Chapter 13

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, the group resumed their journey.

Su An was harnessing the horses when she saw Pei Huaijin descending with Shen Zhiyi and immediately greeted them with a smile.

As she approached, Su An let out a small exclamation, her gaze lingering over Pei Huaijin’s face. “Master, did you not sleep well last night?”

At her words, Shen Zhiyi turned slightly and indeed noticed a faint shadow of bruising beneath his eyes.

Her heart tightened, wondering if perhaps her restless sleep had disturbed his rest.

Just as she was about to ask, Pei Huaijin’s expression remained indifferent.

“It has nothing to do with you. I’m just a little particular about my bed. Since you’re ready, let’s press on quickly.”

Looking at his upright and composed figure, Shen Zhiyi thought it made sense. He had always been fastidious, accustomed only to the best of everything. The modest inn’s bed likely left him uneasy.

She responded softly and without further thought, followed him onto the carriage.

After four more days on the road, they finally reached Yongzhou.

The very next day coincided with the city’s “Horse Racing Festival.”

Yongzhou, located near the southern regions, was abundant in water. The locals were not skilled horse riders, yet they had developed a unique form of equestrian competition known as ornamental or trick horse racing.

Upon hearing about this style of racing, Shen Zhiyi’s excitement was palpable.

Pei Huaijin glanced at her, catching the faint anticipation in her eyes. “Want to go?”

Shen Zhiyi hesitated for a moment before quietly asking, “May I?”

Pei Huaijin checked the time outside and nodded. “It’s still early. Have Su An accompany you.”

Then, reconsidering, he put down the letter in his hand.

“Actually, I’ll go with you.”

Her joy blossomed anew, her eyes curving into a smile as she replied.

Pei Huaijin had come this time under the guise of a wealthy merchant from Yangzhou, and his attire differed from his usual meticulous style in the capital.

Today, he wore a water-blue, straight-collared long gown, detailed with intricate silver-thread embroidery of hibiscus flowers around the collar, cinched at the waist with a broad brocade belt of the same pattern, adorned with a high-quality white jade pendant.

His bearing was noble, his pale skin radiating an innate elegance. His features were sculpted to perfection, exuding a natural aristocratic air.

Despite the chill of winter, he held an ivory and gilded folding fan. The white fox fur cloak accentuated the passion in his almond-shaped eyes, lending him an air of charming rakishness.

Upon stepping into the streets of Yongzhou, he immediately became a focal point among the crowd.

On the way to the racetrack with Shen Zhiyi, he showered her with lavish gifts without a second thought—whatever caught her eye, he ordered paid for and doubled.

Soon, news quietly spread that a strikingly handsome Yangzhou merchant had arrived in Yongzhou, known for his extravagant generosity.

By the time they reached the racetrack, the preliminary contests were nearing their end.

The first to catch everyone’s attention was a young man.

He would stand on his horse with one hand controlling the reins, then bend low to pick up wooden stakes from the ground used to mark boundaries. His daring and thrilling movements elicited cheers from the crowd.

The second competitor was a woman.

She sat upright on her horse, but upon closer inspection, her eyes were blindfolded with a red silk ribbon. She relied solely on her voice to guide the horse, yet managed to secure second place, a testament to her remarkable skill.

Several more riders trickled in afterward.

The magistrate of Yongzhou presented prizes to the top three.

Shen Zhiyi gazed at the woman, unable to help but marvel, “I hadn’t expected the ornamental horsemanship here to be so impressive.”

At that moment, the official announced loudly that after the first round, on-site registration for the second round was open, with the magistrate adding additional rewards.

When the magistrate brought the prize forward, the crowd collectively gasped.

Shen Zhiyi stared fixedly at the gilded crescent bow in the magistrate’s hand, her heart pounding violently, her whole body trembling uncontrollably.

That was her elder brother’s bow!

Her brother had taught her archery using that very bow—she would recognize it even if it turned to ashes.

When the Shen family was raided, countless belongings were lost or scattered. She never imagined that this gilded crescent bow would be in the hands of the Yongzhou magistrate.

Pei Huaijin clearly recognized it as well.

He glanced sideways at the restless Shen Zhiyi and said calmly, “If you want to go, then go. Have Su An prepare your clothes.”

Shen Zhiyi did not hesitate. She lifted her skirt and hurried onto the field.

Her riding and archery skills had been taught by her elder brother. Back then, her brother’s horsemanship and archery were unparalleled in the capital, rivaled only by Xie Changyu. Some even said that if General Pei Hezheng were alive, they would be known as the “Three Wonders” of the capital.

This was both a testament to her brother’s skills and a lament for the fallen young general.

Shen Zhiyi approached the event organizer, trying her best to maintain composure as she explained her intention.

The organizer glanced behind her, hesitating.

“Mistress… are you here alone?”

Unaware of the implication, Shen Zhiyi recalled Pei Huaijin’s instructions before departing.

“I am here with my husband. Is there a problem?”

The organizer explained,

“Madam, you may not know, but this competition is for pairs—one rider and one archer. The team with the highest accuracy wins.”

He looked at Shen Zhiyi, who appeared young and petite. He doubted her ability to ride and was blunt.

“Perhaps… you should discuss this with your husband at home. This is a competition; it wouldn’t be proper if any accidents occurred.”

Hearing this, Shen Zhiyi’s heart sank.

Since her brother’s death in battle, Pei Huaijin had sworn before the Duke and the princess never to take up arms again.

She instinctively glanced toward where Pei Huaijin had been standing, only to see him walking toward her.

“What is it?”

Pei Huaijin, now dressed as a wealthy merchant, smiled with gentle eyes and spoke with a clear, slightly flirtatious tone.

The organizer, noticing his handsome appearance and distinguished bearing, realized this must be the much-discussed Yangzhou merchant, and his attitude turned respectful.

He clasped his hands and bowed, repeating his earlier words politely.

“Sir… what do you think?”

Shen Zhiyi felt as if she could hardly breathe.

Her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Pei Huaijin. Her clenched hand, grasping the fabric at her side, was slick with a fine cold sweat. Her heart raced with every subtle expression on his face.

He never looked at her. Pei Huaijin only curled his lips slightly, regret flickering across his features as he told the organizer,

“Unfortunately, I am not skilled in horse archery. In that case, we will not participate.”

With a sudden crash, the hopeful atmosphere collapsed into ashes.

“Husband!”

Shen Zhiyi raised her eyes to meet Pei Huaijin’s, filled with fervent hope and the courage she had scarcely mustered.

“Husband, I feel deeply connected to that crescent bow. No matter what, I want to win that prize. Please, I beg you…”

Pei Huaijin’s rakish smile faded, his expression turning austere as he stared at Shen Zhiyi for a long moment. His tone was cold, almost icy.

“Have I spoiled you too much? Come back with me.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

All around, curious, disdainful, or sympathetic gazes pierced Shen Zhiyi like arrows.

Biting her lip, she hurried after him, grasping his wrist and pleading softly,

“Husband, please, just this once. From now on, I won’t dare ask for anything else…”

She had lost everything; all she wanted now was to reclaim something that belonged to her brother before her end.

Pei Huaijin pressed down gently on her hand.

Shen Zhiyi gripped tighter with all her strength.

They stood locked in a silent struggle. His expression was stern.

“Shen, don’t push your luck.”

Her hands trembled violently, but she held on even tighter.

She knew he harbored his own stubbornness, and that she was imposing. Yet she also knew if she let go now, she might carry this regret to her grave.

Had they been in the capital, she would never dare make such a plea.

But here in Yongzhou, under assumed identities, Pei Huaijin was no longer the Duke’s heir but merely Li Che, a wealthy Yangzhou merchant.

Her fingers were slender and pale, her soft palm pressed firmly over his wrist where his pulse beat.

Faced with her tear-filled eyes and desperate plea, an unfamiliar irritation stirred within Pei Huaijin.

He furrowed his brows, staring at her for a long time before leaning in and coldly enunciating each word.

“Shen, Zhiyi, I, command, you, to, let, go!”

Perhaps the visible disdain and coldness in his eyes pierced Shen Zhiyi’s heart. She felt as if plunged into an ice cellar; sharp pain stabbed her chest repeatedly. Unconsciously, her grip loosened.

Pei Huaijin rubbed his brow, his tone softening slightly.

“I know how important that is to you, but it is unwise to stir trouble on this trip. I will help you find it in the future…”

Before he could finish, Shen Zhiyi bit her lip and turned to run back into the arena.

Pei Huaijin’s expression shifted sharply. He was about to have Su An stop her but froze when he saw the slender figure mount a horse.

Let her go, then.

The organizer was discussing competition details with others when he noticed the young woman returning alone, now mounted on a horse.

He gasped and hurried over.

Just as he was about to intervene, Shen Zhiyi pleaded earnestly,

“Please allow me to compete. Even alone, riding and shooting against pairs is not against the rules. Moreover, I promise, if anything happens, I alone will be responsible and will not cause you any trouble.”

The organizer frowned, about to argue again, but someone called him from the side.

He glanced at the newcomer behind him and then at stubborn Shen Zhiyi on horseback. After hesitating, he sighed.

“Fine, fine, suit yourself!”

No sooner had he spoken than the young woman’s face broke into a radiant smile.

Shen Zhiyi was naturally striking, though her usual cautious demeanor had concealed her vibrant beauty.

Now, genuine joy lit her face.

The organizer, who had been about to turn away, stopped in surprise, then scratched his head awkwardly. His tone softened considerably as he cautioned,

“These horses are fiery. Madam, please be careful. Don’t overdo it. If you need anything, send someone to find me immediately.”

Having already been shown kindness, Shen Zhiyi smiled brightly in gratitude.

“Thank you, sir.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, sending a pleasant thrill to the ears.

Pei Huaijin sat inside a pavilion not far from the racetrack.

He withdrew his gaze, his long, pale fingers pinching the tea cup as he looked down at the froth on the surface.

Suddenly, with a clatter, Pei Huaijin slammed the cup onto the table, his indifferent tone tinged with irritation.

“The tea here in Yongzhou is hard to swallow.”