Chapter 39: Ming'er's Heart Stirs

Polo matches are typically played with ten players on each side. Because this was an impromptu gathering, and most of the scholars from the Imperial Academy were either unable to play polo or lacked proficiency, it took quite a bit of effort to scrape together even ten people. Consequently, today’s match was played with five on each side.

Han Yi and He Jingzhi led one team, while Ling Zhao and Yan Jing led the other. With five players on each side lined up at the mid-field line, their tall horses and impressive posture made for a stirring sight.

Huaining, ever the playful one, followed Meng Qingxuan to the center of the pavilion to watch the game. Xiao Ming and Huaixi remained in their corner. It was actually the best spot—inconspicuous and perfect for observing the young men on the field.

The atmosphere in the seating area suddenly grew lively as the ladies, chatting and laughing, crowded around to welcome the arrival of the venerable Princess Dowager Shu.

The match officially began. The referee threw the ball into play. Han Yi’s side surged forward with imposing momentum; he vaulted on his horse and hooked the ball in mid-air with his mallet, seizing possession.

Xiao Ming could not make heads or tails of the game, though she cracked melon seeds with gusto. Occasionally, she would point to the field and ask a question, which Huaixi would help answer. As the first half neared its end, the two sides remained locked in a stalemate, with neither having scored.

"Sister, why does Ling Zhao’s horse stay on his side of the center line, hovering near the goal, while Lord Yan just keeps running forward?"

"I don't fully understand the tactics myself, but Huaining once told me that in polo, one must not only follow the ball but also play according to the characteristics of the horse one is riding. Different horses have different temperaments, which dictate the rider's role on the field."

Xiao Ming listened with keen interest as Huaixi continued, "Look at the white horse Big Brother is riding today. White horses are generally more agile, which is why he is responsible for defense. The chestnut horse Yan Jing is riding prefers to charge and is faster, so he is responsible for shooting and controlling the ball."

"Furthermore, Yan Jing plays with Han Yi and the others often, so they are familiar with each other's styles, making him better suited for offense. Since this is the first match, Big Brother is still observing. Once he figures out everyone’s patterns and the temperaments of their horses, this field will be his domain."

"And look, Ming’er, that black horse Han Yi is riding—it is actually the most formidable one..."

Huaixi spoke with the ease of someone intimately familiar with the sport, explaining the rules, details, and tactical intentions. She was, indeed, the kind of woman a top scholar would never forget. Xiao Ming found herself captivated, listening intently.

Suddenly, a roar of cheers erupted from the field. Xiao Ming turned her head, and the sight of Ling Zhao—handsome in his riding attire—struck her eyes abruptly. He wore a dark, gold-patterned riding suit that perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Having just scored, he wore a smile of triumph, his spirit vibrant and his manner effortlessly elegant; he was absolutely dazzling.

If Yan Jing was dashing and eye-catching, Ling Zhao was in no way overshadowed. His smile, with his refined brows and handsome eyes, made it impossible to look away.

After a moment of stunned silence, she noticed him glancing toward the pavilion. Xiao Ming hurriedly lowered her head, yet her heart skipped a beat against her will. She took a quick sip of cold tea and, using the excuse of needing to freshen up, slipped away from the polo field.

Anyone else would do, but not him.

Xiao Ming wandered aimlessly, passing through a grove of jacaranda trees. The early summer blossoms were in full bloom, like a mist of blue, dreamlike and ethereal. Before she knew it, she had reached the stables.

A young groom was brushing a horse outside. As their eyes met, he looked up and, seeing her, nearly lost his footing. Her face was like a delicate painting; he had never seen such breathtaking beauty. After a dazed moment, he remembered to bow, "G-greetings, Miss."

Xiao Ming pointed to two small horses and asked, "I have never seen such rare, tiny horses before."

The groom replied, "These ponies were presented as tribute by foreign envoys. They are the most docile and perfect for beginners."

The two ponies—one brown, one white—were fluffy, adorable, and had clear, gentle eyes. She stepped forward, intending to touch the white pony’s mane, but it suddenly sneezed, frightening her so much that she didn't dare let her hand graze its fur.

"Don't be afraid, Miss. This pony is very well-behaved."

Xiao Ming nodded and reached out again, but a soft chuckle sounded from behind her. She jumped, startled. Before the panic on her face could fade, she saw Han Yi standing not far away, a smirk playing on his lips.

Or more accurately, a mocking smile.

The groom bowed, "Your Grace."

Was he laughing at her just now?!

Xiao Ming’s face burned. Gritting her teeth, she turned away, refusing to look at him.

"Does Miss wish to learn how to ride?"

"No, I don't. I was just passing by." Xiao Ming lowered her eyes and curtsied slightly. "Greetings, Prince Han. I shall return to the field now."

As she brushed past him, Han Yi said, "First, you must learn how to mount."

Xiao Ming paused, watching in surprise as he led a tall, black Hu horse out of the stable. Han Yi gently stroked its head. "This horse is called 'Shadow-Striker,' named for its speed. I will demonstrate how to mount once. Watch closely."

He grabbed the saddle, stepped into the stirrup, and vaulted onto the horse in one fluid motion, the hem of his robe tracing an elegant arc in the air. Grasping the reins, Han Yi looked toward Xiao Ming. "You try."

The groom led the white pony to her and respectfully stepped aside. Though much smaller than the other horses, the pony still stood nearly at her chest. It looked cute at first glance, but standing right next to it, she felt a sense of intimidation.

She swallowed hard, steeled herself, and decided to give it a go. She stepped into the stirrup, grabbed the saddle with both hands, and gathered her courage to pull herself up. Perhaps the pony was bored of waiting, for it took a few steps forward. She failed to mount and scrambled back to the ground in a panic.

She couldn't help but blush.

He couldn't see her face, but watching her hands clenching the reins so tightly, he could guess her expression.

"This horse doesn't eat people. What are you afraid of?"

He could practically step over such a small horse.

"Wasn't Miss very bold yesterday? You even made threats to 'show me' what you were made of."

Han Yi’s voice rang in her ears, dripping with naked mockery.

A surge of frustration welled up in Xiao Ming. She gritted her teeth and, with a sudden burst of effort, vaulted onto the horse. In her red dress, she looked like a dancing sunset cloud.

"The young lady is truly impressive!" The groom nearby nearly jumped for joy.

Xiao Ming herself was surprised to have succeeded. She froze for a second, her eyes sparkling, then she shot a look of triumphant defiance at Han Yi behind her.

Han Yi said coolly, "Hold the reins, not the saddle. Watch the horse—what are you looking at me for?"

Xiao Ming’s heart tightened. Who was looking at him?

"The reins are what control the horse. It goes where you guide it; pull back to make it stop. You must never let go of the reins. If you feel you are going to fall, lower your body and hug the horse's neck."

Xiao Ming did not look back, her face blank. "I understand. Thank you, Prince Han."