Chapter 148: Uncontainable Turmoil

Chapter 148: Uncontainable Turmoil

As the weather gradually warmed, new buds appeared on the trees. Xiao Yuzhu had long been eager to learn horseback riding, and with the onset of warmer days, she pleaded with Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuming to teach her. She implored Xiao Yuming in particular because, after all, he was the one to instruct her!

Since her transmigration, Tang Shuyi seldom left the estate, but desiring to learn to ride as well, she took Xiao Yuzhu, Tang Anle, and the third Miss Xue, Xue Ying, to the Nanling Earl's stables. When the Nanling Countess and both the first and second Mrs. Tang heard of this, they also followed, making it a lively assembly.

They were taught horseback riding by Xiao Yuming, Qi Er, and Yan Wu—three young dandies. Though not scholarly, these three were exceedingly proficient in horsemanship.

“First, familiarize yourself with the horses by touching them...” Xiao Yuming explained earnestly to Xiao Yuzhu and Tang Shuyi.

Taking his advice, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu stroked the horses' heads, prompting the animals to blissfully close their eyes, a sight that tickled Xiao Yuzhu into laughter.

“Place your left foot on the stirrup and grasp the saddle with your right hand…”

Following Xiao Yuming's instructions, Tang Shuyi stepped onto the stirrup with her left foot and grasped the saddle with her right hand, then with a light bound, she vaulted onto the horse. While Xiao Yuzhu was still learning, Tang Shuyi signaled to a female stable hand to come over, who led her horse in a circle and then, under her guidance, encouraged the horse to trot.

Naturally astute, Tang Shuyi quickly mastered the basics, confidently holding the reins in one hand and the riding crop in the other, urging her horse to a swifter pace. Feeling the cool breeze whistling past her ears, she felt as if she had returned to the modern era, where, troubled in spirit, she would drive her car fast on empty roads.

The thrill of horseback riding or speeding in a car lies in the pleasure of control and mastery, along with the exhilaration of high speed. At this moment, Tang Shuyi felt that sense of command—as if steering her life with the same assuredness.

This realization brought a more confident smile to her face. She believed that whether in the modern world or in ancient times, she could take charge of her destiny and live a unique life.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the riding grounds, four men stood watching: Tang Shubai, Tang Shujie, the Earl of Nanling, and Qi Liangsheng. The first three had come after court, curious to see their ladies enjoying themselves at the stables.

Qi Liangsheng's reason, ostensibly, was to check whether his disappointing second son was causing trouble again, but his true motive remained his own secret.

Qi Liangsheng always knew what he wanted and what he couldn't have. He found himself drawn to the present Tang Shuyi in a way he hadn't felt since his youth. Yet, he also knew she was someone he shouldn't pursue; the obstacles between them were too formidable.

He tried to suppress the palpitations in his heart, convinced he could do it, as he had before. However, now, watching the woman on horseback, so free-spirited and unbridled, his heart started pounding fiercely, and an inner voice challenged, "What if I choose to have her, regardless of the consequences?"

And once this thought emerged, he found it impossible to repress.

"Ah, my family member is truly..." sighed the Earl of Nanling, his expression indescribable, "The Lady of Yongning Hou is already taking her round, and she has yet to mount her horse. I shall see to her."

Upon hearing this, the Earl walked towards the Nanling Countess, and Tang Shujie also said, "I shall check on my cousin as well."

With that, he departed, leaving only Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng behind. Tang Shubai, too, wished to assist his wife in horseback riding, so he turned to Qi Liangsheng

Qi Liangsheng said nothing, a silent protest to not having a spouse of his own.

Tang Shubai didn’t linger on his thoughts and strode towards the senior Mrs. Tang. Qi Liangsheng stood still, his gaze fixed on Tang Shuyi. The faster his heart raced, the more he watched. Finally, he led a horse out, mounted it, and rode in the direction of Tang Shuyi.

In the Da Qian Dynasty, the social boundaries between men and women weren't overly strict. It was common to see both genders playing polo together, and the same applied to mixed-gender horseback riding at the equestrian field.

Soon enough, Qi Liangsheng caught up with Tang Shuyi and rode alongside her. She turned to him, "Lord Qi, you've come for a ride as well?"

"It's been a while. Just here to practice a bit," Qi Liangsheng replied.

A spark of enthusiasm ignited in Tang Shuyi, and she suggested with a smile, "Lord Qi, how about a friendly race?"

"Certainly," Qi Liangsheng was naturally not one to refuse.

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, cracked her whip, and spurred her horse into a gallop. Qi Liangsheng promptly followed, ensuring they remained side by side.

From afar, the senior Mrs. Tang, upon seeing them ride together, whispered to Tang Shubai, "What is Qi Liangsheng implying by this?"

Tang Shubai glanced over at the pair and saw nothing amiss—it was just horse riding. He responded, "Implying what?"

The senior Mrs. Tang shot him a look, "Can't you tell? Qi Liangsheng is deliberately getting close to Shuyi."

"Impossible, it's not what you think," Tang Shubai, feeling he understood Qi Liangsheng well, asserted, "He wouldn’t pursue what he knows is unattainable."

The senior Mrs. Tang huffed and said no more, though she remained convinced of the unusual nature of Qi Liangsheng’s intentions.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi, the subject of the speculation, had just finished her race with Qi Liangsheng. They reached the finish line together, with no clear winner. She knew Qi Liangsheng had held back, but she didn't believe he harbored any romantic feelings for her.

Theirs was a partnership: he tutored her son, and she nurtured his. It was natural for partners to ride together and bond. There was nothing more to it.

Unwittingly, she found herself analyzing the situation with a modern mindset.

As noon approached, it was mentioned earlier that Xiao Yuming and the others had planned to roast meat at the equestrian field, and the ingredients had been prepared in advance. The group selected a picturesque spot, set up the stove, and began roasting.

In the Da Qian Dynasty, though gender segregation wasn’t strict, men and women usually didn’t share a meal together. Hence, the group split into two, with men and women roasting meat separately. The senior Mrs. Tang, the second Mrs. Tang, and the Mrs. Nanling all found this outdoor cooking experience novel.

Mrs. Nanling remarked, “My fifth son once told me about roasting meat at your place, even having hotpot during a snowy day. I found it quite amusing then.”

The senior and second Mrs. Tang concurred, having also heard about it.

“We spend our days confined within the walls of our homes. We ought to seek our own pleasures,” Tang Shuyi stated. “If men can indulge in wine and music, why shouldn't we?”

Upon hearing her words, the Lady of Nanling County clapped her hands in agreement, "You're right; what men can enjoy, so can we."

Her relationship with the Lord of Nanling was harmonious, or rather, she had been cherished by him for many years, which naturally distinguished her mindset from those women who spent their days squabbling with mothers-in-law and concubines.