Silent Lover (The Silent Concubine) - Chap 171
Chapter 171 – Horse Riding
Ten days later, the carriage entered a vast expanse of desolate mountains. Towering peaks and rugged cliffs surrounded them, accompanied by cascading streams and waterfalls. The valleys were narrow, and the silence was such that one could hear birds chirping even from a mile away.
The scenery was breathtaking, like a painting, making Shen Yu momentarily forget the weariness of their journey.
In a relatively flat valley, the carriage came to a stop. Chu Ling instructed the coachman to turn back. Noticing Shen Yu’s slightly fatigued appearance, Chu Ling gently rubbed his head.
“Yu’er, are you worn out?”
Shen Yu shook his head. “A little, but it’s also been fun. Which way are we going now?”
Shen Yu looked around curiously, but all he could see for miles were forests and mountains—no sign of people or houses.
“Yu’er, look at that mountain.”
Chu Ling pointed to a distant, towering peak that pierced the clouds like a sharp arrow. Among the misty mountains, it stood out prominently.
“That’s Mount Baixiao. We’re almost there.”
“Mount Baixiao?” Shen Yu had never heard of it.
“Mm. It’s not as famous as the Five Great Mountains. The name ‘Mount Baixiao’ was given by some Chu people who settled here in seclusion.”
Chu Ling took out a small bamboo whistle, much smaller than an actual flute, about the length of a finger. Bringing it to his lips, he blew a sharp, clear note.
“Wait here—someone will come to meet us.”
Shen Yu nodded and began wandering around the valley. There was a cold pond nearby, its water crystal clear. When Shen Yu scooped some to wash his face, the chill made him shiver. Though it was already early summer outside, the valley still retained a hint of coolness.
Chu Ling, ever attentive, noticed Shen Yu shivering and chuckled, “This place is warm in winter and cool in summer. Yu’er, you should put on an extra layer.”
As Shen Yu dried his face, he nodded. Just then, a light outer robe gently landed on his shoulders.
Turning around, Shen Yu was met with the sight of a sinister ghost mask.
“D-Dark Guard…”
Shen Yu was startled. This usually silent dark guard was surprisingly thoughtful.
It seemed he had misunderstood. The dark guard wasn’t cold or cruel; he simply didn’t talk much.
“I knew it—he couldn’t possibly be that person…”
Shen Yu muttered to himself. He had been associating the dark guard’s presence with a certain tyrant, but clearly, it was just his imagination.
The dark guard was considerate enough to drape a cloak over him.
Whereas that person… all he ever thought about was stripping him.
Just as Shen Yu’s mind started wandering, a group of riders emerged from the forest. Seven or eight young men, all dressed in the Chu style, with high crowns and forehead bands, each mounted on a horse. The last one led an extra, riderless horse.
They dismounted and respectfully bowed to Chu Ling.
“Eldest Young Master.”
Chu Ling nodded, pulling Shen Yu forward as he introduced him. “This is the direct descendant I’ve brought back. From now on, his status will be equal to mine. You are to treat him with the same respect.”
The group cupped their fists and saluted Shen Yu. “Young Master.”
Shen Yu returned their salute a bit shyly, his eyes filled with curiosity as he observed their appearances and attire.
“Eldest Young Master, the clan didn’t know you’d be bringing someone back, so we only brought one extra horse…” one young man said awkwardly.
“It’s fine,” Chu Ling waved it off and turned to Shen Yu. “Yu’er, do you know how to ride a horse?”
Shen Yu shook his head. He had once wanted to learn, and Jun Xuanxiao had even offered to teach him. But riding a horse alone… he didn’t have the confidence yet.
“Perfect! You can ride with me,” Chu Ling said cheerfully.
Shen Yu glanced around. Since there was only one extra horse, and the dark guard had his own, that left him with no choice but to share a ride with Chu Ling.
“Alright…”
Before he could finish, Shen Yu suddenly found himself lifted into the air. Feeling like a roast duck being placed over a fire, he flailed in panic. When he finally regained his senses, he was already seated on the horse, his feet in the stirrups.
“Dark Guard…”
Shen Yu looked down and saw two clear footprints on the dark guard’s chest. Embarrassed, he muttered an apology.
The dark guard adjusted Shen Yu’s position, patting him lightly on the rear to signal him to move forward and make room.
Blushing, Shen Yu obediently scooted forward, leaving half the saddle empty.
Jun Xuanxiao leapt up gracefully, landing behind him. His movements were smooth and practiced as he cast a long glance at Chu Ling.
Let Shen Yu ride with Chu Ling? Not a chance!
It was already testing Jun Xuanxiao’s patience that Shen Yu and Chu Ling had been sharing a carriage for so long.
Chu Ling felt Jun Xuanxiao’s hostility and chuckled softly.
“Yu’er, he’ll take good care of you. Now I can rest easy.” Mounting another horse, Chu Ling led the way.
The group set off along a narrow mountain path. The road was steep, and Shen Yu felt the jolts and bumps of the ride as they ascended and descended. At first, he was nervous, but the dark guard’s expert horsemanship and his firm grip on the reins, his arms encircling Shen Yu protectively, soon put him at ease.
With the dark guard shielding him, Shen Yu relaxed enough to take in the stunning scenery around them.
But for Jun Xuanxiao, the journey was torment.
It wasn’t the challenge of riding a horse—it was Shen Yu. When the horse ascended, Shen Yu would lean back, his whole body falling into Jun Xuanxiao’s embrace. On the descent, he would lean forward, his rear pressing against Jun Xuanxiao’s lower body. And like a little chick, Shen Yu would wriggle and fidget incessantly.
Jun Xuanxiao, who hadn’t indulged in months, found his self-control severely tested.
Shen Yu was like a tantalizing, perfectly cooked dish—irresistibly alluring, but maddeningly out of reach.
Jun Xuanxiao, a man who had killed without blinking, was now reduced to silently chanting calming mantras like a monk to dispel impure thoughts.
But it was futile.
With a sigh of defeat, Jun Xuanxiao shifted backward. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to stay close to Shen Yu; it was that if Shen Yu kept moving like this, he might lose control altogether.
Feeling the empty space behind him, Shen Yu instinctively scooted back for security.
Jun Xuanxiao let out a mental wail, his eyes burning red with frustration.
