The grass grows tall and the orioles sing, the fish live in the shallow waters. Time flies by, and it's already March. Fourth Master is still mostly staying in the villa. On this day, the weather is fine, and Fourth Master says he will take Lanqin to see the azaleas.
"Master, can't we really take Xichen and Wuxiha with us?" Lanqin was changing clothes with Nianxue and Xicha's help. She finally took off her thick cotton robe and put on a single-layer cheongsam made of grass-green Shu satin, the kind with slits on both sides. However, Nianxue was afraid that Lanqin would be cold, so she specially added a layer of moon-white cotton shoulder pads for her.
"The two little ones are too young, it'll be cold in the woods. Let's not let them come along. And you, you'll need to wear a cotton shawl, in case it gets cold in the forest." Fourth Master had already changed out of his cotton robe and into a single-layered robe. He wore a dark brown robe with a strange mountain bird pattern on it, not outlined with bright silk thread, but with a faint layer of beige silk thread, which looked truly luxurious against the dark brown robe.
"Master is so handsome!" Lanqin couldn't help but praise. Nianxue and Xicha both smiled, no longer surprised that Lanqin praised the Fourth Master so directly.
"Of course!" Fourth Master surprisingly cooperated, and said with a bright and cheerful expression.
"Master, what does the spring azalea look like? Is it the same as the rhododendron?" Lanqin couldn't help but ask curiously.
"It should be a type of azalea, but this flower blooms even earlier than azaleas. I found it in that mountain forest; it hasn't been found anywhere else," Fourth Master said.
"Then today I will ride a horse myself, riding Rouge," Lanqin said. You see, although she had ridden into the mountains and forests a few days ago, she had to entertain so many people, so she was not relaxed and could not enjoy herself to the fullest. Now, it was just the Fourth Prince and her. Lanqin felt wonderful just thinking about it. Finally, she could have a date with the Fourth Prince alone.
Once both of them were ready, the Fourth Master only brought four or five guards, and didn't bring any of Lanqin's maids. He only ordered the guards to bring dry food and water, and then they all mounted their horses and rode off.
Lanqin was still wearing a snow-white cotton cloak with acacia flowers. She was riding on Rouge, whose skin was golden yellow, and she looked incredibly delicate and refreshing.
"My lord, you run ahead, and I'll follow behind. I feel like having a pleasant race." Lanqin rode on Rouge, the morning sun shining on her delicate profile, gilding it with a golden edge and making her features shimmer. For a moment, the Fourth Prince was captivated by her beauty. Since giving birth to Wuxiha, Lanqin seemed even more charming than before, every gesture exuding a mature and alluring aura.
"Alright, you follow me. You all follow behind the concubine." The Fourth Prince said to Lanqin, and then to the guards.
Immediately, Fourth Master mounted the all-black Mu Xue and galloped off. Lan Qin pulled on the reins, her legs tightly gripping Rouge's belly, and scolded, "Rouge, run!" Then she lashed the horse's rump with her whip.
Rouge let out a frustrated roar and then spurred her horse into a gallop. The guards behind her, all riding tall black horses, followed suit. In an instant, several fine horses carrying several people raced swiftly across the verdant grassland, up the hillside that connected to the mountains and forests.
The group ran freely with the horses. Lanqin felt a sense of exhilaration and comfort. When she felt a slight sweat on her back, Fourth Master in front of her slowed down. After all, one cannot run fast in the mountains and forests. There are branches everywhere, and one could easily be blocked.
"There's a small spring over there, let's go there and let the horses drink some water," Fourth Master said to Lanqin behind him.
So, the group slowed their pace, following the Fourth Master on horseback, and came to a stream in the mountains. The horses, which had been galloping for nearly an hour, were panting heavily and became restless at the sight of water. The Fourth Master had already instructed the guards to rest where they were, and entrusted his and Lanqin's horses to the guards to water them. He then took a walk hand in hand with Lanqin along the stream.
"My lord, I had a wonderful time today. Horse riding is truly a joyful activity. I want to ride more often in the future." Lanqin's face was flushed, showing that the hour-long run had warmed her up.
"Yes, you must not enter this forest alone, at any time. Understand?" Fourth Master said.
"Hmm. Even if you ask me to come in, I wouldn't dare." Lanqin smiled as she stood by the stream, gazing into the distance.
"Master, look what those flowers are! They're so beautiful!" Lanqin suddenly spotted a vast expanse of white flowers in the distance and pulled Fourth Master aside to ask.
Fourth Master looked in the direction Lanqin pointed and said with an expression of disbelief, "I didn't expect there to be such a patch of azaleas here."
Lanqin tilted her head and said happily, "These are azaleas? They're so beautiful, Grandpa. May I come closer to take a look?"
Fourth Master said, "Those flowers look close, but who knows how far away they are from here. Let's ride our horses and stand here to see them, shall we?"
Lanqin felt a little regretful, but looking at the vast expanse of white flowers, she felt that she had never seen such beautiful azaleas before.
The Fourth Prince had his guards bring their mounts over. He personally presented Lanqin with rouge, and then mounted Muxue himself. The two of them stood in the stream, looking at a sea of flowers in the distance.
The guards dared not approach, leaving this precious space for the two of them to be alone.
"Master, will you accompany Qin'er to see these azaleas every year?" Lanqin said emotionally.
“Alright, but if I’m not here, then it might not be possible. As long as I’m by your side, I will definitely come and watch with you,” Fourth Master said.
"Master, will we be gone for a long time this time? Lanqin will miss you, what should we do?" Lanqin understood the meaning behind Fourth Master's words.
"I will write to you regularly. After I go on the expedition with Father Emperor, you will live in this villa with the children. She won't bother you, and you shouldn't provoke her. Wait for me to return. Understand?" Fourth Prince said, gazing at the sea of flowers.
Tears suddenly welled up in Lanqin's eyes, and she felt a sudden pang of sadness at parting. Although Fourth Master was still by her side, the thought of being separated for so long was unbearable for Lanqin.
Seeing that Lanqin remained silent, Fourth Master glanced at the little woman and noticed the mist in her eyes. He immediately felt a pang of heartache.
"Master, promise Lanqin that you must protect yourself no matter what. Also, I want Doctor Liang to go with you," Lanqin suddenly said.
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