Hua Zhi was no stranger to horse racing tracks. In her previous life, horseback riding had been a highly regarded sport among the younger members of her social circle, and it was there that she had honed her equestrian skills.
After hearing Little Six describe the Jin Yang Horse Racing Track as enormous, she had formed a rough mental image of it. Yet upon seeing it in person, she realized how vast the gap was between her conception of "large" and the reality before her.
Zeng Xiangyan had been observing Hua Zhi's expression all along. Noticing her astonishment, he stepped forward with evident pride. "What does Miss Hua think?"
Hua Zhi smiled faintly. "No wonder Young Master Zeng dared claim it surpasses the horse racing tracks in the capital."
"Indeed." Zeng Xiangyan raised his chin with shared honor, his gaze frequently drifting toward Hua Zhi. This was his first time accompanying a young woman! Moreover, this lady from the capital differed from the sisters and cousins in his household—there was a term for it... poised and graceful, yes, that was it. She was exceptionally poised and graceful, unlike any woman he had ever met.
"Well, well, Brother Zeng."
Zeng Xiangyan turned at the voice.
Six riders approached, all atop tall steeds, dressed nimbly and radiating vigorous energy.
The leader, clad in purple, spotted Hua Zhi and his eyes lit up. He teased, "No wonder you turned down our company—you had a beauty waiting..."
"Not at all." Zeng Xiangyan cut him off, not wanting his usual companions to speak indiscreetly. He said solemnly, "These two are siblings from the capital's Hua family. The other day, I had too much to drink and insisted on competing with Young Master Hua over some trivial matter. I'm here to make amends."
Zeng Xiangyan's fondness for drink was known throughout the city, so such behavior was entirely typical of him. The group burst into laughter.
The one who had spoken earlier dismounted and bowed slightly to Hua Zhi. "I am Dou Qingyang. I'm accustomed to speaking casually with my brothers and have been rude to you, miss. I beg your forgiveness."
Hua Zhi curtsied in return. "You are too courteous, Young Master Dou."
Little Six also bowed slightly without speaking. At just eleven years old and not yet fully grown, it was best for him to play the part of a well-behaved younger brother.
Just then, more people arrived from behind. Zeng Xiangyan glanced at the two and smoothly suggested, "Come on, let's move. We're blocking the way."
The group stood to the right of the horse racing track's entrance, where carriages were parked. The actual racing area required a short walk further in.
After handing their carriages and horses to attendants, the party chatted cheerfully. Zeng Xiangyan introduced the well-mannered "Young Master Hua"—Little Six, using the pseudonym Hua Qian—to his friends. The young noblemen were impressed by the boy's impeccable etiquette and composure, recognizing that such grace came from breeding rather than ordinary upbringing. They were happy to welcome this young gentleman from the capital into their circle.
Hua Zhi discreetly glanced toward the approaching road. The broad path, wide enough for six carriages abreast, bustled with activity—riders on horseback, passengers in carriages, and from the attendants present, it was clear many carriages carried female companions. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyous.
"Miss Hua, it's almost time. We should hurry over."
Hua Zhi, never one to seek attention, understood all the more that she shouldn't be escorted by so many young noblemen. She curtsied and said, "Please, gentlemen, go ahead first."Zeng Xiangyan wasn't foolish; he immediately caught the implication and hurriedly shooed his brothers ahead before turning back with some embarrassment. "It was inconsiderate of me..."
"It's we sisters and brother who have received Young Master Zeng's care."
Little Six chimed in, "Exactly! If not for Brother Zeng, we wouldn't have been able to enter this place! But Brother Zeng, could you satisfy my curiosity—why doesn't this horse racing track allow outsiders? Wouldn't more people be better?"
"This rule was established from the beginning, though I never inquired about the reason." Zeng Xiangyan gave a wry smile. "Probably just to avoid trouble. Our Jin Yang horse racing track is different from others."
Little Six thought for a moment and nodded. "That makes sense. The capital doesn't have horse racing."
Zeng Xiangyan became proud again. "Right? You have to admit our Jin Yang horse racing track is better than the capital's, don't you?"
"Brother Zeng, isn't it almost time?"
Zeng Xiangyan laughed heartily, ruffling Little Six's head vigorously and slinging an arm over his shoulder in a brotherly manner.
Hua Zhi watched with mixed feelings as Zeng Xiangyan, unaware he had just touched a prince's head, displayed such simple-minded happiness.
But... hadn't she done the same more than once?
"Miss Hua?"
Hua Zhi responded and moved forward, suddenly feeling that the surname Hua wasn't particularly ideal, especially when paired with "Miss."
Upon reaching the horse racing track, Hua Zhi realized they weren't early. The tiered stands were already crowded, and even the separated section for female spectators was half full.
Horse racing was truly popular in Jin Yang.
Zeng Xiangyan first scanned the area, then tossed out a "Wait a moment" before heading toward the women's stands.
Hua Zhi immediately understood his intention and whispered, "Be careful when following him later."
Little Six nodded.
Soon, Zeng Xiangyan returned quickly. "Coincidentally, my cousin is here too. Don't worry, I've spoken to her. You can stay with her."
"Thank you, Young Master Zeng."
The cousin was a round-faced girl of about thirteen or fourteen, incredibly curious about the girl her cousin had brought over. She was so eager that she almost abandoned watching the races to immediately report to her aunt that her cousin had brought a girl to the horse races.
Zeng Xiangyan shot her a warning glare. She glared back but then warmly shifted aside, pulling Hua Zhi down to sit. "I'm Yu Weiwei. What's your name?"
"..." Zeng Xiangyan felt uneasy about leaving, but this was the women's area, and he couldn't stay long. He could only shoot another warning look at his cousin, who wasn't even paying him any attention, before leading Little Six to join his group of friends.
"My name is Hua Ling," Hua Zhi borrowed her third sister's name, glancing around at the surroundings. There were young girls, young married women, and even several women in their forties or fifties.
The person sitting next to Yu Weiwei asked quietly, "I haven't seen you before. Which family are you from? How did you come with Young Master Zeng?"
"I'm from the capital. My younger brother happened to meet Young Master Zeng, and I'm tagging along to broaden my horizons."
Yu Weiwei glanced at the girl who had spoken. "Don't talk nonsense. People might misunderstand Miss Hua Ling's relationship with my cousin! Given my cousin's usual behavior, he must have gotten into trouble after drinking too much again, right?"The words "Isn't it" were directed at Hua Zhi, who smiled in response. "Young Master Zeng takes great pride in Jin Yang, and it just so happens my younger brother also believes his hometown is absolutely perfect. So naturally, Young Master Zeng brought us here to witness Jin Yang's excellence."
Those listening nearby covered their mouths and chuckled. Clearly, such behavior was entirely expected from the youngest son of the Zeng family.
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