Article 192 puts my mind at ease.
With Cheng Jiaojiao, a local expert, as her companion, Jiang Ling never had to worry about being bored.
But when she was sitting on horseback and her internal organs were almost displaced from the jolting, she thought differently.
"Sister Jiang, don't be afraid! Relax and just follow the horse's rhythm!"
Cheng Jiaojiao rode a chestnut pony by herself, trotting along easily beside Jiang Ling. She didn't forget to turn around and cheer her on. Her ponytail swayed behind her head, making her look heroic and spirited.
Today it's Cheng Fang's turn to accompany us.
The Cheng family has made its name through martial arts, with its ancestors all being valiant generals on the battlefield. Cheng Fang's horsemanship is naturally first-rate, and riding a horse is as natural as breathing.
Cheng Fang selected a gentle and agile chestnut horse for Jiang Ling and carefully explained the essentials of riding it.
Jiang Ling felt somewhat embarrassed.
Although she had ridden horses in modern times, it was always just being led around a couple of times in scenic areas; she had never actually learned riding skills.
Although she was riding a docile mare, the undulations of the horse's movements still made her grip the reins tightly with tension.
Xiao Ran and Xiao Yi were trained by a professional equestrian instructor in another area.
Jiang Ling didn't understand why they had to be separated so far apart.
Cheng Jiaojiao, who had been by her side at the beginning, had long since galloped away and disappeared from sight.
"Don't rush, relax."
Cheng Fang's voice came from beside him. He was riding a black horse, his posture as upright as a pine tree.
Seeing Jiang Ling's predicament, he slowed down and gently took the reins of Jiang Ling's horse.
"Press your heels firmly into the stirrups, straighten your back, and sway with the horse's rhythm. Don't fight against it."
As he spoke, he actually led Jiang Ling's horse and began to walk slowly along the edge of the grassland.
With his guidance and speed control, the horses indeed became much more stable.
Jiang Ling tried to relax her body according to his instructions and gradually felt the subtle sense of coordination between man and horse. Although she was still clumsy, the discomfort of the bumpy ride was indeed reduced a lot.
Xiao Ran glanced at Jiang Ling several times, then spoke to the equestrian instructor beside her:
"Master, why can't we go over there to study?"
The open space was clearly very spacious, but only Sister Jiang and Brother Cheng were there.
Being so far away from Sister Jiang, he always felt uneasy.
Xiao Yi, on the other hand, was excitedly riding a pony, completely unaware of what was happening.
The horse handler glanced in the direction he indicated and mumbled, "That's for people who know how to ride, to prevent you from getting hurt. Once you've learned, you can go there."
Xiao Ran was puzzled: "But my sister Jiang can't ride a horse either."
Master Ma watched the two figures walk away, hesitant to speak. What could he explain? He was simply following orders.
With Cheng Fang's steady guidance and meticulous instruction, Jiang Ling's tense nerves gradually relaxed.
Jiang Ling sat on horseback, being led by Cheng Fang up the hillside.
As the sun rose and the fog had not yet completely dissipated, the distant mountain peaks were shrouded in mist, resembling a real-life ink painting.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and earth, which was very refreshing.
Cheng Fang reined in his horse and stood side by side with Jiang Ling, gazing at the picturesque scenery together.
He turned his head, looking at Jiang Ling's soft profile outlined by the morning light, and the vast landscape reflected in her eyes. A slight stirring in his heart, he spoke softly:
"Miss Jiang, how have you been these past few days in the capital? Do you like it here?"
Hearing this, Jiang Ling snapped out of her reverie and turned to meet his questioning yet expectant gaze.
She smiled slightly, "The capital is very prosperous and lively. With Jiaojiao leading the way, I have seen many novel things that I had never seen before and tasted authentic local delicacies. Of course I like it."
Her words contained no deliberate flattery or false politeness, only genuine feelings.
However, if asked which she prefers, the capital or Jishui Village, she would probably say Jishui Village.
Cheng Fang looked straight ahead, his tone calm, and suddenly said, "Miss Jiang, regarding Liu Wan'er... she was quite offensive the other day. It was my oversight that caused you trouble."
Jiang Ling was slightly taken aback, not expecting him to bring up this topic.
Cheng Fang continued, his voice steady: "There may be some rumors circulating outside, mentioning that the two of us were once possibly engaged. In fact, that was just a joke made by an elder in my family years ago, and no formal agreement was ever made. There has never been any entanglement between Miss Liu and me that goes beyond our family's friendship."
He paused, his tone becoming clearer and more explicit, "More importantly, I have already made my stance clear to her and our elders—I, Cheng Fang, have no romantic feelings for her."
Is Cheng Fang trying to explain this to her?
Jiang Ling's heart skipped a beat.
He turned his head and looked at Jiang Ling with a sincere gaze: "After that day at Xishan, I also spoke with her personally. I solemnly told her that Miss Jiang, you are an extremely important guest of my Cheng family, and I asked her to be respectful and not to do anything impolite again. She... understands what I mean and has promised not to bother you again because of this matter."
His words were clear and straightforward, without any ambiguity or beating around the bush.
Jiang Ling instinctively avoided his gaze, feigning composure and offering a slight smile.
“Young Master Cheng, you flatter me. I didn’t take the minor verbal dispute to heart. There’s no need for you to explain.”
"But I want to explain things to you clearly. I don't care how others misunderstand me, but I don't want you to misunderstand."
Jiang Ling looked up and met his determined gaze.
That intense gaze almost made her gasp for breath.
That look wasn't like looking at a friend, but more like looking at someone you love but can't have, someone you can't touch.
Jiang Ling then realized that she had insulted the wrong person; it wasn't Cheng Fang who had attracted unwanted attention, but herself!
The Cheng Fang I see today is completely different from the Cheng Fang I usually see.
In Jiang Ling's mind, she still remembers the younger brother she met for the first time: an unruly-looking man with a heart full of love for his country, a sincere and far-sighted man.
In just six months, he seems like a completely different person.
Jiang Ling lowered her eyes, momentarily at a loss for how to face him.
"It's getting late, let's go back. We should also check on how Xiaoran and Xiaoyi are doing in their studies."
Cheng Fang was slightly taken aback, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes, but he still nodded in agreement.
He still considerately held Jiang Ling's reins, turned the horse around, and slowly walked down the slope towards the lively area.
Jiang Ling will never know what His Highness the Crown Prince said to him when he entered the palace yesterday.
On the grass below the slope, besides Xiao Ran and Xiao Yi, there was also Cheng Jiaojiao, who had just returned on horseback.
Cheng Jiaojiao was overjoyed to see the two of them walking together.
She would wholeheartedly agree if Sister Jiang were to become her sister-in-law.
Jiang Ling teased, "Jiaojiao, what are you laughing at? Why are you so happy?"
Cheng Jiaojiao came over and helped him dismount, smiling, "Sister Jiang, my brother's riding skills are among the best in the capital. Let him teach you to ride, and I guarantee you'll learn in no time."
Jiang Ling shook her head. "Forget it, I have no talent for horseback riding. I'll just stick to riding in a carriage from now on."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Fang paused slightly in his grip on the reins.
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