After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Chapter 1103 - 1088: Taming

Zhao Hanzhang saw it, her eyes flickering. Two months ago, Beigong Chun sent her a report indicating that a Horse King appeared on the plains. He sent people to capture it, but unfortunately, it ran to Dai Country.

Beigong Chun asked her in the report if he could disguise himself as a horse merchant or part of a horse team to cross the border and catch the horse.

He wanted to give this horse to her as a wedding gift, thinking Zhao Hanzhang just needed a divine steed.

Although Zhao Hanzhang was tempted, she firmly refused, forbidding Beigong Chun from crossing the border to avoid Tuoba Yilu misunderstanding and causing disputes between both parties.

Beigong Chun could not forget about it, and later, when reporting state affairs to the court, he included a letter for Zhao Hanzhang, detailing what could not be sent in the telegraph. It described the horse’s appearance in great detail, mentioning it was entirely brown, with clouds on its forehead.

Zhao Hanzhang reached out to touch its head. The horse was evidently not completely tamed yet; it exhaled coarsely, avoiding Zhao Hanzhang’s hand, its hooves stomping in place with the intent to break free.

Zhao Hanzhang’s actions became gentler. She stroked the hair on its neck and laughed heartily, turning to salute the Emperor, "I thank Your Majesty for the gift!"

Seeing Zhao Hanzhang’s spirited demeanor and joyful face, the Little Emperor couldn’t help but laugh, asking, "Does the General like it?"

Zhao Hanzhang did not hesitate to praise, "I like it very much."

The relationship between the ruler and his minister was extremely natural and harmonious.

Li Ban, who came to join in the fun, stared blankly. This was quite different from what Prime Minister Fan had said; the Great General and the Little Emperor get along quite well.

The civil and military officials present also felt the same, believing that the Great General and the Little Emperor were in good harmony.

Zhao Hanzhang instructed to lead the horse to the stable, "Separate it from the other horses; I’ll come to tame it when I have time."

Zeng Yue agreed, instructing the trusted aide to lead the horse down.

Seeing Zeng Yue, the sense of harmony that everyone had just risen dissipated quite a bit.

This is the Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard. As the Vice Commander, he has always been one of Zhao Hanzhang’s trusted aides, meaning regime change was only a word from Zhao Hanzhang.

Li Ban, trusting his family excessively, never thought of these things. But outwardly, he was not foolish, so he quickly figured it out. Prime Minister Fan really didn’t deceive him.

Zhao Hanzhang invited the Little Emperor inside for a meal.

The Little Emperor entered with Xun Fan, but there was a gap here; he couldn’t speak to anyone present, with so many people watching, eating wasn’t enjoyable either.

With Zhao Hanzhang beside him, the pressure was greater, so the Little Emperor simply ate a little and then expressed that his well-wishes had been delivered and he should return to the palace.

Zhao Hanzhang escorted him to the main gate.

As soon as he left, everyone let out a sigh of relief. It wasn’t that he was intimidating, or that everyone was afraid of him, but rather it felt strange; most present were Zhao Hanzhang’s people.

Sitting with the Little Emperor felt like they weren’t on the same side.

Once the Little Emperor had gone, Ji Yuan was about to step forward but, seeing Mr. Guo remain motionless, he curiously asked, "Mr. Guo, aren’t you coming along?"

Guo Pu withdrew his gaze from the Little Emperor and smiled at Ji Yuan, saying, "I won’t be going. I suddenly feel unwell, probably from the long journey. I’m extremely tired now and would like to return for some rest."

Ji Yuan squinted his eyes but didn’t object, summoning his trusted aide to escort Guo Pu back for rest.

Guo Pu cupped his hand towards Ji Yuan and walked away. Just as he turned, he remembered something and turned back, smiling, "Mr. Ji, today’s jewelry addition is unique. I heard that the groom didn’t come to deliver the betrothal gift today nor to escort for the marriage tomorrow, but instead the ceremony will be held individually at the new house. People say the Great General even wishes to record this marriage custom into ’The Rites,’ but changing customs to a system requires thorough evaluation by rites. If General Zhao insists on changing the marriage custom, it might stir feelings of rebellion in some."

Ji Yuan smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Mr. Guo, for the reminder. The Great General is far-sighted and has already considered this point, knowing that some things cannot be changed easily."

Only then did Guo Pu nod his head, smiling as he left with the trusted aide.

Once he was seated in the carriage outside the gate, his expression darkened as soon as the curtain was let down. He reached out to touch his chest, barely suppressing the unusual feeling, though it wasn’t discomfort—it was excitement.

It’s truly amazing; Zhao Hanzhang has the appearance of a wise monarch, clearly destined to be a hero of a prosperous era, yet she also has a fate that could end the world. Such a person might either be eternally renowned for their accomplishments or leave a disgraceful legacy, hahaha, who would have thought, who would have thought she’d have this face.

The Little Emperor’s face is intriguing too, distinctly showing signs of premature demise, yet there’s a faint thread of life, under which lies wealth and glory. But it’s not an imperial face. It’s bizarre, bizarre indeed, and amusing.

After seeing all the guests off, Zhao Hanzhang changed into casual attire and headed to the stable.

She led out the horse the Little Emperor gifted, feeding it with beans.

The horse snorted, lifting its head arrogantly. Zhao Hanzhang gently touched its head, but it impatiently shook off Zhao Hanzhang’s hand before lowering its head to eat.

Zhao Hanzhang laughed, "You look so handsome, with that little tuft of white hair on your head. Why not call you Little White from now on?"

The horse can’t distinguish the goodness of names, but it can sense human emotions. Hearing this, which seemed like a good name, it snorted arrogantly and lowered its head to eat the bean cake from her palm.

Zhao Hanzhang carefully fed it before leading it out for cleaning, using warm water.

When the water was splashed on its body, Little White angrily stomped several times in place; it seemed to feel the warmth of the water and then calmed down.

Zhao Hanzhang diligently brushed its fur, finally rinsing and drying it with a towel.

After playing for half an hour, Zhao Hanzhang led it to the family’s training ground.

Zeng Yue brought the saddle, but as soon as he approached, Little White furiously resisted.

Zhao Hanzhang waved her hand, and Zeng Yue retreated to the side.

Zhao Hanzhang stroked the horse’s neck, waiting for it to almost calm down before swiftly leaping onto its back.

Little White instantly went wild; these audacious humans dare to ride it!

It furiously bounced around, trying to throw Zhao Hanzhang off, but after struggling for a while without success, it set its feet free and sprinted!

No matter how it ran or spun, Zhao Hanzhang could sway along but stayed tightly adhered to its body.

One human, one horse, playing like this for two quarters of an hour, the frantic Little White grew tired, having to concede and slow down.

Only then did Zhao Hanzhang straighten up, kicking it to run around the field four or five times before stopping.

Zhao Hanzhang reined it in, stopping in front of Zeng Yue. She jumped off the horse’s back, staggering for a moment.

Zeng Yue was startled; the excitement on his face instantly turned to worry, "Girl, your hand..."

Zhao Hanzhang shook her hand, unconcerned about the bloody marks left on it, "It’s nothing, some ointment tonight will be fine. Tell the house that tomorrow I want to ride Little White to the new mansion, have it dressed nicely."

She said, "If it’s disobedient, send someone to inform me."

Zeng Yue bowed and agreed, "Yes!"

At this time, it was almost dark. Zhao Hanzhang returned Little White to the stable, then rubbed her waist while leaving. Thankfully, thankfully, she didn’t fall off the horse—this Little White is too fierce.