Chapter 22: The Captured Imperial Prince of the Enemy Country’s Canary 9

On the mountain behind the imperial palace, there is a specially enclosed hunting ground. Since it isn’t a typical hunting activity, Jun Yuanming brought a contingent of the Imperial Forest Army with him.

A gentle breeze flowed through the dense forest, and Lin Muqing stood outside the thicket with a glossy black steed under him.

After hearing Jun Yuanming’s command about controlling the horse, she hesitated and didn’t dare to proceed.

“Your Majesty, will it kick me?”

This question seemed to show Jun Yuanming that she was anxious, hence he handed her a piece of parchment.

Originally planning to have one horse for each of them, he changed his mind and discarded the principle.

“It doesn’t dare.”

Jun Yuanming expertly mounted the horse, handing her a horsewhip. Lin Muqing grasped it, stepping into the stirrup, extending her long legs to straddle the horse’s back, settling close to him.

“It’s so high.” Lin Muqing felt her soft body shrink a little, pressing closer to him.

“Sit tight.”

He wrapped an arm around her soft waist and urged the horse forward.

“Bring the bow.”

At the command from him, the leader of the Imperial Forest Army quickly tossed the bow and a quiver of arrows at Jun Yuanming’s position, which he caught steadily.

Galloping forward, the man’s handsome features reflected his experience in battle, weathered by strife.

Lin Muqing tilted her head back against the wind, meeting his gaze as it fell on her, her ears turning red.

This man was incredibly charming, the more she uncovered, the more she appreciated him. In truth, Lin Muqing was adept at riding, as the original owner was not.

Being coy.

Jun Yuanming wrapped his hand around her delicate waist, maneuvering through dense foliage as if it were just the two of them remaining.

“Qing’er, do you see anything? Deer or hares?”

Hearing his clear, smiling voice, she shook her head, “I’m here to ride with you, Your Majesty, not to see blood.”

“Right.”

This black steed had been tamed by the emperor, galloping freely, kicking up dust as the two rode together.

“How old were you when you started riding?”

“Fifteen.”

“Ah… I was twenty-five.”

The man chuckled, his laughter particularly enchanting amidst the lush greenery of the forest.

She spotted broad-hoofed elks resembling bulls and quick grey rabbits leaping, as well as a python lurking in the trees, waiting for an opportunity.

Before she could react, Jun Yuanming had directly thrown an arrow, striking accurately. He didn’t even need his bow; his arm strength was terrifying.

The horse rushed through the dense forest, suddenly emerging into a clearing.

It was a flat expanse, with a crystal-clear stream flowing across it. Lifting her gaze, the vast blue sky and layers of cloudflowers seemed to accompany them, the sounds of cicadas and birds filling the air.

“Wow.” Lin Muqing nestled in his embrace, enjoying the scenery for a long time before turning her head, “Your Majesty, will you lower your head?”

Her beautiful apricot eyes glinted with anticipation and mischief.

Jun Yuanming lowered his gaze, seemingly aware of her intentions, his fingertips brushed against the soft strands of her hair.

Slowly, he bent down.

Once.

His thin lips brushed against her forehead, her eyes, her nose, and then on her soft lips.

The sunlight cast a soft glow on their profiles, like intertwined peacocks.

Just then, Lin Muqing was embraced tighter as they sat together, and the kiss fell again.

The predatory gaze filled with a sense of aggression caused Lin Muqing’s cheeks to flush, like peach blossoms blooming.

His fingertips traced the contours of her exquisite collarbone.

The sounds of heavy breathing and the horse’s neighs intertwined.

After a while, they returned to the mountain.

Lin Muqing was exhilarated. While Jun Yuanming dismounted, she stealthily nudged the horse’s belly, causing it to sprint suddenly.

“Stop!” Jun Yuanming turned for a moment, then sprang into action, his sharp features showing urgency as he mounted another horse to chase after her.

Lin Muqing was already racing ahead, gradually overcoming her initial panic as she bounced on the horse’s back, cautiously pulling the reins, following the instructions Jun Yuanming had taught her, and finally managed to sit steadily.

A tug on the reins, she turned a corner, heading towards him.

“Go!”

Dressed in fitted, luxurious riding attire that showcased her graceful figure, her black hair flew in the wind, presenting a contrasting image to her earlier gentle demeanor.

For a moment, it was difficult to distinguish whether the thumping sound of her racing heartbeat was due to anxiety or excitement, but Jun Yuanming felt the rhythm of her heart synchronizing with him, letting out a long sigh of relief.

The two horses raced ahead, but Lin Muqing leaned slightly, her face adorned with a joyful smile.

“Your Majesty, the feeling of solely controlling the reins is wonderful!”

Though Lin Muqing wasn’t very skilled and was actually quite bumpy on horseback, her uncontrollable urge to ride was all the more daring, showing a reckless disregard for caution.

Jun Yuanming, following closely, wore an expression full of enjoyment, the corner of his lips curling up subtly.

“Qing’er, you ignite an insatiable curiosity in me.”

In the distance, Eunuch Qin came to find the emperor. Upon seeing the striking duo, both talented and good-looking, he couldn’t help but feel amazed.

This imperial palace had truly changed.