lcionline Chapter 32 Learning to Ride a Horse (2)
Chapter 32 Learning to Ride a Horse (2)
He Mingfeng continued, "After that, I stopped throwing tantrums. My brothers were still the same as before, coming back to play with me whenever they had free time." Cheng Ying chimed in, "I was pretty much the same when I was little. My eldest brother is ten years older than me. Before I was even born, he had already gone to the army with my father. My mother said that when he was born, he was quite quiet. My mother and the others all thought he would be a refined person! But who would have thought that at his first birthday party, he would grab a sword—a sword that my father had specially placed there. Because of this, my mother talked about my father for a long time!"
Cheng Ying smiled and continued, "Later, as my eldest brother grew older, my father began to teach him martial arts. By the time my third brother was born, my eldest brother had already been taken to the military camp by my father. After I was born, my father would come to play with me whenever he had time. When I was three years old, my father handed over most of the affairs in the military camp to my eldest brother, and he spent his days taking me around to play. Of course, my eldest brother would also sneak off to see me whenever he had free time."
Cheng Ying continued, "And what's even more interesting is that one time during the Lantern Festival, my older brother secretly came over, intending to take me out to play. But who knew that he had just stepped into the courtyard when he bumped right into my father, who was also there to take me out to play! What a coincidence!"
"And then? What happened next?" He Mingfeng asked eagerly.
Cheng Ying smiled and continued, "Neither of them would give in, and in the end they decided to settle the matter with force. My mother acted as the referee. At that time, my eldest brother was already sixteen years old! My father's little scheme was to use this opportunity to check if my eldest brother's martial arts skills had improved and whether he had been slacking off; at the same time, he could legitimately take me out to play, so that my eldest brother wouldn't accuse him of bullying me because he was their father!"
"Wow, I see! What happened next? Did they decide who won?" He Mingfeng asked curiously.
Cheng Ying nodded and said, "Later, during the martial arts competition, my older brother's skills weren't as good as my father's. However, he was quite clever and used a little trick. So, unsurprisingly, my father lost the match. Guess what? My mother told me that after losing, my father actually tried to deny it and insisted that my older brother had cheated. But my older brother retorted confidently that 'all's fair in war'! Hahaha, it's hilarious!"
At this point, Cheng Ying couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"So who took you out to play in the end?" He Mingfeng was very concerned about this question.
"Of course it's my eldest brother! After all, he won the competition!" Cheng Ying replied proudly. "I heard that after we went back, my father handed over the entire military camp to my eldest brother and stopped caring about anything himself. Not long after, my eldest brother led the Cheng family army to war and was gone for six years!"
When Cheng Ying talked about her older brother and father when she was a child, she became very animated, gesturing wildly and looking quite lively and adorable. He Mingfeng, on the other hand, kept his eyes glued to Cheng Ying, listening intently.
After Cheng Ying finished telling his story about his older brother, He Mingfeng sighed, "I love military life so much! It's just a pity... it's just something I can only dream about."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Ying asked, puzzled, "Why? If you want to go to the military camp, just go. Why are you so conflicted?"
He Mingfeng looked at Cheng Ying with a wry smile and said helplessly, "You don't understand the situation! Ever since we can remember, no matter how big or small the matter is, as long as there is even a slight risk, we will never be involved, especially for me and my brother, the Crown Prince."
He Mingfeng continued with a sigh, "Back then, my brother, the Crown Prince, was strictly forbidden from touching or learning anything other than his daily lessons. However, he had a deep interest and passion for martial arts. So, he dared to take a huge risk and secretly seek out Grand Tutor Qin to learn martial arts techniques, keeping it a secret from everyone. Unfortunately, secrets can't be kept forever, and Father eventually discovered it."
"However, fortunately, after Qin Taifu's strong persuasion, Father Emperor finally changed his mind and allowed us to begin learning martial arts. However, at that time, Father Emperor said something very meaningful: 'If you want to learn, then you must learn well; if you don't want to learn, that's fine too; but if you are afraid of hardship and can't stand the fatigue, then you might as well not learn!' In fact, everyone present knew very well that these words were clearly directed at the Crown Prince. But who could have predicted that the Crown Prince would be a person with extraordinary perseverance and firm determination!" As long as it is something he truly likes and desires to learn, no matter how difficult or arduous it is, no matter how much effort and hardship it requires, he will persevere without hesitation until he achieves his set goal.
Later, my father completely let me do as I pleased, but whenever the topic of sending me to the battlefield came up, he would resolutely oppose it. Every time I mentioned it, he would shake his head and sigh, saying that the battlefield was too dangerous and he absolutely could not let me take the risk. Alas! It's really so difficult! Cheng Ying asked curiously, "Since you and your little uncle are so close, why don't you seek his help? Maybe he can persuade the emperor for you." He Mingfeng replied helplessly, "My little uncle is facing the same dilemma. Although he also longs to go to the battlefield, my father has explicitly forbidden it. Once, my little uncle secretly slipped away to go to the battlefield, but my father discovered it. To prevent him from taking the risk again, my father even issued an ultimatum: if my little uncle dared to do it again, he would arrange a marriage for him at will. Since then, my little uncle has had to keep quiet."
He Mingfeng continued, "Moreover, my uncle thinks I'm stupid and that my martial arts are too poor, fearing I'll implicate him and get caught by Father. He never lets me go to the battlefield, just keeps me in the military camp. Everyone in the camp knows my identity and gives way to me. Over time, I've become so unaware of my own martial arts skills." Cheng Ying then asked, "So, do you want to go to the frontier to fight?" He Mingfeng replied, "Actually, I don't necessarily need to go to the frontier. I just admire those frontier soldiers. I think they are brave, fearless, and tenacious. I want to train myself like them and become a real man."
Cheng Ying looked at He Mingfeng and said, "If you just want to gain some experience, there's no need to go to the frontier. Just train in a military camp near the capital." He Mingfeng's eyes lit up, but quickly dimmed again. Seeing the change in his expression, Cheng Ying felt a pang of heartache and, almost without thinking, asked, "What's wrong? Weren't you quite happy just now? Is there some other reason?"
He Mingfeng sighed and said, "Alas, although I also want to train in the military camps near the capital, I don't want to rely on family connections. I want to earn recognition and respect through my own abilities. Besides, I've heard that the noble sons in the capital are all spoiled brats who only know how to eat, drink, and have fun all day long, and they have no real skills. If I go there to train, I might even be ridiculed and bullied by them. So I still want to go to the frontier; the environment there is harsher and it will be better for training a person." Upon hearing this, Cheng Ying couldn't help but feel more respect and admiration for He Mingfeng. She felt that this man had ambition and integrity unlike that of ordinary noble sons, and was worth befriending.
So she raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and said softly, "Since you are so determined, how about my elder brother's military camp? He has only recently returned, and the people in the camp are not familiar with you. You may as well go and give it a try."
Upon hearing this, He Mingfeng suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of expectation and doubt, and asked, "Is it alright? Although no one else in the military camp knows me, your elder brother does. Will he allow me to go to his military camp for training?"
Cheng Ying gazed at He Mingfeng's expression, smiled slightly, and said slowly, "Of course, I'll take care of this."
Upon hearing this, He Mingfeng was immediately thrilled. He reached out and tightly grasped Cheng Ying's hand, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He said eagerly, "Is that really so? You actually have a way to get your elder brother to agree to let me go to his military camp?" His voice trembled slightly with excitement, as if he had seen the dawn of his dream coming true.
Seeing He Mingfeng's excitement, Cheng Ying nodded firmly and said confidently, "No problem, I've got it covered!" She patted her chest vigorously as she spoke to show she would keep her word. Lost in their conversation, neither realized how intimate their actions were. They gazed at each other until a gentle breeze brought them back to their senses. Awkwardly, they quickly released each other's hands, and He Mingfeng apologized hastily, "Sorry, I didn't mean it. I was just too excited. I absolutely didn't mean to offend you." After saying this, He Mingfeng inwardly groaned, thinking: "Oh no, I finally cleared up the misunderstanding, and now I've messed it up again. It seems my plans to go to the army are ruined. Sigh!"
He Mingfeng lowered his head, mentally prepared to be beaten. However, unexpectedly, the beating he expected didn't happen. He Mingfeng looked up in confusion, only to see Cheng Ying also with her head down. Thinking Cheng Ying hadn't heard his apology, he was about to apologize again when he suddenly heard Cheng Ying's gentle voice. Cheng Ying, still with her head down, said softly, "It's okay, I know you didn't mean it." Hearing this, He Mingfeng pondered for a moment, then asked, "So, are you still willing to help me go to the barracks?" Cheng Ying slowly raised her head, her gaze fixed firmly on He Mingfeng, and softly replied, "Don't worry, since I've already promised you, I will definitely keep my promise."
Upon hearing this, He Mingfeng was overjoyed. His face beamed with a bright smile as he sincerely said, "Whether or not I successfully enter the army, I will definitely host a banquet for you to express my gratitude." However, Cheng Ying politely declined, saying, "There's no need to be so polite. It's just a trivial matter, nothing to mention."
He Mingfeng quickly shook his head, insisting, "No, you absolutely have to treat me! Can't you even give me this much face?" Seeing his persistence, Cheng Ying had no choice but to nod helplessly in agreement. Then, He Mingfeng and Cheng Ying arranged a time and place, and he warmly invited her to enjoy a meal at Yaoxi Tower two days later. Cheng Ying smiled and replied, "Okay."
At that moment, a gentle breeze swept by, causing Cheng Ying's hair to flutter in the wind. A single strand of hair swayed gracefully, further enhancing the young woman's beauty and captivating charm. He Mingfeng was momentarily stunned, suddenly gaining a completely new understanding of Cheng Ying—she was not only brave and resolute, but also incredibly beautiful and charming.
Cheng Ying blushed under his gaze, lowered her head shyly, and whispered, "I want to go horseback riding, do you... want to come with me?" Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, trembling slightly, as if afraid of being rejected.
He Mingfeng then snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded in agreement, "Okay! Let's go together."
Cheng Ying was taken aback; she hadn't expected He Mingfeng to agree so readily. After all, she wasn't very good at riding, but having He Mingfeng by her side would make her feel especially at ease. So, the two began preparing to go horseback riding together, an adventure full of anticipation and uncertainty about to unfold. After choosing their horses, He Mingfeng gracefully leaped onto their backs, his movements as natural and skillful as flowing water. He looked down at Cheng Ying, who was still standing there, a puzzled expression on his face, and asked, "Why aren't you on your horse yet? Didn't we agree to ride together?" Hearing this, Cheng Ying felt even more embarrassed. She replied softly, "I... I can't ride a horse." After saying that, she quickly turned her face away, not daring to look at He Mingfeng again. Although she tried her best to appear nonchalant, her slightly flushed cheeks mercilessly revealed her inner shyness.
He Mingfeng paused slightly upon hearing Cheng Ying's reply, his gaze falling on the girl's shy face, a surge of tenderness welling up within him. He found the girl utterly adorable, and after a moment's thought, he cautiously probed, "Then, how about I teach you to ride a horse?"
Cheng Ying had initially thought He Mingfeng would laugh at her for not knowing how to ride a horse. After all, as someone from the General's Mansion, it was rather embarrassing that she couldn't even ride. However, to her surprise, He Mingfeng didn't laugh at her. Instead, he offered to teach her how to ride. This suggestion surprised and touched Cheng Ying, and at the same time, a glimmer of anticipation arose in her heart.
Cheng Ying smiled slightly and said softly, "Then I'll have to trouble Your Highness." He Mingfeng smiled, dismounted, and began to teach Cheng Ying how to ride a horse. He started by teaching her the most basic mounting techniques, without explaining too many complicated skills. Instead, he led Cheng Ying's horse and slowly strolled around the riding arena.
He Mingfeng gently said to Cheng Ying, "This is your first time riding a horse. Just walk around the riding area a few times like this. Don't rush to learn too much, otherwise your body might not be able to handle it." Cheng Ying asked doubtfully, "How could I not be able to handle it? I'm just sitting comfortably on the horse's back, how could I feel uncomfortable?" He Mingfeng was momentarily speechless, unsure how to answer her question. After all, he couldn't directly tell her that riding a horse could lead to injuries to her hips and legs. After thinking for a moment, he cleverly replied, "You've only just begun learning today, we should conserve some energy. Next time, I'll teach you other techniques in more detail."
Cheng Ying pondered for a moment and found his words quite reasonable, so she nodded in agreement. Thus, in this spacious riding arena, one could witness such a captivating scene: a handsome young man held the reins, leading a magnificent horse; and on the horse's back sat a beautiful and refined young woman. She seemed to be whispering sweet nothings to the person beside her; the beautiful scene was like a delicate painting, enchanting all who beheld it.