The next day, everyone faced Shuiyong City and remotely toasted a bowl of wine.
Then the army set off, returning to the capital.
Shortly after setting out, Jun Ce bid farewell to everyone.
"I won't be returning to the capital. As soon as I go back, Imperial Father and Consort Mother will force me to choose a consort and marry," Jun Ce said to Jun Mo.
"Third Brother, you really should thank Fourth Imperial Sister. If she weren't marrying Northern Yan, you truly wouldn't have been able to leave this time," Jun Mo chuckled.
Jun Ce nodded and said, "Yes, Imperial Father is serious this time."
The two rode on horseback, chatting as they went.
"Third Brother, it's time for you to settle down. It's not surprising that Imperial Father and Consort Xian are urging you."
Jun Ce turned his head in surprise and said, "Are you still the Seventh Brother I know? You used to be more resolute than me in what you said."
Jun Mo looked at the carriage ahead and said, "That's because I hadn't met the right person yet, Third Brother. Cherish the person before you, don't let yourself regret it."
"Alright, alright, you've completely changed since meeting Princess Changning. Alright, I'll go ahead. Farewell! Giddy up!" With that, he whipped his horse and rode forward.
"Jun Ce, slow down! Wait for me!" Wanyan Xue also spurred her horse and followed.
Su Li heard voices and pulled back the curtain, just in time to see two figures flash past, one after another.
Su Li looked at Jun Mo behind her and asked, "Are they...?"
"Third Brother isn't returning to the capital."
Su Li watched their retreating figures gradually disappear into the radiant glow of the setting sun, envying, "What a perfect couple."
Jun Mo noticed the envy in her eyes and said, "Li'er, would you like to ride a horse?"
Su Li was eager to try but then looked at the army and said, "Never mind, it's not good to slow down the march."
Jun Mo had Su Li's carriage stop, pulled back the curtain, and said, "It's nothing. Let them go ahead; we'll catch up. Li'er, come."
Su Li, who had long wanted to ride a horse, couldn't resist the persuasion and placed her hand in Jun Mo's large hand.
Lan Yan rode over and asked, "What's wrong?"
Su Li shook her head and said, "You go ahead, don't worry about us."
Su Li glanced. All were tall horses, and she felt a bit intimidated looking at them.
Lan Yan chuckled, "You want to learn to ride a horse? Wait a moment."
Lan Yan turned her horse and rode back. After a short while, she returned leading a small, black pony.
"This is what I prepared for my elder sister's child. Don't look down on its small size; its speed isn't slower than our horses. Give it a try."
Su Li looked at her gratefully and said, "Thank you."
It so happened that Su Li was dressed lightly today. Jun Mo personally stepped forward to check if the reins and stirrups were secure, then carefully helped Su Li onto the horse.
He patiently explained the注意事项 (precautions) for riding a horse.
"Li'er, don't be afraid. You must hold these reins firmly. See, press your thumb firmly against one end of the reins, and grip the other end tightly with your ring finger and pinky, like this."
After explaining how to hold the reins, Jun Mo began to explain the commands for making the horse move and stop.
"To make it run, tap its sides with your calves. The stronger the force, the faster it will go."
"To make it turn left, grip its right flank with your right leg, and its left shoulder with your left leg, while simultaneously pulling the left rein. The same applies for turning right."
"To make it stop, tighten the reins and simultaneously call 'Whoa!'"
...
Jun Mo at this moment was like an old scholar, explaining everything in meticulous detail.
And Su Li was like an eager student, listening intently, memorizing every word.
"Li'er, riding a horse is very simple. The most important thing is that you mustn't fear it. Horses are very intelligent animals; they are spiritual and can sense their owner's emotions."
"Come, first grip the reins tightly." Jun Mo placed the reins in Su Li's hands.
"Look straight ahead, straighten your back, take two steps slowly. Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Su Li nodded and gently exhaled.
As Jun Mo instructed, she lightly tapped the horse's flank with her calf, and the horse truly began to move slowly forward.
"Ziyan, it's really moving!" Su Li exclaimed in surprise, turning her head.
Jun Mo chuckled, "Don't look back, look forward."
Jun Mo also mounted his own horse and followed behind her.
After riding slowly for a while, Su Li made the horse run a little faster.
"Ziyan!"
Jun Mo also sped up and replied, "Don't be afraid, I'm just a step behind you."
Su Li relaxed. The wind blew on her face, and she felt the air freshen.
In the late August morning, everything in sight was still the vibrant green of summer, yet there was also the coolness of autumn.
"Ziyan, I can ride a horse now!" The sound of hooves clattering and a woman's joyful laughter echoed on the open official road, making anyone who heard it feel their mood lift.
Jun Mo looked at the retreating figure in front, a gentle smile on his lips, his eyes filled with tenderness.
Having just learned to ride, she was very addicted.
She even stopped taking the carriage and rode her horse with the army for an entire day.
So much so that by evening, walking became awkward.
In the room at the驛站 (post station), Su Li was gently nursing the injuries on the inside of her thighs.
She hadn't felt it while riding, but now she realized she had chafed her skin, and it was quite painful.
"Knock knock knock."
Su Li quickly put down her skirt.
"Li'er, may I come in?" Jun Mo's voice inquired from outside.
Since it was a post station, and Duke Weiguo and others were present, it was naturally impossible for the two to share a room.
Su Li quickly put away her medicine bottle, checked herself, and then said, "Come in."
Jun Mo entered the room and immediately smelled a faint medicinal fragrance.
"Li'er, I'll apply the medicine for you."
Su Li blushed and said, "Apply medicine? What medicine? I'm not hurt."
Jun Mo chuckled, "You just learned to ride, and you rode all day. It would be strange if you didn't chafe. I warned you this afternoon, but you wouldn't listen. Now do you regret it?"
Su Li looked at where his gaze was fixed, which was her leg. Her face was flushed crimson.
"I can apply the medicine myself. You go out first."
Jun Mo stepped forward, embraced her, and said, "What are you shy about with your husband? It's not like I haven't seen you before."
He whispered the last sentence into Su Li's ear, his voice trembling, making Su Li feel as if her entire body was burning.
"What nonsense are you talking about! You... go out." Su Li pushed him away.
Jun Mo held her hand and said, "Li'er, I'm just helping you apply the medicine. I just want to see how badly you're hurt. Trust me."
Su Li looked at him. She naturally trusted him.
For so many days, although they had shared a bed, he had always maintained the bottom line.
Finally, under his coaxing, Su Li gently nodded.
Jun Mo placed her on the bed, leaning against the headboard.
He gently lifted her skirt.
Soon, his eyes filled with tenderness and regret.
He shouldn't have indulged her. A woman's skin was delicate, and Li'er's especially so.
Between her two jade-white legs, it was crimson, and at the most severe parts, even the pink flesh could be seen. It clearly looked extremely painful.
Seeing Jun Mo silent, Su Li tugged his hand. "Ziyan, it's okay. My medicine is very good; it'll heal quickly."
Jun Mo said in a low voice, "You are not allowed to ride a horse until it heals. From now on, when you ride, it must not exceed one hour. If you want to ride, I will take you."
Seeing him so resolute, Su Li could only obediently agree.
Jun Mo took the medicine, applied it for her, and blew on the wounds.
His movements were light, as if afraid of hurting her.
Su Li looked at him tenderly, feeling his compassion.
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