her pale cheeks, her tightly pursed lips, and her hands nervously grasping her white pearly mane.

Bai Zhenzhu, who always has a bad temper, didn't say anything for some reason.

No matter how light and nimble Wu Jingxun was, it was her first time riding a horse, and she underestimated the difficulty of getting off. Seeing that she was about to fall backwards, Pei Huaiguang stepped forward and firmly grasped her slender waist.

Everyone says she has a willow waist.

The people on duty in the dormitory would sometimes read some casual books and share them with him. Pei Huaiguang was naturally not interested in those romantic books, but occasionally when they came over, a few lines of words on the pages would catch his eye.

Pei Huaiguang didn't read much, and he had forgotten all the enlightenment he learned before the age of six. It was only when he ran into that strange man that he was taught martial arts and sometimes had to watch him practice calligraphy.

"It's a little ugly, but at least it's viewable." The weird old man looked at his handwriting and shook his head. Pei Huaiguang was speechless. He lowered his head to fiddle with the firewood pile. The iron pot on the rack was bubbling with steam. In the grassland in late autumn, a bowl of hot soup with the aroma of meat was already a good thing that many people envied but could not get.

When he was wondering whether to add some fruit grass to make the broth more mellow and delicious, the old man in a gray and black robe looked towards the north, which was said to be the direction of Jinling.

“Even when you are on the grassland, don’t forget where your roots are.”

The old man's words were meaningful, but Pei Huaiguang didn't take them seriously at the time.

He gave himself a grassland name "Wendusu". He himself is his own root, so he will not be as awkward as the old man, and why his feelings for his family and country are so fluctuating.

When thinking of the old man now, Pei Huaiguang still felt some strange emotions in his heart, but he was mostly grateful.

If the old man had not forced him to learn to read and write, he would not have been able to read such a sentence from that idle book so quickly.

Pei Huaiguang still remembered the second time they met, at Biyou Manor. She was lying quietly on the round table under the tree. He looked at her slender waist from the tree and suddenly felt curious.

Even one hand would be too much to cover it.

The breath between the two people intertwined, and then quickly separated.

Wu Jingxun's eyes lit up with anger, and he wanted to call him a lecher, but he was afraid that if he heard it, he would get even more excited.

She turned away indifferently. Bai Zhenzhu looked at her red earlobe, and with some curiosity, she moved forward and wanted to lick it.

"Where's the horse you said you'd prepared for me?"

Wu Jingxun's originally tense face seemed to be in disarray under the attack of Bai Zhenzhu's curious big tongue.

Pei Huaiguang should have taken the initiative to help her, but Wu Jingxun's eyes became wet because of fear and anger, and there was a hint of charming red at the corners of her eyes. When she looked over like this, Pei Huaiguang wanted to look at her a little longer with some malicious intentions.

After hesitating for a moment, Wu Jingxun's originally panicked eyes suddenly turned into knives and stabbed towards him.

Seeing that the man was about to get angry, Pei Huaiguang lazily pointed at Bai Zhenzhu, who was bored and chewing grass nearby: "Isn't this a horse?"

She almost fell down from there just now!

Wu Jingxun glared at him angrily, "You don't really want to teach me how to ride! If that's the case, why did you agree to it in front of the old lady?"

The mountains have always been a quiet place. Apart from the chirping of birds and the gentle wind brushing past the ears, the only sound was the girl's slightly heavy breathing due to her anger.

He turned his eyes away, not looking at the soft curves that were too obvious under the dark green riding clothes.

Pei Huaiguang said innocently: "You want to learn horseback riding so that you can play polo, right?"

He knew everything, but still had evil intentions.

Wu Jingxun's face was tense and he said nothing.

"Don't look at those noble ladies who usually look weak and frail. They can be blown down by a gust of wind." Pei Huaiguang playfully picked up a green leaf that fell in his palm. For some reason, Wu Jingxun felt a little uncomfortable looking at the leaf that he was casually kneading and stroking.

"When playing polo, each one is more ruthless than the other. Many girls have been injured while playing polo." Pei Huaiguang was not lying. Wu Jingxun also knew that Princess Changyi must have had some bad intentions in inviting her to play polo, but Wu Jingxun was really tired of the uneasy feeling that danger was always lurking in the dark.

She also really wanted to see what Prince Rong and Princess Changyi, father and daughter, were going to do.

Pei Huaiguang saw that the girl in front of him didn't show any signs of worry or timidity. Instead, her eyes were firm and she looked quite fearless and stubborn. His amber eyes curved slightly and revealed a hint of smile: "White Pearl has been with me for so many years, and she has learned some human nature. If you ride her to play polo, I can't say you will definitely win, but at least you won't lose so badly."

They all looked down on her, thinking that a girl who had been living in seclusion for a long time would only end up as a runner-up and lose when participating in such a polo match for the first time.

Pei Huaiguang didn't seem to realize he had offended her again, and continued, "If you encounter any emergency on the court, just pat Bai Zhenzhu's butt, and he'll help you fake a fall and save you from any physical pain."

Thanks, but she doesn't need it!

Wu Jingxun gritted his teeth and turned around: "How do I learn?"

Naturally, it starts with how to get started.

Pei Huaiguang taught her how to use her abdominal muscles, and with a light swing of her legs, the dark green figure mounted the horse like a green leaf butterfly.

"Good understanding."

He said this seriously, but only got a cold look from Wu Jingxun.

She just felt that this person was mocking her again.

Pei Huaiguang looked at the girl riding on White Pearl. She was obviously still a little nervous, her two slender legs tightly clamped around the horse's belly. He placed his hands on her boots, his force light but unyielding: "Relax your legs a little. If you clamp them so tightly, the horse will be uncomfortable."

Even through the boots, Wu Jingxun could clearly feel the hand landing on his leg, and its presence was hard to ignore.

She couldn't help herself and kicked him.

Pei Huaiguang took a deep breath, and the wound seemed to have opened again.

Wu Jingxun smelled a faint smell of rust again and looked at Pei Huaiguang with some suspicion, but his expression was normal and the following teaching was finally much more serious.

Unexpectedly, Pei Huaiguang not only taught her how to mount and dismount a horse, but also taught her how to communicate with the horse and what kind of body movements would allow the horse to understand the owner's wishes.

besides.

"If you stab this spot, even the most frenzied horse will be killed instantly."

Wu Jingxun looked at where Pei Huaiguang's finger was pointing and whispered, "Why are you teaching me this?"

"What good things could possibly be waiting for you with Princess Changyi's scheme?" Pei Huaiguang sneered softly, "Could it be that you want me to be your benefactor again?"

He's not so easy to deal with now.

As a thank you gift, one pearl is not enough.

Sure enough, it wouldn't take long for him to become serious before he would return to his lazy and unruly self.

Wu Jingxun ignored him and tentatively pulled the reins, riding Bai Zhenzhu for a trot.

The mountains were covered with dense trees. Bai Zhenzhu trotted in cooperation. Sitting on such a tall horse, Wu Jingxun's vision suddenly broadened. The mountains were not some steep and famous mountains, but in her eyes at this moment, the mountains were covered with dark green, the mountain shadows were winding, the grass was lush and green, and the scenery was lush and green.

It’s great to have learned how to ride a horse, and I can take Cuiping and the others out for walks more often in the future.

But Master Pei is not here, so wouldn’t it be inappropriate for her to come out alone?

I don’t know how he is doing now or what the battle situation is like.

Pei Huaiguang keenly felt that the person who was so excited just now suddenly became depressed.

"What's wrong?" Did you encounter a small flying insect?

Pei Huaiguang didn't say the last sentence. If he said it, she might get angry again.

Although Pei Huaiguang didn't understand why she liked to be angry with him, this treatment was at least unique. Didn't you see that she was always polite and courteous to others?

Pei Huaiguang felt that he should be secretly happy that there was something slightly different about him.

Wu Jingxun got off the horse. This time he didn't ask him to save him. He hardened his heart, closed his eyes, and jumped down lightly.

"I'm worried about your brother. I wonder how he is doing now." The northern border is remote, and he hurried there with his army. If he happened to encounter the Donghu people, he would have to start a fierce battle before he could rest. Wu Jingxun prayed that he could return safely like every time before.

Hearing her mention Pei Jinguang in such a soft and sad tone, Pei Huaiguang's face darkened.

He just asked this question out of curiosity!

·

Fortunately, Pei Huaiguang still had some conscience. When he was about to go back, he brought out a big chestnut horse from somewhere.

"I'll ride this one, and you can ride White Pearl more often to develop a relationship with it."

For some reason, Wu Jingxun always felt that there was something sarcastic in the second half of his sentence.

But learning horse riding today was also quite tiring, so Wu Jingxun didn't bother with him. He put on his veil hat and rode Bai Zhenzhu happily back to the Marquis of Pingning's Mansion.

Unexpectedly, she was told that Mrs. Tong came to see her.

Along with this news, there was also a letter from Pei Jinguang home.

"Mother, if you're coming, you should have asked someone to let you know ahead of time." Madam Qiong disliked socializing, and even the old lady had to come out to entertain her on her behalf. Wu Jingxun frowned as he looked at Madam Tong, who was constantly examining the furnishings in the Luyun Garden house. He emphasized his tone slightly, "This is the Pingning Marquis's Mansion, not the Wu family, which is controlled by Mother."

She knew how difficult her mother was, so she naturally didn't want to add to the troubles of the old lady and Madam Qiong.

Hearing the subtle sarcasm in her words, Madam Tong raised her eyebrows and said, "Why, I can't even visit my own daughter's in-laws?"

Wu Jingxun wanted to laugh. Everything that had happened in the past, even the harsh words Madam Tong said at the wedding, had she ever treated her like her own daughter and cared for her?

Mantou, who had been sleeping in the doghouse in the yard for most of the day, saw his owner finally return and wagged his tail as he tried to rub against her. Madam Tong looked at him with disgust and said, "Why haven't you gotten rid of this stinky dog ​​yet? It's so dirty and it's ruining the feng shui of your place. They say cats and dogs are bad for children. You should get rid of it before Prince Pei comes back so you can get pregnant."

Wu Jingxun was impatient to listen to her say this, but he didn't want to argue with her. If they started arguing, it would never end, and she might come to his house more often in the future.

She picked up a piece of cloth and threw it out, and the steamed bun flew over. It was a toy made by Cuiping with scraps of cloth for the steamed bun to grind its teeth in her spare time.

Seeing that she was silent again, Madam Tong looked at her attire and frowned, "You are going to play polo, but what kind of dress are you wearing? It's so tight and seductive. Prince Pei is not at home, who are you wearing it for?"

Mrs. Tong came to visit just because she knew that the Lord of Changyi County wanted to invite Wu Jingxun to play polo. Since she didn't see him before, the old lady explained that it was Erlang from the mansion who took her out to learn horse riding.

Wu Jingxun calmly poured her a cup of tea and said, "Mother, just tell me what's going on."

Mrs. Tong grumbled in her heart that her daughter would become more independent after getting married, and it was a waste of effort to raise her for so many years. But this time she really wanted her to do something, so her attitude became better.

Wu Jingxun saw her pull out a paper raft from her bosom and murmured, "I've picked out a few nice girls for your brother. I heard they'll all be attending the polo match in a few days. Please keep an eye on them for me and see if there are any with good looks and good character. And preferably, they should be favored by their families so they can help your brother in the future."

Could such a person be her brother's turn?

Naturally, Wu Jingxun didn't have any particular opinion about Wu Xucong, but with her mother-in-law, A Niang, around, Wu Jingxun couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for her future sister-in-law.

After reluctantly agreeing, Mrs. Tong muttered a few more words. Looking at Wu Jingxun's cold and indifferent face, Mrs. Tong lost all interest in talking and stood up and left with a sullen face.

Wu Jingxun sent the people outside the mansion. Seeing Madam Tong got on the carriage, he turned around and returned to Luyun Garden impatiently.

She wanted to know what Pei Jinguang had written to her.

The letter was not thick and had a slight smell of dust. Wu Jingxun thought of what the old lady had said before, that Pei Jinguang had written and sent it seven days ago, but was delayed by something on the way.

Seven days ago.

I wonder how he is doing now.

With such a nervous and worried mood, Wu Jingxun opened the letter.

The content of the letter was not long, but every word was powerful, and the ink almost soaked through the back of the paper, which showed that the war situation was urgent.

He didn't say much, only expressed his guilt for leaving her alone to get married, and told her to put herself first in everything and take good care of herself, and that he would make amends to her when he came back.

Wu Jingxun raised the corners of his lips slightly.

With the unhappy couple Aye and A Niang in the past, Wu Jingxun did not expect to meet a husband who was a perfect match for her in the future, so she felt that having a husband like Master Pei, who was brave and responsible, and showed some tenderness towards her in private, was a good choice.

Her mood, which had just been ruined by Mrs. Tong, improved.

She was about to fold the letter and put it in the box, but she saw a line of small words at the bottom of the letter.

The characters are small and the ink is light, making people wonder if he wrote them accidentally.

"My thoughts of you are like flowing water, never ending."

Cuiping and Ziping saw their lady reading the letter from her brother-in-law. Her face turned red as she read. They couldn't help but look at each other, then turned around and left happily.

At this time, I believe my wife needs to savor the sweetness of it alone.

·

Soon the day of the polo match arrived.

This activity is quite popular among the girls in Jinling. Wu Jingxun was previously detained by Madam Tong at home to study and copy scriptures, and had never participated in such an activity. Although she knew that she might be plotted against at any time today, seeing that the girls around her were full of energy and expectation, she also became excited.

He hit the ball to the ground with great skill and agility.

The girls who were about to play were quickly divided into two teams. Wu Jingxun happened to be on the same team as Huang Meizhu. Huang Meizhu excitedly pulled her hand and chattered non-stop. She knew that neither of them had played polo before, but how could she say such a thing to spoil the fun? She could only pat her chest and promise, "Just follow me when the time comes. I'll protect you!"

Wu Jingxun didn't want to refuse her kindness, so he smiled and agreed.

But she has been riding White Pearl to play polo these days, and her practice partner is naturally her good uncle.

While he had a cold face, he also helped her with polo advice. To be honest, Wu Jingxun was a little confused about this person.

At the sound of a whistle, the girls mounted their horses and entered the arena one by one.

Huang Meizhu looked at Wu Jingxun's snow-white divine horse with envy. It looked so lively and different from other horses. A beautiful woman should be paired with a good horse!

The girls who were going to perform today were all dressed simply, wearing narrow-sleeved robes and knee-high leather boots. They had plain faces and looked heroic, giving off a sense of valiant spirit.

Soon, the fist-sized ball moved flexibly among several crescent-shaped ball sticks.

Wu Jingxun knew that he had only practiced intensively for a few days and could not compare with those experienced ones, so he did not rush forward blindly. He just waited quietly, holding the crescent-shaped baseball stick tightly in his hand.

After half the game, she actually found an opportunity to score a goal.

Looking at their cheering faces, Princess Changyi sneered and rode her horse to Wu Jingxun.

As the two men moved sideways to grab the ball, they inevitably got a little closer.

Wu Jingxun heard the faint voice of Princess Changyi.

"The Crown Prince's wife doesn't know yet, right?"

"Just before I entered the venue, I heard a piece of news."

"It is said that the Marquis of Pingning's son, Pei Jinguang, died on the battlefield yesterday, and his body was never found." Princess Changyi looked at Wu Jingxun's suddenly raised eyes and said with a smile, "He became a widow before he even had a bride. Madam, please accept my condolences."