Fang Linyuan made those people upstairs shout until they got a headache.

Just now, they looked afraid of that person, but as soon as he turned his head, they started making a fuss, like a bunch of monkeys. As soon as someone supported them, they began to bark with teeth and claws.

Seeing the flush on the prince's face in front of him, it must be because he drank too much and came out to ride the horse in high spirits.

Stopping him like this made his drunkenness dissipate quite a bit. Fang Linyuan then collected the broom in his hand and casually leaned it against the nearby shed.

"After settling the losses, the Sixteenth Guard will send the compensation bill to your mansion," Fang Linyuan said to Wang Chang.

But Wang Chang got up, still covered in dust, stood up straight, and put on an arrogant posture. "Dare you confiscate my horse?"

"The decree of the Sixteenth Guard explicitly prohibits us from disobeying," Fang Linyuan said indifferently.

Wang Chang showed impatience on his face and wanted to go forward to take back his horse.

But as soon as he turned around to give orders to his men, he saw that everyone behind him had been detained. Turning back, he saw the guy who had appeared out of nowhere, skillfully holding his arm and smiling at him.

... A wise man doesn't fight when the odds are against him.

He gritted his teeth, pointed at Fang Linyuan, and said, "You are from the Sixteenth Guard, right? Just wait."

Fang Linyuan was unmoved by his threat.

The Duke's mansion was indeed higher in status than him. But according to the law, if we were to speak according to ranks, even the common people in the capital would not be allowed to live.

Wang Chang gritted his teeth.

This man looked confident and fearless, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, and even his henchmen upstairs were watching. He felt as if he had lost all his face from his previous life.

"Let's go!" He didn't stay any longer and ordered his men behind him.

Fang Linyuan looked around, and Lou Shuo and the others let them go, allowing Wang Chang and his men to push through the crowd and leave.

"General, you are so powerful!" The people downstairs greeted him one after another. The guards who were saved by Fang Linyuan also stepped forward to thank him, looking flushed with pride.

The bystanders nodded in agreement, while Lou Shuo, carrying his money bag, pushed through the crowd and went to the overturned stalls to throw money.

"Compensation is compensation, but this is a reward from our general! General of the Sixteenth Guard, do you know? The famous Marquis Anping!"

Upstairs, Li Cheng'an, perhaps having drunk too much, started cheering again. "Long live the general!"

The monkeys in the trees started shouting again.

Fang Linyuan couldn't stand the behaviour of these aristocrats from the capital. He pressed his aching ears and raised his hand to silence them.

"That's enough!" he said.

They all shut up, their eyes shining as they looked at him.

But Fang Linyuan looked at them without mercy.

"If you can't even stop a horse, when we return to the garrison, you'll all be given extra training."

*

After this day, Fang Linyuan still managed the Sixteenth Guard Garrison in an orderly manner.

Apart from the city’s defence, the security of various places in the capital was under the jurisdiction of the Sixteenth Guard. Although the Sixteenth Guard now had a new look, Fang Linyuan dared not slack off, for fear that those Turkic bandits show signs of resurgence.

However, in the past few days, there hadn't been any trouble in the capital.

As the weather gradually warmed, Qingming (NT: celebration of Spring on the 15th day after the Spring equinox, also known as the tomb sweeping day) was also approaching.

There were several royal gardens around the capital that were traditionally open to the public during the New Year. With the city flourishing, it was customary for people to go sightseeing during Qingming Festival. Therefore, during Qingming, the royal garden of Qujiangchi in the suburbs of the capital would be open to the public.

Fang Linyuan had heard of Qujiangchi when he was on the border. (NT: Qujiangchi, also known as Qujiang Pool, is a famous scenic area)

This was the largest royal garden in the capital, and because of the annual tributes from foreign countries, it housed many exotic animals brought from various countries. There were trained elephants with huge ears and long noses from the Kingdom of Jiaozhi, as well as golden-haired lions from Tianzhu. When Qingming Festival arrived, even ordinary people could see them.

This was a famous event in the capital, and for the Sixteenth Guard, it meant taking on more demanding tasks.

A few days before Qingming Festival, the Sixteenth Guard received orders to be responsible for the security patrol at Qujiangchi on Qingming Day.

Also, in these few days, bad news came from the Jiangnan region again.

The Shenglian Sect was finally pacified, but in the final battle, the Ministry of War's envoy, Chu You, inadvertently let the leader of the Shenglian Sect, Sun Bai, and his followers escape. Even the Suzhou Prefect, Feng Hanxue, was kidnapped by them.

How ridiculous that officials were captured by rebels.

Chu You submitted a long self-criticism report. The emperor was furious, ordering him to capture the bandit leader within ten days. Chu You had searched Jiangnan thoroughly for days but found no trace. The wanted order was even posted from Jiangnan to the capital.

In the past few days, the defence of several city gates in the capital had been strengthened.

However, the Shenglian Sect in Jiangnan did not cause too much concern among the people in the capital. At most, it provided some topics of conversation after meals. With the warming spring breeze, the willows by the Qujiangchi became lush and green day by day, and the festive atmosphere in the capital gradually intensified.

Song Zhaojin specially made two new spring clothes for Fang Linyuan and Zhao Chu, and gave them to them when Fang Linyuan went to see her and Zhao Chu early in the morning.

"When Qingming comes, the Queen Mother will also host a banquet at Qujiangchi. I have been there several times, and it is very lively," Song Zhaojin smiled. "The place is very spacious and there are many activities, such as pitching pots, cuju and horseball. You two are young, so you should go and have fun."

(NT: cuju - 蹴鞠, ancient Chinese ball game, involving kicking a leather ball filled with feathers through an opening into a net.)

Fang Linyuan smiled and said, "I'm afraid I will disappoint my sister-in-law with the new clothes this year. I am on duty that day and can't play."

"Oh..." Song Zhaojin looked a little disappointed. "Are you not together that day?"

"We will all be at Qujiangchi, so there's no difference," Fang Linyuan reassured her.

"Besides, while you are on duty, don't forget to take care of the princess more," Song Zhaojin reminded him.

Fang Linyuan could only nod repeatedly.

However, he didn't feel that Zhao Chu needed any special care. If they appeared together in public, they would inevitably have to act like a loving couple. He was afraid that Zhao Chu would find it more troublesome than he did.

With that in mind, Fang Linyuan stole a glance at Zhao Chu sitting across from him.

Knowing he wasn't much of a talker, his sister-in-law always directed her instructions at Fang Linyuan. At the moment, Zhao Chu was quietly sitting there drinking tea, with Juansu holding the spring clothes his sister-in-law had given him.

The clothes were a tender green, made from soft and light Suzhou silk, a colour so delicate it seemed almost too much.

Zhao Chu had striking looks with cold, distant features, making it seem like this colour didn’t quite suit him. However, since his sister-in-law had never seen him, she probably chose the fabric based on his age and picked such a fresh, clear colour for the spring outing during Qingming.

Fang Linyuan's gaze wandered between the spring clothes and Zhao Chu's face several times, unable to imagine what Zhao Chu would look like in such a colour.

Zhao Chu probably wouldn’t wear it, he thought. After all, his sister-in-law wouldn’t know if he did or not.

But the clothes were as fresh and tender as new willow leaves by the pond. His sister-in-law had repeatedly urged him, so, out of boredom, he pictured Zhao Chu’s head on the body of the clothes in his mind.

Just then, Zhao Chu lifted his eyes, looking at him with a calm yet deep gaze.

Fang Linyuan was startled.

Somehow, caught in Zhao Chu’s eyes, he felt as if he had been caught peeking. He quickly looked away.

This isn’t right, he thought. A grown man shouldn’t keep staring at someone; it would surely make them uncomfortable.

Clearing his throat, Fang Linyuan averted his gaze in a manner suggesting he was correcting his mistake, sitting properly for the moment.

Unbeknownst to him, this behaviour looked to Zhao Chu like he was trying to conceal something.

It was like a fawn hiding behind a tree, thinking it was completely unseen, unaware that its antlers were sticking out beyond the branches and leaves.

Zhao Chu’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before he lowered his eyes again.

Seeing the fawn hiding so earnestly, he pretended not to notice those antlers at all.

*

On the fifth day of March, the guards of Qujiang Pond opened the garden gates, and the spring scenery unfolded in full view.

The weather was excellent that day. Just as dawn broke, the clear sky indicated a pleasant day ahead. People from various parts of the capital and the surrounding counties gradually emerged from their homes. Horse-drawn carriages and ox carts shimmered along the roads, creating a bustling scene.

Many young elites from wealthy families rode horses and raced each other as soon as they reached the city outskirts. Some commoners walked or rode donkeys leisurely along the flat and wide stone roads.

Except for the patrol posts in various parts of the capital, all the guards of the Sixteenth Guard were dispatched to Qujiang Pond. With such a heavy task on this day, Fang Linyuan had already started his day early.

Although his hand was still bandaged, most of the injuries had healed due to Zhao Chu's medicine. With a few extra layers of gauze wrapped around it, he could now ride a horse freely.

Today, as he was personally on duty, he wore the imperial-gifted golden-red qilin robe, with narrow sleeves tucked into wrist guards, and a spring-embroidered long knife hanging from his waist, exuding a heroic demeanour.

Upon arriving at Qujiang Pond, Li Cheng'an, who was riding alongside him, couldn't help but circle around him several times on his horse, marveling, "When can I wear the imperial-gifted clothes? They look so good."

Fang Linyuan remained unmoved, reminding him expressionlessly, "Don't circle around in front of me, you'll step on the flowery pattern."

Li Cheng'an pursed his lips.

Looking at the calm and alert demeanour of the warhorse under him, who seemed more spirited than a person, who could step on its pattern?

He was somewhat unconvinced but still led his horse a bit farther away to avoid accidentally touching Fang Linyuan's precious pattern, lest he get into trouble later.

Before dawn, Fang Linyuan rode his horse around Qujiang Pond to inspect various guard posts and patrols. By the time it was morning, many people had entered the park. Although there were some chases on the roads, they had not yet caused any disturbances, as they were quickly stopped by the Sixteenth Guard.

He continued to patrol various areas with a few guards, preventing any negligence or unexpected incidents.

On the higher west side pavilion was where the empress would host her banquet, guarded by the imperial guards, so they only needed to make a brief inspection. The commoners and vendors were scattered around the lake. Some wealthy youths riding horses had entered the horse polo field by the lake, chasing and running on the lush green grass, attracting a crowd of onlookers.

At the lakeside, many people were enjoying the spring outing, sitting under the willow trees. The women wore thin and colourful spring dresses, fluttering like clouds in the sky. Vendors carrying boxes and baskets walked around shouting, with various toys, snacks, and colourful kites hanging from them.

"If my father didn't force me to join the Sixteenth Guard, I would also be quite skilled in playing horse polo every spring." Li Cheng'an couldn't help but lean over and watch the excitement on the polo field. "Look at those on the field. Combined, they're no match for me."

Fang Linyuan glanced over and chuckled. "You're boasting."

Upon hearing this, Li Cheng'an turned his head and said, "Do you even know how to play horse polo?"

"I don't," Fang Linyuan admitted frankly.

"...You!" Li Cheng'an was annoyed.

"In the borderlands, there's no such polo field. I've never played before," Fang Linyuan said calmly, leading his horse towards the guard stationed by the lake.

"In that case, what do you guys play?" Li Cheng'an asked incredulously. "That sounds boring."

At that moment, something light and airy flew from under the willows towards Fang Linyuan.

Fang Linyuan was extremely alert. He raised the hand holding the knife scabbard to intercept, and the object softly hit the knife before falling to the ground.

As he lowered his head, he saw it was a blooming peony, which scattered its petals on the grass with a soft sound.

Fang Linyuan looked puzzled and glanced up, only to see several brightly dressed girls by the lake, huddling together and looking at him.

When they saw him looking over, the cheeks of the girls flushed with red clouds, and they burst into laughter.

Fang Linyuan twisted his brows in confusion, not understanding what they were doing at this moment.

"Why did they throw this at you?" Fang Linyuan asked, puzzled.

"It's a tradition in the capital. If they didn't think you were a little handsome, who would throw flowers to you?" Li Cheng'an said sarcastically.

The customs in the capital were open-minded, and there wasn't much restraint between men and women, especially during such festivals. Young gentlemen would attract the opposite sex's attention by riding horses boldly along the roads, while girls would throw flowers and handkerchiefs towards handsome and outstanding gentlemen to show their admiration.

A few years ago, Li Cheng'an used to receive such gestures himself, but now, with Fang Linyuan by his side like a precious gem, he couldn't help but feel that his own light was completely overshadowed.

As they spoke, another flower fell on Fang Linyuan.

This time, Fang Linyuan didn't knock the flower away. Caught off guard, a gardenia drifted gently into his arms.

Fang Linyuan raised his hand to shake off the flower.

But before he could do so, more flowers fell into Fang Linyuan's embrace. Several petals landed softly on him, while others floated gently onto his horse, covering him in a soft blanket of petals.

Fang Linyuan was taken aback, unsure where to put his hands. The groups of girls around him seemed bolder than usual. As they watched him with playful smiles, his ears turned red with embarrassment.

"Let's go!" he urged, urging his horse to move away from this embarrassing situation.

But seeing him in distress, Li Cheng'an found it amusing. He grabbed the reins of Fang Linyuan's horse, holding him in place.

"Why are you running away when people are giving you flowers?" Li Cheng'an laughed.

The surrounding people also laughed, and those passing by came over to see what was happening.

The stern and heroic young man on horseback was covered in soft red petals, and his ears were slightly red.

Soon, many more flowers and sachets were thrown towards Fang Linyuan. He tried to block them with the scabbard, but it was futile, and the petals continued to fall.

Then, a bright red peony flew from beneath a nearby carriage window and landed steadily in Fang Linyuan's arms.

Li Cheng'an gasped.

"Xiao Niangzi!" he whispered in shock.

Fang Linyuan reluctantly followed his gaze and saw a beautiful woman sitting in a carved carriage, smiling at him through the curtain.

Her hair was adorned with a cluster of colourful flowers, but there was a gap on one side, as if the flower she had just thrown to Fang Linyuan was plucked from her own hair.

Such carriages were usually found in the courtesan houses, and on such days, when the spring was so beautiful, many courtesans and performers went out for leisure outings.

"It doesn't matter who she is," Fang Linyuan whispered, his voice low. "Let go of me!"

He tried to move forward, but Li Cheng'an, showing no fear, held onto the reins tightly, refusing to let go.

"Madam Xiao! The Flower Master of Huifeng Tower, Xiao Yingchun, is the top among the four famous courtesans in the capital!" Li Cheng'an pulled on his reins. "Are you even human if you're still running away?"

"If you don't let go, I'll make up for those thirty lashes you owe me," Fang Linyuan threatened.

"Tsk," Li Cheng'an grumbled reluctantly.

"Fine then. Give me the flowers from Madam Xiao, and I'll return them to her."

Fang Linyuan quickly picked up the peony from his embrace.

As he was about to toss the flower to Li Cheng'an, a luxurious carriage with intricate carvings stopped not far away. The curtains were heavy with jewels and embroidery, and the silver bells on the eaves emitted a crisp sound, attracting many gazes.

As the curtains lifted, Fang Linyuan saw a familiar, stunning yet icy face.

Zhao Chu!

It felt like a blessing to Fang Linyuan. He thought someone had come to rescue him. He quickly threw all the flowers and handkerchiefs in his arms to Li Cheng'an. "My wife is here. Don't cause any trouble."

Only now did Fang Linyuan realize how useful his relationship with Zhao Chu was!

Indeed, Li Cheng'an was startled by the sudden turn of events. He hurriedly accepted the pile of items.

Madam Xiao's carriage was parked nearby. If the princess saw Fang Linyuan flirting with her, it would be disastrous!

Fang Linyuan turned his horse's head and headed straight for the carriage.

But there were still petals falling around him.

Dressed in embroidered red robes, Fang Linyuan looked graceful and dazzling. Like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, the petals on his shoulders added a touch of spring-like splendour.

The guards following him couldn't help but whisper, "Is that the general's wife? Is she Princess Huining?"

"I heard that the princess is as beautiful as Chang'e (NT: Chinese moon goddess, a figure of great beauty and grace). Is that true? Move aside, let me see."

Li Cheng'an forgot about chatting with Madam Xiao as he nervously gathered the items in his arms and instructed the nearby guards, "If the princess asks later, just say these were gifts from the young ladies to me. Got it?"

The guards burst into laughter. "General, you're so handsome. Even if we say it, the princess won't believe it!"

Li Cheng'an anxiously looked back.

Under the lifted curtains, the stunning face was as cold as ice. Everyone's gaze was drawn to her, and she was the centre of attention. Her peach blossom-like cold eyes were fixed on the general.

Li Cheng'an had seen the princess briefly on Rongchang Street before and instinctively knew she wasn't someone to mess with. Seeing her expression now, he felt something was amiss. Even for a hero like the general, he might still have to suffer the consequences of angering such a beauty.

"Don't talk nonsense!" he hurriedly whispered, reprimanding them.

The general always cherished his wife. If he upset the princess, he might come back and break their legs!

Li Cheng'an nervously squeezed the reins back and forth in his hand.

 

--

The author has something to say

Li Cheng'an could only try to console Zhao Chu: "Your Highness, no matter how beautiful the women outside are, they can't compare to you! You are the most beautiful woman in the capital!"

Zhao Chu, knowing better than anyone how straight Fang Linyuan was, remained expressionless: "But I'm not a woman."

Li Cheng'an: ???

 

Translator : DarNan