As soon as Ertai sat down, Anke, who had just been keeping her eyes closed, suddenly spoke up, "You ride your horse well." This was the truth, not a lie.
Ertai was overjoyed by the praise, and his earlobes instantly turned a light pink. His cheeks, which were already slightly red from the sun, immediately flushed bright red because of Anke's compliment. "Yes, horsemanship is a Manchu custom. Even if you're not Manchu, you still have the habit of going to the hunting grounds to ride horses every year, so you learn it from a young age." Large-scale hunting might take several years, but smaller hunts sometimes happen several times a year.
An Ke nodded knowingly, then turned to look at the handsome young man beside her. The young man's eyes were clear and bright, like a pristine ocean. Beautiful yet dangerous, because one could easily be drawn to them without realizing it.
But An Ke remained unaffected, continuing to probe lightly according to her own ideas, "It's said that Lord Fu's eldest son is exceptionally intelligent, unparalleled in the world. But Lord Fu's second son is a spoiled brat. However, based on my observations over the past two days, it seems that things aren't as the rumors say. Can you tell me why?"
After saying that, An Ke stared straight at Ertai without even blinking.
Ertai's face flushed even more as he felt the gaze of the person he loved fixed upon him, the redness spreading even to his neck. He knew, of course, that the princess knew all this, and that what she said was merely a test. But he truly didn't want to lie to the princess, or rather, he didn't want to ruin his image in her eyes.
So he chose to be honest. "As the princess thinks, the Fu family has already produced a Grand Secretary and an Imperial Guard; it's not wise to be too ostentatious, so naturally, they can only produce a纨绔子弟 (a spoiled, dissolute young man)." But now he didn't think that way. The person he loved was so outstanding, like the bright moon in the sky, like a dazzling pearl, like a peony that blooms forever. How could he hold her back? Since he wanted to stand by her side, to be with her, no matter how long it would take, no matter what the future held, he naturally had to do everything in his power to earn an official position.
Previously, when people mentioned the second young master of the Fu family, they only referred to Fu Ertai, that纨绔子弟 (spoiled brat). From now on, when people mention Fu Ertai, they will only talk about his achievements. They will only know him as Fu Ertai, and will not say he is the second young master of the Fu family.
On this vast and expansive horse racing field, a handsome young man set out the direction he would strive for in the future. He offered his pure heart to that bright and spirited woman.
"Heh," An Ke chuckled softly. Just as she had expected, in the previous dynasty, which minister wasn't thoughtful and cautious, fearing that their imperial uncle would set his sights on their family? "Then, since yesterday, has your father already decided to groom you?" An Ke didn't like beating around the bush, and since he was being frank, An Ke would speak frankly as well.
"Your Highness is indeed discerning; Father truly intends to groom me. Indeed, nothing escapes Your Highness's keen eye." Ertai gave Anke a deep look, his voice hoarse as he spoke. Actually, he had no objection to whomever his father groomed. Whether it was him or his brother, they both knew that being pushed into the imperial court meant becoming the future hope and glory of the Fu family.
At first, he didn't care, because he and his brother were siblings from the same mother. What difference did it make who went to court? He didn't want to compete, didn't want to fight, only wanted to live a carefree and unrestrained life. But now he had met the person he wanted to spend his life with, and this person was so outstanding. If he didn't make a name for himself, he probably wouldn't be worthy of her. Since that was the case, then he would fight for it. A young man who isn't impetuous isn't truly young; youthful ambitions are lofty.
“In that case, I trust Lord Fu’s judgment. I also believe you will definitely be more outstanding than your brother.” An Ke smiled brightly and patted Ertai’s shoulder approvingly.
"Princess, do you really trust my father's judgment so much? What if I am that good-for-nothing son?" Ertai gave a bitter laugh. This laugh revealed endless sorrow and bitterness.
He had been skilled in archery and horsemanship since childhood, excelling in both academics and martial arts. His teachers had always praised him as a prodigy. Until one day, he passed by his father's study, noticing the dim light still on. He intended to remind his father that it was getting late and he should rest. But unexpectedly, he overheard voices coming from inside.
——
"Do we really have to choose one person to accompany you to court, Master? Can't both brothers go together? They are both my sons, both equally intelligent. I don't want one to shine while the other's talent is obscured." It was his mother's voice, so hoarse, as if she had just been crying.
Ertai's small body hunched slightly. He pressed his ears tightly against the door, trying his best not to make the slightest sound.
Only after a long while did I hear my father sigh deeply. That sigh seemed filled with a great deal of helplessness. "Madam, do you think I don't want this? In terms of martial arts, the two brothers are evenly matched. In terms of literature, Ertai is evenly superior. If I could, how could I not want both of my sons to stand tall in the court? But you know, the Emperor is extremely suspicious. A few days ago, a governor of Jiangzhou had two sons in the court. This should have been an extremely glorious thing for the family. But one of his sons read a few miscellaneous books and even found some of the words in them quite reasonable. The Emperor spent that time searching for people related to that book. Later, that official resigned and retired to his hometown, while his son was imprisoned. Our family is not like those other centuries-old clans, nor are we meritorious officials who helped the emperor rise to power. Everything must be planned in advance, carefully considered." After he finished speaking, there was silence, a deathly silence.
The faint sound of his mother sobbing could be heard from inside. Ertai frowned and listened for a long time. The little boy seemed to understand the sorrow. He slowly stepped down from the door and tiptoed back to his courtyard, acting as if he had never been there before.
However, after that day, Ertai subtly revealed that he wasn't interested in literature and martial arts. Instead, his hobbies seemed to lie in collecting bird eggs and cricket fighting. Seeing this, Master Fu gradually gave up on nurturing his second son. He turned all his attention to his eldest son, strictly demanding perfection from him in both literature and martial arts.
Ertai remembered his brother coming to his yard when he was little, complaining about why he didn't have to listen to his lessons so at school, why their father didn't scold or beat him, and why he could do whatever he wanted. Finally, his brother, looking exhausted, collapsed onto Ertai's bed and fell fast asleep. Ertai, on the other hand, climbed the big tree in the yard and leaned against it quietly, gazing at the bright, clear moon in the sky. His thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Did he regret it? He couldn't say for sure. Remembering that night when he overheard his father and mother's conversation, he silently solidified his resolve to continue his resolute path. But in a corner where no one could see him, he would quietly practice his martial arts and diligently review the lessons his master had left him at night.
Then, the boys gradually grew up. They developed their own ideas and directions. It was at this time that Erkang entered the palace to become the emperor's personal guard. Over the years, because the emperor trusted Fu Lun as a minister, he also trusted his son.
Therefore, when you go outside, whether it's a teahouse or a restaurant, you can hear people talking about it. They're basically saying that the eldest son of the Fu family is unparalleled, possessing both virtue and talent. On the other hand, the second son of the Fu family is such an arrogant and dissolute young master. Fortunately, the Fu family has the emperor's deep trust, otherwise, with the second son like that, the family would probably have been almost ruined.
But they forgot that the person they talked about most was the second young master of the Fu family, who was so quick-witted and intelligent. He was sure to shine brightly in the imperial court in the future.
Perhaps it's the passage of time. Time can indeed resolve many things and make people forget many things. That once-proud young man gradually degenerated into a spoiled brat. Even Ertai himself couldn't say for sure whether he sometimes truly became immersed in the role, a player in the game.
——
Seeing him staring blankly into space, An didn't disturb him. Everyone has their own secrets and their own little thoughts. There's no need to pry into everything. But looking at the boy's handsome face, and his delicate eyebrows, which seemed to be furrowed in a knot, An couldn't help but admire them.
Anke couldn't help but wave in front of him, calling out in a very soft voice, "Hey, what are you thinking about? Thinking for so long?"
Ertai's thoughts slowly returned, and a big smile spread across his face as he looked at the bright and beautiful girl beside him. "I was wondering if the horse ranch has any bows and arrows. I'd like to ask the princess for her guidance." He no longer wanted to hide his abilities. Whether for the sake of the Fu family or for his own selfish reasons, he was going to give it his all. Even if it meant competing with his brother, he was determined to carve out a future for himself.
Although An Ke didn't know what had gotten into Fu Ertai, that he would think of instructing her on archery at this time, she was also very interested. She wanted to know what kind of person this seemingly arrogant but secretly cunning young man was. "Alright, then let's go to the villa next door. It just so happens that Longde Villa was a gift from my Imperial Uncle a few years ago. Let's go and call Yongqi and Qing'er, and go there for horseback riding and archery. Qing'er can be our referee." Without further ado, An Ke, being a woman of her word, immediately untied Yingfeng's reins. She then mounted Yingfeng and quickly charged towards their previous location.
Ertai also abandoned his nonchalant demeanor, mounted his horse, and slowly dismounted when he reached the princess's side, riding alongside her.
Anke raised her signature smile, flicked the reins, and dashed off like an arrow.
A helpless yet indulgent smile slowly crept onto Ertai's face. He raised the reins and continued galloping with Anke on the racetrack.
Before long, they saw Yongqi teaching Qing'er how to ride a horse in the center of the arena. Yongqi also chose a horse and patiently taught Qing'er around it.
Perhaps hearing the sound, Yongqi looked up with perfect understanding. He saw a handsome man and a beautiful woman quietly gazing at him and Qing'er from a distance.
Yongqi called to Qing'er, gesturing for her to look up as well.
The sun was still high in the sky, and the surroundings were still vast and expansive. The young boy and girl opposite them, as if by unspoken agreement, sped towards them.
"Where did you two go? We looked around and couldn't find you anywhere," Qing'er asked, puzzled. She and Yongqi had just finished choosing horses at the stables and came out to look for them. But after searching high and low, they couldn't find them anywhere.
But then Yongqi offered to teach her to ride a horse. Since Qing'er couldn't find An'an, she had no choice but to let Yongqi, her instructor, teach her. Fortunately, he proved to be a reliable teacher. Qing'er slowly mounted the horse and took a small lap. Even this small lap filled Qing'er with immense joy. She had done it; she had taken that first step!
"We just ran to that big banyan tree and had a race." Anke, riding his horse, guided Yingfeng to Qing'er's side, unceremoniously pushing her fifth brother aside. "By the way, have you learned to ride now?" Anke noticed that Qing'er's posture and the way she held the reins were both excellent.
She also generously praised Yongqi, who was working hard as an instructor. "Fifth Brother, you're quite responsible. You've taught our Qing'er so quickly. It seems An'an underestimated you." At the same time, she bowed to Yongqi from her horse. "My apologies! It seems the ancients were right. One should look at a person with new eyes after three days' absence."
"Of course. Since you had a horse riding competition, who was the winner?" Yongqi asked curiously, and Qing'er also looked over with curiosity.
“Of course it’s the Princess. She’s been skilled in both literature and martial arts since childhood. She’ll definitely win,” Ertai said with a modest smile. Just then, a gentle breeze blew by.
It not only stirred Ertai's heart, but also disturbed the secret heartstrings of a certain young girl.
"Then why aren't you continuing the competition now?" Yongqi pressed for an answer.
"Didn't we want you to come with us to the mountain villa for an archery competition?"
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