In the stable, Xie Yu’an walked around but still couldn’t find a suitable horse.
The stable owner was starting to feel embarrassed.
All the horses in his stable were top-quality steeds, praised by everyone who came. Yet this General Xie either found them too wild, too tall, or—when he finally found one that was neither too wild nor too large—he complained it wasn’t beautiful enough.
It’s just choosing a mount, not a wife. Why so many requirements?
Xie Yu’an walked from one end to the other, his gaze suddenly caught by a white horse tied to a hitching post outside the stable.
The horse was pure white without a single blemish, its coat glossy, its build round and robust—extremely beautiful.
At first glance, Xie Yu’an felt Qiao Yin would definitely like it.
Seeing this, the stable owner stepped forward apologetically, “Young Master Xie, this horse isn’t mine. It’s the beloved steed of Prime Minister Yan’s eldest daughter, Miss Yan. She booked it today for riding.”
Just as they were speaking, several carriages entered the stable grounds. A group of young men and women stepped out, led by the Prime Minister’s daughter, Yan Ruyu.
Seeing Chu Wenjing arrive alone, Yan Ruyu asked curiously, “Wasn’t today’s gathering organized by Lu Jinzhi? Why isn’t he here?”
Chu Wenjing looked somewhat awkward. “Jinzhi said he’s unwell and is resting at home today. He told us to enjoy ourselves.”
“Oh? Sick? He looked perfectly fine yesterday at Yingtian Academy,” Yan Ruyu chuckled lightly, her tone unreadable.
Wasn’t that true? He was fine at the academy, but fell ill as soon as he returned home. Chu Wenjing thought to himself.
Knowing that the Duke’s household intended to form a marriage alliance with the Prime Minister’s family, Chu Wenjing didn’t dare say more and changed the subject. “Never mind him, let’s enjoy ourselves. It’s been a while since we played polo. Miss Yan, I heard you recently acquired a fine steed. Where is it?”
“I had it sent to the stable this morning.”
Yan Ruyu led the group toward the stable, and from a distance, she spotted Xie Yu’an’s tall, upright figure.
“Isn’t that Xie Yu’an?” someone exclaimed.
Yan Ruyu glanced up.
That distinguished presence, standing out like a crane among chickens—who else in the capital could it be but the young master of the Xie Family?
Even Yan Ruyu, who grew up surrounded by luxury and was accustomed to all kinds of nobles, had to admit that Xie Yu’an was an unforgettable, exceptionally talented person.
Lu Jinzhi was also a rare, handsome talent, but compared to Xie Yu’an, he fell short in both temperament and presence.
Xie Yu’an was twenty-three and still unmarried.
A lofty flower that even princesses couldn’t catch his eye—who knew what kind of woman would finally win him over?
As Yan Ruyu thought this, an image of Qiao Yin flashed through her mind. Soon, she shook her head and smiled.
Qiao Yin wasn’t even worthy of Lu Jinzhi. The young master of the Xie Family? She was delusional.
“Miss Yan, is this horse yours?”
Xie Yu’an stepped forward and initiated a conversation.
Yan Ruyu snapped back to reality, feeling pleasantly surprised. “Young Master Xie, this is my horse. Is there a problem?”
Xie Yu’an said apologetically, “I have an unreasonable request. Could Miss Yan part with it? I’m willing to exchange it for Lord Gu’s The Nymph of the Luo River.”
As soon as the words “The Nymph of the Luo River” were spoken, everyone gasped in astonishment.Yan Ruyu’s horse was indeed a fine steed, but it could hardly be considered a rare treasure. However, Lord Gu’s The Nymph of the Luo River was a priceless masterpiece praised by all.
Xie Yu’an actually exchanged a peerless masterpiece for an ordinary young horse?
“This horse is honored to catch your eye, Young Master. If you like it, Ruyu will gift it to you.”
With that, Yan Ruyu had someone untie the reins and hand them to Xie Yu’an.
For a prestigious family like the Xie Family, forging a connection and earning their goodwill was far more valuable than any masterpiece.
“Thank you. The painting will be delivered to the Prime Minister’s residence today.”
Xie Yu’an politely expressed his thanks, then led the horse away without another word.
Yan Ruyu felt somewhat awkward, as if her warmth had met with cold indifference—Xie Yu’an was simply too arrogant.
But the attention of the onlookers was fixed on Xie Yu’an, and no one noticed her embarrassment.
“The Xie Family has so many prized horses and famous steeds. Why would Xie Yu’an go to such lengths for this horse?”
“It’s beautiful, yes, but a bit small and doesn’t quite suit Xie Yu’an.”
“Look, a beautiful girl is coming!”
“So Young Master Xie splurged to win a beauty’s smile! Which lucky girl could make the lofty Young Master Xie bend his pride?”
Everyone’s eyes filled with envy. Suddenly, someone exclaimed in surprise.
“Ahhh, look over there! Who is that girl? It’s Qiao Yin! It’s actually Qiao Yin!”
Yan Ruyu abruptly looked up and saw, not far away, a girl in striking red riding attire standing beside Xie Yu’an. The girl smiled charmingly, exuding a unique, unrestrained aura—who else could it be but Qiao Yin?
Yan Ruyu pressed her lips tightly together, her expression dark and unreadable. Meanwhile, Chu Wenjing beside her looked as if he’d received a great shock, his mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg.
Fortunately, Lu Jinzhi wasn’t here. If he saw them like this, wouldn’t he go mad?
…
Qiao Yin had chosen the most eye-catching set of bright red riding attire. Wearing soft leather boots, she trotted out of the private room, flicking her riding crop, and immediately spotted Xie Yu’an leading a horse over.
“What a beautiful horse.”
She ran over and circled the white horse once.
Though she knew nothing about horses, this one was truly beautiful. She couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke it. The horse seemed intelligent, snorting softly before nuzzling her hand with its head.
“Wow, it’s so gentle.”
“Do you like it?”
“I like it immensely.”
“From now on, it will be your mount.”
Qiao Yin looked up at Xie Yu’an, both surprised and flattered.
What was this? She hadn’t even given him a gift yet, and he was already presenting her with such a grand one?
Who was supposed to be wooing whom here?
Xie Yu’an smiled, and the curve of his lips nearly stole Qiao Yin’s soul away.
“First, give it a name.”
“Four Five Six?”
Xie Yu’an chuckled. The name was as perfunctory as ‘San Er Yi,’ but he didn’t object.
“Try mounting it.”
Qiao Yin eagerly stepped forward, placed her left foot in the stirrup, and pushed off forcefully, intending to swing up gracefully. But… Qiao Yin’s foot kicked the horse’s rump, causing Four Five Six to rear its head and neigh, nearly bolting.
Thankfully, Xie Yu’an steadied the horse with one hand and supported her with the other.
Qiao Yin tried twice more, but her legs, which usually seemed long enough, simply couldn’t swing over the horse’s back.
“Don’t be nervous. Try once more. Use your waist strength, like this…”
Xie Yu’an placed his hands on Qiao Yin’s waist and gently lifted her upward.
Qiao Yin, light as a swallow, smoothly swung onto the horse’s back.”Haha, I’m up. Quick, hand me the reins.”
Qiao Yin sat on the horse’s back, excitedly reaching her hand out toward Xie Yu’an.
Xie Yu’an froze for a moment, his gaze falling on her waist, his fingertips still seeming to retain the warmth of her body.
Last time when she fell into the water, he had been too focused on saving her to notice that her waist was actually this slender.
As if it would snap with just a pinch.