Chapter 20 (1/2)
Chapter 20
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Chu Qiao's heart skipped a beat. She would be getting her just deserts after all. Unexpectedly, Zhuge Yue remarked, ”Follow Zhu Cheng later on and find an able guard to teach you how to ride a horse.”
”Ah?” Chu Qiao and Zhu Cheng froze, then exclaimed in unison.
Zhuge Yue raised his sword-like eyebrows, frowned slightly, and declared deeply with an impatient look, ”What's the matter? Is there a problem?”
”No problem, no problem.” Zhu Cheng was seventeen this year and he had followed Zhuge Yue since he was young. Hence, he naturally knew that Zhuge Yue practiced what he preached. He replied in an appeasing tone, ”I'll bring Miss Xing Er there right away.”
Zhuge Yue raised his head in suspicion, frowned again, and stared at Zhu Cheng. ”Xing Er just turned eight… Why are you calling her 'Miss'?”
”That's right, that's right. I'll bring Xing Er… Xing Er…” Zhu Cheng, who was usually witty, struggled to find a title to befit this child. He stuttered for a long while, but to no avail.
Zhuge Yue waved his hand impatiently and said firmly, ”Okay. Scram. Straighten your back when you walk, lest outsiders think that the servants of Qing Shan court are all hunchbacks.”
”Yes, yes.”
Chu Qiao stood at her original position. Her petite frame was adorned in a pale yellow dress, with a vest made of fox skin on top. She looked adorable. She bowed to Zhuge Yue and softly said, ”Xing Er thanks the fourth young master.”
Zhuge Yue waved his hand lightly, not even looking up.
Chu Qiao and Zhu Cheng exited the Xuan hall. Zhu Cheng looked suspiciously at the child and saw Chu Qiao staring back towards him. He remarked with a laugh, ”Miss Xing Er, let's go?”
Chu Qiao smiled and ignored him, walking out of the court.
”Miss Xing Er, these are the people that I chose for you. They are all adept at horse riding, please take your pick.” Everyone, including Chu Qiao and Zhu Cheng, stood at the foot of the horse riding hill. The eight year old child raised her head slightly and scanned the group of well-built, able-bodied men standing in front of her. These men, who were usually cross towards the servants, now stood in front of her respectfully, smiles on their faces. Anyone who did not know this would have thought that they were usually that kind natured.
Chu Qiao took small strides, passing the men one by one. Suddenly, her eyes brightened up. She paused, taking a long look, a plain smile slowly appearing on her face. She pointed at a flustered-looking man, smiled lightly and said, ”I want him.”
”Miss Xing Er.” Song Lian laughed in a flattering manner, his smile obviously unable to hide his worry.
The eight year old girl, wearing a snow-white vest made of fox skin, stood on the hill. Her eyes sparkled, making her appear very adorable.
”Please choose your horse.”
Chu Qiao surveyed the herd of over ten horses in front of her, only to see that their horseshoes had not been attached. Their fur appeared clean; it was obvious that they were domesticated since they were young and had not ventured outside. The child trudged on the snow unevenly, waved her whip, and remarked playfully, ”I don't want any of these. I want to ride a big horse.”
As the servants at the side prepared to intervene, Song Lian quickly stopped them. He nodded and bowed, saying, ”If Miss Xing Er wants a big horse, it is no issue. The few of you, go and fetch a few fine horses. Remember, they must be big.”
Song Lian purposely emphasised the word ”big”. The two servants, understanding his intent, proceeded to fetch the horses. In just a while, five big-sized horses were brought over.
Chu Qiao took a quick look and deciphered that these horses were already old. She wondered if the horses' mobility posed a problem, but she did not raise her concerns. She turned and said to Song Lian, ”These horses look strong. I'm young and have not ridden such a big horse. Guardian Song, how about you demonstrate for me and teach me something?”
In that instant, Song Lian frowned rigidly, a defeated look appearing on his face.
Zhu Cheng chided suspiciously, ”Go, quickly! Don't tell me you don't know how to ride a horse? Why were you so eager to go along with her just now?”
Song Lian, not being able to voice his frustrations, thought to himself, if only I knew who I was serving, I would not have agreed even if they beat me to death. He walked in front of the white horse hesitantly, reached out his hand, and patted the tired-looking horse's head twice. He carefully stepped on the stirrup, treating the horse as if it was paper paste. He feared that the horse would buckle if he used just a little strength.
The horse was stronger than expected. Although its four legs were upright, they did not buckle. Song Lian heaved a sigh of relief and said with a laugh, ”The snow is heavy today. As Miss Xing Er is still young, we shall learn to mount the horse first, and commence riding tomorrow.”
As Zhu Cheng was about to nod in agreement, Chu Qiao suddenly rushed forward and forcefully smacked the horse's buttocks. She replied jovially, ”Don't say so much! Go for a round first!”
As the sound of the smack reverberated, not only did the horse remain stationary, but its hooves buckled and it fell on the floor. Song Lian was thrown off forcefully, flipping through the air before landing head first into the snow.
All the servants rushed forward in a flustered manner. Zhu Cheng, looking at the horse, which was inhaling more than it was exhaling, frowned and commented disdainfully, ”Is this the best horse? I think all of you are not taking Fourth Young Master's instructions seriously.”