Chapter 31, First Release on Jinjiang (Updated) "Don't worry, I'm here..."
The news that Lady Qiu and Hela would also be going on the autumn hunt quickly spread throughout the tribe.
Qiqige came over at noon.
"I heard about it this morning, and I thought you didn't need to bother looking for me, so I came to find you first!"
Ruan Yu greeted them with delight: "Great! Let's go find my older sister together!"
Hela had just finished preparing, and the three of them gathered together. Hela also had a camel brought over.
"Sure, you can practice here today, and we'll have lunch together at noon!"
Ruan Yu and Qiqige both smiled and agreed.
The morning passed quickly amidst their laughter and conversation.
The drills and meetings at the Golden Tent usually ended at noon. Chao Lu used to go directly to the army camp for a meal, but these past few days he has been going home every day.
Afu's message arrived quite early today. After Chaolu came out of the golden tent, he went up to report: "Your Highness, the Khatun and Dabieji..."
Chaolu was stunned for a moment after hearing this: "They're all with my sister?"
"Hmm, and I heard that San Ke Dun is going too?"
Chao Lu: "Today is really strange, why is it so lively?"
Yuzhu did change her mind that morning because she had just learned that Ruan Yu was also going. After thinking it over, she realized it wouldn't be good for her to be the only one of the four Khatuns not to go, so she got up and went to find Haila. Qiqige immediately pulled her aside and said, "Let's go together. It'll be good to have company. Besides, are you really comfortable with Chaer going out...?"
Yu Zhu's expression was somewhat subtle: "What do I have to worry about? He certainly doesn't have the guts. But... if you're all going, then I'll go too..."
"Then it's settled!"
Yuzhu could ride a horse, but her riding skills were so-so. Seeing that they were all riding camels, she simply switched to riding a camel herself, which made Hela's courtyard even more lively.
When the news reached the Golden Horde, Bayar, Char, and Chaolu came together.
"Oh my, it's rare to see you all together. How did your practice go this morning?" Charles was the first to walk over, his demeanor elegant and a smile playing on his lips.
Qiqige happened to pass by him and said with a smile, "Third brother, third sister said she's going because of you! I tried to dissuade her for ages!"
Yu Zhu blushed: "Second sister-in-law, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Charles glanced at his wife with a smile and curled his lips. Bayar chuckled and stepped forward, saying, "Qiqi, how about I ride a camel and keep you company?"
"Come on, don't embarrass yourself. We're having fun together, don't come and join in."
Bayar touched his nose: "I'm not the only one who wants to join in the fun..." After saying that, he looked at Chaolu next to him, seeking a sense of recognition, but when he turned his head, he could no longer see Chaolu's shadow.
Looking up again, Chao Lu had somehow walked up to Ruan Yu.
Ruan Yu was dressed in riding attire today, looking quite dashing, and her hair was styled in braids, making Chao Lu unable to take his eyes off her.
“Take a lap around and let me see.” Chao Lu walked to her side and raised an eyebrow.
Ruan Yu glared at him: "I'm not your soldier, nor am I a performing monkey. Why should I ride for you to see?"
Chao Lu: "...You're so cheeky! I didn't mean that at all. I just wanted to see how well you're learning. Do you need my help?"
Ruan Yu snorted: "No need! I learned very well from my older sister and the others this morning."
There's nothing difficult about it at all.
Chao Lu: "Okay, you're the best. Do you still want to learn how to ride a horse?"
"In no mood."
"Really? Actually, you have a pretty good foundation. You can take this opportunity to learn. You don't need to ride this time. You can practice slowly later. I see you're wearing riding gear today, which is perfect."
Upon hearing this, Ruan Yu indeed hesitated.
"Fourth brother, you're going to teach Xiaoyu to ride a horse?! I want to learn too!" Qiqige ran over.
Bayar: "Qiqi, if you want to learn to ride a horse, I'll teach you."
"Hey, get out of here! Fourth Brother's riding skills are much better than yours! It's not like I can't ride; I'm just taking this opportunity to get some pointers from him. It's a rare chance!"
Yuzhu also glanced over here, clearly tempted as well.
Chaolu thought for a moment and said, "Okay, would you like to change your horses?"
"Change!"
Chao Lu then looked at Ruan Yu, who pursed her lips and asked, "Then will you teach me properly?"
Chao Lu raised his lips: "I promise to teach you seriously."
Ruan Yu then agreed.
Just as Chao Lu led the horse over from his horse farm, Ruan Yu was still the same little colt, which Chao Lu had personally chosen. The colt seemed to recognize Ruan Yu and appeared quite affectionate. Ruan Yu tried hard to banish the memories of that day from her mind, and then mounted the horse with Chao Lu's help.
Today, she changed into riding gear, and it was indeed much easier. Chaolu stayed by her side the whole time, not going up on her, but seriously teaching her how to exert force and how to control speed and strength.
Ruan Yu also became engrossed in it.
"Fourth brother, give us some pointers too!" Qiqige called out with a smile.
Ruan Yu: "I can sit still, you go and take a look."
Chao Lu then nodded.
When he walked over to Qiqige and Yuzhu, he politely stood a few steps away from them and didn't reach out his hand, only saying it verbally.
When it really comes to asking for help, Chasu and Bayar will naturally take care of it.
Ruan Yu, sitting on horseback, could see clearly that Chao Lu was actually quite polite.
After pointing around, Chao Lu returned to Ruan Yu's side. Ruan Yu was still too afraid to ride by herself, so she simply sat obediently on the horse and waited.
Chao Lu noticed this and smiled, "Let's take a ride around."
Ruan Yu pursed her lips: "And you?"
Chao Lu: "Should I mount my horse too?"
Ruan Yu: "...That's not what I meant. Aren't you coming with me?"
Chao Lu suddenly laughed: "Don't worry, I'm here."
Ruan Yu was slightly taken aback, not knowing why she had been touched on something. Suddenly, Charles's voice came from behind her: "Third sister, ride with peace of mind. With the speed of this little pony, Chao Lu can catch up even if he runs."
Ruan Yu glanced at him, then looked away, gripped the reins tightly, and slowly squeezed her legs together.
"drive!"
The little pony started to run slowly with its head held high and chest puffed out.
The pace wasn't fast at all. Ruan Yu gradually relaxed from her initial tension. She was running around the horse farm and didn't see Chao Lu's figure in front of her until she stopped after running a lap and realized that Chao Lu was actually following her.
She turned to look at the other person, and nodded to Lu: "Try again, speed it up."
Ruan Yu was completely relieved, so she ran another lap. After several laps, Ruan Yu was completely at ease, and riding a horse didn't seem as difficult as she had imagined.
She became increasingly bold.
"Your Highness!"
Not far away, Has suddenly walked over, seemingly having something on his mind. He glanced at Lu, then his gaze fell on Ruan Yu.
Seeing that she was getting into the swing of things, Chao Lu stopped and looked away. Has quickly stepped forward and whispered a few words in his ear.
Chao Lu replied in a low voice. Suddenly, the sound of horses neighing came from not far away. Chao Lu looked up sharply! Before Has could react, he saw His Highness rush out in an instant!
Haas: "..."
Chao Lu rushed to Ruan Yu's side at almost full speed, but nothing actually happened; Ruan Yu had already settled down again.
She had been lost in thought, and only now, when she came to her senses, did she realize that Chaolu was already standing in front of her.
The corners of his lips were tight.
"Are you hurt?"
Ruan Yu paused for a moment, then gently shook her head: "It's nothing..."
She just saw Chaolu and Has talking, so he really did run over instantly...
Chao Lu reached out and took the reins: "Let's stop here for today."
Although nothing bad happened just now, Ruan Yu was indeed frightened. She agreed and let Chao Lu lead her away.
Hela laughed and said, "Alright, alright, that's about enough for today. Let's travel together then, no problem."
The other two couples also bid farewell to Daibetsukichi and returned to their respective tents.
Ruan Yu was led by Chao Lu to the stable. Ruan Yu wanted to dismount, but Chao Lu reached out and pulled her down first.
With a large hand around her waist, Ruan Yu easily stood on the ground.
"What just happened?" Chao Lu seemed to still be shaken, his brows furrowed.
Ruan Yu: "I...I was looking at something else just now."
Chao Lu frowned: "What are you looking at?"
Ruan Yu lowered her eyes: "It's nothing, just looking at the scenery."
Chao Lu frowned even more deeply: "When beginners are learning to ride horses, they must concentrate. What if you had fallen just now!"
His tone was a bit fierce, and Ruan Yu guiltily replied with an "oh".
"knew."
After Ruan Yu steadied herself, she walked straight ahead. Chao Lu hesitated for a moment, then tossed the reins to Afu and chased after her.
"I'm serious, even though it's a foal, it's not that short!"
Chao Lu caught up with Ruan Yu, who glanced at him and said, "I know... I didn't say anything..."
Actually, she just went to look at him.
But how can I put it? I can't bring myself to say it, so I can only grit my teeth and take the scolding.
Chao Lu softened his tone and stopped nagging, but suddenly glanced at the top of her head: "Why aren't you wearing that jade hairpin today?"
Ruan Yu was taken aback for a moment: "Why do I have to wear it every day? I'm here to ride a horse, and a wooden hairpin is more convenient."
As soon as she finished speaking, she could clearly feel Chao Lu's aura sink again, but Ruan Yu ignored him and went straight into the tent.
Qingguo greeted him with a smile: "Khedun, lunch is ready."
Ruan Yu nodded and went into the inner tent to change her clothes, intending to wipe herself down first.
Chao Lu followed.
"Are you busy this afternoon?" Ruan Yu asked him, turning her head to the side.
Chao Lu remained silent.
As Ruan Yu removed the vest over his riding attire and was about to turn around, he was suddenly blocked from behind by Chao Lu—
"you……"
Ruan Yu looked up in confusion and saw Chao Lu reach out and remove the wooden hairpin from her head.
Ruan Yu's eyes widened, noticing his displeasure. She pursed her lips and took the wooden hairpin from his hand: "I'll wear it tomorrow..."
Chao Lu suddenly smiled enigmatically and reached out to pull the person closer.
"It's alright, let me see it on in a bit."
…………
Qingguo had the small kitchen deliver the food, but Xuanniang stopped her just as she reached the door.
Xuan Niang shook her head at her.
Qingguo's eyes widened, and after a moment she realized what was happening, she silently stepped aside.
The inner curtains were tightly sealed, but all the maids around her lowered their heads, and Qingguo's cheeks slowly turned red.
This is broad daylight...
Inside the tent.
The bedding on the tatami mat was actually neat and tidy, but the area next to the dressing table was a bit too messy to look at.
Ruan Yu's long black hair had already hung down, and her ten fingers sometimes supported the bronze mirror next to her dressing table, and sometimes pressed on the edge of the table, her knuckles turning slightly white.
Chao Lu stared intently at the jade hairpin in her hair from behind.
"It's so beautiful...you should take a look too."
The bronze mirror was swaying gently, and the jade hairpin actually felt like it was about to fall.
Ruan Yu bit her lip, not daring to look at the bronze mirror at all.
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Author's Note: Jade Hairpin: Who will make peanuts for me?!
(My period started early this morning, so I can only write one chapter in the same amount of writing time [facepalm and crying emoji] I'll make up for it with another chapter this afternoon [milk tea emoji])
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