Chapter 4: The Opportunity at the Stables

“Commoner, commoner A-Si.”

…

It seemed like there was none. Li Yunli was seriously picking out a smoky-colored fabric and then turned to instruct the embroiderer to stitch some ink bamboo patterns at the hem. She was truly putting effort into selecting clothes for him.

Yun Chu watched silently, sensing no ill intent from her. Instead, he felt a bit lost.

While his mind was unsettled, he was also thinking about A-Si, who might be entering the residence today, and was contemplating when he should meet this future trusted aide.

Caught between two thoughts, he became absent-minded.

“Attendant, hmm? What are you thinking about?”

Li Yunli’s sudden voice beside his ear startled Yun Chu. He immediately snapped out of his thoughts, and realizing his distraction, he dropped to his knees.

“Your Highness, please forgive me. This servant was disrespectful.”

Li Yunli hadn’t expected such a drastic reaction.

She had just finished picking out an outfit for him, even matching it with a belt of the same color and a jade pendant. She had intended to ask for his preference, but when she turned around, she saw him lost in thought.

And now, after a single call, he was so frightened?

The original owner of this body really deserved death—just one word from her could scare him like this!

Li Yunli felt helpless.

By protocol, the male attendants of a princess were not of the same rank as a prince consort, but they were still considered proper masters within the household. Picking out clothes for him was nothing inappropriate, yet he was trembling this much.

Since he was so anxious, it would be best to take things slowly.

“Stand up.”

Li Yunli reached out and pulled him up by the shoulder, expressionless, then brought the outfit closer to compare its length against him.

Her movements were so natural, as if she was simply checking whether the outfit fit rather than showing him any special concern.

Yun Chu instinctively straightened up, fully aware of his role as a mannequin. He cooperated, keeping his gaze lowered without any anticipation, as if he was merely there to test the fabric, not to wear the new clothes himself.

Li Yunli looked into his eyes, pressing her lips together.

A beauty in dejection always carried an added charm. Yun Chu already had a naturally cold demeanor, and now, his eyes were empty, devoid of desire, making him look like a mere shadow.

“This one stays,” Li Yunli finally said, tossing the fabric to the embroiderer. “And all the materials I mentioned earlier—make them into clothes according to his measurements.”

Finally, business had come. The embroiderer grinned as she clutched the fabric.

“Do you have any preferred styles?”

Li Yunli suddenly turned back to ask him, just in time to catch Yun Chu looking up, his eyes filled with confusion and surprise.

His emotions were transparent.

It was the expression of someone who had just been scolded and suddenly received warmth.

Li Yunli smirked.

Yun Chu quickly lowered his gaze, suppressing all his emotions again.

“This servant follows Your Highness’ wishes.”

“Hmm.”

Before she could say more, hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor.

Who was so tactless?

She frowned and looked up, seeing a young servant rushing in recklessly, ignoring all propriety as he shouted.

“Your Highness! Something terrible has happened!”

Li Yunli’s brow twitched.

The servant gasped for breath and yelled, “The rare horse from the Western Regions that Your Highness brought back a few days ago—it’s gone mad! No one can control it!”

“If no one can control it, then leave it alone. Why all the panic?”

Li Yunli was already getting a headache.

Was the Long Princess’ residence managed so poorly that every little issue was brought straight to her?

The servant was already in a state of panic, struggling to catch his breath.

Yun Chu asked, “How many people are still in the enclosure? Has anyone been injured?”

“Manager Wang led most of them out, but two newcomers were kicked in the leg and had to be carried away.”

The servant looked bitter. Ordinarily, the manager would handle these matters without troubling the princess. But Manager Wang had specifically said that the princess highly valued this Western horse, so any problem must be reported to her.

He had only recently entered the residence, and this kind of task—delivering bad news—was the worst. Naturally, it had fallen on him.

“Injured?” Li Yunli’s gaze sharpened.

Yun Chu also furrowed his brows.

“Yes, yes. Manager Wang told everyone to be cautious because Your Highness cherishes this horse and doesn’t want a single hair harmed. So they were careful while taming it, but the horse suddenly went berserk, and two men got trampled.”

The servant wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Being trampled by a horse was no small injury. If it truly was a Western warhorse, it could mean broken bones.

Li Yunli flicked her sleeves.

“I’ll go see.”

“Your Highness.”

Yun Chu stepped forward suddenly, stopping her.

“What?”

She turned back. Did he think she cared more about the horse than the injured men?

“This servant has some knowledge of horsemanship. May I accompany Your Highness?”

That was unexpected.

He was volunteering to go with her?

Li Yunli studied him. His eyes held concern—but her intuition told her there was something more.

For a mere attendant to take the initiative, there had to be another reason.

His brief hesitation made Yun Chu seem guilty.

He sincerely added, “If the horse truly cannot be tamed, this servant can at least shield Your Highness to ensure your safety.”

Li Yunli set aside her thoughts.

“Alright, then let’s go.”

She wanted to see what he was up to.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Yun Chu finished his words and jogged to catch up.

“Bring a coat for the attendant. His clothes are damp,” Li Yunli ordered the embroiderer.

The two arrived outside the stables.

Even before getting close, the clamor of voices reached them. A crowd was gathered outside, murmuring in concern.

Manager Wang was sweating profusely.

The two injured men, who had initially thought taming horses would be easy money, were now clutching their legs, groaning in pain.

“Why are you all making such a fuss?! You messed up the job, and now you want to make excuses?!”

Manager Wang roared at them.

Hearing the commotion as she approached, Li Yunli sighed.

Manager Wang truly was a bootlicking scoundrel.

As soon as he sensed her presence, he turned, half ingratiating, half distressed, ready to complain.

“What’s going on? Get them out and call a doctor,” Li Yunli said flatly, not giving him the chance to speak.

“Ah… Yes!”

Manager Wang was momentarily stunned before he quickly agreed, instructing people to carry the injured away.

Yun Chu scanned the scene.

Thankfully, A-Si wasn’t among the injured.

But he wasn’t in the crowd either.

“Is anyone still inside?” Yun Chu asked.

Manager Wang hesitated.

“Yes… Two people are still inside.”

“Why?” Li Yunli frowned.

“They seemed capable and insisted on staying. We were afraid the horse might break out and injure more people, so we locked the gates!”

“Open them,” Li Yunli ordered.

“But, Your Highness—”

“Did you not hear me? Open them.”

As the doors swung open, dust filled the air.

The sound of pounding hooves thundered toward them—something was wrong!

“Control—!!”

A commanding voice rang out just as Yun Chu stepped in front of Li Yunli.

A massive warhorse reared up, nearly trampling him, but with a flick of his wrist, he struck a precise pressure point on the horse’s front leg.

A fierce battle of control ensued.

And among the dust, a young man looked up at Li Yunli with clear, deep eyes.

“Commoner, A-Si.”