ATPnovel Chapter 63 Riding with Zi Nu
Chapter 63 Riding with Zi Nu
Chapter 63 Riding with Zi Nu
Rainwater dripped from the holes in the roof, creating dents of varying depths on the muddy ground.
Tian Guang took a flat leather water bag from his waist, uncorked it, and handed it to Wu Ji.
Wu Ji lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him. She took two small sips and coughed. Tian Guang raised his hand as if to pat her back, but it remained suspended in mid-air. Instead, he grasped the water pouch strap that had been hanging down at his waist for a long time.
Zhao Heng stood in the center of the room, his sword sheathed and hanging at his side. He neither urged them nor approached the two men. Instead, he carefully recalled the details of Tian Guang's attack, such as his posture and the angle of his movements.
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
The rain outside gradually subsided, changing from a dense patter to a sparse dripping sound.
Wu Ji's breathing calmed down. Still clutching the water pouch, she hesitated for a moment before saying, "Tian Lang."
Tian Guang looked at her.
"These past few years—"
But Wu Ji's words stopped there, as if she couldn't continue, or as if she didn't know where to begin.
Tian Guang didn't ask any questions, but simply looked at her quietly for a moment, took the water pouch from her hand, and hung it back on his waist. Then he looked at Zhao Heng.
"Where did you hear about Bai Qi from?"
"Back then, when the Qin army besieged the city, Handan was on the verge of collapse, and Bai Qi suddenly died in Duyu. Such a coincidence will naturally attract the attention of those who are interested. Those who are interested are not necessarily sympathetic to the Zhao state; more often, they just want to know who has the ability and courage to accomplish this. Coincidentally, my teacher was one of them."
Tian Guang's eyebrows twitched slightly.
"Your teacher?"
"My teacher is Wei Jia."
Tian Guang narrowed his eyes, as if searching his memory for the name. After a moment, he nodded slightly, neither asking how Wei Jia knew nor questioning the veracity of the information, but simply saying, "What you said before was indeed correct, but I wasn't in Duyou when Bai Qi died."
Zhao Heng did not respond. He only remembered that Bai Qi died at the hands of the peasants in the Qin's Moon era, but he did not know the specific details.
Then Tian Guang continued, "I planned for years, mobilizing the six hall masters of the Farmer's Clan and their elite disciples. It took more than a year to finally kill Bai Qi. But after that battle, the Net of Law spread throughout the Central Plains like locusts. Xianyang was furious, and the King of Qin offered a reward of a thousand gold pieces for my head and pursued all those involved. In just six months, more than twenty of my Farmer's Clan's contact points in Qin, Wei, and Han were destroyed, and no fewer than a thousand people died."
He paused.
"As the leader of the Knights, although I attracted more than 70% of the pursuit by the Net, I still failed to protect everyone. The Net is cunning and deliberately had people sow discord within the Farmers' Clan. As a result, suspicion arose within the Farmers' Clan, who thought that I was hiding out of fear of punishment, disregarding the lives of my brothers, and only caring about myself."
Wu Ji suddenly looked up.
Tian Guang simply said, "But I cannot show my face. If I do, I will become a target for the Luo Wang (a criminal organization), and it will also implicate more people involved in the incident back then. If I open my mouth, more people will die."
At this point, he finally turned his head and looked at Wu Ji.
"Wu Niang, leaving without saying goodbye back then was not my intention. If I had taken you with me, you wouldn't have survived three days. You can't imagine the methods the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) uses to pursue us. And the tens of thousands of disciples of the Farmer's Clan are not a monolithic entity. If I were to be even slightly careless, those who are searching for me would eventually find you through some clue. I have no choice but to disappear. To prevent them from finding out about your existence."
Wu Ji's eyes quickly reddened. She bit her lower lip, remaining silent for a long while before finally saying, "You should have told me."
Tian Guang remained silent for a long time before saying, "If I tell you, you won't let me leave."
Wu Ji's eyes were already red, tears welling up but not falling, but she did not refute.
After a long silence, Tian Guang finally raised his hand and gently wiped away a tear from Wu Ji's cheek.
"Miss Wu, I'm sorry."
Wu Ji was stunned, but her tears flowed even faster.
At this moment, Zhao Heng took two steps closer and stood in a position in front of Tian Guang and Wu Ji.
"Now that the misunderstanding with the leader has been cleared up, I'll be frank: what are the leader's plans for the future?"
Tian Guang glanced at Wu Ji and said, "Of course, I'll take Wu Niang with me."
Wu Ji suddenly looked up. A hint of joy flashed across her face, followed by fear and hesitation. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, yet also as if she was afraid that speaking would shatter this long-awaited reunion.
Zhao Heng interrupted, saying, "No."
Tian Guang's gaze sharpened.
Zhao Heng met his gaze without flinching and said, "Xue Sheng's mother is that courtesan. Although she said she didn't know that Madam Wu had left the city today, even if she did, she probably wouldn't question her about where she went. Because the leverage she holds is enough for her to be certain that Madam Wu wouldn't dare to disobey."
But if Madam Wu suddenly disappeared without a trace, vanishing forever, how would she react?
Tian Guang frowned.
Zhao Heng then said, "Her first thought wouldn't be that Madam Wu was killed by her enemies. She would suspect that Tian Guang has returned."
The room was quiet.
The rain pattered softly, and the eaves dripped in thin streams.
Tian Guang said, "You mean, if she becomes suspicious, she'll leak this information?"
Zhao Heng shook his head.
"She might not reveal it immediately. If she is shrewd, she won't easily give up the bargaining chip she's held for over a decade."
But she will investigate, probe, and find ways to verify. We, however, may not know what cards she holds. And after years of hiding, can the leader of the knights truly withstand such a disturbance?
Tian Guang didn't answer, but instead clenched and unclenched his fist.
Wu Ji suddenly grabbed his sleeve.
"Tianlang, you can't—you don't have to do this for me—"
Tian Guang didn't look at her; he kept staring at Zhao Heng.
"So you mean, Wu Niang can't leave."
Zhao Heng said, "It's not that we can't leave, it's that we can't leave now. That courtesan isn't stupid. If Madam Wu disappears under her nose, she will definitely investigate with all her might. Given her character and methods, once she confirms the return of the chivalrous leader, she might use this as a new bargaining chip to demand even greater benefits from him. At that time, not only will Madam Wu be unable to escape, but the chivalrous leader will also be at her mercy. But if—"
He paused for a moment, then said, "But if we stay in Handan for the time being and wait for the right opportunity to counter that person and cut off her threat to Madam Wu, or rather, to the leader of the knights, that would be a different matter."
Tian Guang narrowed his eyes. Having spent decades in the martial world, how could he not hear the hidden meaning in the young man's words?
He asked, "What do you want me to do?"
Zhao Heng didn't mince words: "I want to maintain contact with the farmers."
Tian Guang's thick eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"There's been some undercurrent of activity in Handan lately, and I need to know what's going on in the martial arts world. The disciples of the Farmer's School are spread across the states, and their information channels far surpass mine."
Zhao said, "I will not ask the leader of the chivalrous sect to use his peasant disciples to assassinate or take risks for me. I only need to exchange information when appropriate. For example, regarding the external forces that my enemies in Handan might be colluding with, such as those in Qin and Yan."
Tian Guang stared at him, stroking his short beard, without saying a word.
Zhao Heng neither avoided nor yielded.
"In exchange, I will provide cover for you and Madam Wu. As for Concubine Chang, I will pretend to cooperate with Madam Wu, making her think that everything is under control; I will handle the matters that you cannot show your face in Handan; and the messages you need to pass can also be delivered through the channels of Lord Chunping's residence."
Tian Guang paced back and forth silently for a couple of steps, then turned to the side and said, "You want the farmers to do things for you?"
Zhao Heng shook his head.
"It's a collaboration. I'll protect Madam Wu, and the chivalrous leader will help me with information from the farmers. As for the courtesan, it's nothing more than a conspiracy between us. I need to get rid of this pawn, and the chivalrous leader also needs to break her control over Madam Wu. We share the same interests and are aligned in our goals."
Tian Guang turned around, stared at Zhao Heng for a long while, and suddenly sneered.
"Aren't you afraid that this murky water in the farmhouse will drown you, the grandson of the King of Zhao?"
Zhao Heng met his gaze and said, "I am already in troubled waters. Many chivalrous leaders are just like this in the undercurrent."
Tian Guang remained silent for a long time, then paced back and forth a couple of times with his hands behind his back. He walked to the window, then turned back, finally stopped, and suddenly smiled: "He really is a cunning lad."
Zhao Heng did not respond to this question, but simply asked, "What does the leader of the chivalrous sect think?"
Tian Guang's smile faded as he returned to Wu Ji's side, saying solemnly, "Protecting Wu Niang is something I owe her. You don't need to be my bargaining chip; I will do it myself. As for news from the Farmer's Clan, I can exchange information with you as long as it doesn't involve the safety of the Farmer's Clan disciples. However—"
He held up one finger.
"But if Wu Niang is put in greater danger because of me, then today's agreement is off."
Zhao Heng nodded.
"Can."
Wu Ji remained silent.
She looked at the unshaven man beside her, whom she hadn't seen for many years, and suddenly spoke.
"Tian Lang."
Tian Guang turned his head.
Wu Ji said, "Don't worry, I can wait."
Tian Guang sighed softly, then reached out and gently pressed on her shoulder, so lightly that it seemed as if he were afraid of disturbing something, or perhaps as if to confirm that she was still there.
Zhao waited silently to the side. He looked away, watching the rain gradually subside outside the door, and was about to ask Tian Guang if he should leave first when his ear suddenly twitched slightly.
On the muddy road after the rain, the sound of horses' hooves carried far and fast. It wasn't the rhythm of ordinary travel; it was galloping at full speed.
One rider.
It came on extremely fast.
Tian Guang also slightly turned his head. His inner strength was profound, and he had actually noticed earlier than Zhao Heng, but he didn't take it seriously. He simply took Wu Ji's hand and gently pulled her behind him. Then, he tilted his head slightly and listened carefully to any other sounds around him besides the one rider.
The sound of hooves approached from afar, breaking through the mud, and then abruptly stopped outside the empty farmland.
Immediately afterwards, a figure leaped from the horse's back into the air, as light as a swallow darting through the forest, and gracefully landed in the courtyard.
Tian Guang turned his head to the side.
Zhao Heng raised his hand and made a "please relax" gesture.
The newcomer wore a purple dress with a dark raincoat over it; rainwater slid down the edges of the raincoat, forming thin streams around her boots.
She raised her hand and took off her bamboo hat, revealing a face covered with a light veil. Her purple eyes swept slightly in the dimly lit room, first glancing at Zhao in the center of the room to make sure he was alright, then looking at the couple in the corner, and finally landing on Tian Guang, who was standing with one hand on his hip.
A moment later, she gave a soft laugh with a sense of "I knew it" in her voice.
"I traveled swiftly, prepared my carriage and horses, and was also prepared for any eventuality of combat. But to my surprise, upon arriving here, I find you and this valiant man already—engaged in a pleasant conversation?"
Zhao Heng simply shook his head slightly, looking somewhat surprised, and said, "Miss Zi Nu arrived faster than I expected."
Tian Guang looked at Zi Nu with a slight frown. He scrutinized her for a moment, then looked at Zhao Heng.
"Who is she?"
Zhao stepped forward half a step and stood in front of Zi Nu.
"Hero, this is Miss Zi Nu, the current owner of Zui Yue Lou. She is my—" He paused slightly, "and my close friend. Hero, rest assured, even if she knows your identity, she will keep silent about what you saw and heard today."
Upon hearing this, Zi Nu's eyelashes fluttered slightly.
Tian Guang glanced at Zhao Heng and simply said, "You're quite protective of him."
He scrutinized Zi Nu again, his gaze sharp as a knife, yet without hostility, merely appraising her.
"You are no ordinary merchant."
Zi Nu then bowed slightly, her posture composed.
"I am Zi Nu of Zui Yue Lou, and I have long admired your esteemed name. To meet you today is a great honor." She straightened up, her purple eyes curving slightly. "Then I will take it as a compliment from you, Chief Hero."
Tian Guang waved his hand, looked at Zhao Heng, hesitated, but ultimately said nothing more, only addressing Wu Ji:
'
"Miss Wu, I'll take you back to the city."
Wu Ji was taken aback. Then she shook her head.
"No need. What if you—"
"I send you."
Wu Ji stopped refusing, and Tian Guang led her a few steps toward the door, then suddenly stopped, turning half his face to the side. "You cunning boy, I've remembered our agreement for today. How will you contact us if you need news from the farmers?"
Zhao Heng then said, "Since Madam Wu is at Zuiyue Tower, let's inform her directly there. Miss Zi Nu will make the arrangements."
Tian Guang nodded.
He didn't speak again, but simply raised his hand and waved it gently in the rain. Then he wrapped his arms around Wu Ji's waist, and with a few leaps and bounds, he disappeared into the misty rain.
Zhao Heng stood under the eaves, gazing into the distance.
The sky was grayish-white, the rain had subsided to a light drizzle, and the distant forests were shrouded in a thin mist, like an unfinished ink painting.
Zi Nu stood beside him, also gazing in that direction. Although she didn't know the full story of Tian Guang and that Wu Ji, she had a pretty good idea of what had happened. She said, "This chivalrous leader is quite sentimental."
Zhao Heng did not reply. He simply turned around and bowed respectfully to Zi Nu.
"Thank you for coming, young lady."
Zi Nu slightly turned her body to avoid the half-bow, and simply chuckled: "I came here simply because I don't want my money tree to wither before it grows up."
Zhao Heng chuckled, then asked, "Where are Meng Ben and Luan Ding? Why aren't they here?"
Zi Nu straightened her cuffs and casually said, "I told them not to come for the time being."
Zhao Heng raised an eyebrow.
Zi Nu said, "Your disciple Ji Cheng is seriously injured. Although his life is not in danger, he cannot withstand any more turbulence."
I told them to treat him at the music hall first. Besides, with someone like Ueda Hikaru, unless it really comes down to a life-or-death struggle, it's not about numbers that wins.”
Zhao Heng nodded slightly without refuting.
He understood Zi Nu's meaning. If a sect leader like Tian Guang truly intended to kill, sending more ordinary experts would only add to the corpses. Her choice to ride alone at breakneck speed was less about reinforcements and more about settling things over and negotiating.
Seeing that Zhao Heng was about to thank her again, Zi Nu glanced at the rain and turned to walk back inside, saying, "Speaking of which, I was planning to visit you in the next couple of days. I didn't expect you to give me such a surprise before I even sent out the invitation."
She glanced at him sideways, a mischievous smile playing on her purple eyes: "Young Master Heng, you've quietly accomplished something quite remarkable again. Discussing grand plans with the leader of the Farmer's Clan, shouldn't I congratulate you on making the acquaintance of another extraordinary hero—"
Zhao Heng shook his head, somewhat self-deprecatingly saying, "I've only made my own mistake by being too clever for my own good."
Zi Nu couldn't help but turn around and look at him.
The young man's face showed neither joy nor sorrow; he simply gazed at the raindrops outside the eaves. She suddenly realized that his self-deprecating remark contained more than just reflection on the day's events.
She couldn't help but comfort him, saying, "But you still managed to turn the situation around."
Zhao Heng didn't reply. He only noticed that Zi Nu's mount had also taken shelter under the eaves from the rain, its mane soaked, and it was licking the mud off its hooves. He turned and walked back inside, asking as he did so, "You said earlier that you wanted to visit me."
What is the matter?
Zi Nu didn't answer immediately, but turned and walked into the house. As she walked, she took off her raincoat and casually hung it on a crooked wooden rack by the door. The raincoat was still dripping water, which quickly soaked into a small puddle on the muddy ground.
She said, "I didn't do anything for the textile machine craftsman. It was all thanks to your own connections that it was made possible."
As she spoke, she walked to the center of the room, turned her back to Zhao Heng, and untied the belt of her outer robe.
"You previously agreed with me that I would contribute the majority of the profits to the construction of the workshop, receiving 70%. However, that was on the condition that I would recruit craftsmen for you. Now that you have secured the craftsmen yourself, I would feel unworthy to accept the 70/30 split. Therefore, I thought I would discuss it with you again, and at the same time, check on the progress of the looms. Also, through our young master Heng's influence, I would like to get acquainted with some of the Mohist master craftsmen, wouldn't you say?"
Zhao Heng was just entering the house when he heard this. He looked up, but his steps immediately faltered.
But then Zi Nu took off her outer robe and draped it over a wooden table piled with miscellaneous items.
She was wearing a form-fitting dark purple ruyi (a type of traditional Chinese dress) underneath, the fabric slightly damp from the rain, clinging tightly to her body and outlining her rounded shoulders, slender waist, and the full curves of her breasts that appeared even more prominent as she turned to the side.
The fabric was semi-transparent, revealing the edge of a matching strapless bra underneath. Oblivious, or rather, nonchalantly, she casually tidied her long, disheveled hair, a few strands of wet hair clinging to her neck, making her skin appear even whiter.
Zhao Heng paused for a moment, but did not deliberately retreat. He simply lowered his eyes naturally, looking at a certain spot on the ground as if there were some patterns worth studying, and said, "Miss Zi Nu, you really don't treat me like an outsider."
Zi Nu was bending down to pick up an earring that had just fallen onto the reed mat when she heard this and paused slightly.
She looked up and saw Zhao Heng's downcast and averted look, and suddenly found it somewhat interesting.
She had no other intentions; she was simply uncomfortable wearing her soaked clothes and wanted to take off her outer robe to air them out. But seeing the young man's mature, composed, and aloof demeanor, she couldn't help but feel a mischievous urge.
She slowly straightened up, clutching the purple jade earring in her hand. She didn't rush to put it on, but sighed, her voice tinged with grievance: "Upon hearing of your misfortune, I rode my horse for over ten miles, my clothes soaked through and my hair disheveled. When I arrived here, there wasn't even a sip of hot water. I wanted to loosen my wet outer robe to feel lighter, but you said I didn't treat you like family."
As she spoke, she made a gesture as if to loosen the sash of her robe again: "Could it be that my disheveled appearance is unworthy of your attention, young master, and I am not even qualified to dry my clothes here?"
Zhao Heng glanced at the chained snake sword at Zi Nu's waist, which resembled a belt, and said, "Since you've already practiced internal energy cultivation, why don't you use your power to dry your clothes?"
Zi Nu was stunned for a moment, and then she burst out laughing.
This smile wasn't a deliberately seductive one; it was genuine laughter.
She said, "Young master, are you referring to those grandmasters with profound internal strength, like that peasant hero just now, whose body is filled with internal energy and cannot be touched by rain or snow? Young master certainly thinks highly of me."
Having said that, she looked at Zhao Heng with a smile: "Or does Young Master know such a move himself?"
Zhao Heng remained silent for a moment.
He certainly wouldn't; he just said it instinctively.
With his current progress in the Guigu Breathing Technique, being able to dispel the cold air on his body with internal energy is already considered rapid progress. But to dry the entire garment instantly would require at least twenty years of internal energy cultivation for an ordinary person.
He said no more and turned to walk towards the corner of the room where miscellaneous items were piled up.
Zi Nu watched as he rummaged through a pile of old wood and dry grass, digging out a few relatively dry pieces of firewood and picking up a handful of dry grass to start a fire.
So she sat down on the reed mat, elbows on her knees, chin in hand, and watched with great interest as the prince of Zhao squatted on the ground, built a fire, and struck it with flint.
Surprisingly, he was skilled in his movements, clearly not doing this for the first time.
The dry grass first ignited into tiny flames, and Zhao Heng bent down and gently blew on it, gradually increasing the fire's intensity. He stacked the firewood into a tower shape, and the fire burned steadily, the warm yellow light illuminating his profile and highlighting his handsome features.
Zi Nu watched him busy himself, resting her chin on her hand. When she saw the fire was lit, she got up and took her outer robe from the wooden table. She found a slanted stick by the fire and put it on to dry herself. She then sat down on the other side of the fire, her legs together and bent to the side, still resting her chin on her hand, watching Zhao Heng go out and tie up the horses.
When Zhao Heng came back in, he saw the firelight reflecting off her half-dry blouse, with a faint steam rising from it.
Zi Nu had a great figure, and her clothes, soaked by the rain, clung to her body, outlining her rounded shoulders and slender waist. Further down, her legs, pressed together, were partially hidden under her skirt.
Zhao Heng sat down opposite her, placed his long sword across his lap, lowered his eyelids to look at the flames, and did not look at her.
Zi Nu didn't seem to mind, simply resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him. The firelight flickered in her purple eyes, and she suddenly asked, "Does the young master often do these things himself in the manor?"
Zhao Heng didn't look up, focusing intently on the flickering flames: "You still know this basic common sense."
Zi Nu chuckled, not surprised at all, and continued, "I have already found a place for the textile workshop."
Zhao Heng then raised his eyes.
"It's in the east of the city, near the Zhu River. That area used to be a warehouse where Qi merchants stored silk. During the siege of Handan, the merchants fled in a hurry, and the place was looted clean. They never came back. I've taken over two courtyards. The front courtyard can be used as a workshop, and the back courtyard can be used as living quarters. There's also room on both sides, so it's enough for future expansion. But right now, it's just a few empty rooms. We need to buy spinning wheels and recruit female workers. I'm good at these things, so you don't need to worry about it, sir."
Zi Nu said, "If you have the time, young master, you might as well go and take a look yourself. After all, it is your property."
Zhao Heng hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'll go when I have the chance. I've been busy with many matters at the manor these past few days and haven't been able to get away."
He did not explain what it was about, and Zi Nu did not press him for details. She simply asked, "What do you think about the division of the profits, young master?"
'
Zhao Heng considered for a moment: "Miss Zi Nu has contributed the majority of the investment. The venue, materials, manpower, and sales channels are the key to success. Although I hired the craftsmen, without Miss Zi Nu's foundation, it would be difficult to succeed. If we split it 30/70, Miss Zi Nu will still take 70%, and I will take 30%. Miss Zi Nu has contributed the majority of the investment and taken the greatest risk, so it is only natural that she takes 70%."
After a moment's thought, he added, "However, I need to send a few managers and accountants to stay there. They don't need to interfere with the daily operations; they just need to check the accounts and understand the flow of funds each quarter."
""
Zi Nu nodded: "Of course. The choice is up to you, young master, and I will make the arrangements."
She did not refuse, nor did she offer any further pleasantries despite Zhao Heng's insistence. Both of them understood that this was how business was conducted: speak clearly, settle accounts precisely, and avoid wasting a single word.
The fire was burning brightly, occasionally crackling softly.
Zi Nu's outer robe was drying by the fire, and most of the dampness had been removed, with wisps of white smoke rising from the edges of the fabric. Her own undergarment was also almost dry, no longer clinging to her skin, but her curves remained, only softened.
Zi Nu rested her chin on her hand, the firelight reflecting on her face and making her purple eyes appear even deeper. She wasn't trying to maintain any particular posture; her demeanor was relaxed, even somewhat languid. Looking at the fire, she casually said, "In a few days, there will be a birthday banquet at Lord Pingyuan's residence. Does the young master know of it?"
Zhao Heng was poking at the fire when he looked up in surprise.
"Lord Pingyuan's birthday banquet? Where did you get this news, young lady?"
Zi Nu smiled and said, "Lord Pingyuan is getting on in years, and it is said that he hopes to use this birthday banquet to dispel his illness. Most of the powerful and influential people in Handan who have some connection with Lord Pingyuan's household will come to offer their birthday wishes."
She looked at Zhao Heng: "Young Master, as a prince, if the Lord of Pingyuan's residence sends an invitation, will you go or not?"
Zhao Heng said, "If invited, I will certainly go." He paused, "However, I was unaware of this matter, while you, young lady, already know. Could it be that the invitation from Lord Pingyuan's residence has already been sent to Zuiyue Tower?"
Zi Nu remained silent, only smiling as she looked at him.
Zhao Heng shook his head and didn't press the matter. He said, "At Lord Pingyuan's birthday banquet, many powerful and influential figures from Zhao have gathered. Does the young lady intend for me to meet some interesting people?"
Zi Nu said, "Young Master already has quite a few interesting people around him."
Her tone was light and cheerful, yet tinged with a deeper meaning: "I was just thinking that since you spend all your time at home studying and practicing martial arts, you should occasionally go out and see the world. Besides—Lord Pingyuan has three thousand retainers, representing all walks of life. Among them, there might be some who could be useful to you."
Zhao Heng remained silent. He simply put down the wooden stick he was using to stir the fire and looked up towards the door.
He said, "The rain has stopped."
Zi Nu followed his gaze and saw that the sky outside the courtyard was fully bright. The clouds had slightly dispersed, and the reflections of the clouds were in the puddles. Crystalline water droplets hung on the willow branches, and a gust of wind blew, causing a light drizzle to fall.
Zhao Heng stood up: "Let's go back first. Although this place is remote, staying here any longer will only cause more trouble."
Zi Nu also stood up.
She took the warm outer robe from the wooden rack, shook it out, and put it on. As she fastened the belt, she suddenly said, "I only have one horse."
Zhao Heng kept moving, only walking outside, but stopped after taking two steps.
Zi Nu then chuckled and said, "My family has a small manor in the northern suburbs, usually guarded by only a few old servants. If you don't mind its simplicity, young master, you can come with me there to rest for a while, change into clean clothes, and then take the carriage back to the city. It's much more presentable than you returning to the city in this muddy, tattered rag. It will also avoid attracting attention and causing trouble."
Zhao Heng thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss."
The two walked out of the house. Zi Nu went to her mount, untied the reins, led it into the courtyard, and then mounted the horse with practiced ease. She then naturally reached out her hand to Zhao Heng.
Zhao Heng did not refuse. He simply raised his hand to grasp the hand that Zi Nu extended, and then leaped onto the horse, sitting down behind Zi Nu.
But just as he was about to use the momentum to get up, Zi Nu suddenly pulled her wrist back.
Caught off guard, Zhao Heng was pulled forward by the force. Before he could react, Zi Nu grabbed his waist with her other hand and lifted him up, pulling him directly in front of her and placing him on the saddle.
Zhao Heng was instantly thrust into something soft and warm.
Zi Nu simply wrapped her arms around his sides and grasped the reins.
This position pressed her entire body against his back, with Zi Nu's chin almost resting on Zhao Heng's shoulder. Her breath brushed against his ear, and she gently squeezed the horse's flanks with her legs, saying, "Young master, sit tight."
The mount let out a long neigh, its four hooves churning, shattering the puddles and shadows of the clouds, and galloped off along the muddy road.
Caught off guard, Zhao Heng leaned back due to inertia, sinking even deeper into that soft curve.
His back stiffened slightly, but he quickly adjusted his posture and steadied himself. He didn't turn around or make a sound, but he felt extremely uncomfortable.
The wind filled my sleeves.
Spring is in the air.
Zhao Heng's back pressed against her undulating form, the warmth clearly felt through her clothes. He closed his eyes, regulated his inner breathing, and let Zi Nu's arms hold him firmly as they rode on horseback, skimming over the rain-washed official road, leaving the dilapidated house far behind.
Zi Nu stood behind him, saying nothing.
The wind whistled past my ears.
A slight smile played on her lips. But the spring breeze that greeted her quickly dispelled it.