After Marrying the Disabled Fourth Prince

Chapter 22

Pei Yang had already returned to the palace, leaving behind the carriage and the coachman for them. Pei Yuan leaned out and said a few words to the coachman, who responded with a nod, turned the horse around, and after another half-hour's journey, they arrived at a farm.

It was getting dark, twilight enveloped the sky. Bao Ning lifted the curtain and looked outside. It was a large pasture, the early spring grass had not yet fully grown, presenting a velvety light green. Through the fence, she could see a few tall, sturdy horses grazing with their heads down.

In the innermost part, there was a row of tile-roofed houses. It was dinner time, and smoke was drifting upwards from the chimneys. There was no wind tonight, so the smoke rose straight up.

A huge setting sun behind the houses bathed the smoke in a golden hue.

The sound of galloping hooves came closer, and Bao Ning tilted her head. She saw a group of young people in elegant clothes riding horses, cheering and racing, creating a lively and noisy scene. Bao Ning rarely went out, and had never been to a horse farm before. It was the first time she saw such a scene, and she couldn't take her eyes off them, following their movements until they disappeared from sight, only then did she snap back to reality.

She was somewhat excited by their enthusiasm, but also confused. She turned to Pei Yuan and asked, "What are we here for?"

Pei Yuan extended his hand to her. "Help me down first."

Bao Ning responded, got off the carriage first, and together with the coachman, they brought down the wheelchair, then helped Pei Yuan out.

Pei Yuan leaned on her arm, squinting as he looked into the distance, his face showing an emotion Bao Ning couldn't understand. He stood there for a while before sitting down and spoke slowly, "Let's go in."

Bao Ning didn't know what Pei Yuan was thinking. She guessed that he was uncomfortable after hearing Aunt Ming's words during the day and wanted to take a stroll, perhaps feeling a bit nostalgic.

Pei Yuan must have been an excellent rider before, but now his legs were not in good condition, and it was uncertain whether he could ride again in the future.

Bao Ning understood him but was a bit hesitant. "Will they let us in...?"

She reached into her sleeve to take out some money, counted it in her hand, and said, "We don't have much left, it might not be enough."

Pei Yuan quietly watched her. Bao Ning counted the money again and asked, "Fourth Prince, how much money do you have left?" She started regretting spending too much during the day and not bringing enough with her.

"Do we need to ask for credit? I feel a bit embarrassed." Bao Ning frowned, trying to persuade him, "How about we come back in a couple of days?"

Pei Yuan pressed his tongue against his left cheek and took a moment before speaking, "Do you see me as a pauper?"

Bao Ning rubbed her hands nervously, not knowing how to answer him.

First impressions do matter. On the first day of their marriage, Pei Yuan lived in a shabby house with a tattered quilt, looking disheveled. So in her heart, Pei Yuan was someone who had fallen from grace and had nothing left.

But during the day, he had generously given her a gold ingot.

Pei Yuan waited for a while, and when she didn't respond, he pointed to the gate. "Let's go in."

Bao Ning pushed him in, relieved that no one stopped them along the way.

The young men who had been riding and playing seemed to be tired. They got off their horses and walked out in groups, laughing and joking. Seeing them approaching, Bao Ning recalled the gossip she heard in Qingzhu Lane, frowned, and turned the wheelchair to hide Pei Yuan from view.