Chapter 32 Praying that this moment is enough.
These words, coming from Jiang Xu's mouth, undoubtedly sounded even more tempting, as if this promise could bring her everything she wanted.
Shi Wan gazed intently into the distance. A gentle night breeze stirred, and the sounds of bustling voices and neighing horses gradually seeped in. For a fleeting moment, she hesitated to delve into the meaning behind the other person's words.
But Jiang Xu often spoke in ambiguity, saying one thing and then concealing another...
Coming to her senses, she said, "I believe you." Jiang Xu's riding skills must be top-notch, so even with her as a "burden," it probably wouldn't be a problem.
At night, the horse ranch was surrounded by torches lit by the soldiers, forming a starry sky, with the scent of burning mugwort all around. After a brief exchange, the two waited on the side with the other participants.
Near the hitching post, several warhorses were led over by their keepers for the contestants to choose from. Shi Wan didn't understand these things, but she knew that horses varied in quality, and choosing a poor-quality one would likely be a hindrance.
She hurriedly said, "Take a closer look and see which one you choose!"
Seeing her lively expression, as if she were ready to get started, Jiang Xu smiled and said, "Let's see which color you like?"
Is this about color? This person...
“Here.” Shi Wan casually pointed to a yellow horse. Anyway, Jiang Xu had asked her to choose one. If she was unlucky and picked a bad one, then she would only have herself to suffer.
To everyone's surprise, Jiang Xu's smile widened when he saw that she had chosen that horse. "You certainly know how to pick one."
These words were neither praise nor criticism. Before Shi Wan could figure out what they meant, Jiang Xu led her onto the horse. As soon as they were seated, a few breaths later, a horn sounded, and instantly, the two of them rode the Tele Biao like an arrow released from a bow.
Those who are confident enough to participate in such competitions, besides those who want to show off and win some good luck, also include many with outstanding riding skills. In particular, these people make a living on horseback all year round, and if we only talk about riding, they are not much different from Jiang Xu.
Two people were close behind, while three horses galloped away, leaving the others far behind.
Shi Wan was startled and couldn't help but look up in the direction of his wrist. She saw the man suddenly turn to the side, take out a handful of sesame seeds from the saddle bag hanging on his body, and throw them into the air.
The seeds tumbled in the wind, mingling with the fragrance of mugwort, instantly dazzling the eyes of those chasing behind.
"What is this?" Shi Wan asked softly.
Hearing the beauty's curiosity, Jiang Xu, with his mind on two things at once, replied, "This is a common trick used in military campaigns. If they encounter pursuers, they will use this trick."
In border areas, most households keep a lot of sesame seeds on hand, so it's not surprising that Jiang Xu could take out such a small handful.
The wind howled, and soon the finish line, the vine bridge, was within reach.
As she neared the finish line, Shi Wan suddenly felt a chill at her temple.
After crossing the finish line, she belatedly realized that she had gently touched something. The soft touch revealed that Jiang Xu had picked some wildflowers along the way and pinned them diagonally in her hair.
She had been distracted for most of the way, but now that she had won first place, the crowd around her immediately cheered and congratulated her. When Jiang Xu returned after receiving his reward, he naturally helped her up, his large hand loosely encircling her waist to shield her from the amazed gazes of several men around them.
Shi Wan was unaware of Jiang Xu's thoughts. She subconsciously disliked being the center of attention and unconsciously tugged at the sleeve of the person next to her, signaling him to hurry up and leave.
Having achieved their goal, Jiang Xu felt it would be impolite to refuse. The two continued on their way and came to see a babbling brook with the lantern boats of soldiers from various camps floating on its surface.
This was the last place Shi Wan had mentioned to him that she wanted to visit. Upon learning that they were going to release lanterns, she quickly returned to a state of excitement and joy.
Jiang Xu saw this and took the initiative to collect all the necessary items for setting off the lanterns, while negotiating with the person in charge.
Shi Wan stood a few steps behind Jiang Xu and watched as he carefully selected the lantern boat and brought her paper and pen. She felt it was a dreamlike experience.
This person is truly fickle.
If you go along with him, it's as if he'll pluck the stars from the sky. But if things don't go his way, you'll suffer no matter how ruthless the treatment, whether it's mental or physical.
Although Jiang Xu did not explicitly mention that matter, Shi Wan knew perfectly well that the two of them would eventually have to deal with it.
She was lost in thought when she suddenly heard Jiang Xu call her. She looked up and saw that the man looked serious. Compared to the previous two times, the look of inquiry in his eyes was much stronger this time. "I thought you were not used to it, so I specially brought you out for a trip."
Why are you the one who seems so listless and distracted these days?
He was determined not to let her off easily and asked, "What are you thinking about?" Seeing that Wan'er was just looking down in fear, pursing her lips and remaining silent, he chuckled softly, "Wan'er."
"You...you're not so afraid of me anymore, are you?"
As if to confirm Jiang Xu's words, Shi Wan realized with a start that she was indeed not afraid at all. At least, she was no longer afraid of Jiang Xu in this state.
Some even became arrogant and spoiled.
Shi Wan felt a little guilty, quite startled by the sudden thought that had popped into her mind. She quickly took the paper and pen and said, "It's nothing. I just felt that I saw many sights that I had never seen before today, which was quite novel."
"Isn't it that seeing this scene reminds me of the past?" Jiang Xu said meaningfully.
Shi Wan forced herself to remain calm and said, "No."
This answer clearly did not satisfy Jiang Xu, but he didn't say anything in the end. He simply tapped the paper in her hand with his pen and said, "Write down your wish."
At the edge of the stream, the remaining stars and moonlight blended into an amber halo.
Shi Wan was writing with utmost concentration. When she noticed that Jiang Xu seemed to be peeking, she quickly dodged slightly. As they went back and forth, the hairpin in her hair trembled slightly. The beauty smiled, naturally restraining her intoxication. Unsurprisingly, it caused his gaze to linger for a few moments.
Shi Wan was completely unaware, focusing solely on making her wish, her voice clear and gentle, mingling with the voices of people talking not far away.
Each word, carefully chosen, says, "I hope I can..."
"All my requests have been fulfilled."
"All your requests have been fulfilled?" Jiang Xu was taken aback, his thoughts unconsciously following her words.
What he wants now...
Jiang Xu's gaze did not waver at all, remaining focused on the figure in front of him. Then, he also gently closed his eyes and silently made a wish.
On the water, the bells hanging from the corners of the lanterns jingled crisply in the night breeze, their melodious chimes carrying on the stream for a moment.
Upon seeing this, Shi Wan suddenly remembered that the beaded ornaments on her clothes were also like this, and couldn't help but smile.
As night deepened, lanterns scattered around the stream lit up one by one. Soaked in tung oil, they reflected off the water, making it sparkle. Combined with the various shapes of the lanterns, the scene appeared even more warm and peaceful.
Standing by the stream, their shadows were stretched infinitely long by the moonlight, and from a distance, they looked like a pair of lovers intertwined.
That's enough.
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Author's note: Best wishes to this young couple, each with their own thoughts and feelings. [rose emoji]
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