“I know you hate the heat, but it’s perfectly cool outside now. If you don’t take a walk while it’s clear, winter will be here before you know it.”
Pushing his needlework aside, he knew exactly why he had come, but these days, his heart was too heavy for outings.
“Put that down and come out.”
Luo Yuxing remained listless, unmoved even as Ruili shook his arm.
Realizing he wouldn’t succeed today, Ruili sighed. “Brother specifically asked me to invite you. He thought some fresh air would do you good. I told him you wouldn’t want to come, but he didn’t believe me. Fine, rest well. I’ll bring you some fruit from Yunfuxiang later.”
“Brother Ruijin… wanted me to go?” Luo Yuxing asked softly, doubt evident in his voice.
“Yeah.”
Luo Yuxing flexed his fingers, then slid off his stool. “But, I’m not ready. I don’t want to keep him waiting.”
Ruili, already at the door, backtracked with a sour expression. “Hah! Brother is the only one who can move you!”
Luo Yuxing pressed his lips together, neither confirming nor denying.
“Let him wait.” Ruili rummaged through Luo Yuxing’s wardrobe. “The polo grounds are dusty, not as clean as the streets. You’ll need something sturdy.”
After a flurry of preparation that took the time it takes an incense stick to burn (15 minutes), Luo Yuxing finally emerged, apologizing profusely to Ruijin. “I’m sorry for making you wait.”
“It’s fine. I should have told you earlier.” Ruijin extended a hand. “Let’s go. The carriage is ready.”
Ruili’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he watched his brother help Luo Yuxing into the carriage. Since when was his brother so annoying, stealing his best friend?!
Fuming, he clambered in after them.
The southern polo grounds buzzed with activity, crowds flowing like a school of fish.
The venue offered more than just polo, there were archery, pitch-pot, poetry gatherings, even fishing. Adults and children had separate areas, ensuring neither disturbed the other.
The late autumn grass had yellowed, and the wind whipped across the field, making Ruili squint. Though not his first visit, he loved the brisk air. Worried Luo Yuxing might be uncomfortable, he shielded him from the gusts.
“That way’s for polo and riding. Over there’s pitch-pot, next to the poetry hall, and fishing’s on the side.” Ruili was even livelier outdoors, chattered away. “Where do you want to go? But no poetry! We’re finally out!”
“Ruili! You came! Are you playing today? Can I be on your team?”
Before Luo Yuxing could answer, a group of ge'ers and girls swarmed them. “We haven’t seen you in ages! That move you taught me last time was amazing, I’ve won every pitch-pot game since!”
The chatter nearly shoved Luo Yuxing aside.
“Watch it! Quit crowding, you’re squishing Xing ge'er!”
Only then did they notice the delicate ge'er beside him. “Who’s he?”
“Scram! He’s my precious.”
“Huh?”
Luo Yuxing was used to Ruili’s antics, but the others gawked.
“I won’t go to the poetry hall.” Luo Yuxing glanced at Ruijin. “Is Brother Ruijin playing? Can I watch from the stands?”
Ruili rolled his eyes. “Watching him play polo is boring. Come with me for pitch-pot, I’ll dominate!”
Just then, Ruijin approached from a distance, and the youth section erupted.
“It’s him! I saw him play once in spring, he was incredible! I’ve come every time the grounds opened since, but he never showed. What luck today!”
“Do you think he’ll play? Hurry, grab a good seat, the view is terrible from the sides!”
“This time, I’m definitely asking his name!”
Ruili stood amidst the crowd, lips pursed as whispers filled his ears. Even his own friends were mesmerized.
“Ruili! Your brother actually came this time!”
“Let’s skip pitch-pot and watch him play first!”
“Quick! The stands are filling up!”
In a flash, his entourage vanished.
“I should’ve let him rot in the study,” Ruili muttered, rolling his eyes so hard they might’ve stayed that way. “See? He’s got plenty of admirers cheering for him. Forget him, come watch me play pitch-pot.”
Luo Yuxing’s gaze lingered on the flushed faces of Ruijin’s fans. Outstanding boys were always popular, it was no surprise Ruijin caused a stir despite his reclusiveness.
“Alright.”
He let Ruili lead him toward the pitch-pot field.
“Ruili, come back.”
Ruili turned to see his brother striding over. “What?”
“Where are you taking Xing ge'er?”
“To watch me play pitch-pot, obviously.”
Ruijin studied Luo Yuxing’s passive expression. “Do you want to ride a horse?”
Luo Yuxing’s eyes lit up before dimming. “I don’t know how.”
“I’ll teach you.”
Though nervous around such powerful animals, Luo Yuxing hesitated. “Wouldn’t that keep you from playing?”
“I’m not playing today.”
Ruili gaped. “You’re not? With that crowd waiting?”
Ruijin signaled a servant, who brought over a horse. Without answering, he mounted fluidly, then leaned down to pull Luo Yuxing up.
Perched cautiously atop the horse, Luo Yuxing glanced at Ruili who was still planted on the ground. “I’ve never ridden before. Just a few laps, then I’ll come watch you play.”
Ruili smiled sweetly. “Be careful. Have fun.”
“Mm.”
As the pair rode off, Ruili’s lips thinned into a bitter line.
Meanwhile, the crowd in the stands stared in dismay.
“What?! Who said he was playing? All that excitement for nothing!”
“Who’s that lucky one getting a private lesson? I can’t ride either, why not teach me?!”
Ruili sighed. Well, at least he wasn’t the only heartbroken one today.
Thanks for the update!?!!!
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