“In a few days, the emperor will be setting off on the winter hunt.” Gu Jing puffed his chest with readiness and said with a smile. “At that time…I hope uncle will take the initiative to propose this to Father.”
The winter winds whistled outside the windows, rolling up the leaves in the middle of the air, turning them in circles.
When November came, the weather grew colder and colder.
On the fifth day of the eleventh month, the emperor traveled under the gaze of the public, flying his bright yellow banner as he left the city.
Quoting “Erya – Shitian”, The spring hunt is called Sou, the summer hunt is called Miao, the autumn hunt is called Xian, and the winter hunt is called Shou.
Winter is the best time for hunting as everything is dormant.
And, for the imperial family of the Great Qi, the winter hunt also bears a special meaning. The Great Qi dynasty focuses on martial arts, and all the emperors of the dynasty would perform ancestral rituals during the winter hunt, such as offering up hunted prey as sacrifices to their ancestors. The ones attending this hunt are the royal family, the emperor’s close ministers, and the titular families in the capital, making it a symbol of honor and status.
Since Qin Gui didn’t know how to ride a horse, she went out in a carriage which left along with the other horses. Her carriage was as inconspicuous as an ant in the huge caravan.
It was rare that she got to come out and play so Qin Gui was in a good mood. From time to time, she would look out the curtains and smiled with arched eyes.
Following the sound of a neigh, Qin Zeyu galloped up to her carriage and laughed at her. “Third Sister, you don’t even know how to ride a horse? That’s too lame! Why don’t I teach you? Want me to teach you? When we reach the hunting grounds, other people will be entering the mountains on horseback and you’re going on two feet. What if you get lost in the mountains and eaten by a bear?”
“As long as you beg me, I’ll be gracious and teach you.”
The unruly boy felt that he would make a good “teacher”. If his Third Sister isn’t able to learn, then he would give her a whip on the hand.
Qin Gui weighed the cup in her hand and smiled at the young boy.
Qin Zeyu was best at reading faces so he quickly spurred on his horse. While running off, he would still turn back fearlessly to provoke her. “Haha, can’t hit me!”
Since staying out that one night, Qin Zeyu had been grounded at home, so it was rare that he got this chance to come out. He was just like a bird let out of a cage, off having the time of his life.
“…” Qin Jiu felt that this little brat really needed to be taught a lesson. Looking out, she planned to have Qin Zening help her drag him back, but then she ended up seeing another familiar figure behind instead.
Under the warm winter sun, a handsome young man was dressed in purple fitted riding garments. He had a warm smile on his face and gave off a majestic aura. His white horse was tall and athletic, and the beating of its hooves added a valiant feeling to the youth.
“Big Brother!”
Qin Gui immediately shot an excessively bright smile towards the person.
It was nice to bump into her golden thigh again as soon as she needed it!
The unconcealed fake smile on Qin Gui’s face allowed Gu Zezhi to see at once that she had something to ask for him. So, he spurred his horse closer to her carriage.
“Big Brother, eat this.” She diligently picked up the box of preserves and handed it out of the carriage window.
There’s no free lunch in this world but Gu Zezhi raised a brow and picked up a candied fruit from the box, putting it into his mouth. The candied fruit was just the right amount of sweet and sour, but also with an added indescribably fragrance that was refreshing. It tastes good.
“Speak, what is it?” Gu Zezhi asked.
Qin Gui raised her hand and pointed at Qin Zeyu’s arrogant back, sniggering. “Help me catch that kid back!”
Her clear eyes were as bright as the stars in the sky, shining brightly.
Gu Zezhi dropped two words with a smile.
“Just wait.”
With that, he sped off. In just a moment, Qin Zeyu who was almost pulled off his horse by the collar came back again in a gloomy manner.
Qin Gui was busying about in the carriage, grabbing one ruler for a moment and a tube the other, as if weighing which one was more suitable for beating someone with.
“Want a horsewhip?” Gu Zezhi asked thoughtfully.
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