Chapter 137: Riding Together

While everyone continued kowtowing, Liu Yifei, hidden among the crowd, suddenly stepped into Jiang Mingyu’s line of sight.

Though two days had passed since the event, recalling that day’s scene still made Liu Yifei’s face burn fiercely.

After the crowd dispersed, Jiang Mingyu walked over with a smile, seeing Liu Yifei’s frost-red cheeks, he couldn’t help feeling a pang of pity.

Jiang Mingyu gazed tenderly at Liu Yifei’s flushed face and whispered, “Come inside quickly—it’s too cold out here; don’t catch a chill.”

As Liu Yifei blushed and stepped toward the county office gate, Li Goudan rushed up, panting, his face etched with anxiety: “Report, my lord—emergency! The people insist on finishing the kiln site tonight; I can’t stop them!”

Jiang Mingyu frowned. “It’s the New Year—why aren’t they home reuniting with their families?”

Li Goudan sighed. “They say they want to repay your kindness in recognizing them. I’ve used every trick I know—it’s no use. Only you can persuade them now.”

Jiang Mingyu immediately shook his head.

“It’s the New Year—staying away from home? That’s nonsense. Yifei, go inside first. I’ll be right back.”

He moved to mount his horse.

“No!” Liu Yifei blurted out, then lowered her head in embarrassment. “I want to see too... Your grace has been so kind to the people, that’s why they’re working so willingly.”

Liu Yifei gazed at Jiang Mingyu, her eyes filled with admiration and affection. She thought: Such a handsome, commanding, brilliant man—how my heart races. I’d give my whole life to follow him. The thought flashed through her mind, and she blushed furiously.

“Go, bring a horse for Miss Liu.”

Jiang Mingyu caught the flush on Liu Yifei’s face and secretly rejoiced—this was a sign of affection. He immediately ordered a horse brought, feigning that she should ride behind him, when in truth he longed to share the saddle and feel her close.

But Liu Yifei shyly shook her head.

“My lord, I can’t ride. You go ahead—I’ll follow soon.”

The kiln site was barely a stone’s throw away; they’d reach it in no more than a few minutes.

Sensing an opportunity, Jiang Mingyu grinned. This was a perfect chance to deepen their bond. Without hesitation, he said:

“That won’t do. Get on my horse—I’m an expert rider, I won’t let you fall. Hehe.”

Liu Yifei’s face burned, her thoughts in chaos. She knew this broke propriety, but under Jiang Mingyu’s burning gaze, a tingling current surged through her body—and she nodded.

Jiang Mingyu lifted her light frame and seated her sideways before him on the saddle.

Liu Yifei lowered her head, feeling Jiang Mingyu’s strong, muscular arms encircling her slender waist.

Jiang Mingyu tightened his hold on her soft waist, their bodies pressed close, chests touching.

Liu Yifei bowed her head, cheeks blazing, her long lashes trembling shyly.

Jiang Mingyu’s heart soared; his fingers gently stroked the tender skin of her waist, making her shiver.

The horse moved slowly; Jiang Mingyu turned his head, his breath brushing her ear and shoulder.

His breath curled through the strands of hair along her neck, turning her ears crimson. “Yifei, you’re beautiful.”

His words brushed her like feathers, sending a tremor through her heart.

Liu Yifei softly urged him to hurry, her voice soft as a glutinous rice ball—so sweet Jiang Mingyu longed to devour her whole.

He deliberately slowed the pace, letting the horse amble leisurely.

“Don’t rush. Let me look at you longer.” His hand grew bolder, tracing her back and wrist. Liu Yifei breathed lightly, stealing glances at his rugged profile.

His striking features quickened her heartbeat, leaving her limbs weak. She knew she shouldn’t indulge, yet she couldn’t help leaning into his embrace, savoring this rare moment of tenderness.

Watching from afar, Li Goudan stared in shock, their intimacy raising goosebumps on his skin.

He quickly found an excuse to break it: “Ahem, my lord, I’ll go check on the laborers first—you two take your time.” Then he whipped his horse and fled.

Seeing Li Goudan gone, Jiang Mingyu tightened his arms, pressing closer to Liu Yifei’s petite frame, whispering: “Yifei, you’re like the moon in a spring sky—softly melting into my arms.”

Liu Yifei’s face turned scarlet. “My lord, what are you saying? Let’s hurry.”

Jiang Mingyu remained unhurried, leaning close to her ear: “My little Yifei is still shy. Why rush? Let the horse stroll—we’ll savor this rare moment alone.”

Liu Yifei buried her face in Jiang Mingyu’s chest, cheek pressed against his warm skin; his heartbeat quickened too.

Jiang Mingyu chuckled. “Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. But I’m so happy—riding with you like this.”

Liu Yifei lifted her head, her face flushed with shy delight. “My lord, this horse is moving too slowly—can’t we go faster?” Her voice was tender and urgent, her eyes brimming with anticipation.

Jiang Mingyu, lost in the intimacy, smiled. “Yifei, our relationship is no longer the same. Calling me ‘my lord’ is too formal. From now on, call me Yu.”

Deep down, Jiang Mingyu longed to hear her say “husband,” but he knew it was still too soon. “Yu...” Liu Yifei whispered the nickname, voice like a mosquito’s hum, her face crimson as if bleeding.

She dared not meet his gaze, afraid that one look into his deep eyes would trap her forever.

Embraced on horseback, Liu Yifei’s sweet fragrance filled Jiang Mingyu’s senses, making his blood surge.

Jiang Mingyu idly played with the reins, letting the horse crawl forward—just to steal another moment with Yifei.

At the kiln site, Jiang Mingyu reluctantly let go of Liu Yifei, straightening his posture to organize work.

Liu Yifei’s cheeks still glowed, her shyness tinged with sweetness—she had fully accepted this intimate address.

Jiang Mingyu said: “Fellow villagers, this work won’t be finished in a day or two. Go home, celebrate the New Year properly. We’ll discuss matters after the holiday.”

The old man who had earlier kowtowed to Jiang Mingyu stepped forward, blowing cold air from his lips: “My lord, we promised Lord Murong we’d start on the first day of the New Year—we can’t delay such an important matter. Whether we celebrate or not doesn’t matter; we won’t trouble you.” With that, he and several young men lifted a thick log.

Jiang Mingyu glanced at Li Goudan—he knew this old man was Old Man Sun, the leader. The crowd didn’t stop; they worked even harder.

Jiang Mingyu frowned, his tone stern: “Are you all ignoring my orders now?”

Everyone shook their heads in unison. Jiang Mingyu spoke again: “Since you still obey me, then stop working immediately and go home to reunite with your families! Two days’ delay won’t hurt. Look—the snow’s coming. Go home now!”

Seeing Jiang Mingyu’s firmness, the laborers finally ceased work and obediently went home for the New Year.

Jiang Mingyu’s authority and presence filled Liu Yifei with admiration—and longing.

Jiang Mingyu rode over to Liu Yifei and said gently: “It’s getting dark. I’ll escort you home.” Liu Yifei nodded shyly, mounted the horse, and rode away with Jiang Mingyu in tender closeness.

Li Goudan had long since made an excuse and slipped away with the laborers, afraid of spoiling Jiang Mingyu’s good fortune.