The Legend of Concubine Su

Chapter 138 The Emperor Teaches Su Jingyue Horseback Riding

That day, the sky was clear, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze brought a touch of early summer coolness. On a whim, the Emperor decided to personally teach Su Jingyue horseback riding, as a way to strengthen their relationship. As this news reached Su Jingyue like a spring breeze, her heart surged with both inexpressible anticipation and a hint of indescribable fear. After all, she had never experienced close contact with horses. Those tall, majestic creatures, their hooves whirring in the wind, always held a certain mystery and awe in her.

The moment Su Jingyue stepped onto the horse farm, she saw a handsome figure galloping on horseback in the distance. His golden dragon robe gleamed in the sunlight, illuminating the emperor's handsome features and sturdy figure. His hair danced in the wind, and his eyes revealed a sense of majesty and confidence, as if the entire world was at his feet.

The emperor had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Su Jingyue approaching from afar, a warm smile appeared on his lips. He dismounted and walked quickly towards her, his eyes full of doting and concern.

"My dear, don't be afraid. I am by your side and will protect you." The emperor's voice was low and gentle, like a breeze blowing past, making Su Jingyue's heartstrings tremble slightly.

Su Jingyue nodded slightly, her shy face flushed, as charming as a blooming peach blossom. She said softly, "I thank the emperor for his care."

The emperor smiled slightly, reached out and stroked her hair, and said gently: "Come, let me take you to gallop on this horse farm." As he said that, he took Su Jingyue's hand and walked towards a horse.

Su Jingyue nervously followed the emperor's footsteps, her heart pounding and her palms slightly sweating. But when she saw the emperor's firm and warm gaze, the fear in her heart gradually dissipated, replaced by trust and reliance on him.

The emperor personally helped Su Jingyue onto the horse, then climbed on himself and sat behind her. He held her slender waist tightly and said in a gentle and low voice, "Don't be afraid. Relax, feel the wind, and enjoy this moment of freedom."

Su Jingyue took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Her slightly trembling body gradually calmed, and she began to relax, placing all her trust in the Emperor. With the clatter of horse hooves, they galloped across the vast grassland, fully enjoying the gentle embrace of the breeze and the warm rays of the sun.

The Emperor personally selected a snow-white steed for Su Jingyue. Its coat was as radiant as silver, its physique sturdy and powerful, like a spirit stepped from a painting. He gently patted the horse's back, his eyes revealing a kind of caring concern, as if he and the steed were having a tacit, silent conversation: "This is a docile and docile horse I have specially selected for you. It will surely become your most loyal and reliable companion and will never cause you any harm."

Su Jingyue's footsteps were as light as a cat's, each one carefully and cautiously approaching the majestic steed. When her slender, fair fingers finally touched the horse's side, she couldn't help but tremble slightly, unable to conceal her nervousness and fear. The emperor, observing this scene, a doting smile played across his face. He reached out and gently grasped Su Jingyue's small hand, then gently placed it on the horse's back, letting her feel the immense strength and gentleness hidden beneath the warm, powerful muscles. In that moment, Su Jingyue felt as if she had established a wonderful connection with the horse, and the fear that had once filled her heart gradually dissipated.

"Come on, my beloved, first you have to step into the stirrups. I will help you get on the horse smoothly." The emperor instructed in a gentle and patient tone, and personally demonstrated the standard movements for getting on a horse. Su Jingyue bit her lip, as if to cheer herself up, and then mustered up the courage to lift her foot, trying to step into the stirrup, but failed after several attempts. Seeing this, the emperor quickly put his arms around her waist, as if he was holding up an invaluable treasure, gently picked her up, and then placed her steadily on the horse's back. Su Jingyue screamed in an instant, holding the reins tightly with both hands, her face turned pale, but her eyes shone with determination and courage.

The emperor's posture was slender, and his movements were as natural and smooth as flowing water. He easily jumped onto the horse and sat steadily. Then, he carefully carried Su Jingyue to him and made her sit down steadily. Then, he gently put his arm around Su Jingyue's slender waist, and slowly took her soft hands, guiding her to control the reins together.

The emperor leaned slightly close to Su Jingyue's ear and whispered in a gentle and low voice: "Relax, my beloved, feel the rhythm of the horse with your heart, and try to dance with it." After that, the emperor gently kicked the horse's belly, and the steed began to stride, slowly moving forward, and the horse's hooves made a crisp and pleasant sound on the ground.

Although Su Jingyue's body was still slightly tense, that initial nervousness had gradually given way to a surge of curiosity and excitement. The Emperor remained patient, gently explaining the various techniques and joys of horseback riding to her, guiding her to gradually adapt to this new experience. Gradually, Su Jingyue completely immersed herself in this world of excitement and novelty.

However, at that moment, a sudden gust of wind blew by, and the horse seemed to be affected by the strong wind, becoming somewhat agitated. It snorted loudly, and then its pace quickened noticeably, as if it was eager to escape this unfamiliar area. Unprepared, Su Jingyue screamed in fear, her hands instinctively grasping the reins tightly, almost with all her strength. Her face was filled with fear, and she cried out, "Your Majesty, help!" Her shrill cry was tinged with a hint of helplessness that was hard to conceal.

The emperor reacted immediately upon seeing this. His arms tightened like steel, tightly enveloping Su Jingyue in his embrace, as if he wanted to completely absorb her into his body. His deep, resolute voice echoed in Su Jingyue's ears: "Don't be afraid, my beloved. I am here to protect you and keep you safe." His words were filled with strength and determination, bringing immense peace of mind.

Without hesitation, the emperor yanked the reins, demonstrating his masterful riding skills. His movements were deft and decisive, each tug applying just the right amount of force to control the frightened horse. As time passed, the frightened horse gradually slowed its rapid pace and finally came to a stop. The entire process was tense and thrilling, but the emperor remained calm and focused, successfully averting the crisis.

Su Jingyue gasped for air, her chest heaving violently, her eyes filled with tears, her lips trembling slightly, as if still immersed in the fear she had just felt. However, as she looked at the emperor, the fear gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of peace and dependence. The emperor, observing her expression, could not help but quip, "My beloved concubine is truly as timid as a mouse!" His words were filled with a hint of teasing and doting.

Upon hearing this, Su Jingyue couldn't help but glance at the emperor with a sly look, chiding him, "Your Majesty, you only know how to tease me." Her voice betrayed a hint of coquettishness and dissatisfaction. The emperor smiled and shook his head, saying gently, "Okay, I won't tease you anymore. However, seeing you so frightened makes me want to protect you." He then gently grasped Su Jingyue's hand.

Su Jingyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she listened to the emperor's words, and a shy blush spread across her face. She lowered her head and softly replied, "With Your Majesty by my side, I feel at ease." The emperor smiled and nodded, his eyes full of affection. The two exchanged a smile, and their tacit understanding and warmth permeated the air, like flowers blooming on a spring day, warm and beautiful.

The emperor smiled, his eyes filled with encouragement: "However, the more timid you are, the more courage you must face it. Come, let us continue. Let me take you and gallop across this vast world together." With the emperor's encouragement, Su Jingyue once again mustered her courage. This time, the horse seemed to sense her determination and bravery, becoming exceptionally docile. As they slowly galloped across the horse field, Su Jingyue's face finally broke into a brilliant smile, a smile like the brightest sunlight on a summer day, illuminating the field and their hearts.

"Your Majesty, it turns out riding a horse isn't that scary after all," Su Jingyue exclaimed excitedly, her joy and sense of accomplishment evident in her words. The Emperor laughed heartily, "Haha, my beloved, you've finally experienced the joy of this. This is the result of facing it bravely." The two smiled at each other, their tacit understanding and happiness flowing in the air.

However, just as they were immersed in joy, a sudden commotion broke out in the distance. A black horse had broken free from its reins and was galloping towards them like a wild horse. Su Jingyue's face turned pale. "Your Majesty!" Her voice was filled with fear and helplessness. The emperor's expression was stern, his eyes piercing. "My beloved, hold me tight!" He clamped his legs tightly around the horse's belly, trying to steer away from the black horse. However, the black horse was coming at him with such force that it seemed he was about to collide with him.

At this critical moment, the emperor displayed amazing courage and calmness. He suddenly hugged Su Jingyue tightly in his arms, jumped off his horse, and landed on the ground like a light feather. The two rolled on the ground for several rounds before they came to a steady stop. The emperor asked anxiously, "My beloved, are you okay?" His voice was full of concern and anxiety. Su Jingyue shook her head. Although she was still a little frightened, the strength and courage had taken root in her heart. "I am fine, thank you, Your Majesty."

By this time, the guards had arrived and restrained the black horse. The emperor stood up and took Su Jingyue's hand, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination. "It seems that today is not a good time to practice. I will teach you another day. But you must remember, no matter what difficulties or dangers you encounter, as long as I am with you, you will not be alone." Su Jingyue nodded, her eyes gleaming with gratitude and trust. "I will obey your Majesty in everything."

After returning to her chambers, Su Jingyue was still terrified. The Emperor stayed by her side, comforting her softly, "My beloved, although today was dangerous, it was also an unforgettable experience. It taught you to face things bravely, didn't it?" Su Jingyue smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I understand now. Many things are not so terrifying if you face them bravely. I will become even stronger and braver, and share more of your worries with you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor gently stroked her face, his eyes filled with tenderness and admiration. "It is well that my beloved consort has such insight. You are not only my beloved consort, but also my life's staunch support." From then on, Su Jingyue was no longer as timid and weak as before. She often recalled the Emperor's encouragement and protection at the horse farm, her heart filled with warmth and courage. The Emperor's relationship with her also deepened and strengthened because of this special experience. Hand in hand, they faced the trials and tribulations of the future together, and that tacit understanding and happiness would forever accompany them through every season of their lives.

Not long after, on a bright, sunny day, the Emperor once again took Su Jingyue to the vast horse ranch. Unlike last time, Su Jingyue's eyes were no longer filled with fear or nervousness; instead, they held a resolute and courageous look, as if she were ready to face any challenge. Gazing at her confident face, the Emperor felt an indescribable sense of relief and joy, as if he saw the radiance of her transformation.

Together, they mounted their horses, and with the clatter of hooves, they galloped freely across the vast field. Su Jingyue gripped the reins tightly, feeling the wind whistling past her ears. The unprecedented freedom and exhilaration filled her with joy. She felt as if she had become one with the horse, galloping and leaping against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. The entire world seemed to lie at her feet, letting her gallop freely.

The Emperor stayed by her side, gazing at her tenderly with a pleased smile on his face. He knew that Su Jingyue was no longer the timid woman she once was, but a brave, fearless, and confident woman. Her transformation filled him with immense pride and honor.

During her time at the stables, Su Jingyue's riding skills became increasingly refined. She began to attempt to control the more unruly horses, and each successful ride boosted her confidence. Whenever she succeeded, the emperor would applaud and cheer her generously; his encouragement and support became her driving force.

The stables became their shared paradise. Whenever the emperor had free time, he would bring Su Jingyue there to enjoy the pleasure of horseback riding. They galloped together under the blue sky and white clouds, feeling each other's heartbeats and breathing, as if the whole world was left with only the two of them. That tacit understanding and intimacy made them cherish each other's presence even more.

This experience not only made Su Jingyue braver and more confident, but also strengthened their relationship. They supported and encouraged each other, spending many wonderful times together. Whether facing difficulties or challenges, they worked together to overcome them. This deep bond has become their most precious treasure.