Chapter 1, Galloping down the long street

Snow gradually began to fall from the sky. On ordinary days, the scattered snowflakes seemed quite charming, but as she galloped on horseback, the snowflakes, driven by the wind, burrowed into her collar and sleeves, almost infiltrating everywhere. Despite her extreme aversion to the cold, it was she who insisted on going out for a walk that morning. At this moment, she had no other options to consider, so she gently flicked the reins on the horse's flank, hoping that the horse, Chuqing, would pick up the pace.

Ling Bo on horseback glanced back amidst her busy schedule and saw that the young man was unharmed, finally letting out a sigh of relief. Thank heavens, it was fortunate that she had placed more emphasis on equestrian skills rather than martial arts; otherwise, this time it could have been fatal

The steed beneath her, equally renowned, is said to have originated from the Western Regions, specifically Shule, featuring a snow-white coat adorned with two red spots. The moment she laid eyes on it, she was captivated and went to great lengths to acquire it. The white base with red spots perfectly embodied the phrase "early snow, clear skies," prompting her to name the horse "Chuqing". Remarkably, Chuqing was exceptionally easy to train; after three years of riding, they became as one, never once faltering.

Carrying a wine gourd and an oiled paper package, Ling Bo walked out of the Qin family wine shop, just as a gust of cold wind hit her face. She couldn't help but sneeze several times in quick succession and hurriedly tightened her cloak. She stuffed the wine gourd and the oiled paper package into the saddlebag, skillfully mounted her horse, gave the reins a gentle shake, and with a squeeze of the horse's belly, the steed suddenly accelerated, racing away like the wind.

At this moment, it is best not to concern oneself with trivial matters; otherwise, if she were to be caught, it would require others to come and claim her for the night. With this thought in mind, she hurriedly increased her horse's speed and did not look back again.

He noticed that the guards of the Golden Armored Guard were patrolling the streets not far away. He had no time to ponder further doubts, glanced once more into the darkness, and quickly mounted his horse, disappearing in a flash.

Compared to her mediocre skills, her equestrian abilities are quite impressive. If it weren't for this damned cold weather, she could have taken a good nap on horseback during this stretch of the journey

Old Master Qin, after the festival, every household in Pingkangfang has locked its doors, and none of the courtesans can come out. How can people go to Pingkangfang? Are they supposed to climb over the walls?

The one speaking these words is the only remaining guest at this moment. He dusts off his clothes, stands up, and approaches the counter with a familiar smile, revealing two charming dimples on his face: "The usual, please. Two gourds of wine and four roast chickens to go!"

Ling Bo was taken aback by Chu Qing's outstanding performance, and she couldn't help but ponder whether she should thoroughly explore its potential after returning. At that moment, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a leisurely figure, a person and a horse, emerging from the east-west Jianchunmen Street ahead. As they drew closer, she could even see the curious expression on the face of the young boy leading the horse, as he looked around with wide eyes.

Qin Wu cast a sidelong glance at the brown robe and cap, his gaze lingering a moment longer on the handsome face, and suddenly smiled: "Little girl, you certainly know a lot! Although there are many women disguising themselves as men these days, it is rare to see someone as bold as you, coming to my tavern so frequently! Are your family members really that at ease, not afraid that some ruffians might bully you here?"

As the saying goes, a good horse is in tune with its rider. Three years is sufficient for Chuqing and her master to cultivate a profound tacit understanding. When that commanding shout rang out, the white horse let out a powerful neigh and leaped into the air, carrying with it an unmatched fierce wind. It made a tremendous jump, lifting both horse and rider high, and in an instant, it covered a distance of over ten steps, landing steadily on the ground. After slightly bending its four hooves, it surged forward a few steps, gradually regaining its initial speed. When that commanding shout rang out, the white horse let out a powerful neigh and leaped into the air, carrying with it an unmatched fierce wind. It made a tremendous jump, lifting both horse and rider high, and in an instant, it covered a distance of over ten steps, landing steadily on the ground. After slightly bending its four hooves, it surged forward a few steps, gradually regaining its initial speed.

The boy holding the horse stared blankly at the figure disappearing into the night, and after an unknown amount of time, he finally slapped his forehead with frustration, muttering to himself: "Oh dear, I was so focused on finding the way that I didn't even hear the sound of the hooves. I wonder if that person was hurt when they leaped on the horse just now..."

Poor horse, in order to prevent me from freezing to death, please run a bit faster and catch up with the book, otherwise you can expect to face dire consequences

After all this time spent talking, I don't even dare to move! Damn it, I thought it would be peaceful if those spoiled young masters didn't show up, yet here come these self-righteous individuals! Don't be fooled by their appearances; they might just sneak off to the dog holes in Pingkangfang later!

Although it would be more appropriate to dismount and offer an apology at this moment, especially since she was the one who had run too fast, the sight of that dazed young man only fueled her irritation. When she suddenly heard the resounding closure drum echoing throughout the city, she found a reasonable excuse.

Look at this situation; something significant is bound to happen

As if sensing the master's predicament, and perhaps to endure less suffering, this horse, originally a top choice for its breed and stamina, suddenly rallied its spirit and, with a neigh, accelerated its speed. While this speed was indeed fast, Lingbo immediately experienced the side effects of such rapidity; not only did the wind coming towards him become fiercer and more intense, but more importantly, the scenery on both sides rushed past at an astonishing rate, creating an almost surreal sensation.

What major event is taking place? Could it be that they are going to abolish the crown prince again

Damn it, it's almost time to close the door, how can there still be someone leisurely wandering outside? At this point, even if one wants to stop in a hurry, it's already too late

The tavern had been bustling for the entire afternoon, but as the sky gradually darkened, people began to disperse. By the time it was candlelight, there was only a short-statured individual seated at a table against the wall. At this moment, the old proprietor finally stood up and stretched comfortably, then spat out a curse in annoyance.

She barely had time to curse inwardly when she fiercely waved the reins, lowered her body, and almost pressed herself against the horse's back. Amid the rapid sound of hooves, she suddenly saw the boy leading the horse, who appeared bewildered and surprised, casting a startled glance in her direction. In the blink of an eye, she abruptly leaned down and shouted loudly, "Chuqing, jump!"

The old shopkeeper at the counter heard everything clearly, yet pretended not to notice, closing his eyes to rest. Although the voices around him, which sounded concerned for the country and its people, were incessant, he remained completely unperturbed. Not only did his body remain still, but even his elbows did not shift an inch. To outsiders, he seemed as if he were fast asleep.

Hooligans? Ling Bo's smile suddenly took on a hint of mockery, and then she shrugged: "If I were really that unfortunate, my skills, though ordinary, would likely be more than enough to deal with a few hooligans."

It is said that the arrival of the new spring occurs in the first month, yet even so, the swirling snow in the sky still signifies the continuation of deep winter. In the city of Luoyang, every household is busy preparing for the Lantern Festival, and the children are all in high spirits. However, the true aristocrats and scholars are filled with anxiety, and even the servants sent out to shop are on edge. Observant individuals may even notice that in the days following the New Year, those once flamboyant young scions who used to gallop through the streets have completely vanished.

Only after the person left did he mutter softly, "Could it be that this little girl is some kind of general's daughter?"

During the festive season, business in the taverns is naturally thriving, and a small tavern in the southern market is particularly bustling with patrons. At a table near the counter, several middle-aged and elderly men, who are familiar with one another, are engaged in quiet conversation.

Achoo

He spoke while taking out 60 wen and two wine gourds, gently placing them on the counter

Who can say for certain? The reinstatement of the Crown Prince has not been long, and did not that legitimate grandson and Princess Yongtai both die under mysterious circumstances?

Throughout the year, one would visit at least twenty to thirty times, yet it was Qin Wu's first time realizing that this girl, who often disguised herself as a boy, actually possessed some skills. Consequently, his gaze shifted to the sword at her waist. Initially, he thought it was merely a decorative item, but it seemed he had underestimated her. With a chuckle, he no longer questioned why someone so young had such a fondness for osmanthus wine, and quickly instructed the attendant to fill the wine gourd, also wrapping four freshly roasted chickens in oil paper.

Alas, in recent years, there have been waves of deaths in Luoyang, including those exiled to the Western Regions and Lingnan. If this continues, where will we find our way to survive