After My System Went Bankrupt, I Found My Happy Ending with the General - Chapter 13

The one who lifted the curtain and entered was an unfamiliar young gentleman. He wore a red robe embroidered with exquisite patterns of auspicious clouds, a marten-fur hat adorned with a fine piece of jade on the forehead. With red lips, white teeth, bright eyes, and dark hair, a smile graced his lips. He appeared to be no more than twenty years old, clearly a refined young man of distinguished background.

Luo Chuchen instinctively scrambled the chessboard, stood up, and asked, “May I ask who you are?”

The young gentleman glanced at the chessboard and sighed regretfully, “Why did you scramble the board? I was hoping to learn a thing or two.”

“My skills are shallow; I was merely toying with the pieces,” Luo Chuchen replied, shaking his head and signaling Shechuan to put the pieces away.

The young gentleman cupped his hands in a polite gesture and said, “I am Qin Yu, the son of Prince Rong.”

Luo Chuchen was taken aback and quickly returned the gesture. “My apologies, my apologies. Greetings, Your Highness.”

Qin Yu said, “I came uninvited. I hope the young marquis won’t take offense.”

After Shechuan cleared the chessboard and stepped aside, Qin Yu cheerfully sat down opposite Luo Chuchen. He produced a folding fan from somewhere and began fanning himself with an air of nonchalance, though the combination with his marten-fur hat gave off a rather mismatched vibe.

Qin Yu said enthusiastically, “Seeing is believing. I’ve always heard that the young marquis is frail, but now that I’ve met you, you don’t seem so bad. Is this your first time at the royal hunt? Would you like to go horseback riding later?”

Luo Chuchen wasn’t very adept at dealing with such forward people and replied somewhat awkwardly, “Yes.”

Qin Yu laughed and said, “Perfect timing. I’ve just acquired a fine horse. Once the ceremony is over, I’ll take you for a ride.”

Luo Chuchen wanted to refuse, as he had been thinking of finding Liang Jue, but he could only respond vaguely.

Qin Yu didn’t seem to mind his reply. He was quite forward and unconcerned with Luo Chuchen’s attitude, chattering nonstop as he fanned himself, talking about everything from the east to the west of the city. Even when Shechuan brought tea, he didn’t take a sip.

Qin Yu was surprisingly well-informed, knowledgeable about matters both inside and outside the court. From the evaluations of Chu Yuanzhu’s subordinates to which restaurant in the capital was currently the best, he could elaborate in detail. His way of speaking was also quite engaging, and as Luo Chuchen listened, he gradually became interested, occasionally chiming in with a comment or two.

Having been away from the capital for four years, Luo Chuchen was largely unfamiliar with many people and events. Seizing this opportunity to chat, he took the chance to “catch up” on what he had missed.

Qin Yu talked animatedly for half an hour until a servant entered, bowed, and said, “Your Highness, young marquis, the ceremony has concluded.”

“Perfect timing,” Qin Yu said, closing his fan and finally taking a sip of tea. He raised an eyebrow at Luo Chuchen and said, “Come with me. I’ll take you to see the officials’ hunt after the ceremonial rites. It’s quite interesting.”

Luo Chuchen followed Qin Yu out of the tent and made his way from the camp to the central training ground. In front of the training ground stood a square platform with tables, chairs, and drinks arranged on it. The officials in front of the platform had already mounted their horses and formed ranks, while those unable to ride had retreated to the outskirts of the training ground.

Qin Yu pulled Luo Chuchen along, sneaking around from the back and gradually squeezing their way to the front of the officials.

Many officials recognized Qin Yu and were unfazed by his antics. Some even made room for him, claiming their spot offered the best view.

Qin Yu waved his hand dismissively, completely unbothered, and even dragged Luo Chuchen to the edge of the training ground’s fence.

Luo Chuchen felt uneasy. “Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?” he murmured. Surrounded by officials in their court attire, he felt out of place and unfamiliar with the surroundings,

“Shh,” Qin Yu said, “General Liang is coming down from the platform. It’s about to start, so don’t speak.”

Hearing the words “General Liang,” Luo Chuchen immediately swallowed his questions and fell silent, straining to see what was happening.

Sure enough, Liang Jue descended slowly from the high platform, holding a command token. Upon reaching the ground, he took the reins from a soldier and leaped gracefully onto a magnificent silver-white horse.

Qin Yu watched enviously. “That horse is incredible it’s called Zhaoye Bai. I’ve heard only royalty among the barbarians possesses such steeds. There are hardly any like it in the world.”

“It’s truly beautiful and majestic,” Luo Chuchen agreed, admiring the sight. He recalled how he had once proudly shown off his own small horse to Liang Jue. Now, realizing that Liang Jue owned such an exotic treasure yet still praised his humble pony, Luo Chuchen felt a twinge of embarrassment.

He had truly been showing off his meager skills before a master.

But then another thought struck him, and he felt a surge of pride. No matter how much Qin Yu coveted the horse, he could only look. Luo Chuchen, on the other hand, knew that if he merely mentioned it to Liang Jue, the general would surely offer him a ride without hesitation.

While others might feel awkward or embarrassed in such a situation, Luo Chuchen, spoiled endlessly by Liang Jue, felt nothing of the sort.

They continued watching as Liang Jue, now mounted, raised his voice to issue a command. Drums thundered beside the platform, and soldiers blew horns. In an instant, a hundred horses surged forward, kicking up clouds of dust as they raced toward the forest beyond the training grounds.

Luo Chuchen and Qin Yu hastily covered their noses and mouths with their sleeves but kept their eyes fixed on the scene.

At the forefront were the armored warriors, with Liang Jue leading the charge. Zhaoye Bai proved its worth as a superior steed, pulling far ahead of the others even before they reached the forest.

In the middle of the pack, Luo Chuchen spotted Chu Yuanzhu astride his black steed, Wu Zhui. Chu Yuanzhu maintained a steady pace, seemingly conversing with an official beside him.

Qin Yu, still fixated on Liang Jue, grumbled with envy, “Tsk, it’s so unfair. They should have made him ride the same kind of horse as everyone else.”

Luo Chuchen couldn’t help but defend Liang Jue. “With so many officials participating, if only Liang Jue had to ride an ordinary horse while the others kept their fine steeds, wouldn’t that be unfair too?”

“I get it, I get it,” Qin Yu conceded, “but it’s hard not to be jealous. If only I could touch that horse someday.”

But Qin Yu quickly dropped the subject and tugged at Luo Chuchen’s sleeve, urging him to leave.

Luo Chuchen hesitated. “Aren’t we going to wait for them to return?”

Qin Yu waved a dismissive hand. “Aside from the leading generals, it’ll take the others at least an hour to bag any game. What, are you planning to stand here waiting for your uncle?”

Only then did Luo Chuchen realize that Qin Yu didn’t know about his relationship with Liang Jue. It was too late to explain now, so he scratched his cheek awkwardly and said, “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

Qin Yu snorted in satisfaction. “That’s more like it. Stick with me, and I’ll make sure you have a great time no boredom allowed.”

The two made their way to the stables not far from the training grounds. Only a few horses remained. Qin Yu asked, “Did you bring your own horse?”

Luo Chuchen nodded. “Yes, but it’s just a small pony.”

Qin Yu grinned. “Small ponies are fun too. Let’s just take a leisurely ride the scenery here is too good to miss.”

Attendants were stationed by the stables to assist. After identifying themselves, Luo Chuchen and Qin Yu soon had their horses brought out to them.

Qin Yu’s horse was truly impressive, a spirited blue roan with a striking mix of gray and white, exceptionally vibrant and handsome.

Qin Yu introduced, “His name is Windchaser. He’s incredibly fast when he runs, said to cover a thousand li in a day, though I’ve never tested it myself.”

As he spoke, he began recounting Windchaser’s origins.

“Oh, I see,” Luo Chuchen replied, unable to resist stealing a glance toward the training ground.

When would Liang Jue return?