Chapter 151 Bribed by an Apple
A long neighing of horses echoed through Yu Garden, successfully waking Yu Nian from her afternoon nap.
"Chuntao, what happened?"
Yu Nian put on an outer garment, stood up, and rubbed her eyes.
"Miss, look! This is a gift from your son-in-law!"
Chuntao ran happily in from outside the door, carrying a long tray in her hand.
On it lay a set of dark purple riding clothes, with delicate embroidery on the shoulders and cuffs made of soft gold thread. Upon closer inspection, it was easy to see that the embroidery was of the python pattern that Chunyu Han often used.
"This clothing... I didn't send the wrong item, did I?"
Yu Nian stared at it for a long time, and at first glance, she thought it belonged to Chunyu Han.
"No, Miss. Canghai said that the young master specially had it made to your measurements."
Yu Nian pursed her lips. She wasn't picky about clothes; one piece was enough. She picked up the clothes and examined them. Her fingers touched the fabric, and the silky, soft texture felt very familiar.
Yu Nian's eyes lit up instantly. Wow, this is the kind of material that Chunyu Han often wears!
It was the fabric she had always wanted, the kind that felt incredibly comfortable to the touch.
Yu Nian smiled. Chunyu Han still wouldn't admit he was her mind reader; she knew what he wanted even without him saying it.
Suddenly, Yu Nian thought of something and put the clothes under her nose and sniffed them a few times.
Chun Tao was puzzled and tilted her head to ask.
"Miss, what are you smelling?"
"Oh, it's nothing, I'll check it out."
Yu Nian looked up and, not smelling any sandalwood scent on the clothes, put them down with peace of mind.
Yu Nian was too embarrassed to say it, but the style of the clothes was just too similar to the one Chunyu Han usually wore. Yu Nian had just suspected that Chunyu Han had altered his own old clothes to a smaller size and given them to her.
But then Yu Nian chuckled, thinking that Chunyu Han wasn't such a stingy person.
"Let's go check on the horses."
Yu Niangang heard the commotion in the courtyard and stepped over the threshold, lifting her skirt.
When Yu Nian saw the tall horse, her first reaction was...
Are you and Jueying related?
Jueying still has four little white hooves, but this one is completely black, without a single blemish, and its big, dark eyes warily survey the unfamiliar surroundings.
Canghai led it, and it greeted Yu Nian.
"Madam, this is a Sanhe horse bestowed by the Emperor. The Eastern Depot only has one of these, making it extremely precious. However, it is proud and difficult to tame."
"My lord instructed me to bring this to you first, saying that once you're familiar with the horse, he'll take you to the riding stables to learn to ride. This horse grew up free-range, so its temperament is inevitably a bit wild. Please keep your distance for now, Madam, to avoid... Hmm?"
Canghai was still giving a lavish introduction to the horse his family had given him when he suddenly saw Yu Nian playing with the fine steed.
"Don't be afraid, no one here will hurt you."
"Hey Black Colt, have a piece of apple, it's sugary and super sweet."
Yu Nian, as if coaxing a child, handed the bright red apple to the horse.
Black Horse glanced at Yu Nian, cautiously picked up the apple, and took a bite.
Perhaps it liked the taste, for it snorted lightly and chewed vigorously, thoroughly enjoying its meal.
Since Yu Nian wanted to learn to ride a horse, she had already done her homework and learned about some of the horses' preferences, such as their love of eating fresh, juicy, and sweet fruits.
Canghai's eyes nearly popped out of his head. What happened to the wild and untamed nature he was promised?
Didn't you kick and injure two grooms yesterday?
You were still kicking and thrashing on the way here, where did your temper go!
"It seems that the lady and this horse are quite compatible."
Canghai handed the reins to Yu Nian, who took them and casually loosened them, not afraid that they would run away.
"Maybe it's because I don't look threatening."
Yu Nian smiled and stroked the horse's mane. She had always been good at getting along with small animals, and even Jingzhe, who was reluctant to get close to strangers, was happy to play with her.
The warm afternoon sun bathed the ground, casting a golden halo over the man and his horse.
When Chunyu Han arrived, he saw Yu Nianzhen with her head slightly lowered, standing next to the black horse, smiling softly. A shallow dimple bloomed on her gentle, fair profile.
Yu Nian looked up and first noticed Chunyu Han at the door.
She smiled and waved at him naturally, and at that moment, Chunyu Han felt that every strand of her hair was shining.
"Husband, look how well-behaved it is!"
Chunyu Han was somewhat surprised, staring blankly at the apple scraps left on the ground. The fierce horse presented by Mongolia had actually been won over by her with just an apple.
You should know that he also suffered a lot when he tamed Jueying.
If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I doubt anyone would have believed it if this got out.
Yu Nian herself hadn't expected that she would get along with the colt so smoothly.
Does it have a name?
"It's yours now, come and get it."
Chunyu Han slowly walked up to Yu Nian. When Yu Nian was around, he always felt a warm and reassuring feeling, which made him forget the unpleasantness of the morning.
Naming a horse is a skill in itself. Yu Nian pursed her lips and lowered her eyes in deep thought.
This horse is entirely black and so valuable.
After going through layers of screening, something appeared in Yu Nian's mind.
Truffles!
Yu Nian called out lightly, feeling that the image of the horse was a perfect match for black truffles, a delicacy she used to love.
Whether from the perspective of physical characteristics or intrinsic value.
"Truffles..."
Chunyu Han murmured those two words.
Dewdrops fall from the pine trees in the moonlight, and the wind carries the sound of cranes.
Hmm, this name isn't bad, and it's not too vulgar. It seems Yu Nian isn't completely uneducated; he's just too lazy to study.
It seemed that the truffle itself liked the name, because after Yu Nian called it that, it snorted and wiggled its ponytail.
Yu Nian circled the truffles several times, beaming with joy.
“Husband, you can teach me to ride a horse whenever you have time. We’re already quite familiar with it.”
After circling around, Yu Nian turned to Chunyu Han's side, her eyes, full of autumn water, blinking as she looked at him, her tone slightly coquettish.
"OK?"
Yu Nian also wanted to seize the time to practice, since Chunyu Han was about to set off soon. If she couldn't learn well before then, given Chunyu Han's personality, he wouldn't take her even if she threw a tantrum.
Seeing Yu Nian's impatient look, Chunyu Han's lips curled up slightly. What a dishonest person.
"Yes, I'm free this afternoon."
"Really! I'll go prepare right now!"
With Chunyu Han's approval, Yu Nian happily went back to her room to change her clothes. Such opportunities were rare, and she couldn't waste her precious time.
Only Canghai in the courtyard twitched his lips, looking completely bewildered.
My lord, are you sure you're really free this afternoon? Didn't you say this morning that you were going to the Eastern Depot's Golden Guard to hold a meeting to plan the autumn hunt defenses...?
"Canghai, you go and make the arrangements."
Chunyu Han withdrew his gaze, uttered these words to Canghai, and then left Yu Garden.
"Yes, sir."
Canghai silently postponed Chunyu Han's trip in his heart, thinking only that it was a good thing that Haiyan didn't come to deliver the horse today, otherwise he would definitely be so angry that he would faint.
Yu Nian changed into riding clothes, climbed into the carriage, and stared at Chunyu Han with expectant eyes.
Where should we practice today?
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