Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 49: Intimacy

The next day was a fine one, and Wei Zhen changed into her riding attire before heading out.

By the time she arrived for her lesson, many people had already gathered by the training grounds. After keeping a low profile for a few days, Wei Zhen no longer needed to wear a veil. The moment she appeared, the noble youths who had been engaged in conversation turned their gazes toward her, their chatter slowly fading. Even the young ladies followed suit, one by one turning their faces toward her.

Wei Zhen had long since grown accustomed to the scrutiny of others. As she glanced around, she spotted Ji Wo among the crowd, but there was no sign of Qi Yan.

Not long after Wei Zhen arrived, among the young ladies, Gongsun Xian immediately rode up to her.

The sunlight shone warmly, casting a rosy glow on Gongsun Xian’s face. She said, “My father mentioned that since the princess has only recently arrived in Jin, you must still be unfamiliar with many aspects of the royal palace. I’d like to accompany you today—surely the princess wouldn’t mind?”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “Of course not.”

Gongsun Xian smiled. “Then I shall stay by your side today.”

As they conversed, the riding and archery instructor arrived.

Normally, this instructor was responsible for teaching the noble youths. However, since young ladies were present today, he took them into consideration and did not immediately lead them into the forest. Instead, he decided to have everyone warm up by playing a round of polo in the morning. This not only served as an icebreaker but also helped to loosen up the atmosphere.

When it was Wei Zhen’s turn to draw lots, she was paired with Ji Wo. The two of them were set to compete against a team consisting of Ji Ying and Gongsun Xian.

Ji Wo held the slip of paper with their team assignment, his expression complicated as he cast a glance at Wei Zhen.

Around them, voices rose in jest and laughter: “Ninth Brother’s polo skills are lacking. When he goes up against Miss Gongsun and our Eleventh Sister, even though they’re both ladies, Ninth Brother’s participation might actually make this match evenly matched.”

Ji Wo remained silent, his face flushing red. He glanced at Wei Zhen and Gongsun Xian before turning to glare at the others. “Don’t undermine me in front of the young ladies.”

Wei Zhen stepped closer to him and said, “Your Highness, this is just a simple game. I don’t particularly care about winning or losing—we can just play for fun.”

Ji Wo forced a smile. “Alright.”

However, once the match began, Wei Zhen finally understood just how poor Ji Wo’s polo skills were—so much so that they had been a source of amusement for the noble youths. In theory, even if Ji Wo couldn’t contribute to the game, he shouldn’t have been actively sabotaging their team. And yet, how did he manage to place the ball perfectly under the opponent’s mallets every single time?

Almost every. Single. Time.

By halftime, Wei Zhen had practically been playing one against three while dragging Ji Wo along, ultimately losing the game 4 to 10.

Panting slightly, she turned to look at Ji Wo. Sensing her gaze, he deliberately looked around, feigning nonchalance.

Wei Zhen dismounted and walked up to him, speaking in a gentle voice, “Your Highness, are you perhaps not in the right state of mind today?”

Ji Wo remained silent for a long moment before finally admitting, “Actually, I feel like I’m in pretty good form today.”

Wei Zhen: “…”

Beside them, Gongsun Xian couldn’t help but cover her lips and stifle a laugh.

During the break, Ji Wo was already covered in dirt and grass stains, having sustained quite a few scrapes. Perhaps feeling guilty about dragging Wei Zhen down, he said, “Princess, I think I shouldn’t participate in the second half. If I go up again, I’ll only continue to hold you back.”

Wei Zhen replied, “But the match isn’t over yet. If you withdraw, we’ll forfeit immediately. Why not give it another try?”

Ji Wo, visibly troubled, glanced around before his eyes suddenly lit up. “Princess, wait here—I’ll find someone to take my place!”

Wei Zhen followed his gaze and saw Ji Wo hobbling toward a group of people, from which he soon emerged with someone in tow.

Wei Zhen was momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t even noticed when Qi Yan had arrived—nor how long he had been watching.

Qi Yan raised an eyebrow at Ji Wo. “What are you doing?”

Ji Wo brought him over to Wei Zhen. “Young General, take your fellow Chu princess up there for a round.”

Back in Chu, Wei Zhen had seen Qi Yan play polo before. Was it necessary to use such an overwhelming force for such a casual match? Wouldn’t having Young General Qi participate be too much of an overkill?

Ji Wo whispered, “At the very least, you can’t be worse than me, right?”

Qi Yan nodded. “That’s true.”

He walked over to a horse, lightly tapping the saddle with one hand before extending the other toward her. “Shall we ride, Princess?”

The spring breeze lifted the hem of his riding robes, carrying the scent of fresh grass and warm sunlight as it drifted toward Wei Zhen.

She placed her hand in his, their fingers interlocking. With his gentle push, she easily mounted the horse.

Since Qi Yan was taking Ji Wo’s place, it would be unfair to the opposing team, which consisted of two young ladies. To balance things out, the Sixth Prince took the field, substituting for Gongsun Xian.

Seated on his horse, Qi Yan remarked, “At the banquet when you first arrived at Jin Palace, wasn’t the Sixth Prince one of those who tried to get you drunk?”

Wei Zhen hummed in affirmation, gripping her mallet firmly.

Back home in Chu, Wei Zhen had played polo often. While she couldn’t claim to have won every game, she had triumphed in at least eight out of ten matches. She had already been determined to win today’s match, but now that the Sixth Prince was her opponent, her competitive spirit flared even more.

The Sixth Prince rode up with an eager smile, offering her a courteous bow. “Princess.”

She still remembered how, upon her arrival, this very prince had mocked her appearance without reservation. Yet now, after only a few days, he had suddenly adopted a completely different attitude.

Wei Zhen remained indifferent and did not respond, leaving the Sixth Prince visibly awkward.

He cupped his hands again. “Shall we begin?”

What had originally been a casual game had now transformed, due to the change in players, into a contest between Chu and Jin. Even before it started, the audience erupted in cheers.

Ji Ying smirked. “In the first half, I showed mercy on account of Ji Wo. In the second half, I won’t be holding back.”

Wei Zhen smiled. “I appreciate the challenge.”

At the sound of a whistle, the ball was tossed into the air, tracing a graceful arc before landing on the grass. Both teams immediately launched into fierce competition.

The noble youths cheered loudly. Though enthusiastic, they had already predicted the outcome. The Sixth Prince and Ji Ying had always been an unbeatable pair, having bested everyone in the palace. How could this newly arrived Chu princess possibly stand a chance?

Sure enough, as Ji Ying swiftly swung the mallet with a crisp motion, with a “bang,” the ball had already landed into the goal.

As soon as the second half began, the Jin team scored, changing the score to eleven to four.

However, the situation on the field quickly reversed.

Ji Ying and the Sixth Prince advanced together, closing in on Qi Yan. The small ball rolled swiftly across the grass under the chase of three mallets. Qi Yan’s mallet twisted skillfully, pushing the ball out of the encirclement. Outside, Wei Zhen had been waiting, urging her horse forward while swinging her mallet with all her strength, charging into the opposing team’s defensive zone.

The Sixth Prince nearby quickly went after her, but he hadn’t expected that, as a woman, Wei Zhen could sit so steadily on horseback—she and her horse seemed to move as if no one could stop them.

The ball flew through the air and landed accurately into the goal.

The entire audience couldn’t help but cheer.

Even Ji Wo, watching from below, was momentarily stunned.

The person beside him nudged him and said, “The Princess of Chu has been hiding her true abilities! Such horsemanship is not inferior to men at all! And yet, when you were on the field, you still managed to lose?”

Ji Wo wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “Say no more.”

The next goal was even more spectacular.

Qi Yan swung his mallet from over ten zhang away. The ball arced beautifully through the air and was caught by Wei Zhen, who immediately pushed it into the goal.

From the moment he hit the ball to the moment it scored, the audience hadn’t even fully registered its movement before it had already gone in.

What kind of arm strength was required for the initial strike? What level of coordination did this demand?

The Chu team gradually found their rhythm, and the advantage Jin had built in the first half was slowly erased. By the time the second half was nearing its end, Chu was only one point behind.

The two sides chased each other relentlessly, refusing to yield. Toward the end, players even started colliding into one another directly, and the situation began to spiral out of control.

Another ball went into the goal, and the score was now tied.

Qi Yan raised an eyebrow and glanced back at the Sixth Prince.

That look of satisfaction made the opposing team grit their teeth in frustration.

The match had reached the final ball. This last shot would determine the winner.

Wei Zhen broke through the encirclement with the ball. The Sixth Prince gritted his teeth and charged forward with his horse, seemingly intent on using his own strength to knock her off.

This stunned the entire audience.

A man and a woman had a natural difference in physique—how could he resort to such brute force?

If the Princess of Chu were knocked off her horse, the consequences would be unimaginable.

On the field, Qi Yan and Ji Ying both spurred their horses forward. Wei Zhen’s waist softened as she leaned to the side, dodging the man’s collision. With a sweep of her mallet, she sent the ball directly into the goal!

For a moment, the entire field was silent. Then, a wave of cheers erupted like a tide.

Even though it was not the Jin team that won, the match had been so exhilarating that everyone was completely fired up.

Ji Wo also stood up, clapping repeatedly and raising his arm in excitement.

Amidst the cheers from all directions, Wei Zhen dismounted and walked to the side of the field. Ji Wo approached and handed a clean handkerchief to the two of them.

Qi Yan took the handkerchief, wiped his face, and said, “If the Ninth Prince hadn’t been dragging us down even slightly, the Princess and I wouldn’t have had to struggle so hard.”

Ji Wo awkwardly rubbed his nose and said, “It’s a matter of ability—I can’t help it.”

A crisp voice sounded from behind them.

“Princess!”

Gongsun Xian lifted her skirt slightly and walked over quickly. The ornaments in her hair jingled softly as she approached, congratulating Wei Zhen, “Princess, when you struck the ball on horseback just now, your body didn’t even sway in the slightest! Such incredible riding skills—truly no less than any man.”

Wei Zhen smiled. “It’s all from my childhood, often riding with my younger brother back home.”

Gongsun Xian held Wei Zhen’s hand. “Later this afternoon, we’re going into the forest together, don’t forget, Princess.”

As the two walked aside, the Sixth Prince approached on horseback.

He had come to apologize to Wei Zhen for what had happened on the field earlier. His face was still covered in sweat, radiating heat, and with a slightly flushed expression, he asked if he could accompany Wei Zhen into the forest later.

Wei Zhen mounted her horse without replying and rode off with Gongsun Xian.

The Sixth Prince felt as if needles were pricking his back. With so many people watching, Wei Zhen had outright disregarded his presence, making him feel utterly humiliated.

Today, on the field, Wei Zhen had completely stolen the spotlight.

She was of noble birth—a princess of a kingdom—and her beauty was unparalleled. As she rode her horse, sweat glistening in the sun, she radiated an endless energy—dazzling and striking.

Such an untouchable beauty naturally ignited a deep desire in young men, stirring within them an instinct to chase and conquer.

In just a short while, no fewer than three noble heirs had invited her to join them for an afternoon excursion. Not to mention the many noble sons who, though not daring to overstep their bounds, could only steal glances at her from the sidelines.

While Wei Zhen was plagued by the pursuit of suitors, Qi Yan was not spared from admiration either.

A young man in bright garments, riding gallantly with an air of confidence—wherever he went, he was the center of attention, stirring the hearts of the young ladies.

Among them, a few bolder girls, encouraged by their friends, mustered the courage to approach Qi Yan for conversation. However, before they could reach him, Princess Ji Ying had already stepped in ahead of them.

Ji Ying said, “The instructor just announced that this afternoon, everyone will pair up to enter the forest. Cousin Qi, you don’t have a partner yet, do you? Then why don’t we go together?”

She then turned to Ji Wo and said, “Ninth Brother, you’re not skilled at hunting, so don’t go into the forest this afternoon. Just rest at the edge of the field.”

Ji Wo replied, “Precisely because I’m not good at riding or shooting, I must have Qi Yan accompany me. You know that if something happens to me, Qi Yan would be there to assist, right?”

Ji Ying hadn’t expected her usually easygoing brother to refuse so directly. She turned to Qi Yan and asked, “Cousin, what do you think?”

Qi Yan had been surrounded by admiration since childhood and was far from oblivious to the way young women looked at him when they held feelings of affection. He merely responded indifferently to Ji Wo, “Your Highness can continue chatting with the princess. I’ll go check my bow and arrows.”

Ji Ying called out, “Qi Yan!”

But the young man had already ridden away, his figure gradually disappearing.

Ji Ying clenched her riding crop and gave Ji Wo a slight glare before leaving in frustration.

At noon, everyone had a simple meal, and by the afternoon, preparations were underway for the hunt.

Qi Yan sat astride his horse and noticed Ji Wo staring fixedly in one direction. Following his gaze, he saw that Ji Wo was looking at Wei Zhen.

Ji Wo was watching intently, but soon, his view was blocked by a figure. He looked up in surprise.

Qi Yan said, “Why is Your Highness staring at our princess?”

“I wasn’t,” Ji Wo insisted, though he still tried to sneak another glance. Once again, Qi Yan stepped into his line of sight.

Unable to take it anymore, Ji Wo asked, “Qi Yan, why do you keep blocking my view?”

Qi Yan replied, “Which lady is Your Highness looking at?”

Ji Wo stubbornly denied it, but after a while, an unusual flush crept up his cheeks.

After some deliberation, Ji Wo said, “Qi Yan, can I ask you for a favor? When we enter the forest later, I want to go to the princess’s side.”

Qi Yan asked, “You want to go to the princess?”

“Yes, you are the guard escorting the princess, making it convenient to speak with her. You call the princess over, and I shall form a team with Miss Gongsun and enter the forest.”

Qi Yan finally understood, narrowing his eyes. “Miss Gongsun?”

Ji Wo pressed his hand against his lips and coughed lightly. “Yes, her. Just help cover for me in a simple manner this afternoon. Ever since I returned from Chu, I haven’t had a chance to be alone with her. Today’s opportunity is truly rare.”

Ji Wo was naturally shy, and Miss Gongsun was also a reserved person. Qi Yan hadn’t expected that these two could even spark something between them.

Qi Yan was silent for a while before saying, “I’ll think about it.”

“What’s there to think about?” Ji Wo grew a little anxious, but his usual upbringing made him slow his words and speak calmly. “Has Young General Qi forgotten? Yesterday, I gave you that little puppy, so you still owe me a favor.”

Qi Yan finally relented. “Fine. But to avoid being discovered, we should first get our stories straight. If someone catches us, we’ll cover for each other and say that we got separated and ended up meeting the princess or Miss Gongsun.”

Ji Wo said, “Of course.”

Meanwhile, Wei Zhen was also paying attention to the young men’s movements. “His Highness Ji Wo seems to be looking our way quite frequently.”

Wei Zhen withdrew her gaze from the distance and saw that Gongsun Xian’s ears were completely red. She immediately realized, “You and the Ninth Prince…”

Gongsun Xian hurriedly covered Wei Zhen’s mouth. “Princess, don’t talk nonsense. There’s nothing between us. It’s him who insists on there being something.”

Wei Zhen nodded, but she couldn’t help but glance at Ji Wo again. In that instant, her thoughts lit up.

No wonder, during the morning polo match, Ji Wo kept passing the ball to Gongsun Xian. She had thought it strange at the time—how could there be someone so awkward with his limbs? She hadn’t expected this to be the reason.

Wei Zhen was so exasperated that she clenched her teeth. If she hadn’t won the final match today, learning the truth now would have truly made her cough up blood.

In the afternoon, the group entered the forest.

The Jin Kingdom’s palace backed against the mountains, and the forest occupied a vast area. Once the young men and women entered, they dispersed along the forest’s edge, moving in different directions.

Wei Zhen rode her horse among them. As she turned her face slightly, she saw through the trees, at a distance of more than ten zhang, Qi Yan looking in her direction.

They ventured deeper into the forest, continuing until they reached a secluded place. Once there were no others around, they finally parted ways.

Ji Wo rode over, and Wei Zhen shot him a light glare. Ji Wo looked a little guilty as he left with Gongsun Xian. Before long, Wei Zhen also arrived at Qi Yan’s side.

“Let’s go. Let’s not disturb those two.”

“Where are we going?” Wei Zhen asked.

“Somewhere we won’t be interrupted. I already scouted the forest yesterday and have more or less figured out the paths here.”

They rode close together, their horses occasionally brushing against each other. He turned his head and said, “Two horses riding side by side stand out too much in the forest. It’s neither discreet nor convenient. Would you like to ride with me instead?”

The memory of their last time riding together was still fresh in her mind. Qi Yan tugged at her reins. “Do you want to come over?”

His breath brushed against the edge of her ear, making her shoulders weak. As he reached out, she was easily lifted onto his saddle.

When her back pressed against the young man’s chest, Wei Zhen finally felt that this meeting was real.

This—wasn’t this a secret rendezvous?

A faint fragrance drifted to her nose. Wei Zhen lowered her head and saw Qi Yan retrieving a small handful of peonies from his quiver. “I picked these for you earlier. They’re just some wild peonies by the roadside, but the fragrance is quite pleasant.”

Wei Zhen took them with both hands and brought the bouquet to her face. The sweet scent filled her nose, making her heart feel as if it were steeped in honey.

Her other hand instinctively reached for the reins, just as his hand also moved to take them. At first, their fingers did not touch, but as their hands drew closer, it became impossible to tell who had initiated the final movement.

By the time Wei Zhen realized it, their fingers were already intertwined.

Before, they had only ever brushed fingers unintentionally. Never had they been so acutely aware of such an intimate action—yet neither of them let go.

Qi Yan tied Wei Zhen’s horse to a tree and let only his own steed carry them forward, meandering leisurely through the forest.

Nestled in his arms, she gradually relaxed. She felt the hand that had been holding the reins slowly move, sliding over to rest against the curve of her waist.

His palm traced along her waist and abdomen, reaching for the other side, his strong arm slowly encircling her completely. Wei Zhen absorbed the unfamiliar sensation he brought, melting into his embrace. For the first time in her life, she was held by a young man with an unmistakable sense of intimacy.

She did not resist being close to him. It felt as though they were carefully testing each other’s boundaries.

“Qi Yan, you were truly impressive on the field today,” Wei Zhen turned her head and praised him.

Her heart was both nervous and shy.

The young man’s fresh, clean jaw rested against her temple. What Wei Zhen did not tell him was that seeing him sweat and exert himself on the field today, full of youthful vigor, had made him seem like the very sun itself—bright, dazzling, and scorching.

Wei Zhen’s heart had been set ablaze, burning with such intensity that even now, the air around her felt stifling with heat.

They rode out of the forest and arrived at a lush grassland ahead.

Wei Zhen dismounted, and Qi Yan tied the horse to a tree before following her forward.

The grass was thick and abundant, reaching up to their waists. As they waded through, the swaying blades surrounded them like an emerald ocean.

The fresh scent of grass filled the air. Grass fragments drifted with the wind, clinging to their sleeves and hair.

At the edge of a slope, the path ended. Below lay a serene blue lake, mist rising from its surface. Under the sunlight, the water glowed like golden glass, reflecting rippling brilliance.

Wei Zhen stopped in awe, gazing at the scene for a long time.

Qi Yan’s voice sounded beside her. “Yesterday, when I came here and saw this, I thought you would like it, so I brought you to see it.”

Wei Zhen spread her arms and closed her eyes, letting the wind embrace her. She felt the sunlight filtering through the clouds, casting shifting light on her face, while the trees rustled and the grass seemed to sing.

Though people were but specks in the vastness of the world, in this grand landscape, all mundane worries felt utterly insignificant.

Wei Zhen truly did love such scenery.

After taking in the view, they continued forward. She reached out and took his hand.

Qi Yan lowered his gaze, looking at their linked hands before raising his head. “I haven’t explored the area ahead yet. Shall we go see it together?”

“Alright.”

Just as they were about to move, the sound of a horse’s cry echoed from below the slope. Wei Zhen instantly tensed—

There were people ahead, riding up the slope.

Without hesitation, she pulled Qi Yan down with her. Their footing slipped, and by the time she registered what had happened, she was already pressed beneath him in the sea of grass.

The grass around them swayed, and Wei Zhen’s heart pounded. The flattened stalks beneath her crunched under the pressure.

Qi Yan, realizing the danger, pressed himself lower, bringing them even closer together.

She suddenly remembered that from atop a horse, the rider would have a clear view downward—if they weren’t careful, they would be spotted.

“Don’t worry, the grass is half a man’s height. If he passes by from a distance, he won’t notice we’re here,” Qi Yan leaned in and whispered.

In such a cramped space, they were pressed tightly against each other, leaving no gap between them. The scorching air enveloped them.

His lips were close to her ear, and the breath he exhaled was humid, making her chin and the hollow of her neck itch. The young lord shifted slightly, and her fingertips rested on his shoulder, pulling him closer, signaling him not to move and make a sound.

The sound of horse hooves gradually approached, drawing closer until they were only a few dozen feet away.

And deep within the grassland, a man and a woman were pressed together.

Wei Zhen was held tightly in his arms, pressed against his firm chest, gradually losing strength.

Qi Yan lowered his head. The girl, soft and boneless, clung to his shoulders, melting into his embrace like a pool of water. It reminded Qi Yan of that day in his dream—she had pinned him down on the stream rock, lightly biting his Adam’s apple. Her body had felt just as soft against him.

Qi Yan’s spine began to tremble.

The sunlight was blocked by the clouds, and the light suddenly dimmed. The shadows of the grass and trees concealed their figures.

Both of them could foresee what would happen next. Once discovered, they would not escape blame and difficulty.

It was too late for any futile struggle now.

The sound of horse hooves grew sharper with each beat, striking against Wei Zhen’s eardrums, making her heartbeat thunder louder with every passing second.

Before her, there was only him.

In such an extreme environment, it felt as though an overwhelming tide of passion was erupting.

The wind magnified the sound of the hooves, as well as every thought in Wei Zhen’s heart. Seizing the moment, she spoke, “Qi Yan, the flowers you gave me today—I like them very much.”

Wei Zhen’s gaze lowered, landing on his lips. She recalled the favor she owed him. If he were to claim it at this moment, she would not refuse.

Wei Zhen lifted her eyes, meeting his dark pupils.

That pair of eyes seemed to gaze at her with a deeper intensity than ever before, as though concealing a raging fire that scorched her heart.

The air around them was unbearably hot, eroding her bit by bit, setting her heart ablaze. She could no longer hold on.

Her red lips parted slightly, her breath fragrant as orchids. “Qi Yan, everything you’ve given me—I like them all.”

Wei Zhen’s fingertips clenched his shoulders, her voice trembling. “That day, after you kissed me, you told me… that my lips were truly soft. Do you know what I was thinking at that moment?”

Her voice was thick with emotion, her lips nearly brushing against his chin. She raised her fingertips and slowly traced them over his lips.

The delicate fragrance on her body, mixed with the light scent of her sweat, drifted into Qi Yan’s nose with the wind, making his arms go numb. A dark desire surged in his heart, urging him to pull her into his embrace and trap her completely. Yet, he merely gazed at her in silence.

The taut string in his mind gradually stretched tighter and tighter.

The young lady’s clean fingernails traced along his lips. She straightened her waist slightly, drawing closer by an inch.

Those moist red lips opened and closed before him, the words she uttered like ten slender fingers plucking at his heartstrings.

“Qi Yan, the breath on your lips actually smells very pleasant too.”

As soon as Wei Zhen finished speaking, that handsome face suddenly moved closer.

Before she could react, his kiss descended without warning.

The surrounding grass swayed, and the fierce wind muffled the girl’s soft gasp.

Wei Zhen stretched out her arms, wanting to grasp something, but she caught nothing but air. Her fingers were firmly seized by him, her slender white fingers slipping into his palm as he raised her hands above her head.

His kiss carried an overwhelming sense of dominance as it sealed over her lips.

The vast grassland stretched endlessly, while everyone else was in the woods hunting. Yet here she was, pinned in a secluded corner, being kissed by him with reckless abandon.

The intense breath of the young lord engulfed her entirely, making her feel as though she were drowning.