Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 160: Turmoil at the Racetrack

After Liu Miaoying left the capital, Su Juan rarely went out apart from attending court and handling official duties. However, Liu Xuan took advantage of the Mid-Autumn palace banquet to visit Su Juan at the Duke Mansion a few times.

Xie Xun, being naturally fond of lively scenes, couldn’t stand staying at the Duke Mansion all day long. After just a few days, he eagerly pulled Su Juan out.

Su Juan initially thought Xie Xun was taking her to Baihua Building, but upon getting off the carriage, she realized they were at the Royal Horse Field.

Disciples of noble families in the capital often came here to practice horse riding and archery, or simply to pass the time.

Besides Baihua Building, Xie Xun loved coming here the most. However, ever since Duke Ping instructed him to watch over Su Juan, he hadn’t had the chance to come.

"Xie Xun!"

A few people not far away spotted Xie Xun and immediately called out to him.

Xie Xun led Su Juan over, only to see the place bustling with activity.

"We haven’t seen you in such a long time, we thought the Lord had locked you up in the mansion again, hahaha."

The speaker was Qi You, the only son of General Zhao Yong. He had fallen seriously ill as a child and nearly didn’t survive, so his family had always pampered him, fearing any harm. They didn’t expect him to achieve much, only to be healthy and safe. As a result, he spent his days idling around, even bringing Xie Xun to those brothels.

It’s said that half of the brothels in the capital had his beloved companions, and he moved through them without leaving a trace.

Xie Xun was a playboy, but Qi You was a romantic.

Xie Xun waved his hand, "Don’t even mention it. The old man at home is watching over me more strictly than ever."

He glanced at the lively crowd in the distance and asked, "What’s going on over there?"

"Oh, it’s just those people from the Southern Country. They said they wanted to see our Da Jin troops and horses, but how could we really let them see our military camp? So, they were brought here by the Honglu Temple people, and now they’re competing with Tong Lin and the others."

Su Juan’s gaze fell in the distance. The Southern Country had strong troops, and although the several countries had ceased hostilities a hundred years ago, they continued to watch closely, intending to provoke conflicts and seize cities and wealth from other countries.

This time, the delegation included the Prince of the Southern Country and Princess Ronghua. It’s been said that the Southern Country Monarch had been ill for several years and was getting weaker every day, with the Eldest Prince about to ascend the throne.

Su Juan knew that when this Eldest Prince of the Southern Country ascends the throne, he would once again stir up wars among the nations. During that time, Da Jin would be suffering from internal strife and external threats, struggling to withstand the pressure.

"Is this young lady the Vice Director of Revenue? She’s very pretty." Qi You’s voice interrupted Su Juan’s thoughts.

Qi You’s eyes lit up. He had heard there was a female Vice Director at the Ministry of Revenue but hadn’t expected her to be such a beauty.

Xie Xun saw Qi You’s expression and knew his old habits had returned. "You better not get any ideas about her."

If the old man found out he brought Su Juan to meet Qi You, he might not let him off easily.

Qi You smiled ambiguously, "I understand."

He gave Xie Xun a reassuring look.

Seeing Qi You’s demeanor, Xie Xun knew he had misunderstood and immediately explained, "Don’t overthink it. The old man treats her like his own daughter."

Qi You might be usually playful, but he also knew when certain jokes were inappropriate.

He turned to Su Juan and said, "It’s your first time here, right? I have a white horse that’s very beautiful. Want to take a look?"

Su Juan smiled, "Sure."

Xie Xun knew Qi You too well; whenever he saw a pretty girl, he couldn’t help but be drawn to her. He usually liked bringing his beloved companions to the horse field, teaching them horse riding and archery, and then showcasing on his prized white horse, leaving those girls dazzled.

But Su Juan was not a typical girl...

Xie Xun looked at Qi You with some sympathy, hoping Su Juan wouldn’t strip him of his dignity.

"I’ll go for a couple of laps. You all have fun," Xie Xun said.

"Alright, I’ll definitely keep an eye on her for you," Qi You replied with a smile, leading Su Juan to see his white horse.

When she saw the white horse, Su Juan’s eyes brightened. It was entirely snow-white, shimmering with silver in the sunlight, and its eyes seemed full of spirit. It was indeed an excellent horse, originally meant to be a warhorse, but unfortunately, it had been pampered as a pet.

[This horse is indeed beautiful; no wonder Qi You could enthrall those young ladies. It’s all thanks to the horse.]

Qi You’s smile nearly faltered. While the horse did play a part, one couldn’t deny Qi You’s own charm, could they?

Feeling underestimated, Qi You attempted to regain his edge, "Su, can you ride and shoot?"

Su Juan replied, "I know a little."

Qi You’s smiling eyes curved further, thinking that meant she couldn’t.

"I’ll teach you then."

Saying this, he helped Su Juan onto the horse, held the reins, and said to her, "When starting as a learner, there’s no need to rush. I’ll lead the horse to take you around for a few laps, so you can get accustomed."

Su Juan didn’t explain further, finding the experience of being led on horseback rather pleasant.

With Qi You leading the horse, they walked around the field, and he would occasionally turn to smile at Su Juan and chat about the horse field, even claiming he was good at riding and shooting, even better than Xie Xun.

Su Juan, surprised, followed his words with a few compliments.

Qi You became even more complacent, thinking to himself, what beauty could he not win over?

As he basked in his own triumph, Su Juan’s voice reached his ears...

[This Mr. Qi makes quite the handsome stable hand.]

Stable, hand.

Qi You’s smile froze on his face, he turned back quickly to look at Su Juan, wondering if her eyesight was poor.

Could there be such a dashing stable hand!? he thought.

Passing by on horseback for a leisurely stroll, Xie Xun couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Truly, it did seem he fit the part quite well.

Qi You gritted his teeth, deciding to showcase his talent. He retrieved a bow and arrow with Su Juan in tow, "Riding and shooting requires strength and sharp eyes."

Qi You flicked his robe, mounted the horse, and said to Su Juan, "I’ll demonstrate it to you. Watch carefully."

Su Juan stood in place, watching as Qi You galloped swiftly across everyone’s view, pulling an arrow from behind with one hand, drawing the bow and shooting, hitting the target dead center, all in a fluid and seamless motion.

The crowd erupted in cheers!

"Impressive as always, Qi You!"

"Brother Qi’s riding and shooting skills are impeccable. Had he participated in the spring hunt, there would have been no chance for the reward to go to anyone else..."

Su Juan’s eyes flashed with surprise, not having expected Qi You to be so skilled in riding and archery.

Qi You rode back, a smile on his face as he looked at Su Juan, "Miss Su, would you like me to teach you?"

Su Juan smiled, "Mr. Qi’s archery is indeed remarkable; I am impressed."

Just then, Xie Xun also approached, unable to bear Qi You’s showy display. Over the years, Qi You had pulled this stunt at least a hundred times, each time for a different young lady.

This time, he even flaunted it in front of Su Juan.

While things were lively here, a dispute and a quarrel had started over there.

The Eldest Prince of the Southern Country was standing assertively, "Although my Southern Country is not as vast as your Da Jin, we know how to keep our words and honor our bets. Do all you Jinren lack abilities and integrity, acting like cowardly mice?"

Princess Ronghua was even more scornful, "Brother, the Jinren are naturally not skilled in riding and archery, each as frail as a chicken, only knowing how to scheme. Since they can’t afford to lose, why bother challenging them?"

With these words, the Southern Country delegation burst into mocking laughter.

Having been humiliated, a few people stepped forward angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting!"