Horseback Riding

The Emperor accompanied her on a horse ride for a while, allowing the horses to run freely for a couple of laps. The evening breeze caressed their faces as they gazed at the horizon where the vermilion clouds resembled a blazing fire. The tightness in their chests seemed to dissipate with the wind. Looking back, Xie Ning was still carefully riding the horse, guided by a eunuch who led the horse around the training ground in slow circles.

The Emperor halted, waiting for them to catch up from behind.

Xie Ning's cheeks were slightly flushed, and her forehead glistened with sweat. Riding a horse seemed more strenuous than walking the same distance. Observing the Emperor's ease and grace on the horse, she both admired him and felt embarrassed about lagging behind.

The Emperor dismounted and lifted her down from the horse. Only when her feet were planted on solid ground did she heave a sigh of relief. Her legs had gone stiff, and even standing now made her feel sore and weak.