27 Embrace
◎He doesn't allow me to hug others◎
The four men chose their horses, saddled them, led out their own horses and rode them, rushing into the racecourse.
The simplest competition was to see who could reach the finish line first. However, while the game was about winning or losing, when the race actually started, Wu Guanyi clearly concealed his strength, deliberately landing near Liu Yu'er.
Yan Qi was worried about Bai Long and always stayed by Wei Ziyan's side.
Therefore, the "2-2" doubles match actually turned into a "1-1" singles match, with only Liu Yu'er and Wei Ziyan competing with all their might.
At first, Wei Ziyan took the lead thanks to her experience, but after halfway through, Bai Long's stamina was clearly lacking, and he was overtaken by Liu Yu'er's swift pace. No matter how hard she tried, Bai Long just couldn't get any faster.
In the end, Liu Yuer and Wu Guanyi arrived at the finish line almost at the same time, and a moment later, it was Wei Ziyan and Yan Qizhen.
Wu Guanyi, for once, didn't tease Wei Ziyan about her "unusual riding skills," but instead mocked Yan Qizheng's horse. Yan Qizheng then protested, and the two men engaged in a one-on-one duel.
The outcome was too close to call, and another hurdle race was held.
This was more interesting than simply competing in speed. After changing the venue, Wei Ziyan and Liu Yu'er reined in their horses and watched the competition with great interest from the sidelines.
Both young masters were military commanders with excellent horse riding skills. Every time they jumped over the hurdle, Wei Ziyan couldn't help but applaud.
Seeing that both sides were cheering for her, Liu Yu'er couldn't help but ask with a smile: "Who do you hope will win?"
"It doesn't matter who wins..." Wei Ziyan rolled her eyes and asked with a smile, "Sister Liu, are you hoping that Master Wu will win?"
"No."
Wei Ziyan continued, "Sister Liu, what do you think of Mr. Wu Er? He's not a stranger."
After a moment of stunned silence, Liu Yu'er smiled faintly, "How much are you looking forward to my marriage? Putting everything else aside, how can a commoner like me marry into the family of a Shangshu?"
"But what if Young Master Wu..."
"There's no such thing as a chance." Guessing what she was about to say, Liu Yu'er interrupted her thoughts first.
"The last thing wealthy families care about is their children's personal affairs. The more powerful they are, the more they calculate and weigh their interests. What's the point of letting a worthless person like me in? Do you think I'm easy to bully?"
This may sound strange and uncomfortable, but we have to admit that it is true.
In the distance, the two had already reached the finish line, then turned back and ran towards their direction. Wei Ziyan felt a little disappointed that her plan had failed, so she whipped her horse and ran into the hurdle race.
"Zi Yan—" Liu Yu'er called from behind, "Can you hurdle?"
"meeting!"
Brother Zhao had taught her how to ride a horse and jump over hurdles, but she had rarely had the chance to practice. She had just seen it and was itching to try it. Now that she was here, wouldn't it be a shame not to try?
Wei Ziyan started running on the white dragon, but the white dragon was timid. It stopped in front of a low fence and did not dare to jump.
"coward!"
Right after she finished scolding, this guy actually snorted back at her, a loud "thump--" sound.
Haha, Wei Ziyan was not convinced.
"drive--"
Wei Ziyan pinched its belly again, forcing it to start running and jumping again. Unexpectedly, this actually angered the proud princess. Bai Long braked and raised his hoof high, almost throwing her off the horse!
Wei Ziyan raised her whip and lashed at Bai Long's butt: "You have such a bad temper, you can't be criticized at all!"
Unexpectedly, this slap made the white dragon even more furious, and he spread his hooves and ran wildly towards the flat road next to him - running even harder than in the previous race.
Wei Ziyan was shaken so much by the horse that she had to lower her body, hold the reins tightly with both hands, and clamp her legs tightly around the horse's belly.
The sound of wind blew into her ears, and amidst the shouting, someone was calling her name.
Wei Ziyan was lost in thought, thinking back to a long time ago when that person descended from the sky and stopped the raging horse for her...
"Zi Yan——"
On the racecourse, three figures were seen galloping towards the same destination from different directions.
Yan Qi was the first to bear the brunt of the attack. He had already untied the rope tied to the horse's back, ready to lasso the mad Bai Long.
However, before he could get close, the white dragon gradually slowed down, let out an irritated roar, and swayed and jumped, as if it was determined to throw the person off its back.
Wei Ziyan had already used all her strength to fight it, and now it was shaking her dizzy. In desperation, the emergency method that Brother Zhao had taught her popped into her mind.
"Instead of being thrown off by a mad horse, it's better to try to dismount yourself..."
So, quickly recalling the steps in her mind, Wei Ziyan grabbed the reins, hooked one foot into the stirrup, and rolled halfway off the horse. Then, her hands and feet broke free from the reins and stirrups, and she rolled to the ground.
"Wei Ziyan!" This scene made Yan Qizheng's heart suddenly tighten on horseback.
He wasn't far away, but he couldn't see clearly. He thought she had fallen off her horse and was almost trampled by Bai Long's hooves...
Yan Qi was watching with fear and only breathed a sigh of relief after Bai Long ran past her.
Who knew that what happened next was even more thrilling! Bai Long, who had just run away, suddenly turned around and rushed back towards Wei Ziyan on the ground -
"White Dragon——" Yan Qizheng shouted.
Just as she managed to steady herself on the ground, she looked up and saw the white dragon charging towards her. She was stunned. She tried to get up from the ground, but her legs wouldn't obey her.
Wei Ziyan was panicked and stared wide-eyed in confusion.
The horse's hooves kicked up dust as it raced towards her. At the critical moment, the noose in Yan Qizheng's hand slipped free and flew out, firmly encircling Bai Long's neck.
The white dragon, being pulled backwards with great force, roared furiously again and raised its front hooves high right under Wei Ziyan's eyes. She was so frightened that she rolled over twice on the ground in panic, completely frightened out of her wits by it.
"Zi Yan..."
When Yan Qizheng turned over and got off the horse, he appeared in front of Wei Ziyan like a savior. Just as he stretched out his hand to help her up, she threw herself into his arms.
Wei Ziyan was like a frightened child, clinging tightly to the support that brought her back to safety.
"Don't be afraid, it's okay..." Yan Qizheng put his arms around her chest and gently stroked her back: "It's okay, it's okay..."
The familiar voice entered Wei Ziyan's ears, waking her from her panic as if from a dream. She then realized that she was actually hugging Yan Qizhen's waist.
Like a conditioned reflex, Wei Ziyan suddenly broke away from his arms and sat back on the ground.
"I, I'm just scared..." She stammered to explain, and the fear in her eyes was unclear whether it was from just now or now.
Yan Qizhen felt cold in his heart, but his tone remained unchanged.
"I can see it," he whispered.
It was a subconscious action in panic, so he didn't think she was throwing herself into someone's arms. However, Yan Qizheng inexplicably thought of another layer - if Wu Guanyi arrived first, would she have also thrown herself at him?
"Next time, look carefully and don't hug everyone you see."
This unexpected incident not only frightened Wei Ziyan, but also the other three people. Since the horses were no longer rideable, Wei Ziyan and Liu Yuer changed into women's clothes and emerged. Wu Guanyi invited everyone to go to Qingfeng Pavilion for some drinks to calm their nerves.
Before leaving, Wei Ziyan was still thinking about Bai Long and went to the stable again.
The white dragon had completely calmed down by this point, silently chewing hay with its head lowered. Wei Ziyan didn't dare to provoke it for the time being, and only glanced at it from a distance with a hint of lingering satisfaction.
Anyone could see her reluctance to part with it, so Yan Qizheng said generously, "Since you like it so much, Bailong will be given to you."
"Really?" Wei Ziyan was delighted, but immediately felt something was wrong.
How could she take away Yan Qizhen's treasure?
"No, no, I'll just take a look. It doesn't like me much anyway."
As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Long snorted as if in response, causing everyone to laugh and sweeping away the shadow just now.
Wu Guanyi was surprised: "It dropped you, and you're still so surprised?"
“Who taught it to look so beautiful?”
Wu Guanyi: “…”
"Also, it wasn't Bailong who threw me down. I got down here on my own." Wei Ziyan didn't forget to defend her riding skills, demonstrating the emergency measures she used.
Wu Guanyi just praised her "amazing" after hearing this, but was interrupted by Yan Qizheng: "Don't compliment her carelessly, this method is too risky!"
"You are lucky today. If the white dragon had taken a wrong step, or if I had restrained it a little later, have you thought about the consequences?" Yan Qizhen was "teaching" her a lesson in a serious tone.
"Next time you encounter something like this, stay calm and stay on horseback until help arrives. Don't jump off your horse unless it's absolutely necessary."
Wei Ziyan was a little unhappy when she heard this. How could she be considered careless? Wu Guanyi, the fence-sitter, also followed Yan Qizheng's lead and changed his tune, saying that her horsemanship was still in its infancy and that it was indeed inappropriate to act rashly.
He also said her instructor was unqualified, having taught her such a dangerous dismount without providing proper instructions. He then asked her which horse farm her instructor worked for and threatened to find him for a lecture...
Wei Ziyan was even more displeased. When she entered the restaurant and ordered food, she chose the most expensive dishes.
Qingfeng Pavilion, the most elegant restaurant in Liangjing, was renowned for its twelve delicacies and a variety of exquisite wines. As the most famous restaurant, prices were naturally high, including the musicians, which were twice as high as those at other restaurants.
Wei Ziyan ordered the top-quality pipa and guqin in succession without hesitation. Wu Guanyi realized that he had offended this petty sister-in-law again.
Receiving his friend's inquiring gaze, Yan Qizhen curled the corners of his lips helplessly.
She was probably still upset about being denied equestrianism.
He was a little surprised by her insistence on this. But if she was interested in learning horsemanship, he could teach her more in the future...
Yan Qi was still lost in thought when a dispute suddenly broke out in front of him.
It turned out that Liu Yu'er had just arrived in Liangjing and had never visited Qingfeng Pavilion. She also owed Wu Guanyi a favor, so she wanted to treat him to a meal to repay the favor.
Wei Ziyan disagreed, and Wu Guanyi was even more unwilling. How could a girl spend money on just a meal?
Liu Yu'er smiled faintly: "Second Master Wu, are you worried that Yu'er can't afford it?"
Her family was in business, and while she might still be well off, she was still living under someone else's roof, and in Liangjing, it was only a matter of time before her savings ran out. Arguing with her about spending money on a meal was incredibly sensitive and thought-provoking.
"How can that be? I finally got a favor from Miss Liu, how could I be willing to waste it on a meal?" Wu Guanyi was afraid that she would think wrongly, so he spoke urgently, his face flushed with anxiety.
After blurting it out, Wu Guanyi realized his gaffe and felt extremely regretful. Could it be that she, with her icy intelligence, couldn't she see through his hidden thoughts?
Wu Guanyi lowered his head, not daring to look at Liu Yuer's reaction, but he didn't want to hear her smile again.
"It seems that Mr. Wu has other plans. However, Yu'er is a woman, and other than treating us to a meal, I'm afraid I can't rely on her for anything else."
Wu Guanyi's heart skipped a beat, sensing a sense of distance in his words. He hoped to end things with him sooner rather than later. Unsure of how to respond, he resorted to secretly kicking his friend under the table.
But he used too much force and kicked Yan Qi's crossed legs away, which happened to hurt Wei Ziyan who was standing next to him.
Yan Qizhen first glared at Wu Guanyi, then turned around and met Wei Ziyan's questioning look, "Why did you kick me?"
"you......"
"When are you planning on coming back?" Yan Qizheng interrupted her, distracting her. "Bai Er barks in the house every day, and he doesn't seem happy even if you chase him away."
Without giving her a chance to answer, he said, "You've spoiled it."
“…”
Wei Ziyan looked puzzled.
"I just played with it for three days."
"Three days isn't enough?" Yan Qizheng's eyes tightened, his anger justified. "White Ear understands human nature and remembers past ties. You pampered it for a few days and then abandoned it. It thought it was abandoned and is heartbroken every day."
“…”
Wei Ziyan was skeptical, and spoke as if Bai'er was as confused as a child.
Wu Guanyi coughed to chime in, "Some pets are indeed very mischievous. They like their owners to be around them and coax them, but if they're ignored, they'll get mad and throw tantrums."
He resumed his usual casual tone and pointed at Yan Qizheng: "Look at his Bai Er and Bai Long, which one is easier to take care of? Each one has a more stubborn temper than the other. Apart from their pleasing appearance, don't expect them to be docile and obedient."
Wei Ziyan had a different perspective: "It's boring to be too docile and obedient. There's no satisfaction in being tamed."
"That's right." Yan Qizhen agreed.
Seeing them walking one after the other, Wu Guanyi chuckled: "You two seem to have similar interests."
As they spoke, the waiter served tea and snacks, completely dispelling the awkwardness. Then, two slender, elegant musicians entered, exchanged greetings, and began playing the popular "Spring River Moon Night."
As expected of Qingfeng Pavilion's top performer, the melody of the pipa and guqin was distinct yet harmoniously integrated. The four paused in conversation, savoring the melodious and soothing guqin music while enjoying their tea and snacks.
After the song was finished, the musician played "Shui Tiao Ge Tou" again.
This piece of music is based on a ci poem that has been passed down to this day. The entire piece is filled with the contrast between the prosperity of the past and the decline of the present, which makes people sigh with regret. The last two lines are especially sad and desolate.
The mountains and rivers are filled with tears, how long can the wealth and glory last?
There are no more birds on the Fen River now, only wild geese flying every autumn.
Although the lyrics are sad, the melody is gentle and moving, which is why it is quite popular in restaurants. Diners just look for a good song as background, but those who truly understand music will carefully explore the story behind the song.
Not long after listening to the prelude, Wei Ziyan frowned and called for the performance to stop.
"Miss, you don't like this song. Do you want to change it?" It was unknown whether the top musician, who was interrupted abruptly, had any emotion, but at least he maintained a gentlemanly and calm expression.
At first, Wei Ziyan wanted them to change, but now she felt that changing would seem deliberate, so she pretended to touch her forehead and said, "Sorry, I suddenly have a headache and don't want to listen to the song anymore."
Wu Guanyi: “…”
You spent so much money to hire the top performer, and you send her away just because she says she doesn’t want to hear it?
"These musicians keep playing the same few songs over and over again, and it's so awkward and unpleasant to listen to." Wei Ziyan said shamelessly, "Why don't I help liven up the atmosphere?"
"You can also play the pipa?" Wu Guanyi didn't quite believe it.
"I, the daughter of the Wei family, can do more than just play the pipa."
Not only Wu Guanyi, but Yan Qizheng was also quite surprised.
In his stereotype, how could she be related to the arts of calligraphy, painting, chess, and music that ladies of noble families are good at?
Wei Ziyan was truly in the mood and ordered the waiter. A moment later, the waiter brought the pipa. Wei Ziyan sat down on the musician's chair, holding the instrument. As the strings plucked, a light and flowing melody flowed out.
"Yangchun Baixue." Liu Yuer pointed out the title of the song, her eyes shining slightly.
"Miss Liu is also an expert?" Wu Guanyi didn't expect.
Liu Yu'er modestly said, "I just really like this song."
The melody of "Spring Snow" is fresh and smooth, and the rhythm is lively and brisk. It makes people feel the passing of winter and the arrival of spring, the melting of ice and snow, the revival of the earth, and the vitality of all things.
Compared to the "Song of Water Melody" which makes people think of the melancholy "How long can the wealth and glory last?", this "Spring Snow" gives people hope and happiness.
The depression in Liu Yuer's heart was swept away, and she suddenly understood why her good sister suddenly had a "headache".
In addition to being grateful, Liu Yuer was also in high spirits and wanted to play a piece of "Yangchun Baixue" to her heart's content.
Wei Ziyan was overjoyed and quickly sent for a guqin. The two sisters played a section each, then a section together, separating and joining in, letting the pipa and guqin each take center stage and supporting each other.
The two people sometimes lowered their heads in concentration, and sometimes looked at each other tacitly, with happy and bright smiles on their faces.
The notes flowing from their fingertips are ups and downs, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes crystal clear like pearls falling on a plate, or sonorous and passionate like soldiers rushing to the battlefield.
Although his skills were not as good as those of the top musicians, his playing was more than enough to fool laymen. The waiter who came to the private room to serve the dishes was stunned and reluctant to move.
Wu Guanyi was filled with admiration and kept clapping his hands in applause. It was the first time he saw Liu Yuer laugh so happily, and he couldn't help but be infected by her smile.
"Your wife may be noisy, but..." Wu Guanyi leaned close to his friend's ear and said sincerely, "But the effect today is really good!"
Yan Qizhen slightly curled the corners of his lips, his eyes gentle.
Although he was a military general, he was also a tutor to the crown prince. He had a wide range of interests and was knowledgeable about music and law.
"Song of Water Melody" is soothing and relaxing for ordinary people, but for people like Liu Yu'er who have experienced the ups and downs of their family, listening to it will only increase their sadness.
If my guess is correct, Wei Ziyan seemed to be making a fuss by sending the musician away and taking his place, but in fact, she did so because she didn't want others to be sad.
This little girl is not completely heartless, she also knows how to be considerate of others.
only……
Yan Qizhen felt a little sad. When would she understand his feelings?
It had been a while since she had been able to enjoy herself so fully, and Wei Ziyan on stage couldn't stop. After finishing the song "Yangchun Baixue", she went to the table to enjoy a delicious meal, and then pulled Liu Yuer to continue playing the next song.
This time it was her turn to play the piano, while Liu Yuer held the pipa, and the two of them performed another piece of "Zhaojun Goes to the Frontier".
This piece of music was grand and heroic, inspiring not only those who listened to it but also those who performed it. After the piece was finished, Wei Ziyan repeatedly clamored for a drink.
At first, she was self-aware and stopped at just a few sips after being reminded by Yan Qizheng. But now, she was in the mood, how could she be generous without wine?
And this wine is the famous "Luofuchun" of Qingfeng Pavilion!
Gold is easy to get, but Luofu is hard to find.
You can’t drink good wine anytime you come!
When Miss Wei gets headstrong, Master Wei is the only one who can control her. So, when Yan Qizheng refused to give her the wine jug, Wei Ziyan retorted, "Why are you meddling in everything like my father?"
Yan Qi was choked by the words, which made Wu Guanyi laugh out loud and Liu Yuer smile.
Seeing that she didn't know what was good for her, Yan Qizheng simply gave up. Wei Ziyan got the wine pot as she wished and happily drank with Liu Yuer, but after a few drinks, she started talking nonsense.
"Sister Liu... Life is tough for women in this world. It's not easy to be alone..."
"Sister Liu...I will definitely help you find your ideal husband..."
Liu Yu'er's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly reached out to cover her mouth: "Master Yan, Zi Yan is drunk, can you help take her home?"
"If I don't go home..." Wei Ziyan pushed her hand away: "Daddy will scold me..."
Wu Guanyi laughed at the side: "I know I will be scolded, but I don't seem to be drunk yet."
“I’m not drunk…” Wei Ziyan shook her head blankly, “I’m not drunk…”
Yan Qi couldn't bear to watch this anymore, so he stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and pulled her up. Wei Ziyan felt dizzy and unsteady, stumbling and falling onto his chest.
"You still say you're not drunk?"
"father......"
Being called "Dad" suddenly gave Yan Qi goosebumps all over his body.
"Who is your father?"
Wei Ziyan raised her head and squinted at him drunkenly: "Oh, it's Yan Qizheng... He was the one who allowed me to drink..."
Yan Qi was so angry that he couldn't help laughing. He poked her forehead with his finger and said, "Did I allow you to drink?"
"Don't hit me, I feel dizzy..." She covered her forehead.
"Serves you right. You never learned your lesson!"
"You bullied me again..."
Wu Guanyi finally couldn't stand it anymore. How could someone act like a spoiled brat when drunk? He urged Yan Qizheng: "You'd better take this lady back home quickly!"
Seeing Yan Qi was about to leave, Liu Yu'er also stood up and said, "Master Yan, you can use my carriage."
"and you?"
"It's okay," Wu Guanyi patted his chest, "I'll take Miss Liu there later."
Seeing that Liu Yu'er had no objection, Yan Qizhen carried Wei Ziyan horizontally in his arms, and they went downstairs together.
Wei Ziyan was placed in the carriage in a daze. She looked at Liu Yu'er outside in a daze: "Sister Liu, why... don't you get in the carriage?"
Liu Yu'er replied with a smile: "Master Yan will take you home."
"oh……"
Wu Guanyi whispered to his friend, "The opportunity has come. Don't send it to the wrong place."
Yan Qizheng gave him a look that said, "Would I be that stupid?", but the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up slightly. He had thought he wouldn't be able to pick anyone up today, but unexpectedly, after a series of haphazard attempts, he still ended up in his hands.
After getting on the carriage, Yan Qizheng told the driver where to go. People in the carriage were lying all over the place, so Yan Qizheng leaned in and sat next to her, holding her waist and letting her lean against him.
The carriage was shaking, and Wei Ziyan was drowsy in the safe embrace.
When the carriage arrived at the gate of Yan Mansion, Yan Qi was about to carry her out of the car when Wei Ziyan opened her sleepy eyes, tugged at his sleeve and asked, "Who are you?", as if she was afraid that the person in front of her was a bad guy.
"I'm Yan Qizhen." There was no need for him to argue with someone who was unconscious.
"Oh..." She finally let go and murmured, "Then I can hug you..."
Yan Qizheng felt an inexplicable shock in his heart.
"Others...are not allowed to hug?"
"oh......"
"Why?"
"Because..." Wei Ziyan's voice was intermittent, "Because he doesn't allow me...to hug others..."
“…”
Fine! Yan Qizheng gritted his teeth and thought magnanimously: In any case, she is more sensible than before and knows how to be obedient. It is worth his painstaking efforts to coax her back home.
In fact, as long as you go along with her, this little girl is not too difficult to coax.
When she slowly discovers his good points, will she still want to part ways with him amicably?
"He is a very stingy person..." However, the person nestled in his arms was still muttering and chattering.
"I get angry when I don't obey..."
"cannot......"
"To make him angry..."
"I......"
"I'm still waiting to talk to him..."
"What about divorce..."
…………
【Author’s words】
Stingy people are going to be angry! The consequences are "serious"! [Angry]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
