Taming the Untamed

Zhang Wei stood before the horse assigned to him, a powerful and untamed beast with a fiery spirit. Its glossy coat shimmered in the sunlight, and its muscular frame exuded a sense of raw power. The horse stomped its hooves impatiently, clearly agitated by its confinement within the stables.

Sergeant Liao observed with a critical eye, knowing that Zhang Wei's experience with taming animals was limited. Zhang Wei had watched farmers in his village work with oxen and plough horses, but those were domesticated animals, not wild stallions like the one before him.

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Wei approached the horse cautiously. His steps were deliberate, and he avoided making any sudden movements that might startle the animal. He extended his hand, palm down, allowing the horse to sniff it. His heart raced, but he forced himself to remain calm, mirroring Hong Yi's composed demeanour.

The horse regarded Zhang Wei with wary eyes, its nostrils flaring as it continued to assess the newcomer. Zhang Wei spoke softly, his voice a soothing murmur.

"Easy there, boy. We're in this together, you and I."

His words were met with a snort of scepticism from the horse, but it did not pull away. Zhang Wei took it as a small victory and continued to approach slowly. He reached out to stroke the horse's neck, his touch gentle and reassuring.

For a moment, it seemed as if progress was being made. The horse's tense muscles began to relax, and it shifted its weight slightly, indicating a growing acceptance of Zhang Wei's presence. But just as Zhang Wei began to feel a glimmer of hope, the horse abruptly pulled away, its eyes flashing with defiance.

Sergeant Liao watched from a distance, his expression unreadable. He knew that taming a wild horse was not a task for the faint of heart. It required patience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to earning the animal's trust.

Undeterred by the setback, Zhang Wei continued to work with the horse, spending hours each day in the stables. He observed its behaviour closely, noting its likes and dislikes, its habits and preferences. He offered it food and water, ensuring that it associated his presence with comfort and nourishment.

Slowly but surely, a bond began to form. Zhang Wei would spend time simply sitting with the horse, sharing the stillness of the stable. He spoke to it about his dreams and aspirations, as if confiding in an old friend. He believed that the horse, like any living being, deserved respect and understanding.

Unlike how Hong Yi had done it so quickly, Zhang Wei needed an entire week before his efforts started to bear fruit. The horse became less skittish and more responsive to his commands. It allowed him to approach without flinching, and soon, Zhang Wei was able to lead it around the enclosure on a loose rein.

One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stables were bathed in the soft glow of twilight, Zhang Wei achieved a breakthrough. He approached the horse without hesitation, and it nuzzled his hand in greeting. With a sense of trust that had been hard-earned, Zhang Wei climbed onto the horse's back, bareback and without a saddle.

The horse shifted its weight, adjusting to the unfamiliar burden. Zhang Wei's heart raced, but he maintained his composure. He whispered words of reassurance into the horse's ear, his voice a steady anchor amidst the uncertainty.

With a sudden burst of movement, the horse bolted forward, its powerful muscles propelling them across the enclosure. Zhang Wei clung to its mane, his heart pounding in his chest. But he did not panic. He trusted the bond they had formed, and he knew that the horse would not harm him.

As the wild ride continued, Zhang Wei and the horse seemed to move as one, their movements synchronized by an unspoken understanding. Gradually, the horse slowed its pace, and Zhang Wei guided it to a stop. They stood there, breathing heavily, the exhilaration of their shared experience binding them in a way that words could not convey.

"Well done, Zhang Wei. You've tamed the untamed," Sergeant Liao approached a rare smile on his weathered face.

His voice held a tone of genuine admiration as he approached Zhang Wei. His usually stern expression had softened into a genuine smile, a rare sight for the battle-hardened sergeant.

"Thank you, Sergeant. It wasn't easy, but I knew I had to earn his trust," Zhang Wei, still catching his breath after the exhilarating ride, looked up at Sergeant Liao with a mix of exhaustion and pride.

Sergeant Liao nodded, his eyes fixed on the horse that Zhang Wei had just tamed.

"You've accomplished something remarkable, and I owe you an apology," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of regret.

"An apology, Sergeant?" Zhang Wei was taken aback.

"The horse I assigned to you, the one you just tamed, is the wildest and most untamed of them all. I wanted to test your mettle, to see if the rumours I'd heard about you were true," Sergeant Liao sighed, his gaze never leaving the horse.

"Rumors?" Zhang Wei's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Yes, Zhang Wei. I've heard many whispers and appreciative words from those higher-up, people among my ranks about your potential. They spoke of your unwavering determination and your rapid progress. I wanted to see for myself if you were truly as promising as they claimed," Sergeant Liao nodded.

"So, you were testing me," Zhang Wei's expression shifted from surprise to understanding.

"Yes I did, and you passed with flying colors. You've not only tamed the wildest horse but also earned my respect. I apologize for the challenge I presented you with, but it was necessary to ensure that you possess the skills and determination needed to thrive in the palace," the sergeant nodded once more.

"Thank you, Sergeant. Your test pushed me to my limits, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to prove myself," Zhang Wei smiled, a mixture of relief and pride washing over him.

"You have a bright future ahead of you, Zhang Wei. Keep honing your skills and continue to earn the trust and respect of those around you. The palace is a treacherous place, but with your determination, you'll navigate its complexities with ease," Sergeant Liao clapped a hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder, a rare display of camaraderie.

As they led the tamed horse back to its stall, Zhang Wei couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. His encounter with the wildest horse had been a test, one that had pushed him to his limits and revealed the depth of his determination. It was a lesson he would carry with him as he continued his journey within the palace, where challenges and tests of character were a daily occurrence.

After successfully taming the wild horse, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he and Hong Yi spent some time together on the training grounds. The sun cast a warm, golden hue over the palace, and the peaceful atmosphere was a welcome contrast to the usual bustle of palace life.

Hong Yi, with his easygoing nature, was quick to congratulate Zhang Wei on his achievement.

"You did it, Zhang Wei!" he exclaimed, clapping Zhang Wei on the back. "Taming that wild horse was no small feat. I knew you had it in you."

"Thanks, Hong Yi. I couldn't have done it without your help and guidance. You've always had a way with animals," Zhang Wei chuckled, still feeling a rush of pride from his accomplishment.

"Well, I did take care of the horses back in Heishan, and I've always believed that animals can sense a kind heart. They know you mean them no harm," Hong Yi grinned, his eyes reflecting genuine happiness for his friend.

"That's true. Building trust with the horse was the key. Once it realized I meant no harm, it became more willing to cooperate," Zhang Wei nodded in agreement.

Their conversation shifted to Zhang Wei's progress within the palace.

"You know," Hong Yi began thoughtfully. "Since you joined Captain Xue's unit and began your training with him, you've achieved so much. You've earned the respect of Sergeant Liao, you've tamed a wild horse, and I've heard you've even impressed some of the higher-ups."

"It's been a challenging journey, that's for sure. But I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had here. General Li Feng's troop has been supportive, and Captain Xue's mentorship has been invaluable. I've also been fortunate to meet others like Imperial Guard Captain Zhao Jing, who's been teaching me about the intricacies of palace politics," Zhang Wei's gaze turned introspective as he considered Hong Yi's words.

"Captain Zhao Jing, you say? I've heard he's a formidable figure within the palace. What's it like working with him?" Hong Yi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"He's a strict teacher, but he's also fair and knowledgeable. He's been imparting advanced combat techniques and insights into palace dynamics. It's a different kind of learning compared to our training with Captain Xue, but equally important," Zhang Wei couldn't help but smile as he thought about Captain Zhao Jing.

"It sounds like you're making quite a name for yourself within the palace. Do you ever miss the simpler days back in your village?" Hong Yi nodded, absorbing the information.

"Of course, I do. I miss the familiar faces and the tranquillity of our village. But I also know that I'm here for a reason. My goal is to uncover the truth about my father's death and bring justice to his memory. The palace may be a labyrinth of secrets and intrigue, but I won't rest until I've achieved my objective," Zhang Wei's expression softened with nostalgia.

"You have my full support, Zhang Wei. We may have taken different paths within the palace, but our friendship remains unwavering. Together, we'll navigate these treacherous waters and emerge victorious," Hong Yi placed a supportive hand on Zhang Wei's shoulder.

"Thank you, Hong Yi. With you by my side, I know I can face whatever challenges lie ahead," Zhang Wei smiled, deeply appreciative of Hong Yi's friendship and unwavering support.

As they continued to chat and enjoy the peaceful afternoon in the palace gardens, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. He had achieved much since his arrival at the palace, but he knew that his journey was far from over. With the bonds of friendship and the knowledge he had gained, he was ready to face whatever the palace had in store for him.