Chapter 26

Gu Qiancheng's horse was completely out of control, galloping wildly towards the river. Even if her mind was clear, she would have been powerless to pull the reins, given her current state of confusion.

Thinking about what happened in the pond last night, Qin Jiyang couldn't help but mutter a curse. He had never seen a more stubborn woman than Gu Qiancheng.

Forget it, no point in arguing with a woman.

Seeing that Gu Qiancheng was about to fall into the water along with her horse, Qin Jiyang had no choice but to spur his horse on again: "Go!"

He lashed his horse hard, and the horse, in pain, surged forward, quickly catching up to Gu Qiancheng's horse. The two horses ran side by side, and Qin Jiyang said, "Gu Qiancheng, quickly untie the ropes on your body."

"I..." Gu Qiancheng's vision was blurry, and she vaguely saw a river ahead. Knowing her situation was dire, she tried to move but found herself completely powerless. The ropes that had secured her earlier now seemed like a death sentence.

'Seems like it won't work.' At this moment, she could still manage a smile, and she admired her own resilience.

"Idiot." Qin Jiyang couldn't help but curse. Seeing that both of them were about to fall into the river, he quickly drew his sword: "If you can't handle it, don't act tough. Sit still for me."

Qin Jiyang's wrist flicked, and a flash of sword light appeared. With a "pu" sound, blood spurted out. Gu Qiancheng felt her horse's legs give way, and it fell forward...

Just as Gu Qiancheng thought she would fall into the river with the horse, something wrapped around her waist, and she was lifted up. The next second, she landed in a warm embrace.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Even in her confused state, Gu Qiancheng knew that Qin Jiyang had saved her. But she couldn't understand why he, who had clearly been watching the show, would save her.

"Hmph..." Qin Jiyang grunted, one hand holding Gu Qiancheng and the other pulling the reins.

At this point, they were only about ten meters from the river. It was too late to turn the horse around or stop it. Qin Jiyang could only spur his horse on again, leaping over the not-so-wide river.

Qin Jiyang's horse was a fine steed from beyond the border, and he wasn't worried about it failing to jump over. What he was worried about was Gu Qiancheng being thrown off.

"Hold on tight. If you fall, I won't save you again." He had saved her once, just to repay her favor from last night. He, Qin Jiyang, didn't like owing anyone.

"Don't worry, I swim better than you." With a clear mind, Gu Qiancheng felt like teasing Qin Jiyang.

"Sharp-tongued. No wonder the Gu family kicked you out." As Qin Jiyang spoke, his horse surged forward, leaping into the air due to the inertia...

"Heaven, that's amazing."

"Who is that? So amazing, the horse is almost flying."

...

The people at the market were stunned by the scene, gathering in small groups, their faces filled with amazement as they watched Qin Jiyang and Gu Qiancheng on the horse. Unfortunately, the horse was too fast for them to see clearly.

"Jiyang really stole the show this time. He'll definitely top the list of the most desirable men for the women of the Great Qin next year." Jiao Xiangdi's face was full of mockery, and his smug expression made Feng Yuanqian want to slap him.

"What are you staring at? Hurry up and catch up. If something happens to the Prince, we're all in trouble." Although Feng Yuanqian was a warrior, he was more thoughtful than Jiao Xiangdi and never forgot Qin Jiyang's status.

The Emperor's most beloved eldest grandson must not come to harm under their protection. Otherwise, he and their families would pay the price, just like when the Crown Prince had an accident years ago.

Jiao Xiangdi clearly understood this and immediately mounted his horse to catch up.

Feng Yuanqian and Jiao Xiangdi didn't need to show off their skills, so they crossed the bridge obediently. By the time they caught up to Qin Jiyang, who had slowed down, they had already traveled a considerable distance, and the onlookers had dispersed.

"Sir, I'll have someone take Miss Gu back." Jiao Xiangdi stepped forward, wanting to take Gu Qiancheng from Qin Jiyang, but Qin Jiyang avoided him: "No need, I'll take her back."

Gu Qiancheng didn't want to be involved with him, but he deliberately went against her wishes.

"No need, I can go back myself." Gu Qiancheng was much better now, at least her mind was clear. She wiped the dirt off her face and signaled Qin Jiyang to stop the horse.

"Go back yourself? How? On foot?" Qin Jiyang mocked, tightening his hold on Gu Qiancheng, who was almost suffocating: "Loosen, loosen your grip..." Her just-clear mind was almost deprived of oxygen again.

"So stubborn, how did you survive in the Gu family?" Qin Jiyang slightly loosened his grip but didn't let Gu Qiancheng down.

Gu Qiancheng's body was soft and warm, and it felt very comfortable to hold her. Qin Jiyang was a bit reluctant to let go.

"My affairs have nothing to do with the Prince. If you don't want me to cling to you, it's best to let me down." Gu Qiancheng knew what Qin Jiyang feared most, but the words that usually worked had the opposite effect today.

"I don't mind taking you into my palace. The Qin Palace can afford to keep you." Qin Jiyang's words were half true, half false, and Gu Qiancheng couldn't understand what this man really meant.

Although the current social norms were relatively open, there were no strict rules about women not leaving the house or binding their feet, but women were still held to high standards. One wrong step, and there was no turning back.

In this era, widows could remarry, but as a concubine, they would never be promoted to a wife. Once a concubine, always a concubine. Gu Qiancheng was afraid Qin Jiyang was serious and didn't dare to respond.

Men could have multiple wives, but women could only marry one. If Qin Jiyang really offered her a concubine position, she would have no place to cry. With her skills, being confined to the back courtyard would mean accepting her fate.

"What? Not speaking? Don't want to be my woman?" His cold voice was filled with killing intent. If Gu Qiancheng dared to say "no," Qin Jiyang could immediately carry her into the Qin Palace.

It had nothing to do with love, just a man's pride and dignity. Qin Jiyang could push Gu Qiancheng away without hesitation, but he wouldn't allow her to look down on him.

If this were modern times, Gu Qiancheng would definitely kick him away, but now she could only endure. With no status or power, and no strong backing, confronting Qin Jiyang head-on would only result in her losing.

Gu Qiancheng turned her head, looking at Qin Jiyang seriously, her voice trembling: "Prince, do you really want to take me into your palace?" After saying this, she immediately lowered her head, her shoulders slightly shaking.

Lacking content, she compensated with actions. Gu Qiancheng couldn't bring herself to say words of admiration or affection, nor could she look at him with deep emotion, so she lowered her head, trying to get by.

Qin Jiyang frowned slightly. Gu Qiancheng was too unpredictable. He couldn't understand what she was thinking or if she had any ulterior motives towards him.

"Playing hard to get?" Qin Jiyang's thin lips parted, asking tentatively.

"No..." Gu Qiancheng was thinking of how to make Qin Jiyang disappointed in her when a fast horse approached, and the rider shouted as they passed by: "Miss!"