Chapter 23

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, tomorrow would be a day off. At dinner, Yan Qianqian ate with relish while blinking her big eyes at An Wang, asking in a coquettish voice, "Father, Qianqian doesn't have to go to Shangshufang tomorrow, she can rest! Can you take Qianqian horseback riding?" An Wang smiled and nodded, replying, "Alright, after I finish court tomorrow, I will take you and Wang'er together." Hearing this news, Yan Qianqian was so excited she danced with joy; not only could she go horseback riding, but she could also play with Fourth Elder Brother—it was simply wonderful! Yan Wang beside her was equally delighted, after all, he was still young and had never experienced the fun of horseback riding. The family enjoyed dinner happily, then each returned to their rooms to rest.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window into the room, and a new day had arrived. Today, Yan Qianqian had a rare good sleep, and upon waking, she was in an especially pleasant mood. After breakfast, she eagerly walked with light steps to An Wang's study, full of anticipation for Father to return from court.

As soon as she entered the study, she began searching here and there, but unfortunately, there were no picture books she liked in Father's study; other books simply held no appeal for her. Helpless, she could only sit obediently on the chair, patiently waiting for An Wang to return.

Not long after, An Wang, who had just finished court, entered the study and saw Yan Qianqian sitting obediently on the chair at a glance. Yan Qianqian shouted excitedly, "Father, Father, let's go horseback riding quickly!" An Wang rarely showed a gentle smile and said softly, "Wait a moment, I'll go change my clothes first, then we'll set out. Remember to go call Yan Wang." After speaking, he turned to change his clothes.

Yan Qianqian ran to the Lianwu Chang to find Yan Wang; usually at this time Yan Wang would be practicing martial arts. Just as she ran to the Wuchang, she saw Yan Wang dressed all in black, holding a sword, waving it with great force, sweat pouring down his head. Yan Qianqian shouted from afar, "Fourth Elder Brother, Fourth Elder Brother, stop practicing, Father wants to take us both horseback riding!" After hearing this, Yan Wang said to Yan Qianqian, "Let me go change my clothes first, I'll find you in a moment." After speaking, Yan Wang also went back to change his clothes.

After the two tidied up properly, they stood patiently at the door waiting for An Wang's arrival. When An Wang walked out slowly, what met his eyes was the sight of the two waiting for him at the door like sculptures, bored, their expressions revealing a hint of eagerness and anticipation.

The prince turned slightly and said gently to the two, "Let's go." Thus, several people walked together toward the carriage not far away. An Wang pointed at the carriage, gesturing for the two younger ones to get on first, and then he himself walked with steady steps, boarding the carriage last. With the coachman's crisp and loud "Giddy-up," the carriage began to move slowly forward, and they set out toward the suburbs just like that.

Not long after, everyone finally arrived at the suburbs. Yan Qianqian and Yan Wang jumped off the carriage impatiently and were instantly deeply attracted by the scenery before them, which was like a fairyland.

Only to see the ground covered with lush green grass like emerald, as if it were a huge green carpet, soft and full of vitality. And in the middle of the grassland, there were colorful flowers everywhere, red like fire, pink like rosy clouds, white like snow, interwoven and arranged in a scattered yet orderly fashion, like a gorgeous painting carefully drawn by nature.

There were even several colorful butterflies dancing in the air, sometimes shuttling through the flower clusters, sometimes resting on petals to rest; their lively postures complemented the beautiful scenery around them perfectly.

Seeing this scene, endless joy surged in the hearts of the two, and brilliant smiles gradually bloomed on their faces, as if the whole world had become especially wonderful. Then An Wang led everyone forward, and after walking for a short while, they turned a corner. Wow, the view suddenly became expansive, and a super large fenced horse field appeared before their eyes.

The guard at the door, upon seeing An Wang arrive, hurried forward to greet him. After An Wang brought the two children into the horse field, he asked Yue Yi to instruct someone to bring the horses over. Yan Qianqian and Yan Wang, these two little brats, were already jumping up and down impatiently. Yan Qianqian chattered, "Father, is Qianqian's horse red, white, or black?" "Father, is Qianqian's horse big or small?" "Father, what does Qianqian's horse look like, and when can I ride it?" An Wang (muttering in his heart, this little brat is really annoying) casually said, "You'll know in a moment." Not long after, Yue Yi led a horse over, and the servants behind also led two ponies.

The horse Yue Yi led looked tall and mighty, with black fur that was smooth and glossy. Looking closer, it was even more beautiful beyond words. Yue Yi explained, "This horse is called Yue Ying, it is the prince's mount, and the prince rides it every time he goes to war!" The two little brats looked at Yue Ying and liked it immensely, wanting to go touch it, but they were a bit afraid. Yan Qianqian plucked up her courage and asked An Wang, "Father, Qianqian wants to touch it, is that okay?" An Wang smiled and said yes, then took the reins from Yue Yi's hand and pulled the horse's head to where Yan Qianqian could reach.

Yan Qianqian carefully extended her fair and slender hand, as if afraid of startling the gentle horse before her. She slowly approached, lightly touching the horse's neck fur, which was as soft and smooth as silk. The sensation was like the gentlest spring breeze brushing against her skin, making her unable to help but exclaim, "Wow, so soft and smooth!" She seemed attracted by this wonderful sensation, unconsciously stroking it several times; each touch made her intoxicated, her heart full of joy, to the point that she was reluctant to let go.

Just then, Yan Wang, who had been suppressing his inner curiosity and longing, could no longer restrain his impulse. He also slowly extended his hand, timidly touching the horse's neck. In that instant, light sparkled in both their eyes, and happy smiles bloomed on their faces, as if the whole world had become beautiful. They were so happy they couldn't stop grinning, looking just like two children who had gotten their beloved toys.

An Wang stood to the side, quietly watching this scene, a hint of gratification flashing in his eyes. He slowly said, "Yue Ying is not just a horse, but a companion who has accompanied me through several wars; it witnessed my glory and setbacks. Today I agreed to take you horseback riding, and at the same time, I want to give each of you a horse, hoping you can treat them well like I do." After An Wang finished speaking, the two responded in unison, "Yes, we will definitely take good care of them!"

Then, they looked toward the back in unison. Only to see a tall man leading a bright and eye-catching red pony with his left hand; the pony was full of vigorous vitality, as if ready to gallop at any moment. Yue Yi quickly stepped forward, took the red pony, and led it to Yan Qianqian's side, smiling at Yan Qianqian and saying, "Little Princess, this horse is yours from now on." Hearing this, Yan Qianqian was overjoyed; her brilliant smile was like the most dazzling morning sunlight, instantly illuminating everything around. Yue Yi continued, "This horse is a foal born of a thousand-li horse; it can run far, has great endurance, and I thought since the color is red, the Little Princess would definitely like it." Yan Qianqian gently stroked the red pony's mane, her eyes full of affection. She silently vowed in her heart to treat her own little horse well and let it become her partner and friend in life. Because they knew this horse was a gift from the prince to the Little Princess, it had been well-raised since it was born.

"The Little Princess must also treat it well," Yan Qianqian hurriedly answered, "Qianqian will definitely do so." Yan Qianqian walked forward; the red pony seemed to know that the little girl before it was its master, and slightly lowered its head to make it easy for the little girl to touch. Yan Qianqian stroked the red pony's smooth fur and asked Yue Yi, "Yue Yi, what is its name?" Yue Yi replied, "It hasn't been named yet; wait for the Little Princess to name it." Yan Qianqian thought for a moment and said, "Then let's call it Honghong."

Then she shouted to the red pony, "Honghong, Honghong." The red pony also responded cheerfully by snorting. The person and the horse had a great time playing. At this moment, another black horse was led over, and Yue Yi walked to Yan Wang's side and said, "Fourth Young Master, this horse is a foal of the prince's Yue Ying, and it doesn't have a name yet either. From now on it belongs to you; you give it a name."

Yan Wang thought for a moment and said, "Let's call it Zhui Ying." Its name was not as straightforward as Yan Qianqian's; it was named based on its color. Everyone was very puzzled. Yue Yi asked, "Why call it Zhui Ying?" Even An Wang looked at him curiously. Only to hear Yan Wang respond...