RPAGF Chapter 265 Riding a Horse Through the Streets
Chapter 265 Riding a Horse Through the Streets
Chapter 265, Riding a Horse Through the Streets
Tian Tian stood in her small kitchen in her yard, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Today, Jinghe is bringing her classmates back, and she has specially prepared some "special" food.
The oil sizzled in the pan, and the golden chicken legs bubbled in the hot oil, emitting an enticing aroma.
Tian Tian skillfully used long chopsticks to turn the chicken leg over.
Next to the pot, there are also ham sausages and chicken strips.
These are all ingredients she bought through the system; they are rare and delicious foods that are unavailable in this era.
"Sister! We're back!" Tian Jinghe's voice came from the courtyard.
Tian Tian wiped her hands, scooped the chicken legs out of the oil, and then went outside.
A dozen or so boys, about the same age as Tian Jinghe, stood in the courtyard, dressed in elegant school uniforms, carrying satchels, and with childlike faces.
"Jinghe, lead everyone inside. The food will be ready soon."
Everyone's eyes lit up when they heard that.
A round-faced boy sniffed, "Princess, it smells so good."
Tian Tian smiled and said, "Everyone, please wait a moment, we'll be able to eat soon."
Tian Jinghe called to his classmates, "Come on, let's go inside."
They entered a side room in Tian Tian's courtyard, which contained a couch and a table.
The boys went inside and put down their bags.
"Jinghe, your princess sister is so beautiful."
"Yes, she has no airs of a princess at all, she's so kind."
Tian Jinghe chuckled, "My sister's cooking is the best. You'll see in a bit."
Tian Tian put the ham sausages and chicken strips into the pot, and quickly fried them until they were golden brown and crispy before taking them out.
She packed all the fried food into a large bamboo basket and carried it out.
"smell good..."
"It smells good."
As soon as they arrived at the door, the boys inside stood up one by one, drawn by the scent.
Tian Tian smiled and placed the bamboo basket on the table. "Come and try some. This is called fried chicken leg, fried ham sausage, and this one." She pointed to the last one, "It's fried chicken strips."
The boys looked at each other, they had never heard of these names before, but the aroma was really tempting.
Tian Jinghe couldn't wait any longer and grabbed a chicken leg, handing it to the boy next to him, "Don't just stand there, eat it while it's hot."
He's eaten chicken drumsticks several times already, and his conclusion is... they taste best when they're hot. They're still tasty when they're cold, but not nearly as good as when they're hot.
The boy took it, took a bite, and the crispy outer layer made a "crunch".
"Delicious!" he mumbled indistinctly.
Seeing this, the other teenagers also reached out to take it.
Tian Jinghe also grabbed one and started eating with everyone else.
"How's it going? Is it delicious?"
"You can also dip it in some powder or sauce; the taste will vary."
Tian Jinghe gave a skillful introduction.
Tian Tian had placed several kinds of powdered sauces on the side, including chili powder, plum powder, chili sauce, tomato sauce, and so on.
The boys began to playfully experiment with various sauces.
Tian Tian then brought out several teapots from the kitchen, containing Coca-Cola and Sprite that she had bought from the system.
The boys unknowingly filled their glasses, but hesitated when they saw the bubbling liquid inside.
"This is called Coca-Cola, and this is called Sprite. I got the recipe from a merchant in the Western Desert. Try it."
After hearing Tian Tian's explanation, the boys cautiously took a sip, and their eyes widened immediately.
"This flavor... is so unique."
"It's a little prickly, but also very sweet."
Taking advantage of their conversation, Tian Tian casually pulled up a chair and sat down, asking, "Have you had any interesting experiences at the academy?"
A boy with his mouth stuffed full of chicken strips said, "There are so many interesting things to do."
"Take this example: in the past few days, Commander Cui's younger brother, Cui Mingyi, broke his leg twice after jumping into the Moxiang Pavilion."
“That’s right.” Another boy chimed in, “The Cui family is a prestigious family. Everyone in the family is well-educated, sensible, and good at managing their own families. Only he is different.”
"But his scholarship is indeed excellent."
“He came in first place in the last test.”
Taking the opportunity, Tian Tian asked, "So, what kind of person is this Young Master Cui?"
"Given his age, he should be getting married by now."
The boys looked at each other. "He's a really nice guy."
"I heard that he just didn't want to go on the scientific expedition."
"Besides reading, my favorite thing to do is ride horses."
“I saw that he had read travelogues and military strategies.”
"I think he's not as simple as he seems; he's a man of great talent and hidden depths."
As Tian Tian listened, she mentally noted down the information.
Cui Ming also did not want to take the imperial examinations, because he did not want to pursue an official career.
What does he want to do?
Reading travelogues and military strategies, does he want to become a military general?
"It's getting late, we should head back." The boys glanced at the sky.
"Princess, thank you for your hospitality today. We'll take our leave now."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Princess."
"Thank you, Princess. The food you made is delicious."
The boys were all very polite and took their leave one by one.
*
"How did it go, Second Sister? Did you find out anything?" As soon as the classmates left, Tian Jinghe immediately asked Tian Tian.
Tian Tian shook her head thoughtfully, "I didn't get any useful information."
These children are too young and don't know much.
Tian Jinghe chuckled and squeezed next to her. "Second sister, don't worry. Anyway, I've already entered Qingya Academy. Let me find out more."
"Besides, Third Sister doesn't necessarily have to have Cui Mingyi. I'll help Third Sister see if there are any other good students."
Tian Tian knew, of course, that she couldn't put all her eggs in one basket. "Alright, but you can only observe quietly and can't tell anyone, understand?"
Tian Jinghe nodded emphatically, "Don't worry, Second Sister, of course I know."
*
A winter snowfall blanketed the entire capital city in white.
Snowflakes fluttered down from the leaden sky, like scattered pear blossoms or drifting willow catkins.
In the market, vendors were simmering hot ginger tea and mutton soup on their stoves.
Children, bundled up in thick cotton-padded coats, chased and played in the snow, leaving behind a trail of joyful footprints.
Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves broke the silence.
"drive!!"
A chestnut horse galloped towards them, carrying a young man in fine clothes, his robes fluttering in the wind, looking quite dashing.
Snowflakes fell on his dark hair. He held the reins in one hand and a whip in the other. The collar of his fox fur coat was trimmed with a circle of snow-white fox fur, which made him look even more handsome and extraordinary.
Horse hooves pounded the cobblestone path, splashing up fine snowflakes.
Cui Mingyi leaned down slightly, and the horse quickened its pace, galloping across the empty street.
A smile played on his lips, and his eyes sparkled with excitement.
On the roadside, a girl wearing a light pink jacket and skirt was squatting on the ground picking up a scattered embroidered handkerchief.
Hearing the sound of hooves, she looked up in alarm, but slipped and fell onto the road.
The young man on horseback reacted swiftly, pulling the reins abruptly. The horse reared up on its hind legs, neighed, and came to a stop just in front of the girl.
Cui Ming also dismounted, but did not immediately reach out to help the person. "Is the young lady injured?"
Qin Youyou lowered her head and touched her ankle; the pain confirmed that she had sprained it.
She, who is usually good-tempered, was inexplicably very angry.
"Young master, do you know how dangerous it is to ride a horse on the street?" Qin Youyou looked up indignantly.
Unexpectedly, she recognized the person in front of her as the young master she had met once before at the clinic.
But no matter who the other party was, her anger did not subside.
So after only a moment of stunned silence, she continued her tirade...
"No matter how good your riding skills are, you can't ride a horse recklessly in the streets!!"
"There are many pedestrians on the street, and innocent people could be injured if you're not careful!!"
Cui Mingyi's smile froze for a moment.
"The streets are narrow and lined with vendors on both sides. If you speed along and knock over a stall, their livelihood for the day will be ruined!"
"Do you know how hard it is for them to make a living by running a small business?!"
Cui Mingyi opened his mouth, as if he wanted to explain something.
Qin Youyou became more and more excited as she spoke, "This bluestone road is already slippery, and with today's heavy snow, it's even more slippery. Not to mention others, if you fall down, you could be injured at best, or even lose your life at worst."
How can your family accept this?
Cui Mingyi's expression gradually changed.
Qin Youyou snorted, "You think riding a horse through the streets is cool? Impressive? In other people's eyes, you're just an arrogant and ignorant spoiled brat!"
The vendors who were watching all praised Qin Youyou after hearing her words.
"This young lady is right. Even if we don't think about others, we should think about ourselves."
"What? You should think about us. We're law-abiding, honest people. If someone bumps into us, we're the ones who'll be in trouble."
"Hey, stop talking, that's the young master of the Cui family."
"oh oh..."
Qin Youyou didn't care about his status and turned to leave angrily.
My right foot, which was already sprained, slipped again, and a sharp pain shot through my ankle, causing my body to involuntarily tilt to one side.
"Hiss—" She gasped, but forced herself not to make a sound.
Cui Ming also noticed that Qin Youyou swayed slightly, and upon closer inspection, he discovered that she seemed hesitant to put weight on her right foot, and walked with a limp.
"Did you sprain your ankle?" Cui Mingyi asked.
Qin Youyou bit her lip. "It's none of your business."
Cui Ming also said anxiously, "Shall I take you to the clinic?"
Qin Youyou dodged him, "No need."
My older sister is nearby and will be here soon; she just needs to wait.
The movement to dodge was too abrupt, and a sharp pain shot through her ankle. She swayed and nearly fell.
Cui Mingyi quickly grabbed her arm and said, "Be careful."
He frowned. "You're already like this, why are you still trying to be strong? I'll take you to the clinic."
"No need." Qin Youyou shook off his hand. "My older sister is nearby. We can just wait for her."
Cui Mingyi persisted, "When is she coming? Are you just going to put up with it if she doesn't come?"
"This is none of your business," Qin Youyou said, raising her voice slightly. "Stay away from me."
This pulling and tugging is utterly improper.
Cui Mingyi was stunned by her shout, choked and speechless, his face turning pale and then red.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Well, miss, I can't just ignore you because I was riding my horse and you twisted your ankle."
"I said I don't need it!" Qin Youyou slowly moved to the wall and held onto it. "My older sister will be here soon."
Seeing her stubbornness, Cui Mingyi felt both amused and annoyed.
He simply crossed his arms and looked at her face to face, saying, "Alright, I'll wait here until your older sister arrives."
"You!!" Qin Youyou's eyes widened.
Cui Mingyi raised his chin. "I need to see you go to the clinic before I feel at ease. I'm afraid you'll come back and try to extort money from me again."
Qin Youyou stomped her feet in anger, but the movement was so strong that she felt a sharp pain.
She bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes, "I'm not that kind of person."
Seeing this, Cui Mingyi softened his tone, "Alright, alright, you're not that kind of person. I'm the one who feels guilty, okay?"
Qin Youyou was stunned for a moment, then looked up and met his eyes, which were now filled with genuine worry.
Before Cui Mingyi could say anything more, Tian Xiang's voice suddenly came from not far away, "Youyou?"
Qin Youyou breathed a sigh of relief and quickly waved to her, "Big sister, I'm here."
Tian Xiang walked over quickly, paused for a moment when she saw Cui Mingyi, and then came to Qin Youyou's side, "Youyou, what's wrong?"
When Qin Youyou saw Tian Xiang, her nose tingled with emotion. "Big sister, I sprained my ankle."
Tian Xiang immediately squatted down, using her body to block her, and then checked her ankle.
Upon seeing it, she frowned. "It's swollen. Let's go to the clinic."
Tian Xiang guessed that Qin Youyou's sprained ankle was related to the boy next to her, but she didn't want to ask him in detail in front of him.
He had no choice but to lean close to Qin Youyou's ear and ask, "Did he bully you?"
Qin Youyou shook her head.
Tian Xiang breathed a sigh of relief and let Qin Youyou put her arm around her shoulder to lighten the weight on her feet.
Cui Ming also wanted to keep up...
Tian Xiang turned her head and said, "Young master, please wait."
Cui Mingyi opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded. "I am Cui Mingyi from the Cui family in the south of the city. I am responsible for your injury, young lady. You are welcome to come to me at any time."
Tian Xiang didn't say anything, and escorted Qin Youyou to the clinic.
Qin Youyou leaned on Tian Xiang's shoulder, her face contorted in pain, but she stubbornly refused to cry out.
A strange, indescribable emotion suddenly welled up in Cui Mingyi's heart.
He led his horse away, but couldn't help looking back one last time. Still worried, he followed...
*
The clinic was filled with the rich aroma of medicine. Qin Youyou sat on the examination bed, watching the female doctor carefully examine her ankle.
"It's quite a sprain," the female doctor frowned. "Your ankle is slightly dislocated and needs to be set. You'll need to rest for at least two weeks and can't walk around."
Upon hearing this, Tian Xiang's expression immediately changed. "It's that serious?"
The female doctor nodded, gesturing for Qin Youyou to lie down. "It will hurt a little, bear with it."
Qin Youyou bit her lip and gripped the edge of the bed tightly with both hands.
When the female doctor placed her hand on her ankle, she felt a sharp pain, her vision went black, and she almost cried out.
"Alright." The doctor released his hand. "You need to apply the medicine on time these next few days. I'll prescribe some ointment to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis."
Tian Xiang quickly thanked her and helped Qin Youyou sit up.
Looking at her sister's pale face, she asked with heartache, "How did you sprain your ankle?"
Having arrived in the capital, Qin Youyou, who was already cautious, became even more so, making it impossible for her to sprain her ankle out of nowhere.
Qin Youyou didn't hide it from Tian Xiang and told her about Cui Mingyi riding a horse recklessly in the street.
"I was already angry enough about twisting my ankle, and then he started pulling and tugging at me, which made me so angry that I stomped my foot on it..." Qin Youyou thought of the pain from that stomp and couldn't help but grit her teeth, "It hurt so much."
Outside the clinic, the faint sound of horses neighing could be heard...