Chapter Eleven: The First Lesson in Horseback Riding

Though she was to learn embroidery at her old home, the Emperor still cherished her. Seeing her idle and bored, he instructed the Second Prince, Prince Chun, Wei Shu, to take Gu Li along whenever something new or interesting arose.

Wei Shu kept this in mind. Though he and this younger sister did not share the same mother and their bond was not particularly deep, it was not cold either. Besides, knowing the weight she carried in their father, the Emperor’s, and even the Empress Dowager’s hearts, he naturally treated her with particular regard.

There was a racetrack at the Southern Garden Palace. A few days prior, Wei Shu took his sister Chen and the princess there for amusement and had a look around. The foals within were all attended by dedicated caretakers. While they could not compare to the spirited steeds of the capital’s great generals, they were by no means inferior—excellent for daily practice and mastering horsemanship.

Wei Shu came to ask Gu Li if she wished to learn to ride. He knew her mischievous, lively nature would likely take to it, and sure enough, her eyes lit up at once. She followed him eagerly, hardly able to contain her excitement.

The racetrack was not large, but set amid the lush greenery and caressed by a gentle breeze, it offered a unique sense of comfort and leisure.

Gu Li had never ridden before, so Wei Shu picked out a white mare for her—not tall, with a gentle temperament, perfect for a beginner. Standing beside the mare, Gu Li was restless with anticipation; her delicate face flushed with excitement, bright eyes and shining teeth lending her a beauty unrivaled by even the splendor of their surroundings. When she smiled, she outshone the scenery itself.

Even Wei Shu, her own brother, was momentarily dazed by her radiance.

With a laugh, he explained the essentials of riding, then instructed a female official to help Gu Li mount, before swinging onto his own horse.

As Gu Li had no experience, Wei Shu had the official lead her horse at first, giving instructions as they went. Gradually, he encouraged her to grip the reins more firmly and increase her speed.

The sound of hooves rose, dust swirling in their wake. Under Wei Shu’s guidance, Gu Li quickly grasped the essentials, her courage growing, and soon she discovered the joy of riding.

For two days in a row, Gu Li accompanied Wei Shu to the racetrack. Truly, she was still a child at heart, delighted by new experiences. Even if she returned to the gardens each day utterly exhausted, her legs aching, she could not resist the thrill.

Spending these days together, Gu Li’s relationship with Wei Shu improved greatly. She had never been close to this second prince brother before; theirs had been an ordinary sibling bond, nothing more. Now, after time together, she found him easy to get along with, unassuming, kind, and quite companionable.

On this day, Lie Chang’an came before the Emperor for his routine report on the Southern Garden’s security. As he was about to take his leave, the Emperor casually mentioned the racetrack, saying, “It’s quite a fine place. You, who have defended my realm from horseback, should revisit it and recall those feelings.”

Lie Chang’an naturally had no objections. After leaving the imperial residence, he led his men to inspect the racetrack.

There was no scorching sun here, only boundless blue skies, a gentle breeze, and lush leaves in full bloom—a beauty beyond compare.

Before he even approached, the melodious laughter of a young woman floated through the air.

Drawing nearer, he saw a woman astride a white steed. She wore a red riding habit, bold and spirited; her dark green hair was swept up with a jade hairpin, the ends flying in the wind. It seemed as if her sweet fragrance lingered in the air, accentuated by her stunning smile, breathtaking as she glanced back.

Her laughter was clear and pleasant. Turning, she spoke to the man on the chestnut horse behind her—none other than Prince Chun, Wei Shu. If not for their sibling bond, the two would have seemed like a perfect pair of lovers, teasing and chasing one another.

Lie Chang’an withdrew his gaze and, before they noticed him, quietly led his men away.