Running across the grassland, enjoying the breeze and the caress of the grass, the oppressive atmosphere and cautiousness of the Forbidden City are all left behind as the scenery rushes past.
Tong Wanyan and her two companions chased each other, their riding skills seemingly evenly matched, and laughter filled the air.
"I never expected Third Sister-in-law to be such a good rider!" Ulanara Fanghui, who came later, rode alongside Dong E Hailan.
The women of the Dong'e family were mostly slender as willows, with delicate features, like Han Chinese ladies who rarely left their homes.
Unexpectedly, she was a hidden talent; this seemingly frail woman, who couldn't lift a single weight, was actually quite adept at mounting a horse.
Faced with Ulanara Fanghui's incredulous expression, Dong'e Hailan smiled smugly and said, "My family, like yours, is a family of generals with outstanding military achievements. Our daughters have to practice martial arts with their sons from a young age, but as they grow up, they have to learn housekeeping and needlework, so they inevitably neglect their studies a bit."
Unbeknownst to them, Tong Wan had spurred her horse and sped ahead of them.
Ulanara Fanghui, not having time to chat with Dong'e Hailan about the upbringing of a general's daughter, said urgently, "Third sister-in-law, let's catch up with Second Sister-in-law first. When my master told me that Second Sister-in-law's riding skills were no less than a man's, I didn't believe it. Now that I've seen it with my own eyes, she is indeed no less skilled."
Tong Wanyan deliberately provoked her, saying, "You guys try to see if you can catch me. I'm not being arrogant, but my riding and archery skills were personally taught by my eldest and second eldest brothers."
In her moment of carefree abandon, Tong Wanyan forgot that she was no longer Tong Qinian and Tong Ruita's biological sister.
Fortunately, Dong'e Hailan and Ulanara Fanghui knew who she was talking about. Even though they were raised in the inner chambers, they had heard of the Tong brothers' bravery and unparalleled martial prowess.
“The two Lord Tongs are undoubtedly skilled on horseback, but Little Sister-in-law, you’ve been in the palace for several years and haven’t practiced riding and archery for a long time. We might not be able to beat you.” Ulanara Fanghui’s competitive spirit was aroused.
The whip cracked and lashed the horse's rump. The three of them ran freely, while the guards following behind were terrified, fearing something might happen, yet they dared not utter a word to stop them.
After running several laps, beads of sweat glistened on the foreheads of the three of them.
"Excellent. With such a renowned teacher, I am completely outmatched," Dong E Hailan said breathlessly.
The horse's hooves trotted slowly on the grass, making a clattering sound.
Ulanara Fanghui added, "We can still play on the grassland for a few more days. Second Sister-in-law, you have to teach me. We're going hunting tomorrow. Let's go hunt some game together and show off in front of the men."
"Fourth sister-in-law is right. I'm not saying this to be mean, but apart from the older princes, the younger princes might not be able to compare to us," Dong E Hailan said proudly, her head held high.
“What can’t we compare to? Third Sister-in-law, although we are young, our skills in horseback riding and archery are just as good.” Yin’e said, riding his little pony with sharp ears.
Yinreng and his entourage rode towards them. Looking at them in a row, it was clear that the bloodline of the Aisin Gioro family was indeed excellent, with each and every one of them being pleasing to the eye.
Among them, Yinreng and Yinzhi were the most outstanding. Yinreng was impeccable in every way, and Yinzhi's appearance was indeed exceptional.
Dong E Hailan suppressed her overly unrestrained laughter and revealed her gentle and tender demeanor once more.
Yin'e looked at her in surprise; his third sister-in-law's expression changed too quickly.
"Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law just said we're not as good as her," the chubby Yin'e loudly complained to Yin Zhi.
Yinzhi gazed at Dong'e Hailan with adoration; he had never seen his wife so unrestrained and spirited. Nearly a year into their marriage, he was beginning to tire of her, but his interest in Dong'e Hailan was rekindled.
Between his wife and his half-brother, Yinzhi chose without hesitation the person he would share a bed with.
“Your third sister-in-law is right. The horses you all rode were much shorter than the ones your sister-in-law chose. Not to mention the others.” Yin Zhi didn’t hold back in criticizing Yin E.
Younger brothers are meant to be bullied, especially when they're young. Take advantage of their inability to fight back, bully them a few more times, and then you'll have something to talk about when you grow up.
Yinreng and the others stood by and watched, ignoring Yin'e, whose face was flushed with anxiety.
Yin'e looked at Yin Tang with pleading eyes: "Ninth Brother, aren't you going to help me?"
Yin Tang shrugged. His previous serious illness had made his chubby cheeks thinner, and his features were now quite delicate.
"Silly tenth brother, do you think I can out-argue my second brother, or my third brother, or my tenth brother?" Yinzhen didn't want to show off.
Yin'e's gaze lingered on the faces of Yinreng, Yinzhi, and Yinzhen: "Big brother, look, third brother and third sister-in-law are ganging up on me, and ninth brother isn't helping me."
Yin'e cleverly chose Yinti, thinking that as the eldest brother, he would not be afraid of the other brothers.
Yinqi, however, harbored a desire to watch the spectacle and only wanted to stand by and do nothing.
It would be even more fun if Xiao Shi, the chubby little boy, was made to cry.
“Your third brother and sister-in-law are telling the truth. My dear Yin’e, in two more years you will be able to ride a tall horse. Right now you are too young to ride a tall horse.” Yin’e said truthfully.
Everyone burst into laughter. Poor little Yin'e, he was forced to put on a show of entertaining his parents.
Knowing he couldn't refute his older brother and sister-in-law, Yin'e pulled out a few dates from his waist.
"Third Sister-in-law, when we came here we saw a jujube tree with really big jujubes. They're crisp, sweet and juicy when you pick them. But you just laughed at me, so I'm not sharing any jujubes with you."
The miniature horse is extremely obedient and can walk forward without the reins.
Holding green dates in both hands, Yin'e rode his horse to Tong Wanyan. He first gave Tong Wanyan a few dates, then walked a few steps to the side and handed a few dates to Ulanara Fanghui.
After distributing the food, he clapped his clean hands and said, "Third Sister-in-law, that's all."
"Haha, Little Tenth is such a rascal. You don't have any, but Third Brother can take your Third Sister-in-law to pick some." Yin'e's childish behavior made Yin Zhi laugh so hard he almost fell over.
Tong Wanyan took out a handkerchief and wrapped up the dates that Yin'e had given her.
Yin'e was speechless after being rebuked by Yin Zhi: "I'm ignoring you. Ninth Brother, let's go back and wash the dates to eat."
This place is close to the campsite, so the young princes don't have to worry about getting lost on their way back.
It was getting late, so Yinreng, Yinzhi, and Yinzhen each led their wives back home.
Yinzhi and Dong'e Hailan left first. Before leaving, Dong'e Hailan made an appointment with Tong Wanyan to continue the next day.
Yinti and Yinqi, who did not bring any concubines, rode away side by side.
The once bustling place gradually came to an end as everyone returned home, leaving only Tong Wanyan, Yinreng, Yinzhen, and Ulanara Fanghui.
Yinzhen pursed his lips and stared intently at his young wife.
He had seen the young princess riding a horse gracefully from afar, which made his heart pound.
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