Chapter 18 Tianyan's so-called catering to people's preferences.
Yuan Chaolu, holding her books, stood under the scorching sun and turned to Zhong Changjun, saying, "Uncle Zhong, I hope you can pass on a message for me."
She paused briefly, then said, "I would like to ask if, in your spare time, you could instruct me in the art of horsemanship and archery?"
Zhong Changjun looked surprised: "Miss wants to learn riding and archery?"
"Exactly." She looked a little aggrieved. "Lately, I've been spending all my time in the meditation room studying poetry and books, and my hands and feet feel like they're tied up. If I could learn some riding and archery skills, I could loosen up my legs. There's a grassy field next to the Chanxu Temple's martial arts arena, which I've heard is perfect for horseback riding, is that right?"
The Prince of Yan was a master of archery and horsemanship, unparalleled in the capital. Since she had no way to approach him elsewhere, she decided to cater to his interests.
Zhong Changjun bowed and relayed the message. A short while later, he came out of the house.
Yuan Chaolu felt a surge of anxiety. "How is it?"
Zhong Changjun nodded with a smile, "If the young master says so, then it is permissible. If the young lady wishes to improve her health, how could the young master possibly object?"
Yuan Chaolu was surprised that things were going so smoothly. The person who had just been avoiding her was now agreeing without hesitation. "Really?"
Zhong Changjun said, "Of course, does the young lady have riding attire? This servant will prepare it for you."
Yuan Chaolu quickly smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Zhong."
As long as she can see the Prince of Yan, she won't have any trouble getting close to him.
**
After Zhong Changjun's preparations, three days later, a set of riding clothes was delivered to Yuan Chaolu's desk. The color of the riding clothes was light peach pink, not an overly flamboyant bright red, and it exuded a fresh and vibrant feeling like peach blossoms in spring.
After changing into riding attire, Yuan Chaolu, accompanied by Zhong Changjun, headed to the military review ground.
The military parade ground, nestled between Chanxu Temple to the south and Mangshan Mountain to the north, was a place designated by the emperor for military exercises, where thousands of chariots and horses would often gather.
When the emperor's attendant led a fine horse into the grassland, with a beautiful young woman sitting on its back, it immediately attracted the attention of the young men on the edge of the training ground.
The young woman was dressed in a pink riding outfit, her long black hair braided and hanging down her chest, with ribbons at the ends of her hair fluttering in the wind. In this place where a large group of young men had gathered, she stood out conspicuously.
The Tiger Warriors lined up in the arena were mostly sons of nobles, and they couldn't help but whisper among themselves, their murmurs spreading through the crowd.
Who is that woman?
"Is she the Seventh Princess or the eldest daughter of the Lu family? I've never seen her before."
"It's too far away to see clearly. But for someone like Eunuch Zhong to personally guide the way, he must be an extremely distinguished person."
As Yuan Chaolu rode past on horseback, feeling the intense gazes, she gripped the reins tightly with her fingertips.
Zhong Changjun never mentioned that there would be so many young men here.
She looked up and saw a vast grassland stretching out towards Mangshan Mountain. In the distance, the mountains rose and fell in a continuous line, and banners were planted all around, fluttering in the wind, exuding the majesty and solemnity of the royal family.
"Uncle Zhong, I saw what appeared to be officials in court robes on that high platform?"
Zhong Changjun bowed slightly, "We've all come to see the Heavenly Horse. The Gaoche Kingdom has submitted a letter of surrender, and this time they've specially presented the Heavenly Horse to Your Majesty to show their submission."
Yuan Chaolu was surprised. "Your Majesty is coming today? I have never paid my respects to Your Majesty before. Is it against the rules for me to appear here today?"
Zhong Changjun said, "Don't worry, young master has already made arrangements. I will lead you to a place further away from the grassland. Although it is far from the martial arts review ground, no one will disturb you there."
Yuan Chaolu didn't want to be so far from the military review ground, lest she miss seeing the Prince of Yan...
"The teacher that the young master has invited for you today is Minister Pei, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
Seeing that Yuan Chaolu looked slightly taken aback, he patiently explained, "Young master is busy with official duties, and this Lord Pei is also a man of both literary and military talents. In his early years, he served as a grain and fodder officer in the army."
Yuan Chaolu understood. Having learned from the previous experience, he wasn't too surprised to learn that someone else was teaching him archery and horsemanship this time.
These days, although she addressed the Prince of Yan as "Young Master," all the tutors he had invited were renowned teachers. Yuan Chaolu naturally pretended to ask Zhong Changjun about the Young Master's identity, and the other party did not hide anything about the Young Master's high position and power in the court.
The newcomer was a young man, dressed in a crimson two-piece military robe, around twenty-three or twenty-four years old. Although he was a civil official, he did not have the slightest sign of weakness. His long eyebrows reached his temples, giving him a heroic and dashing air.
Pei Xi asked gently, "I am the riding and archery instructor that you hired for the young lady. Have you never been exposed to horsemanship before, or do you know a little about it?"
If the person in front of her were the Prince of Yan, Yuan Chaolu would definitely pretend to be completely ignorant so that he could teach her step by step.
But she had traveled with Amu's caravan on the frontier, where she could drive not only fine horses but also camels as usual.
Yuan Chaolu said, "I know a little."
"Then please ride your horse a bit first, so I can have a look at you."
Dark clouds hung heavily over the mountains; the weather was not cooperating today.
She pretended to listen to Pei Xi's instructions, but her peripheral vision swept across the training ground and drifted towards the high platform in the distance, trying to find a figure in the crowd, but unfortunately, they were too far away.
Meanwhile, the platform was abuzz with excitement.
A tall, slender figure appeared, surrounded by guards, and ascended the steps to the high platform.
The crowd respectfully bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Founding Duke Jia Li and Grand Marshal Cui Ming stood beside the emperor, exchanging pleasantries with him.
The young emperor, dressed in a black riding outfit with a jade ring hanging from his waist, looked even more dashing and imposing. Standing among the court officials, whether they were elderly ministers or young nobles, they all paled in comparison.
Grand Marshal Cui Ming glanced casually at the distant grassland and said, "I thought His Majesty would have the Duke of the Founding Kingdom teach her horsemanship."
The emperor remained unmoved and said calmly, "Jia Li is too strict; she doesn't like it."
Cui Ming smiled but remained silent, his eyes meeting those of Jia Li beside the emperor out of the corner of his eye.
"Pei Qing is indeed more gentle than the Duke of Kaiguo."
During the morning meeting, the emperor casually mentioned that he needed someone to teach him riding skills. They thought that at least a member of the imperial family would be worthy of the emperor's attention in teaching riding skills, but to their surprise, it turned out to be a woman.
The eunuch Zhong Changjun had returned to the emperor's side and reported with a smile, "Lord Pei was merely temporarily instructing that girl; His Majesty has already chosen a more suitable candidate."
"Whom has Your Majesty chosen?"
Zhong Changjun said, "His Highness the Prince of Yan will come here later to teach her horsemanship."
"The Prince of Yan?"
Thinking back to the day he stumbled upon the woman entering the emperor's meditation room, a few subtle emotions welled up in Cui Ming's heart.
A commotion suddenly arose in the audience. Cui Ming did not ask any further questions about the topic, but instead bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, the heavenly horses presented by the Gaoche Kingdom have arrived."
The soldiers lined up on both sides, and several strongmen pushed a cage slowly into the arena.
Inside the cage stood a silver-maned celestial horse, tall and imposing, its entire body silver-white. Though confined in the cage, its agile form was undeniable, resembling a small mountain. Under the deep light of the sky, its mane shimmered with fine silver light, making it appear almost divine.
The entire arena fell silent, save for the horse's high-pitched neighing.
The Grand Marshal praised, "Such a majestic and awe-inspiring demeanor truly deserves the title of 'Heavenly Horse'."
The horse's mane stood on end, its neighing deafening. It raised its front hooves high and slammed them heavily onto the cage, causing the iron locks to rumble like thunder, a truly terrifying sight.
All the onlookers paled and took a step back.
The Gaoche envoy presented a horse to Luoyang several days ago, but still could not tame the wild horse.
Even though Da Qi had secretly dispatched several fierce warriors, those who claimed to be skilled horse riders were helpless against this horse. They were all thrown off their backs and retreated with serious injuries.
The Emperor himself has arrived today and is observing from the high platform.
Those hot-blooded young men, unable to contain their eagerness to try, were the first to step forward and volunteer.
While admiring the horse, the envoy from the Gaoche Kingdom clapped his hands and said, "I present this horse to you not to show off, but because there is no one in the world more worthy of this fine steed than Your Majesty, the Emperor of Daqi. Although this horse is unruly, it is a steed chosen from among thousands. The Gaoche obtained it from Dayuan, and no one along the way could tame it. However, we know that Daqi has the capacity to embrace the four seas and the ability to control all things. If it can be tamed, it will surely be a wonderful thing."
These words were perfectly worded, praising the wise ruler while maintaining a humble attitude.
However, when several warriors were thrown from the celestial horse, the one who had just uttered those words of praise seemed rather embarrassed.
The surrounding officials held their breath, seeing the emperor standing tall, his expression unreadable.
Several more men then engaged in battle, and even the most valiant guard in the Tiger Warriors was thrown from his horse.
The atmosphere in the room was somewhat cold and eerie.
If this continues, who will be able to control the horses?
The Emperor laughed and said, "It truly is a Ferghana horse, and you gentlemen are helpless. The heavenly horse has been in Luoyang for several days, and even several skilled men have been sent to tame it. Why don't you suggest that I personally ride the horse today?"
The countenance of an emperor is truly unfathomable, and his emotions are difficult to discern from his voice.
It should be noted that the current emperor conquered the world on horseback, and the Great Qi Kingdom was founded on martial virtue. Yet, at this moment, not a single brave warrior could subdue this silver-maned celestial horse. This scene is truly astonishing…
Duke Jia Li stepped forward to try and resolve the situation, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by hurried footsteps. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Pei Xi, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, coming up the steps.
Cui Ming understood and greeted him with a smile, "Lord Pei! Does Lord Pei wish to go down and train the horses?"
He turned around and said, "In the past, Lord Pei supervised the supply of provisions and horses for His Majesty in the military camp. He handled countless wild horses. Today's scene is perfect for Lord Pei to step down!"
Pei Xi paused, then bowed and said, "It is not that this humble subject wishes to participate."
He turned to Zhong Changjun, who seemed to notice and paused slightly.
Pei Xi had already taken a step forward. "Your Majesty, that Miss Zhou has volunteered to tame this horse for you."
The moment the words "Miss Zhou" were uttered, a hush fell over the room. The expressions of the people present varied, some surprised, some puzzled.
The courtiers whispered among themselves, but no one dared to speak aloud.
But I ask you, which Miss Zhou is still here?
Cui Ming's smile froze on his face, and his gaze involuntarily drifted to the grassland.
Pei Xi said, "Miss Zhou said that she is naturally close to animals and knows a little about techniques that can make animals obedient."
Cui Ming said, "Lord Pei, even if that girl has some skills, she still can't tame the heavenly horse. What's wrong, Lord Pei? Why are you helping her deliver a message?"
He looked at Jia Li beside him. Jia Li said in a deep voice, "Why don't you let me go? I am willing to try for Your Majesty."
Pei Xi said solemnly, "I have just witnessed her skill. The other wild horses presented by the Gao Che were also unruly, but they all became obedient under her command."
After Pei Xi finished speaking, he whispered a few words to Zhong Changjun.
Zhong Changjun's expression changed, and he turned to inform the emperor.
Xiao Zhuo twirled the jade thumb ring on his finger, when he heard Zhong Changjun whisper in his ear, "The Second Miss didn't realize His Majesty's identity. She only asked Lord Pei to pass on a message to the young master. Actually, she lied to the young master that she couldn't ride a horse. She can only do a little bit."
"The Second Miss's original words were that she could help the young master tame the heavenly horse in front of His Majesty. She had offended the young master before and was ashamed to face him again. Now she wanted to atone for her sins by doing good deeds. If she could not do it, she would definitely leave Chanxu Temple and no longer bother the young master."
“But if he truly has tamed the heavenly horse,” Zhong Changjun paused, “I hope that you will no longer avoid seeing her.”
After Zhong Changjun finished speaking, he lowered his head.
As everyone watched, the emperor looked down from the platform, and in that moment of utter silence, countless people held their breath.
After a moment, his brows relaxed, and his smile became gentle: "Throughout the world, none can compare to Minister Pei in terms of being able to ride for me. If it was Minister Pei who recommended them, how could it be anything but?"
"Let her try."
Pei Xi strode down the high platform, drawing everyone's attention. When they saw the celestial horse's cage being pushed into the meadow, and Lord Pei leading a girl in pink on horseback to the celestial horse, they were immediately captivated.
The once quiet crowd erupted in a clamor.
A note from the author:
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Morning Dew: It's my turn.
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