Chapter 68: Horseback Archery. Even if he really fell, Pei Ji would catch him...
The river water was cool and clear, and they all fished in the shallower areas. Although they only caught a few in the end, they were all in high spirits.
Finally, they returned with a full load. The servants handed all the pheasants and fish to the kitchen, asking them to use them to cook dishes immediately to satisfy the tastes of these young masters.
The rabbit that was kicked unconscious by Taxue was left behind. It was not until He Zhiliao carried it into the house that he realized something was wrong.
【ah! 】
He handed the rabbit in his arms to her. Don’t you want it?
Pei Ji was suspicious. "I see. I'll keep it for you. Even though the rabbit smells a bit, if you like it, keep it."
He Zhiliao shook his head slightly. They went hunting, and what they hunted was naturally prey. Prey was to be eaten, so how could they be raised?
He also suspected that the kick he made with the snow was so powerful that it might have even solidified the brain matter in the rabbit's head, making it impossible for it to be raised.
"Well." Pei Ji raised his eyebrows.
After playing around all morning, everyone was a little tired, so they took a shower and changed clothes before dinner.
As usual, Pei Ji held He Zhiliao down and rubbed some medicine on the base of her legs. After she was dressed, the meal was ready in the kitchen.
The four of them sat down, and the food was piled neatly on the table. Every dish was a combination of meat and vegetables, and was full of color, aroma and taste. Seeing all this, their already empty stomachs became even hungrier.
Pei Ji chuckled and said, "These are all the fruits of our labor today. You should really try them!"
"Eat, eat, eat. I've been hungry for a long time!" Yan Qi immediately raised his serving chopsticks and began to put food into his own bowl and plate. "Don't be polite, don't be polite. You guys eat too!"
"You are so smart." Song Yu couldn't help laughing at him.
He Zhiliao's mind and eyes were filled with the spicy diced rabbit. The evenly distributed meat pieces in the pot were as big as red peppers, wrapped in a layer of red oil and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Before he even put it in his mouth, he could already taste the fresh, spicy and spicy flavor.
Seeing him staring blankly, Pei Ji immediately scooped a spoonful of meat into his bowl and said, "Eat quickly. If you're slow, it will all go into Jiangshu's stomach. He eats like a bottomless pit."
Yan Qi squinted at them and said, "You two are sitting opposite me and talking quietly, so I can't hear you?"
He Zhiliao pursed his lips and smiled, picked up a piece of meat covered with red oil, and the spicy taste instantly exploded on his tongue. He quickly ate some white rice to suppress it, and in the blink of an eye, he broke out in a sweat.
Spicy, but particularly attractive.
The fish was steamed as usual, and the dishes on the table were a bit strong in taste, but they also had to take Pei Ji's taste into consideration, and there were also a few light dishes that he liked.
Song Yu swallowed the food in his mouth and said with a smile, "Cong Yu loves to eat fish. Steam all the fish you brought back from Azhi Farm for him."
"Tsk." Yan Qi let out a heavy and light "tsk." He immediately felt uncomfortable all over and sat down on the chair like a cricket.
"Is there a thorn on your butt?" Pei Ji frowned.
Yan Qi paused, looked at He Zhiliao embarrassedly, but did not dare to move again.
He looked at Song Yu in what he thought was a subtle way, "Who would have thought that he wanted to take Cong Lin away from me just to take Cong Yu away from you as well!"
Really scheming!
Cong Lin was the one Yan Qi lost the bet with Song Yu. They had a close relationship. This kind of guard was the same to everyone else, so he would not be treated unfairly.
But who knew that not long after Cong Lin left, Pei Ji sent Cong Yu to him as well. Only then did he realize that the so-called Cong Yu was actually a male monarch!
Song Yangguan is really scheming. He only picks the best things for himself!
Pei Ji chuckled, "He's already playing tricks like this, so just give in to him. It's rare that there's something he likes besides books."
Yan Qi snorted and laughed, "That's right, if you really succeed Cong Yu, you must return Cong Lin to me, he is very skilled!"
"No." Song Yu smiled with his lips curved.
He Zhiliao didn't understand why they were sending each other gifts, so he just focused on eating. However, he understood one thing: even a fairy like Song Yu also had a man she liked.
After finishing a meal, I feel particularly full.
Song Yu couldn't help but ask about Cong Yu and the others. He had never regarded Cong Yu as a follower, but the other party was extremely serious about this matter and refused to compromise, making it impossible for him to even reluctantly do so.
When he learned that Cong Yu, Yuan Rong and the others were eating in the side room, he immediately went over to find them.
Pei Ji helped He Zhiliao up and said, "We don't care about their mess. Let's go and rest quickly. I'll take you to continue riding in the afternoon."
He Zhiliao nodded immediately. He also wanted to learn archery.
"You can learn archery of course. First, practice your horsemanship. When you can play with the horse, you can shoot arrows on horseback." Pei Ji said with a smile. He didn't realize that he had such a hobby before.
【ah! 】
good!
After everyone went into their houses, the whole village seemed to suddenly become quiet. Only the slight sound of the wind and the chirping of insects and birds could be heard. It was not noisy, but rather brought a leisurely and peaceful tranquility that made people fall asleep quickly.
He Zhiliao was sleeping soundly, and occasionally a breeze blew in from the window, blowing away the slight warmth from their bodies.
The whole afternoon was quiet, as if time had stopped.
When He Zhiliao woke up again, more than an hour had passed, and Pei Ji was no longer by his side. However, there was a bell placed on the bedside.
He shook it, and Harumi came in immediately.
"Master, you're awake. My uncle is at the training grounds. He said if you wake up, just go over there." Harumi went over and helped him up. "I'll get you washed and dressed, and I've got your riding clothes ready."
He Zhiliao immediately became energetic and let Chunjian help him wash and change his clothes.
The tight-fitting outfit had black and red cuffs, which made it more convenient for riding and archery without being hindered by the wide sleeves.
On the training ground, Pei Ji was sparring with his subordinates. When he learned that he was coming, he immediately stepped forward to greet him and ordered Taxue to be brought over.
"When riding a horse, you must use force in your legs and keep your feet firmly planted. These can help you stabilize your body." Pei Ji instructed, and then he also jumped on the horse, "You try to drive the horse, you can go faster, I'm here, I won't let you fall."
He Zhiliao naturally believed him, and immediately mustered up the courage to whip the horse. Feeling his strength on the snow, he immediately broke into a gallop, began to circle around the horse field, and galloped at a very fast speed.
He sat in the front, feeling all the speed and wind blowing on his face, afraid yet fascinated by the feeling of freedom.
"Open your arms and feel it, don't be too stiff." Pei Ji said, "I'm pulling the reins."
He Zhiliao immediately opened his arms, and the wind blew into his body through his clothes. He didn't care about being afraid anymore, he just felt it was interesting, and even wanted to turn around and smile at Pei Ji.
Seeing that he had adapted well, Pei Ji asked him to stand up again. "Keep your feet firmly on the ground. I'll support your waist from behind. Don't be afraid. Try to be flexible. You will be able to shoot on horseback one day."
Hearing him say this, He Zhiliao could almost imagine himself riding on horseback and hunting in the future. Maybe he could even follow Pei Ji into the hunting ground during the royal autumn hunt!
Feeling the heat source behind him and knowing that he was supporting him, he was no longer afraid. He stepped hard on the stirrups, held the horse's back with both hands, slowly bent his knees to stand up, and slowly straightened his knees.
【ah! 】
Stand up!
He couldn't laugh out loud, but his fluttering hair showed how excited he was at the moment. Today he was able to experience all the new things he had never experienced before!
After a long time, he slowly sat down, and while he was still attached to the true wind, he slowly stood up. Even without Pei Ji's support, he became a little bolder.
"Well done!" Pei Ji praised generously.
He knew that He Zhiliao was very smart. If he could be born into another aristocratic family, he would definitely be more outstanding than he is now. At that time, even if he went to propose to her, there would be a long queue outside the door!
After running a lap, Pei Ji dismounted and stopped him from following. "You ride slowly and steadily, according to your own situation. I will ride behind you."
【ah! 】
OK!
He was finding it interesting and was willing to do these things. After seeing Pei Ji sitting on Zhuying, he pulled the reins and continued to drive the horse.
Without Pei Ji sitting behind him, he was still a little scared, but when he heard the steady sound of horse hooves coming from behind, he no longer felt scared.
Even if he really fell, Pei Ji would catch him.
Whether it is a man or a woman, the environment they are in should not be limited to the backyard. He needs to be bolder to have more fun.
Therefore, without Pei Ji's support, he dared to let go of the reins and slowly stood up. He wanted to look back at Pei Ji, but he was reluctant to see the scenery after standing up, so he had to leave him behind temporarily.
Pei Ji, who had been left behind, was already far away. He looked at He Zhi who was going away, thinking that as long as there was wind, the other party could fly higher and farther.
Soon He Zhiliao finished a lap alone. He ran to Pei Ji without noticing that he was not following him. His beautiful face was full of bright smiles. Compared with those rough guys beside Pei Ji, he was like the bright moon in the sky.
"Are you okay?" Pei Ji immediately carried him down. Noticing that his legs were still shaking slightly, he couldn't help but teasingly asked, "Are you so scared that your legs are weak?"
He Zhiliao smiled and shook his head, his bright and round eyes full of smiles. He felt great and not afraid at all!
"Then how about I teach you archery? When you become more proficient, I will set up a target in the house so that you can practice every day." Seeing that he was happy, Pei Ji wanted to make him happier.
He Zhiliao naturally didn't think there was anything wrong with it. No matter what the other party said, he just nodded with a happy look, which made his subordinates around him smile.
The bow and arrow he was given needed to be slightly lighter. Pei Ji took out a lot of them and let him choose. In the end, he chose the lightest of the lightest ones...
"Raise your shoulders a little, straighten your back, and keep your hands steady..." Pei Ji said as he stood behind him to help adjust his posture, and touched his arms and legs by the way.
He Zhila was still immersed in the joy of practicing archery and didn't notice anything wrong.
The subordinates beside him said, "You are such a scoundrel!"
Pei Ji smiled silently, held his hand, and pulled the bowstring with him. Then the arrow with feathers flew out instantly and hit the target directly.
Although it hit the outermost circle, it still hit the target.
【ah! 】
He Zhiliao pointed at the target with great joy, then turned to look at Pei Ji, the joy in his eyes almost bursting out.
If I had been with him earlier, I would have been able to appreciate his cute and unrestrained appearance earlier.
The subordinate beside him asked, "Why do I feel that the target is a little close?"
Pei Ji turned his head and glanced at them calmly, clearly asking them to keep their mouths shut and not say anything they shouldn't.
He Zhiliao was very perceptive, but at that moment he was immersed in joy, his attention was on the target, so naturally he didn't hear what they said.
Even after hearing this, he would not be discouraged. It was his first time using a bow and arrow, and he hit the target with his first arrow!
He is so awesome!
"That's right, practice more and keep your posture steady, otherwise you will miss the target." Pei Ji let him go and let him practice on his own. As soon as he finished speaking, the flying arrow jumped out, but did not hit the target.
The subordinates were startled and quickly turned their heads away, punching and making noises with each other, pretending not to see anything.
"Don't forget your posture, pull your arms back with all your strength!" Pei Ji reminded loudly, "Keep your eyes fixed on the target, don't look anywhere else!"
He Zhiliao did whatever he said, and gradually she became better at it. However, archery was not something that could be mastered overnight. Most of the time, the target was empty, and there was no chance of hitting the bull's eye.
But he did not give up. He practiced until his hands were peeling. Only then did he put down the bow and arrow reluctantly after being coaxed and hugged by Pei Ji. He planned to practice the same thing again tomorrow.
Song Yu came to Zhuangzi just to relax with Cong Yu. He didn't like being stared at, so he had to hide whenever they were intimate. In Zhuangzi, which he was familiar with, he felt less uncomfortable.
Yan Qichun came here just to have fun. After eating and drinking, he would lie down and be lazy. From time to time, he would practice boxing and kicking, or ride horses, shoot arrows and wrestle with his subordinates. He just regarded it as a way to relax.
In short, everyone has their own way of playing.
When it came time for dinner, they all waited in advance in a tacit understanding, and then gathered together to talk about what they had done.
"Where is Yan Guan?" Pei Ji asked.
"He said he was going to look for Cong Yu and wanted us to eat first and not wait." Yan Qi curled his lips, "He must be bringing him to sit with us."
Although Cong Yu is Song Yu's sweetheart, Po Tianqu is also their subordinate. It would be awkward to sit with them. Why force them?
Pei Ji could somewhat hear the unhappiness in his words, but he didn't argue with him. Instead, he gently reminded him, "If you have the guts, you should say it in front of Yan Guan. Since he thinks highly of Cong Yu, you and I shouldn't be so prejudiced."
"It's not prejudice, it's just awkward." Yan Qi felt itchy all over again.
He Zhiliao could understand him. After all, they were still subordinates from Yu to now. Anyone would feel awkward if he was suddenly asked to eat and sit with his masters.
However, Song Yu was their friend and could certainly understand their feelings, so he did not actually call Cong Yu over for dinner.
Song Yu was very smart. Seeing that they looked a little uncomfortable, he naturally knew why. He naturally hoped that Cong Yu would adapt sooner, but before that, he would not make his friends feel uncomfortable.
"Look at how guilty you look. I know you must be talking behind my back again." Song Yu was the first to tease Yan Qi, "Why don't you just tell me directly?"
"...I only told you that because Pei Gou asked you. It has nothing to do with me!" Yan Qi naturally wouldn't say it directly. Everyone knew it anyway, so why bother saying it out loud.
He Zhiliao suddenly looked up at him. Was Pei Gou talking about his husband?
Suddenly meeting his eyes, Yan Qi felt even more exhausted. "It's just a name... Serve the food quickly, I'm starving!"
He can't afford to offend any of them, so just shut up, okay?
It was quiet during mealtimes, with everyone only chatting occasionally. This was an atmosphere that He Zhiliao really liked. He just liked to eat and didn't like to talk.
"By the way, when did Brother Qingyan get married?" Yan Qi suddenly asked, "It's been a month since the engagement, right?"
Pei Ji nodded and said, "The two families are discussing it. The wedding date hasn't been set yet, but we're already preparing. I'll send you an invitation when the time comes."
"That works!"
After dinner, there was nothing else to do.
Everyone went back to their rooms to rest. He Zhiliao had been playing all day and was now completely relaxed. He felt drowsy and couldn't even concentrate on reading. He dozed off with his eyes wide open.
"It's time to go to bed." Pei Ji put down the military book and didn't plan to continue reading it.
Seeing that he wanted to accompany her, He Zhiliao immediately put down the book, and the two walked towards the bed hand in hand.
Too tired to do anything at night.
Slept peacefully all night.
They played in Zhuangzi for three days before returning at a leisurely pace.
After returning home, He Zhiluo heard from others that He Ruxi had been tricked after all, but the one she had physical contact with was the prince.
The two of them were already engaged, so it would have been fine for them to get closer, but they didn't expect such a thing to happen before the wedding, and it became known to everyone. Even the prince was reprimanded, and the wedding date had to be moved forward to three days later.
It’s so fast?
He Zhiliao thought of something and asked.
Didn't the prince say anything?
"Not really. She seems quite happy about the early marriage." The little maid in the outer courtyard said with a laugh.
He Zhiliao pursed her lips, and it was obvious that she was quite satisfied with He Ruxi.
It was not a big deal for the prince to take a concubine, and there was no need to make a big fuss about it. He just had to carry her into the palace in a sedan chair.
However, the prince seemed to be really satisfied with He Ruxi, and he even sent a lot of gifts to the Jing'an Marquis's Mansion, which gave the He family enough face.
[Yuanhua, go to the Marquis' Mansion and get some information. If you find anything interesting, tell me.]
He Zhiliao no longer has any affection for the Jing'an Marquis Mansion. He only wonders when they will truly fall. Paying more attention to them now is just a waste of time.
As soon as Yanhua heard this, she went to work immediately.
It is an honor for the entire marquis's mansion that He Ruxi can become the prince's concubine. After all, the He family has no capable people left, and they are probably just waiting for He Ruxi to marry into a good family.
He Ruman, who was already dissatisfied with Zhuang Hongxiu, learned that the engagement was formally confirmed. He went to Jing'an Marquis's Mansion twice a day to make a scene, and he only regretted that this marriage was not his.
"Why are you back again? You come to our house to make trouble every day and ruin your sister's reputation. What good will it do you?" Zhuang Hongxiu couldn't do anything about him and didn't know what to do!
He Ruman stared at Zhuang Hongxiu coldly. They used to be a loving mother and a filial son, but now they have become enemies.
He sneered, "I don't want any benefits! As long as none of you get any benefits, I'll be happy!"
"What exactly do you want to do? Will you be happy only if we destroy our family?" Zhuang Hongxiu was so excited that she couldn't help coughing. "I know I wronged you back then, but I still have to make plans for the future of the Marquis' Mansion!"
It would have been better if she didn't say that. The more she said that, the deeper He Ruman's resentment towards her became.
His pale face was filled with sneers and ridicule. "Future? The future of the Marquisate should be fought for by He Yao, not by us using marriage as the price! Look at your good son, he ruined his body before he even got married, becoming a cripple. The He family is ruined from the very foundation, what future can we even talk about?"
What a shitty future!
If the He family still has a future, it's just that God is blind!
Zhuang Hongxiu loved He Yao the most. Even though he was now disabled, he was still the son of the He family. How could a married man have the right to talk nonsense? She immediately propped herself up and stood up, slapping He Ruman hard in the face.
She used almost all her strength in this slap, but Zhuang Hongxiu had been feeling unwell and weak recently. Even though she felt that the slap was heavy, it didn't hit He Ruman's face too hard.
He Ruman had never been beaten by her before, but after marrying into Duke Zhou's mansion, she was beaten every day. Except for her face, her whole body was covered with wounds.
He was already shocked and frightened by this, and the person who attacked him was his mother who loved him in the past. He couldn't accept it for a moment, and he started pushing Zhuang Hongxiu until she collapsed to the ground.
"Anyone dares to hit me? Why do you dare to hit me? Am I born to be your punching bag?" He Ruman completely collapsed and swept everything in the hall to the ground and smashed it. "We are all children, but you only care about He Yao and He Ruxi. What about me! What about me!"
The flying teacup fragments cut Zhuang Hongxiu's wrists and ankles, and some small fragments flew onto her face, scaring her so much that she collapsed on the ground, looking at him warily and fearfully.
Only after smashing the front hall to pieces did He Ruman feel a little relieved.
He staggered to Zhuang Hongxiu, helped her up, and said in a hoarse voice: "I was wrong, mother. I also understand your painstaking efforts. I will never do this again in the future. Please forgive me, okay?"
Zhuang Hongxiu was still recovering from his crazy noise, and Ruijin nodded subconsciously after hearing what he said, but he was even more afraid of him.
He Ruman hugged her gently and said, "Mother, I know that if my sister marries well, it will be good for me too. My husband will not dare to touch me casually. Don't worry, I will come back to see my sister off when the time comes."
"Okay..." Zhuang Hongxiu agreed repeatedly.
"Then mother, please ask the doctor to come and take a look. I will go back first, otherwise I will be beaten again if I come back late." He Ruman looked at her with a smile, but the smile did not reach his eyes. Zhuang Hongxiu did not dare to look at him.
He Ruman left immediately.
After hearing the commotion, Yanhua immediately returned home. When she recounted the incident, she even imitated the actions. Her whole appearance was so lifelike that He Zhiliao felt like he had watched a big show.
But he didn't believe that He Ruman would suddenly change his attitude. Things had become so embarrassing, almost to the point of life and death, yet he apologized so easily?
"I find this strange too. He looked so gloomy when he left, he doesn't look like someone admitting his mistakes," Yanhua whispered. "If he really did admit his mistakes, should we give him a push?"
He knew He Ruman's personality well. His sudden change must have meant that he had made up his mind, but he just didn't know how he was going to do it.
【Keep an eye on him and give him a provocation if necessary.】
He didn't want He Ruman to let the He family go so easily. The Jing'an Marquis Mansion was not completely wiped out yet. He had to vent his hatred, and someone had to take the blame for him.
"I understand. Do you want to go to He Ruxi's wedding?" Yanhua asked.
He Zhiliao raised the corners of his lips.
Of course I have to go, I have to watch a big show.
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Author's words: Little Zhiliao: I've been riding horses and shooting arrows these days! [Sprinkle flowers][Sprinkle flowers][Sprinkle flowers]
Author: Oh~ riding and shooting [sunglasses][sunglasses][sunglasses]
Little Zhiliao: [Let me feel good][Let me feel good][Let me feel good]
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