The Prime Minister Knows How to Handle Her Wife (ABO, GL) - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Before long, Ye Liuyun led a white horse over.

The horse was clearly exceptional, completely snow-white without a single blemish. Its back was wide and straight, its limbs strong and sturdy, and its eyes bright. It occasionally tilted its head and snorted. Though it was a rare, one-in-a-million horse, it was wild and hard to tame. Even with Ye Liuyun, who often cared for it, leading it, the horse would suddenly stomp its hooves to show its displeasure.

It wasn’t until it saw Sheng Shiyue that the horse raised its hooves slightly, trotted toward her, and dragged Ye Chili, who was holding the reins, into a quick run.

As it approached, Sheng Shiyue whistled, and the horse shook its head, stopped, and tossed the reins toward her.

Ye Liuyun was both annoyed and helpless, saying, “Ungrateful creature, after all the time I spend tending to you.”

The horse glanced at her, its eyes showing a hint of human-like intelligence.

Sheng Shiyue couldn’t help but laugh, took the reins, patted its head, and fed it four carrots that Ye Liuyun had prepared. Then she looked at Ning Qingge and said, “This one’s got a big temper. You get on first, and I’ll lead it for a bit.”

The hunting party was very long, and the cost of so many people crowded together was slow progress. Even though they had delayed for a while, they only ended up in the middle-back of the group.

This spot was mostly filled with lower-ranking officials or Kunze and young children from noble families who couldn’t handle the jolting and had to ride in carriages, trailing slowly behind.

Speaking of which, it’s worth mentioning that in Liang Kingdom, noble families had a tradition during summer and autumn hunts of observing Qianyuan. If a Kunze was interested, they could send a message, and the two could meet privately. If they got along, they could settle the marriage after the hunt.

So, when Sheng Shiyue and the others fell back to this spot, many people lifted their carriage curtains, casting curious glances their way.

The group ignored them. Ning Qingge, holding Sheng Shiyue’s hand for support, stepped onto the stirrup, grabbed the saddle’s front ring, and swung her long leg over to sit on the horse.

Her movements were swift and clean. Dressed in a lotus-patterned blue riding outfit with a matching headband and high ponytail, her cool, distant features gained a touch of boldness. Those who didn’t recognize her gasped, mistaking her for a Qianyuan from some noble family, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

Hearing this, Sheng Shiyue, holding the reins, turned cold and scanned the crowd, as if issuing a warning.

The onlookers immediately quieted down. Though they didn’t recognize the group, they knew the horse. Such a fine steed wasn’t something an ordinary person could have.

Since they were finally out of the city, it was best to avoid trouble and not mess things up.

So, people quickly looked away, some even lowering their carriage curtains.

Sheng Shiyue snorted, her expression softening slightly. She tugged the reins and led the horse and rider forward.

The horse’s hooves rose and fell, making a clopping sound. It hadn’t rained in days, so the ground was dry and covered in dust.

The horse, fond of cleanliness, got upset when dust touched it. It raised its hooves, but Sheng Shiyue slapped it lightly and scolded, “Don’t fuss. Misbehave again, and I’ll slaughter you for soup.”

The horse’s pupils widened, looking at Sheng Shiyue in disbelief, never having heard such harsh words. Its nostrils twitched as it began to whimper, as if wronged.

Ning Qingge found it amusing and patted the horse’s neck, her fingers running through its mane to soothe it. She said to Sheng Shiyue, “Why are you so harsh?”

Sheng Shiyue paused, then explained, “I’m just worried it’ll jostle you…”

The horse, quite clever, seemed to understand Ning Qingge was defending it and snorted in agreement.

Sheng Shiyue looked at the horse, then at Ning Qingge, feeling frustrated but unable to say much.

Instead of comforting her, Ning Qingge began brushing the horse’s mane. The horse, enjoying it, squinted its bell-sized eyes, its hoofbeats sounding cheerful.

Ning Qingge asked, “What’s this horse called?”

Sheng Shiyue, in a bad mood, answered stiffly, “Zhaoye.”

Her explanation was curt, “It means it’s so white at night it glows, lighting up the dark.”

The horse, displeased, didn’t get a chance to protest before Ning Qingge stroked it again and said gently, “The name suits it.”

She called out, “Zhaoye.”

Her voice was soft and slow, like spring snow melting, warm and gentle, the same tone she used with Sheng Shiyue.

The bad-tempered, petty horse couldn’t stand it. Spoiled by Ning Qingge and used to being coddled, it now felt neglected.

Sheng Shiyue yanked the reins, stopping the horse, and looked up at Ning Qingge, annoyed, “Ning Qingge, do you like me or Zhaoye?”

She was so upset she didn’t care about the setting, openly acting jealous.

Her brows furrowed, her hand gripping the reins tightly, veins bulging, as if “displeased” was written on her face.

The sudden stop drew attention from those around.

The two already stood out—one in blue, the other in stone-green riding attire. The latter wore a golden and white jade qilin necklace and a Hetian jade pendant, elegant yet luxurious. If Ning Qingge was a slender green branch, Sheng Shiyue was lush foliage. Standing side by side, they could only be described as a perfect match.

Now, seeing them argue, onlookers watched with curiosity, unsure of their intentions.

Ning Qingge pretended to be confused, tilting her head, “What’s Your Highness…”

“Like me! Or this lousy horse!” Sheng Shiyue said the first part word by word, then rushed through the second, so fast that people only remembered “lousy horse.”

Noticing the gazes but not pointing them out, Ning Qingge said helplessly, “What nonsense is Your Highness saying? Who gets jealous over a horse?”

The horse snorted, as if agreeing.

Sheng Shiyue, fuming, snapped, “This has nothing to do with you. Be quiet!”

She turned to Ning Qingge, her tone softening but still stiff, “I’m not jealous of a horse.”

Without pausing, she added, “So, is it me or this lousy horse?”

It was unclear if she realized what she was saying, contradicting herself in two sentences.

Ning Qingge looked down at her, her dark jade eyes reflecting Sheng Shiyue’s figure.

Seeing no response, Sheng Shiyue grew anxious, grabbed Ning Qingge’s ankle, shook it, and said, “Ning Qingge!”

It was obvious to everyone that the older one was teasing the younger, who, clouded by jealousy, was being played with, even shaking Ning Qingge’s leg in a tantrum.

People around snickered, knowing Sheng Shiyue’s temper and keeping their laughter quiet to avoid trouble.

Someone suddenly blurted out that it was Sheng Shiyue, the notorious troublemaker.

Laughter stopped, and whispers grew. If this was Sheng Shiyue, the other must be Ning Qingge.

Just days ago, rumors spread that Sheng Shiyue took a child to a brothel in broad daylight and was dragged back by a stern-faced Ning Qingge. Now, seeing this scene, people’s curiosity deepened, and even those who had closed their curtains peeked out.

Finally, Zhaoye couldn’t stand it, nuzzling Sheng Shiyue to comfort its master.

But Sheng Shiyue dodged, stepped onto the stirrup, and swung onto the horse, pulling Ning Qingge into her arms.

She leaned close to Ning Qingge’s ear and said angrily, “Ning Qingge, you’re done for.”

“You’re finished!” she repeated, biting out each word.

This was…

Ning Qingge, who had gone too far, realized her mistake. Usually, she teased Sheng Shiyue when they were alone, and Sheng Shiyue would indulge her, letting her push boundaries.

But now, under public scrutiny and gossip, Sheng Shiyue’s tolerance was much lower.

A sense of unease flashed through Ning Qingge. She turned slightly and said, “Didn’t you want to teach me to ride?”

Sheng Shiyue held her, seemingly gentle but actually trapping her in her arms, saying through gritted teeth, “Does Ning Qingge need my teaching? In just a moment, you’ve charmed my Zhaoye like this.”

“Where are you unskilled? You’re clearly a master, with exceptional horse-taming skills.”

Before Ning Qingge could explain, Sheng Shiyue clamped her legs and shouted, “Go!”

Zhaoye, sensing its master’s displeasure, eager to please, raised its hooves without delay and sped forward.

Unprepared, Ning Qingge fell back into Sheng Shiyue’s arms, pressed so close there was no gap.

It wasn’t too hot today, with thick clouds blocking the sun’s sting. A breeze occasionally lifted, fluttering carriage curtains and revealing shocked faces.

True to her reckless reputation, Sheng Shiyue galloped through the crowded caravan!

The wind whipped past their cheeks. Ning Qingge’s riding skills were as she’d said—barely able to manage a slow pace, unsteady at speed. She couldn’t even compete for control, only managing to call out, “Sheng Jiu, Sheng Jiu.”

Being shorter, her breath hit Sheng Shiyue’s throat as she spoke, leaving patches of red.

But the tactic that usually worked had no effect now.

Ning Qingge tried to raise her hand, but Sheng Shiyue covered it, gripping the reins with her.

In moments, they reached their previous spot.

Those who had tried to stir trouble looked back in shock.

They expected Sheng Shiyue’s return but not like this.

Were they fighting or playing?

Unable to tell, they watched the white shadow speed by and race further ahead. Suddenly, someone shouted, “Ninth Sister, stop fooling around!”

Her voice was furious, as if truly angry for Ning Qingge. She whipped her black horse and charged toward them, as if to rescue Ning Qingge from distress.

Sheng Shiyue ignored her, tugged the reins left, and veered onto a narrow path.

Liang Kingdom valued archery and riding. Since Emperor Tai Zu, hunts were frequent when the treasury was full—spring, summer, autumn, and winter hunts never missed. Even in busy years, at least one hunt was held.

Sheng Shiyue, fond of fun, never missed a hunt, but the routes and fields were similar and boring. So, she often took Ye Liuyun and others onto side paths. Though rough, they were more interesting than main roads, shorter, and saved time.

Weeds grew thickly on both sides, crowding the path. As they moved forward, the grass brushed against horse and rider.

But Zhaoye, thick-skinned and familiar with the route, didn’t slow, speeding up with a sense of freedom after being pent up. Ning Qingge, shielded in Sheng Shiyue’s arms, was untouched by the weeds.

This stubborn one was all talk, acting fierce but carefully protecting her.

At first, Ning Qingge felt uneasy, but soon she relaxed, letting Sheng Shiyue handle everything while she leaned back, feeling the rushing wind.

She finally understood why those troublemakers loved racing horses and playing polo.

It was almost comical—such a grand punishment, yet it was unclear who was being punished.

Hoofbeats followed, someone trying to catch up.

Sheng Shiyue glanced back, her face darkening.

She tugged the reins, slowing Zhaoye slightly.

Soon, the Sixth Princess caught up. Seeing them, her eyes lit up, and she shouted, “Don’t worry, Ning Qingge, I’ll save you!”

It was as if her wife had been kidnapped.

Sheng Shiyue snorted coldly, her lingering anger shifting to the newcomer.

As Sheng Xianyin closed in half a horse’s length, reaching out, Sheng Shiyue, ready, swung the reins.

Zhaoye, ever perceptive, knew its master’s intent. At her command, it stomped hard, shooting forward like a white arrow, instantly widening the gap.

Sheng Xianyin grabbed at air, her face darkening. She shouted, whipped her horse, and chased after them.

With a familiar route and a fine horse, Sheng Shiyue could have left her far behind, but she toyed with her, letting Zhaoye speed up and slow down. Each time Sheng Xianyin thought she was catching up, her face hopeful, the gap widened again.

Tall weeds, like a dense forest, swayed as the white and black figures darted through, stirring waves. Hoofbeats mixed with rustling grass, startling hidden insects and snakes.

Seeing she couldn’t catch up, Sheng Xianyin shouted, “Sheng Shiyue!”

“Put Prime Minister Ning down!”

“You’re reckless enough on your own, now dragging Ning Qingge into it. What if something happens? State affairs can’t afford delays!”

She resorted to weak excuses.

Sheng Shiyue rolled her eyes, leaned forward, gripped the reins, and sped up.

Ning Qingge didn’t stop her. Usually, she could only glimpse the girl from afar through crowds. Now, with a slight turn, she could see her up close.

Sheng Shiyue’s refined, striking features carried a youthful boldness and confidence. Her upturned lips held a carefree smirk, the wind lifting her hair and clothes, her collar scented with lychee.

Noticing the intense gaze, Sheng Shiyue looked down to see Ning Qingge staring, her usually calm eyes shimmering like silver fish.

Sheng Shiyue paused, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

Then Ning Qingge leaned closer, her slender, pale neck taut, the throat’s movement clear as it brushed against Sheng Shiyue’s jawline.