Chapter 78: Shadowtreader
As Hua Zhi stepped out of the inn gate, she saw Gu Yanxi patting the head of a black steed amidst the swirling snow, seemingly whispering something to it.
Noticing her, the man smiled and led the horse over. "Shaoyao will guide you today."
Hua Zhi performed a slight curtsey. "Thank you, Lu Xiansheng."
She expressed gratitude both for the man's concession and his consideration toward her.
Gu Yanxi curled his lips slightly without further comment, simply handing over the reins.
Watching from the side, Shaoyao felt her heart in her throat. Last time she had merely approached a bit closer and got kicked! Hua Hua wasn't as resilient as she... was...
Why did it kick when facing her, but act coquettishly rubbing against Hua Hua? Where was the majestic bearing of the horse king?
Grasping the reins, Hua Zhi couldn't resist her fondness and gently stroked the horse. The glossy, smooth coat felt wonderful under her touch. Her equestrian skills weren't learned here - she once had a business partner who operated a horse racing track where she kept a purchased horse. Whenever troubled or weary, she would ride it for a round, and even the greatest worries would vanish.
But all the horses she had ever seen couldn't compare to this one before her. There was no need to specify where they fell short - truly, they were incomparable in every aspect.
"Do you like it?"
"Such a magnificent steed - probably no one could dislike it. Does it have a name?"
"Shadowtreader. Just a casual name."
If it were truly casual, shouldn't it be something like Treading Clouds Chasing the Moon? Shadowtreader - if it came from "the full moon approaches the bow's shadow, constellations enter the sword's tip," then it indicated Lu Xiansheng possessed chivalrous ideals in his heart. Such a person's chosen master likely wouldn't be utterly wicked. It seemed she needn't worry about aiding an evil cause in the future.
Gu Yanxi noted her admiration, a faint smile appearing in his eyes. Women who appreciated fine horses were rare, and those who could earn Shadowtreader's affection were even fewer. With Shadowtreader's temperament, he could at most persuade it to be ridden by others, but had no ability to make it display such demeanor.
Glancing back at Shaoyao, who was both apprehensive and full of admiration, even when it kicked her flat on the ground that time, Shadowtreader had shown restraint. Its ferocity was uncommon even among horse kings.
"Mount up. Today's journey is longer than yesterday's, and the wind and snow are heavier. We can't afford delays."
Shaoyao tentatively patted Shadowtreader. The horse snorted but didn't kick her, immediately putting Shaoyao at ease. She chuckled and stroked it several more times.
"Hua Hua, you go first."
Only when Hua Zhi stepped into the stirrups did she notice the saddle differed from yesterday's - soft to the touch and infinitely more comfortable than yesterday's rigid one. The stirrups had also been doubled, allowing two people to stand. Without thinking, she knew who had done this. Hua Zhi inclined her body slightly toward Lu Xiansheng from horseback.
Gu Yanxi raised an eyebrow, then took the horse Hua Zhi had ridden yesterday and swung onto it. "Let's go."
The further they traveled, the more difficult the journey became. Even when the snow stopped, the cold didn't diminish in the slightest. Hua Zhi persisted throughout, maintaining her composure no matter how exhausted she felt, but the six servants brought from the Hua family had become disheveled.
At the relay station, Hua Zhi held hot tea while staring absently at the topographic map. Three hundred li remained, yet it felt like traversing countless mountains and rivers.
Three knocks sounded at the door - steady and firm. It was Lu Xiansheng.
Hua Zhi set down her teacup and stood. "Please enter."
The moment Gu Yanxi entered, his eyes fell upon the topographic map on the table. Turning back, he opened both doors fully while asking, "Are you worried the road ahead will be difficult, or afraid I might lead us astray tomorrow?"Hua Zhi shook her head and gestured for Lu Xiansheng to sit down. "How could I not trust you? It's just that the weather is worsening, and I fear those we brought along won't endure it. When has the capital ever seen such heavy snow? They aren't accustomed to traveling outdoors—this journey must have exhausted them completely."
This was the most astonishing part. No matter how frail the Hua family servants might be, could they possibly be weaker than the eldest Hua daughter? Yet clearly, even the servants were struggling, while the young lady raised in deep seclusion sat here worrying about others.
Gu Yanxi thought this but didn't voice it, instead following her lead. "Does the young lady have any ideas?"
"We only have two or three days left. I thought we might stay here an extra day tomorrow—let everyone rest properly and recover before continuing. What does Lu Xiansheng think?"
"The young lady is considerate of her servants, but have you considered what might happen if a tightly drawn bowstring is loosened?"
It would lead to waning strength. Hua Zhi bit her lip lightly; she wasn't unaware of this. "But if the bowstring remains taut forever, it will snap."
This reasoning was too sound to refute. Gu Yanxi nodded. "Why not ask everyone whether they'd prefer to rest a day or continue?"
After a moment's thought, Hua Zhi went to knock on the neighboring room's door—only to have the adjacent one open instead.
"Young lady."
Seeing the servant frantically smoothing his disheveled hair, Hua Zhi recalled his name was Dongzi. "Is everyone in that room?"
"Yes. Does the young lady have instructions? This humble one can summon everyone—"
"Let's speak inside. It's cold out."
The others who had approached the doorway exchanged glances and retreated. Shaoyao, who had been absent moments earlier, suddenly appeared and clung to Hua Zhi's arm as they entered. Gu Yanxi leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms, already reading their decision from their expressions.
The Hua family's skill in training servants was unmatched by nearly any household in the capital.
"I hadn't anticipated such heavy snow when we set out. Is everyone holding up?"
"If even the young lady endures it, how could we lowly ones claim greater resilience?" Dongzi, finally having tamed his hair, spoke for the group. "Truthfully, we've adapted considerably these past days. The young lady needn't worry about us."
Shaoyao pulled Hua Hua to sit while the servants respectfully stepped back two paces.
Hua Zhi scanned the room. "Everyone's weary from these days. I thought we might rest here tomorrow—what do you think?"
Dongzi and the others never imagined the young lady would seek their opinion. Their heartbeats quickened as they stammered, "We defer entirely to the young lady's decision."
Hua Zhi smiled. "My inclination is to rest, but Lu Xiansheng worries it will break our momentum and make the remaining journey harder. So I'm asking plainly—speak your minds."
All eyes turned to Dongzi—they'd just debated this very topic.
His freshly smoothed hair nearly bristled again. Why did he always have to be the one addressing the young lady? He was nervous too! After this journey, they all revered her—what other noble daughter could gallop a thousand li through snowstorms like their young lady? Not to disparage others, but most wouldn't last a single day!
Following their gazes, Hua Zhi looked at Dongzi. "Dongzi, you speak.""Yes, we were just discussing this matter earlier, and we all agreed it's better to keep pushing through with sheer determination. If we lose momentum, I'm afraid we won't be able to get back up."
"Then let the minority follow the majority. Rest well now, and we'll continue our journey tomorrow."
"Understood."
PS: I nearly got sick from typing on the plane – the turbulence was awful! Then I revised this in a car, uploading via mobile hotspot. Kongkong really pushed through to give you all a double update.
OpenNovel