Chapter 95
Chapter 95
For this outing, Chengxin Hall had arranged two carriages. The family of three occupied one, while the wet nurse and maid servants took the second. After leaving the city gates, Wei Luo opened the curtain entirely, and with Xiao Heng, they enjoyed the view outside.
When Yi Hui saw that Xiao Heng was captivated by the sights and remained silent, she commented, “Look, Xiao Heng loves going out and playing.”
Wei Luo emphasized, “Everything should be done in moderation.” No matter how much they enjoyed something, they shouldn’t act willfully. He wouldn’t go out of the house too often just because his son liked it.
Yin Hui considered that most other noble families typically stayed within the mansion, and it was indeed rare for Wei Luo to make an exception. She realized she shouldn’t expect such outings to become frequent.
“You’re right; I shouldn’t get carried away,” Yin Hui admitted her mistake in a low voice as she reached for the jade pendant at her waist.
Wei Luo didn’t blame her but reminded them that as they enjoyed the royal status granted by their father and were respected by the people, they should adhere to the rules established by their father.
Squeezing her hand was his way of comforting her. Wei Luo focused on supporting her son. The carriage still bumped occasionally, and she was concerned that her little boy might fall out.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Dongshan, just in time to enjoy the flowers as the sun was warm but not scorching.
Wei Luo held Xiao Heng, and Yin Hui wore a veil. The family of three reached the middle of the mountain, found a relatively quiet spot, and stopped.
“You’ve carried him all the way. Sit down and rest for a while. I’ll take Xiao Heng for a walk,” Yin Hui suggested as she led Xiao Heng away.
Wei Luo, having perspired from carrying his son for so long, gratefully sat down and said, “Don’t go too far.” He also had Chang Feng accompany the mother and son.
A gentle mountain breeze blew through, providing relief. The peach blossoms had reached their end, and now and then a few petals drifted down with the wind, covering the ground like a dense carpet.
Wei Luo carefully wiped away his sweat and took a sip of water. His eyes followed his wife and child in the distance.
In the midst of the pink sea of peach blossoms, the burgundy embroidery on her attire stood out. Sometimes she led Xiao Heng along the path, and at other times, she let him pick petals.
Voices could be heard coming from the mountain road behind them. Some young boys and their friends were playing together, and some girls in colorful clothing were laughing and having fun. Not many had brought young children up the mountain.
After resting enough, Wei Luo went to find his wife and son.
“Daddy!” Xiao Heng held a small branch of peach blossoms and showed it to his father. “Peach!”
Wei Luo knelt down, and just as he was about to pick it up, Xiao Heng threw himself onto his father, raising his hand to place the peach blossom on Wei Luo’s head.
Wei Luo thought of something and looked up at Yin Hui. She saw that Yin Hui also smiled and looked over with a pink and tender peach blossom tucked into her hair, making her look more delicate than a flower.
Wei Luo silently looked away, pressed his son’s little hand, and said, “Daddy won’t wear it; men don’t wear flowers.”
Xiao Heng didn’t understand, so Wei Luo picked up the little guy and walked away to distract him.
After enjoying the flowers for an hour, they took a break and made their way to Dongshan Temple. Yin Hui was a bit tired and just wanted to rest in the guest room. Wei Luo had arranged for Chang Feng to book a secluded guest courtyard in the temple in advance. After washing their faces, the monks brought them lunch.
Xiao Heng fell asleep in the nurse’s arms after eating only half of his meal.
“Here, hold him,” Yin Hui said, laughing. It turned out that their son was the most exhausted one.
When the wet nurse retreated, Yin Hui playfully kicked her leg and asked Wei Luo, “Still want to race?”
Wei Luo glanced at her and grunted.
Yin Hui continued, “Can you find your way alone?”
Wei Luo took a bite of her vegetarian dish and calmly replied, “I’m not familiar with the roads here.”
Yin Hui had already suggested being his guide to prevent him from getting lost. She actually wanted to go too, but she was tired. However, Wei Luo’s insistence pushed her to cast aside her fatigue. After finishing their meal, she immediately went to change into men’s clothing.
Wei Luo sipped his tea slowly, and when he heard the door slam, he looked up.
The men’s clothing Yin Hui wore was ordinary, but when she tied up her long hair, it seemed as though she put away all the feminine allure, leaving behind a fresh and delicate beauty that could brighten even the hottest summer day. At that moment, she appeared to have grown two years younger.
Wei Luo couldn’t help but think of his thirteen-year-old fifth brother, Wei Jing. If they went to the guard and he falsely claimed that she was the fifth brother, those people would probably not doubt it, but would only be surprised how the fifth brother was so handsome.
“Let’s go,” Wei Luo said, setting down his tea bowl.
Yin Hui smiled and followed him outside.
On that day, Wei Luo brought two horses, both given to him by his father. The horse he rode was a prairie horse his father gifted him when he turned eighteen. His father treated all his children, regardless of their mothers, with equal generosity. There was no favoritism or discrimination.
Wei Luo rode the stronger horse, and he gave the shorter one to Yin Hui.
When the two horses stood together, they looked like a father and daughter. Yin Hui mumbled softly, “How can I beat you?”
In truth, she had her own horse, a beautiful white one without any markings. But when she was set to marry as a noble lady, it wasn’t ideal for people to know she could ride. So that horse remained in the Yin family’s possession, never getting a chance to accompany her.
After Wei Luo mounted his horse, he noticed Yin Hui’s dissatisfied expression and remarked, “Horse riding is about enjoyment, not winning or losing.”
Yin Hui patted her horse’s back, mounted swiftly, and sat up straight. She retorted, “We’ll see who wins or loses. I’m not afraid of you; I just prefer riding my own horse.”
After making her challenge, she glanced at Wei Luo’s horse.
Wei Luo didn’t respond, so Yin Hui had no choice but to ask directly, “That horse has been with me for three years, and it has been staying in Yin’s house. I think it misses me too. Can I bring it here and raise it with your horse?”
Wei Luo considered the situation, thinking of Old Yin’s doting behavior. He assumed that Yin Hui’s horse was of high quality. If they brought it over and compared it to his brothers’ and even his father’s horses, it would likely suffer in comparison.
“I’ll consider it when I see the horse.”
Wei Luo didn’t refuse outright, and Yin Hui smiled and agreed, “Okay, I’ll inform Uncle Zhou and ask him to bring the horse to the city gate when we return to the city.”
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