A stunning sight on horseback
In late spring, when the grass grows and the birds sing, it is the perfect time to play polo in Chang'an. The Prince of Yongkang's mansion sent an invitation, inviting the ladies of the Wen family to watch the match at the Royal Polo Field in the west of the city.
Upon learning this, Wen Xiang'er pestered her mother to make her a new set of riding and archery attire in the style of the Hu (non-Han ethnic group). To Xuanji's surprise, Madam Wen smiled and prepared a set for her as well. It was a narrow-sleeved Hu-style robe in begonia red, paired with matching trousers and a pair of soft lambskin boots, both neat and elegant.
“Since we’re going to watch polo, let’s do as the Romans do and wear something inexpensive,” Madam Wen said gently. Wen Xiang’er had already changed into her primrose riding outfit and was looking at herself in the mirror when she heard this. She skipped over and circled around Xuanji, her eyes sparkling as she exclaimed, “Sister Xuanji, you look so beautiful in red!” She then tugged at her own clothes and said proudly, “Mine looks good too! Mother, don’t we look like female generals going to war?”
The polo field was set on a wide-open grassy field, with colorful flags fluttering all around and the stands separated by sheer curtains. The air was filled with the scent of grass and earth.
Xuanji followed Madam Wen to her seat and was immediately drawn to the scene before her. Several fine horses were carrying their riders as they warmed up, the riders all dressed in embroidered robes with flared hips and holding crescent-shaped red lacquered clubs.
"Look! That's Senior Brother Du!" Wen Xiang'er exclaimed, pointing to a snow-white steed in the arena. Du Mubai was dressed in a moon-white riding outfit, his face as handsome as jade.
"And Senior Brother Lu!" Xuanji also saw it. Lu Jingxiu was riding a chestnut horse and talking to Li Yi, who was dressed in indigo riding clothes.
"Senior Brother Li actually came too?" Wen Xiang'er whispered in Xuanji's ear, "Doesn't he always say that these frivolous pursuits are a waste of time and energy?"
The opening gong sounds! The referee tosses the crimson lacquered wooden ball into the air—the match begins!
Several horses galloped off simultaneously, chasing the ball like colorful clouds! Hooves flew, grass clippings scattered, and clubs clashed. Xuanji's heart pounded. She saw Du Mubai skillfully feint past his opponent and Lu Jingxiu precisely support and cover for him. Li Yi, unlike Du Mubai, didn't show off his skills. His judgment was accurate, his movements concise and effective, and his strikes were incredibly powerful. The red ball, after being swung by his club, shot towards the goal like a meteor.
A mixture of amazement, admiration, and an indescribable thrill spread through Xuanji's heart. She too longed for that freedom of riding the wind.
Since returning from the polo field, the thunderous sound of galloping hooves seemed to still resonate in Xuanji's heart. She mustered her courage and spoke to Madam Wen, "Master's wife, I also want to learn to ride a horse." Her voice was tinged with trepidation.
Madam Wen was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "What's so difficult about that? There are plenty of young women in Chang'an who practice riding and archery to strengthen their bodies. It's just that we need to find a reliable person to teach them." Just then, the sound of Wen Tingyun and Li Yi talking came from outside the window. Madam Wen's eyes lit up, and she called out, "Yi'er, you've come at the right time."
Li Yi entered in response, and when his gaze swept over Xuanji, he paused for a fleeting moment, almost imperceptibly.
Madam Wen smiled and said, "Youwei wants to learn to ride a horse. You are the best rider among your fellow apprentices, and you are also the most composed. Why don't you teach her?"
Xuanji's heart skipped a beat. She instinctively wanted to refuse, but didn't know how to say it.
Li Yi was clearly taken aback. He looked at Xuanji, and just when Xuanji thought he would refuse, he cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Since Master's wife has given the order, this disciple will do his best. However, riding a horse is no child's play; one must be able to endure hardship and strictly follow instructions. Can Junior Sister do it?"
These words were cold and harsh, almost in a lecturing tone. Xuanji's competitive spirit was aroused, and she raised her head to meet his gaze, answering clearly, "Yes."
Early morning, before the mist had fully dissipated, the racecourse on the outskirts of Beijing was empty and quiet. Xuanji felt both anticipation and trepidation. Li Yi was already waiting there, with two horses standing beside him. One was his magnificent black steed "Moting," and the other was his gentle chestnut mare "Chixia."
Seeing Xuanji dressed in a crimson riding outfit, she looked less elegant and more spirited than usual, exuding a different kind of charm. Li Yi said, "Junior Sister has arrived."
"Senior Brother Li." Xuanji curtsied.
“The first step is to understand the horse’s nature and approach it,” Li Yi said succinctly. “Walk towards it from the side and front, moving slowly.”
Xuanji did as instructed, gently stroking Chixia's warm neck. Chixia calmed down, even lightly nuzzling her palm. Xuanji was delighted and turned to look at Li Yi.
"Very good. Next, mount up." Li Yi demonstrated cleanly and efficiently.
When it was Xuanji's turn, he almost slipped off several times because the stirrups were too high. Li Yi didn't help him up, but only gave him instructions: "Firm footing." "Shift your weight forward." "Look straight ahead."
Xuanji gritted her teeth and finally succeeded in mounting the horse on her third attempt. Her vision suddenly opened up, a gentle breeze caressed her face, and she felt a surge of joy.
"Hold on tight." Li Yi stepped forward to adjust her stirrup position, then took the reins and led the horse to walk slowly. "Relax, feel its rhythm."
Xuanji slowly adjusted her breathing, and her tense body gradually relaxed. After circling a few times, Li Yi loosened the reins, letting her control the direction herself. "Gently pull the left rein to turn left, gently pull the right rein to go right. Gently squeeze the horse's flanks with your legs to move forward, gently pull the reins back to stop. The movements should be gentle and precise."
Xuanji carefully followed her instructions, and Chixia obediently turned and walked slowly. Having tasted the feeling of being in control for the first time, she was overjoyed and couldn't help but smile.
However, in her moment of triumph, she unconsciously mimicked a polo move, her legs spurring against the horse's flanks. Suddenly, Chixia began to trot! The jolting intensified, and Xuanji panicked, her body arching backward, nearly falling off! She pulled desperately on the reins, crying out in alarm, "Ah!"
The reins tightened painfully around the horse's mouth, and Chixia reared up, neighing and starting to thrash about restlessly!
"Let go! Bend over!" Li Yi shouted in a low voice.
But Xuanji was so frightened that he lost his composure and gripped the reins even tighter, his body swaying precariously!
At the critical moment, Li Yi darted forward, leaped up in an instant, and landed on the saddle behind Xuanji! His chest was almost pressed against her back, his arms passed through her sides, one hand snatched the reins, and the other hand steadily wrapped around her waist, holding her firmly in his arms.
"Whoa—be good, quiet!" His deep voice sounded in her ear, whether he was speaking to the horse or to her, it was unclear. Chixia sensed her master's control and quickly stopped her restlessness.
The danger was over, and the scene fell silent, save for the rapid breathing of the two people and the horse.
Xuanji was still shaken, her body trembling slightly, and she instinctively leaned against the firm chest behind her. She could clearly feel the pounding of his heartbeat on her back, rapid and powerful.
Only after ensuring her safety did Li Yi suddenly realize his situation. The girl's slender body was almost completely encircled in his arms, and through her thin spring dress, he could feel her softness and trembling. The faint fragrance of osmanthus hair oil mixed with the scent of grass and sunshine wafted into his nostrils.
His chin almost touched her tied-up hair. A strong protective instinct overwhelmed his usually cold and aloof heart.
He should have let go of her immediately. But his arm seemed to have a mind of its own, and he couldn't move it for a long time.
"No...it's alright now." His voice was hoarse and low than usual, even a little tense. "Relax, the crimson haze has calmed down."
These words seemed to be spoken to her, but they were also spoken to himself.
Xuanji nodded gently in his arms, her cheeks flushed, a mixture of shyness and lingering fear in her eyes, and replied softly, "Mm... thank you, senior brother."
Her voice was soft, tinged with a gentle fright. Li Yi's Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed the turmoil in his heart. He slowly released his arms from her waist, deftly dismounted, and avoided her gaze.
"That's all for today." He helped her down from her horse, his voice returning to its cold indifference.
After a few days, Xuanji was able to control Chixia to jog, turn, and stop on his own. Although his movements were still clumsy, he was beginning to take shape.
That day, Wen Jue also came to the racecourse to practice archery. Dressed in a neat, narrow-sleeved Hu-style robe, he drew his bow and nocked an arrow, exuding a heroic air between his brows, completely different from his usual gentle demeanor in the study. The arrow "whooshed" away from the bowstring, hitting the bullseye, drawing cheers from the servants.
Wen Jue greeted them with a smile and a wave. Xuanji hesitated for a moment before finally leading his horse toward Li Yi.
"Thank you for your patient guidance these past few days, senior brother." Her voice was soft, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the reins. "Senior brother has a heavy workload and is preparing for exams. You really shouldn't waste your time on such a trivial matter as mine."
She raised her eyes and pointed to Wen Jue, who was wiping his bowstring not far away: "I was chatting with Senior Brother Wen Jue just now and learned that he is quite knowledgeable in riding and archery. He also said that in his spare time, he often rides horses and shoots arrows to stretch his muscles and bones. I have asked him to take some time to teach me riding skills in the future, and I hope that Senior Brother will agree."
Li Yi paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the radiant Wen Jue before returning to Xuanji's face.
It turns out that the time he cherished alone these past few days was just an unavoidable "delay" for her.
He remained silent for a moment, the air around him seemed to freeze, and then said in a flat tone, "Whatever." He turned and walked away.
Xuanji was bewildered as to why Li Yi had suddenly become angry, and stared blankly as he walked away. Wen Jue had just put down his longbow and walked towards her, grinning, "Junior Sister Xuanji."
Xuanji smiled and said, "I just saw that Senior Brother's arrows never missed. I am not very good at riding. I wonder if Senior Brother could give me some pointers when he has time?"
Wen Jue's eyes lit up, and he quickly replied, "Of course! All day long I'm stiff from studying classical Chinese, riding a horse and shooting arrows is much more enjoyable!" He then demonstrated a drawing motion with a bow.
Xuanji smiled and said, "Thank you in advance, Senior Brother. I think you truly love this path, even more than reading and writing."
Wen Jue lowered his voice: "To be honest, the person I admire most is Cheng Yaojin. People laugh at his straightforwardness, but I think he is wise beyond his years. His wisdom in surviving in chaotic times and his ability to see through people's hearts are beyond the reach of ordinary brutes."
Xuanji said softly, "The ways of literature and martial arts are like the two wheels of a cart, each with its own purpose."
Wen Jue felt as if she had found a kindred spirit, her face beaming: "Junior Sister's words resonate deeply with me! If you wish to practice riding and archery in the future, feel free to come find me anytime!" Xuanji smiled and nodded, her mood lightening considerably.
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