As usual, gifts were bestowed upon Ji Ruhua, Luo Bai, and the various palaces during the New Year, and the New Year was considered over. However, one thing remained unchanged. In the North Palace of the Lizhou Imperial Palace, besides the Mozhu Hall, there was another courtyard. This courtyard had been unused, with palace maids cleaning it periodically. When Ji Xingzhi turned ten, this courtyard was reactivated, with maids cleaning it every morning and evening. Outside, heavily guarded, no one was allowed to enter. This courtyard was enormous, even larger than Ji Xingzhi's Shaohua Palace. It housed a school, a library, a martial arts arena, a horse stable, and so much more. It contained a wide variety of weapons and books. It was here that Ji Xingzhi would spend her time, listening to the Imperial Preceptor rattle off a series of well-known maxims. Meanwhile, Ji Xingzhi sat at a table, a book in hand, her eyes vacant and sleepy. Standing on the podium was an elderly man with a white beard and a grayish-white robe. He looked to be around eighty years old. His hair had already turned gray, but his eyes were piercing, and his beard reached his chest, giving him the air of a master. This elderly man, Wang Ruoxiang, had been Xiao Yun and the eunuch's teacher. He had also taught Xiao Moyan for a few days, and now Xiao Moyan had asked him to teach Ji Xingzhi. Mr. Wang was holding a book, shaking his head and mumbling something. When he came to the topic of "People and the State," he suddenly turned around. Seeing Ji Xingzhi's listless appearance, he sighed and said, "Since Your Majesty is tired, why don't you go to the stables and practice riding and archery for a while, then go back and rest." Ji Xingzhi almost perked up at the words: "That's great!" Mr. Wang: "..." He had been so sleepy just now that he could barely keep his eyes open, but when it came to riding and archery, his interest suddenly brightened and he was full of energy. "Sir, I understand everything you said. Don't worry, I will definitely be a good emperor who serves the country and the people," Ji Xingzhi said with a wry smile. Although Mr. Wang's teaching was like chanting, he possessed profound insights into horseback riding, archery, and the use of various weapons. In his youth, he must have been a dashing and elegant young man, whipping his whip. Mr. Wang gave Ji Xingzhi a scornful glance and headed for the stables. On the way, Mr. Wang confessed to Ji Xingzhi, "Your Majesty, my granddaughter, Wang Qianqian, has long admired you and is currently waiting for Your Majesty at the stables." Ji Xingzhi was taken aback. "Admire me? I have nothing to admire. Did you do something to your granddaughter?" "Your Majesty's intelligence is evident to all. I'm simply speaking the truth." Mr. Wang was forthright. Ji Xingzhi remained silent and stopped talking. When they arrived at the stables, Mr. Wang was bewildered by the sight of Mr. Wang's granddaughter. Guards arrived, leading a pure black horse with a bow and arrows. With Mr. Wang's help, Ji Xingzhi took the bow and arrows and mounted the horse. Archery on horseback was Ji Xingzhi's least formidable skill. She barely knew how to ride a horse, let alone aim an arrow at a target from horseback. As soon as she mounted, the horse began to squirm restlessly, even raising its front hooves. Ji Xingzhi instinctively tightened the reins to prevent herself from falling off. Unexpectedly, the horse, in pain, suddenly bolted. "Your Majesty, please don't be nervous. Don't pull the reins too tight..." Seeing this, Mr. Wang hurriedly shouted. However, at that moment, a brown horse suddenly bolted out from nowhere, carrying a woman in pink.
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