Chapter 836: A Leisurely Gallop

"At Chilie River, beneath Yin Mountain: the sky feels like a yurt, covering all the wild. The sky is vast, the wilderness boundless. The wind blows the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep." Hai Tian gazed at the grassland ahead and said, "It's a pity we didn't come at the right time; the pasture isn't tall yet."

"Hehe, Hai Tian could go tell the commander, after all you are his marriage ship; I believe when the time comes he will also accompany you over to see." Yixian said with a smile.

"Yah, Yixian, don't laugh at me, how could that be?" Hai Tian's face flushed red, "The commander is already busy; if he came just for me, even if he were willing, I wouldn't want that."

"Moreover, eight or nine out of ten things in this world are regrettable; it's impossible for everything to satisfy. Now, as a warship, being able to come inland and see the grassland scenery is already quite pleasing."

"That's true, a warship's destiny belongs to the sea; if it weren't for the commander, we probably would never have come here in a lifetime." Ninghai said with a smile.

"Just as the several ladies were sighing, a light hoofbeat sounded from behind them. Turning their heads, they saw Qin Ge riding a sturdy horse, stopping beside them."

"What are you talking about, so seriously?" Qin Ge, holding the reins, said to them.

"Hehe, nothing much, just feeling moved looking at the grassland. The commander on horseback looks quite heroic, but don't rush; slower is better." Yixian said with a smile.

"Ha, it's fine; although I'm not as good as you in combat, horseback riding still isn't a problem for me." Qin Ge said with a smile, "Who wants to come up and try?"

"The several people exchanged glances; although they all wanted to go up, out of shame they remained rather reserved."

"Just then, Yixian saw a figure sneaking over from afar, so she pushed Hai Tian a little, saying, 'Commander, why don't you take Hai Tian for a round?'"

"Qin Ge laughed, 'Hehe, no problem, Hai Tian, grab my hand.'"

"Hai Tian stared for a moment; after all, she had just been pushed out by Yixian and hadn't reacted yet when she saw Qin Ge extend his hand. But the situation was already like this, so Hai Tian could only reach out and take Qin Ge's hand, and in a daze he pulled her onto the horse."

"Hai Tian, you must hold on tight; the speed may get a bit faster later, so be sure not to fall from not gripping tightly—though I will always protect you." Qin Ge put his arm around Hai Tian.

"Yes, commander... it would be better to go a bit slower." Hai Tian said shyly.

"Haha, no problem." Qin Ge laughed, then tugged the reins and said, "Go."

"As the sound faded, the horse lightly galloped off in the direction Qin Ge pulled the reins toward."

"Watching Qin Ge lead Hai Tian away, Zhao He asked doubtfully, 'Yixian, why did you push Hai Tian out like that, and in such a hurry?'"

"Zhao He's companion Ying Rui laughed, 'Hehe, haven't you seen who came?'"

"Zhao He followed Ying Rui's gaze and saw not far away a figure stomping angrily on the grass, then turned and left in a huff."

"\"Da Feng? \" Zhao He wondered, \"What does that have to do with her? \""

"Ying Rui wore an exasperated expression, while Yixian beside her said with a smile, 'Many in our harbor watch the commander; although we came out together with him, sometimes opportunities must be seized by oneself.'"

"If I hadn't just pushed Hai Tian out, Da Feng would have come over to seize this spot, taking up the commander's time. After all, people are selfish; I hope you can occupy more of the commander's time, so keep trying."

"\"Ah? \" Zhao He said displeased, \"Is that all? I thought it was a big deal; whoever likes the commander can just take the spot, and it has nothing to do with me. \""

"Hearing this classic tsundere remark, all the Donghuang ship girls burst out laughing."

"On the other side, Qin Ge, having run not far with Hai Tian, saw a few people riding horses together—Myoko and Hinata."

"\"The commander's horsemanship is pretty good, \" Hinata said to Qin Ge with a smile."

"\"Hehe, I never thought I'd have a talent for horseback riding either, \" Qin Ge chuckled."

"\"Hehe, want us to have a little contest to see who rides fastest? \" Myoko laughed."

"Qin Ge quickly shook his head, \"No, I know my limits; riding slowly like this is fine, but if we raced to see who's faster, I'd have no chance. Besides, I'm still with Hai Tian, so that's even more impossible. \""

"\"Well, that's indeed the case. \" Hinata glanced at the somewhat shy Hai Tian and nodded, \"Then we'll head off first; commander, ride slowly. \""

"\"Okay. \" Qin Ge nodded, watching Myoko and Hinata whip their horses and charge forward."

"\"Commander, you could actually go with them, \" Hai Tian said hesitantly."

"Qin Ge smiled, \"But we had agreed to come to Donghuang to accompany you; earlier we were stuck in the city, everyone together, so there was no time. Now that we're on the grassland, we can spend a few more days here, and I can also split my time to accompany you all. \""

"\"The commander actually still remembers; I thought you had forgotten. \" Hai Tian laughed."

"\"How could I forget? \" Qin Ge laughed, stroking Hai Tian's hair, \"I don't have much else to busy myself with now; if I couldn't even remember these things, I'd deserve to be struck by lightning. \""

"\"Please don't say such things, commander. \" Hai Tian turned her head and raised a hand to block Qin Ge's lips, \"Being able to stay with the commander and enjoy these peaceful days already satisfies me; I dare not hope for anything else. \""

"Qin Ge held Hai Tian's hand and laughed, \"I won't say such things; indeed, given this lovely scenery, saying those would be a waste, so it's better to say something meaningful. \""

"\"Hehe, then tell us what you imagine when you're on horseback, \" Hai Tian said with a smile."

"\"Haha, of course it's galloping and whipping the whip across this grassland. I once heard an old song, a very old song, and I think it fits this situation perfectly. \" Qin Ge laughed."

"\"What song? Commander, could you sing it for me? \" Hai Tian asked curiously."

"\"Although my singing isn't great, since Hai Tian asked, I'll make a fool of myself. \" Qin Ge cleared his throat and, while urging the horse to walk slowly, sang, \"Let us wander the red dust together, live free and easy, gallop and share the world's prosperity. With wine in hand, sing out inner joy, mighty and grand, seize the spring of youth. \""

"\"Although it's just a short segment, you can tell it's a song that lifts the mood. \" Hai Tian smiled."

"\"Exactly, this song, though a love song, is written with extraordinary abandon; although I don't usually listen to love songs, I especially like this one. \" Qin Ge laughed."

"\"Then could the commander sing it from the beginning? Just consider it as sung for me. \" Hai Tian looked forward."

"\"As long as you like hearing it, that's fine. \" Qin Ge said with a laugh."

"\"When the mountain peaks have no edges... \""