Duft erhebt sich zum Tanz

Kapitel 17

"And him?"

"He went to inspect the ranch with Steward Li."

It seems she's not leaving today! Then she can find a chance to ride a horse! Her eyes darted around, and she saw two women in the bronze mirror about to style her hair into an elaborate and intricate palace hairstyle. She spoke:

"No need, just tie it into a braid." She knew that was a hairstyle only maids wore, but as long as it was convenient, it was fine. She even asked the two women for a set of men's clothing that fit her. Then, under the surprised gazes of the servants, she walked out of her boudoir.

Dressed in men's clothing without any adornment, Su Huan'er appeared as a delicate and beautiful young woman. Some of the servants didn't even recognize her as the young mistress.

Strolling to the stables, I saw the grooms tending the horses. These horses were for riding, kept on the ranch, and intended for sale. Shi Wuji's black horse was among them, its tuft of white hair standing out even more against the black—truly handsome!

"May I try riding it?" She patted the groom beside her, startling him.

"Young...Young Madam...Do you want to ride a horse?" the coachman stammered. On one hand, Huan'er was as beautiful as a fairy in his imagination; on the other hand, a woman riding a horse? How strange! A young lady of noble birth was not allowed to ride a horse.

Huan'er pointed to Shi Wuji's mount and said:

"Quick, bring it out, I want to ride it."

"No!" The voice came from the stable door; it was Shi Wuji.

Huan'er turned around and walked to the door.

"But I want to ride! Look. My clothes fit."

Shi Wuji frowned! Looking at her outfit, which was neither male nor female and lacked the demeanor of a lady of the house, although it looked good, it still wouldn't do.

"Go change it!" The tone left no room for argument.

Here we go again! The tenderness and passion of the night, the cold indifference and sternness of the day! He always plays a two-faced role; how can one person's personality be so sharply divided! A night of tenderness, a meeting of two hearts, yet it couldn't change his daytime aloofness. She naively thought things would be different, because she had given herself completely! Unexpectedly, he was even colder and harder than before!

Huan'er bit her lower lip, brushed past him, and ran back to the mansion. This was incredibly rude; she was afraid he'd get angry again. She'd rather he be furious! Hadn't he humiliated her and preserved his dignity? As she walked down the corridor, she suddenly stopped. Why should she obediently go back to her room to change? A thought flashed through her mind, and she ran towards the back door. She was determined to wear this outfit all day.

She loosened her braid, letting her flowing hair fly freely. The distant mountains and nearby waters were all untouched, pristine beauty. A few maids were washing clothes by the stream in the distance, while small lambs grazed nearby. Seeing this magnificent view of the vast天地 (heaven and earth), all her anger vanished. The world is vast and boundless; what can't be forgiven? What could she do if she disowned this eccentric husband?

"I don't want to think about it anymore!" She lightly jumped onto the railing. She wanted to imitate a gymnast walking on a balance beam, arms outstretched, aiming straight ahead. Would her former agility still be useful in this new state? She tried a backflip, poised to jump backward, but before her feet had even left the post, she was tightly grabbed, nearly falling over. She quickly grabbed the person's neck.

"Huan'er!" Shi Wuji's voice was filled with helplessness. He knew Huan'er was restless, but he hadn't expected her to be so daring as to risk her own safety! Honestly, he had just rushed back to the room to comfort her, because he had clearly seen the confusion and hurt in her eyes! She couldn't understand that as the head of a large enterprise, he needed to establish authority to command respect, and hurting her feelings was the last thing he wanted to do. When he couldn't find Huan'er after returning to the room, he hurriedly went out to look for her, only to find his little wife recklessly clinging to the high railing. His heart nearly leaped out of his chest; he didn't know what to do with her!

"It's broad daylight! That's impolite!" Huan'er was still a little angry. Fine! He set his rules, and she was prepared to play along, to see who would break down first! Since this was what he wanted, then he would surely reap the bitter fruit first! Oh! He showered her with affection when no one was watching; when others were around, he kicked her far away. She, Su Huan'er, couldn't stand being summoned and dismissed at will!

Shi Wuji put her down, still holding her waist with one arm, but she broke free. She gave a forced smile.

"This is broad daylight, it's improper." She lowered her face at a 45-degree angle, imitating a typical lady, and fixed her gaze on his feet.

Shi Wuji crossed his arms and looked at her thoughtfully: What trick is this little thing playing now? She's actually talking about manners?

"Okay! Let's go back to our room." He reached out his hand to her, wanting to take her small hand. Huan'er dodged it, standing behind him, and whispered in a gentle voice: