SFS Chapter 124 When did he learn to ride a horse?
Chapter 124 When did he learn to ride a horse?
"When did my sister learn to ride a horse?"
Standing beside Empress Wang, Qiao Qingling suddenly spoke up, her gaze fixed on Chu Qingyin, and asked meaningfully, "How come you didn't know this, sister?"
The old people in the palace all knew that Consort Chu was skilled in riding and archery. If Consort Qiao, who was not good at riding and archery, suddenly became good at it, it would be too strange.
Before she could answer, Pei Yuanling spoke first, his tone somewhat impatient: "I only taught it to you these past few days, so it's normal that Consort Qiao doesn't know it."
Qiao Qingling was suddenly speechless, her face showing embarrassment: "So...so that's how it is..."
She shrank back, looking dejected, while Empress Wang, with a kind and amiable expression, smiled and said, "I never expected that Consort Gui would have such talent. She has only been learning for a few days and she can already ride so well."
Chu Qingyin lowered her eyes and said, "Your Majesty flatters me."
"No need to be so modest, Consort. With your heroic bearing on horseback just now, anyone who didn't know better would have thought you were a seasoned veteran of riding and archery."
Empress Wang smiled and looked at her, "At the hunting banquet this afternoon, Consort Gui must participate in the competition. I have also chosen an excellent prize for this hunting banquet, a set of kingfisher feather and pearl headdress, with the finest pearls adorning it, as a way to add to the festivities for all of you ladies."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I have only recently received some guidance from His Majesty and have only a superficial understanding of the subject. How could I dare to make a fool of myself in front of you all?"
Chu Qingyin bowed slightly, a perfectly measured humble smile on her face, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Your Majesty's kind intentions."
She sneered inwardly. Qiao Qingling and Empress Wang were just trying to embarrass her at the hunting banquet that afternoon.
Qiao Qingling, however, was not about to let it go so easily. She covered her mouth and chuckled, "Sister, why be so modest? His Majesty personally taught you. How can an ordinary horseman compare? Sister must have mastered the skills. We younger sisters are all looking forward to seeing your prowess."
Empress Wang also said, "If Consort Qiao doesn't trust her own skills, does she not trust His Majesty?"
The surrounding concubines echoed her sentiments, seemingly offering flattery, but in reality harboring ulterior motives. With her currently enjoying exclusive favor, who wouldn't want to see her humiliated?
"Since Consort Gui is unwilling, the Empress should not make things difficult for her."
Pei Yuanling frowned, already showing some displeasure. He turned to look at the person beside him and said softly, "It's just a set of pearl jewelry. I'll have someone make one for you later."
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
Empress Wang's expression changed, and she said, "I'm afraid this is inappropriate."
Why is it that Qiao Qingyin can obtain things so easily while others have to compete to get them?
"What's wrong?" Pei Yuanling's eyes sharpened, and Empress Wang's heart trembled at the sight.
"Your Majesty, please don't make things difficult for the Empress."
Chu Qingyin spoke up at the right moment, saying gently, "Since Her Majesty the Empress has extended such a warm invitation, it would be impolite for me to refuse. It would also be perfect for me to test His Majesty's teaching results."
"But it's not safe for you to be alone. If something goes wrong, I..."
Pei Yuanling still felt lingering fear when he recalled the scene of her committing suicide in the cold palace.
"Isn't His Majesty still here?"
Chu Qingyin chuckled and blinked, her charming demeanor captivating. "Your Majesty must protect your concubine well."
Seeing the two so deeply in love, the other concubines found it particularly irritating.
Qiao Qingling gritted her teeth secretly, the flames of jealousy burning fiercely in her heart, but she could only force a smile, "Your Majesty and my sister are so loving, it's truly enviable."
Empress Wang forced a smile, "Since Consort Qiao has agreed, then I look forward to seeing Consort Qiao's wonderful performance this afternoon."
Chu Qingyin nodded, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best and not disappoint you."
Pei Yuanling squeezed her hand and reminded her, "My dear consort, there's no need to force yourself. Your own safety is the most important thing."
Chu Qingyin smiled sweetly: "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I know what I'm doing."
The midday sun grew increasingly intense, making it difficult to open one's eyes. After standing in the sun for only a short while, everyone was already drenched in sweat.
Empress Wang wiped her forehead with her sleeve and said, "The sun is really scorching. Let's not stand here any longer and go back to our tents to rest."
It was lunchtime, and the concubines breathed a sigh of relief. A few of them, who were not good at riding or archery, did not want to be out in the sun.
The place for lunch was a huge tent, with several tables arranged side by side inside. There were also many ice chests in the middle to cool the room. In addition, separate summer tents were set up for several high-ranking concubines to rest and change clothes.
After the emperor, empress, and concubines took their seats, the accompanying officials and ladies-in-waiting also took their seats one after another.
Chu Qingyin was placed in a position relatively far from Pei Yuanling. Before her were Consort Qin and Consort De, all arranged according to their rank.
Since the Empress Dowager was not present, the Emperor and Empress Wang sat side by side in the center, with the foundation slightly raised so that they could look down on everyone present.
Opposite Chu Qingyin sat several court officials, led by Grand Secretary Lu Zhiheng. They were all husband and wife sitting side by side, while the original owner's father, Qiao Gongquan, was sitting slightly behind with his concubine, Madam Jiang.
Since Chu Qingyin entered the palace as a concubine, she has rarely seen her father. Whether it was because the news of her being possessed by Consort Chu had spread out of the palace, or for some other reason, she always felt that Qiao Gongquan's gaze towards her was becoming increasingly complicated.
"Yinyin, come sit next to me."
Pei Yuanling frowned when he saw that she was sitting so far away from him, and instructed Chen Zhongliang to move her table and chair to his right.
This action immediately drew the attention of those around her. The Empress's expression darkened for a moment, but she quickly recovered and said in a gentle tone, "Consort Qiao, His Majesty has spoken. Why don't you come and sit down?"
"Your concubine obeys the decree." Chu Qingyin curtsied and moved over, while everyone's expressions varied.
Several court officials who had never seen Consort Qiao before had different expressions after seeing her face clearly. It's no wonder they were like this, because she looked so much like Consort Chu. Except for the cinnabar mole between her eyebrows, she was almost identical.
The others were already used to it, and as soon as Chu Qingyin sat down, the dishes that had been prepared were served one after another.
This incident passed quickly, and the others, unwilling to provoke the Queen, simply kept their heads down and ate, creating a somewhat somber atmosphere.
"I never knew that the eldest daughter of Minister Qiao was so beautiful. Now that I see her, I feel like I've seen her somewhere before."
The speaker was Prince Lu, the younger brother of Emperor Pei Yuanling. He never participated in politics and spent his days walking his birds and tending to his flowers, which allowed him to survive the previous generation's struggle for the throne and receive the title of "Lu," meaning good fortune and prosperity.
However, he was carefree by nature, so he never held back in his conversations.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Gongquan chuckled dryly twice and said, "My daughter has never liked going out since she was a child, so it's normal that Your Highness has never seen her."
Moreover, not everyone could see the late Consort Gui's face, and even if she went out, no one would think she looked similar.
"I see."
Prince Lu feigned surprise and drew out the last syllable, his fleshy face twitching as his eyes narrowed into slits. "I've heard that the late Consort was skilled in riding and archery. I wonder if I'll have the opportunity to witness this Consort's riding and archery skills today, and see if she is also exceptionally outstanding?"