In mid-June, the weather gradually became hot, but fortunately, the southern suburbs were full of trees and streams meandered around the green fields, making it quite cool.

On the way there, Su Yushan's right eyelid kept twitching for no reason. As the saying goes, a twitching left eyelid means good fortune and a twitching right eyelid means bad luck. She felt inexplicably nervous, as if something was going to happen today. But then she thought that it was just a trip and nothing bad should happen.

Proverbs are just catchy phrases; she shouldn't believe them.

Comforting herself with this thought, Su Yushan stopped thinking about it and took the initiative to speak to Hongli, "Did you invite Fifth Master?"

He squeezed her hand, slightly displeased. "What? You want to see him?"

She was just trying to change the subject, asking casually! "It was just a casual question, why are you overthinking it?"

Gently stroking her knuckles, Hongli smiled and said, "Didn't you complain that he talks too much? So I didn't call him, so as not to let him be noisy and disturb you."

So he still remembers that incident! Su Yushan felt quite embarrassed. "I explained to you at the time that it was a joke. Please don't tell Fifth Master what I said."

Without her prompting, Hongli knew what to say and what not to say. "Do you really think I'm that stupid?"

How could she dare to look down on the future Emperor Qianlong! "If you're considered stupid, then there's no one smart in the world!"

The two chatted and laughed, and before they knew it, the carriage had arrived at its destination.

The western suburbs have maple forests, which are suitable for autumn viewing. However, the southern suburbs are more suitable for visiting in spring and summer, with waterfalls, lakes, and fields, offering excellent scenery. Therefore, Su Yushan chose the southern suburbs.

After getting off the carriage, Su Yushan looked out over the boundless plains, and the expansive view immediately lifted her spirits.

Pointing to the brown horse not far away, Hongli asked with a smile, "Would you like to ride a horse?"

She nodded in surprise, then Su Yushan shook her head, "But I don't know how!"

“I can teach you, but…”

He changed the subject, and Su Yushan already sensed a trap. "Are you going to try and negotiate again?"

"Actually, what I wanted to say was, I don't know if you have the courage. I didn't intend to negotiate, but since you've brought it up, I'll grant your wish and make you whatever condition you want!"

"..." He was clearly doing it on purpose! Su Yushan was speechless and simply pretended to be stupid, "Never mind what I said."

"A promise is a promise."

Su Yushan smiled slyly, "I'm not some gentleman, I'm a woman."

Hongli shook his head helplessly, snapped his fingers, and a servant quickly brought over the fine horse.

Knowing that she had no experience and would have some difficulty mounting the horse, Hongli immediately picked her up and carried her high onto the horse.

Before Su Yushan could react, she was already on horseback in a daze.

She had only ever ridden in a carriage before; this was her first time riding a horse, and she was inevitably a little apprehensive. "Oh—"

Before she could speak, Hongli had already mounted his horse, sat behind her, and reached between her arms to hold the reins for her.

His arms were so broad that just being close to him gave her a strange sense of security. Remembering what she hadn't finished saying, Su Yushan asked worriedly, "You haven't said what your conditions are yet."

Hongli smiled mysteriously, "We'll talk about it later."

She wouldn't have it, telling him to tell her right now, "If it's too much, I won't learn it."

"Do I look like the kind of person who takes advantage of others in their vulnerable state?"

Doesn't it look like it?

In fact, he really did intend to take advantage of her vulnerability. Hongli laughed out loud, stopped arguing, and told her to focus on her studies.

"When riding a horse, you should hold the reins like I do, with moderate force, neither too tight nor too loose. To get the horse moving, you should press your legs against the horse's belly, with the balls of your feet firmly on the stirrups. Remember this: it's the balls of your feet. Never put your heels in the stirrups. If something goes wrong, your feet will get caught and you won't be able to get out. You'll be easily dragged along by the horse."

He spoke carefully, and Su Yushan listened attentively, silently memorizing his words. "Then how do we make it turn?"

"Loosen the reins with your right hand, but don't let go, while holding the reins tightly with your left hand. The horse will then turn to the left, and vice versa."

"Don't we need to give it commands?"

"No need. Horses are actually very sensitive; they can sense movement with just a few actions."

Under Hongli's careful guidance, Su Yushan finally learned some basic horseback riding skills.

So Hongli loosened the reins, letting her try to take control. Su Yushan was both eager and timid, "I'm afraid I won't be able to hold it well."

“It’s alright, I’m right here with you and can correct it in time. Just relax and try.” Hongli encouraged her repeatedly before she finally mustered the courage to take the reins from him.

At first, the horse ran fairly steadily, but then she tried to make it turn. She pulled hard on the reins with her left hand, but the horse neighed and struggled violently, seemingly very agitated. This startled Su Yushan.

"What's wrong with it? Why isn't it listening to my commands?"

Hongli took her hand and taught her to feel the force, "You pulled too hard and startled the horse. Slow down your pull a little."

He taught with great patience, without the slightest impatience. Su Yushan felt grateful and whispered a thank you.

Although he didn't like her being too polite, he had to accept her thanks today, and took the opportunity to discuss conditions with her, saying, "Verbal thanks are not sincere."

I suspected he had ulterior motives. "So what do you want?"

Pointing to his own cheek, Hongli's implication was quite clear. Su Yushan immediately turned her face away, "We're in the suburbs! Demin is still following behind, it's not appropriate."

To protect his master's safety, Demin also rode a horse and followed at a distance, not too closely, so as not to disturb his master.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!