The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

The grasslands stretch out to the horizon, and the world seems to unfold into a vast, pristine white painting.

The fresh snow from last night had not yet melted, and it covered the withered yellow grass stalks and the undulating slopes in the distance, shimmering with a fine and clean silver light under the winter sun.

A north wind swept by, stirring up a thin layer of snow, as if draping this magnificent scene with a flowing veil.

Countless young figures dressed in various outfits and wearing warm cloaks have gathered here.

The horses neighed, their saddles and bridles clanging.

It infused this tranquil snowfield with vibrant life and a subtle sense of competition.

The boys, their eyes sparkling, held delicate bows and were talking in hushed tones or checking equipment. The air was filled with the scent of leather and a faint mingled with the smell of hay.

"The first thing to do is to choose a mount."

The instructor in charge of the assessment spoke loudly, drowning out the noise in the room.

The crowd headed toward the stables, where dozens of horses of varying heights and colors were tethered, puffing out puffs of white steam.

"Of course, I'll still ride the Crimson Flame!"

With a clear goal in mind, Feng Zhu strode towards a magnificent horse, its body entirely chestnut red with only its four hooves snow-white.

When the horse saw him, it snorted affectionately and nuzzled his arm with its head.

Feng Zhuo deftly flipped himself onto the horse, his scarlet cloak billowing behind him with a "whoosh," like a blazing flame, making the young man on horseback appear even more dashing.

"Yanchuan," Tang Xixue turned to the young man in blue beside her, her voice calm, "which horse do you choose?"

Pei Yanchuan's gaze had already fallen on an inconspicuous white horse at the edge of the herd.

The horse wasn't particularly tall or strong; in fact, it was rather thin. Its coat wasn't pure white; it had a pale beige tinge, but its eyes were warm and clear.

He walked over, and the horse lowered its head and gently rubbed against his palm.

"Your Highness, I choose Treading the Moon."

He answered, his voice carrying a barely perceptible gentleness.

This horse, named Tayue, was exceptionally weak at birth and was almost abandoned. It was he who saved it little by little with herbal medicine and careful feeding while taking care of horses in Lintai over the years.

They had spent a long time together and had become quite close.

Because it didn't seem particularly magnificent, no one competed with it for the prize.

In Lintai, most scions of prominent families have their own fine steeds provided by their families, and unremarkable horses like Tayue are usually ignored.

"Tangxi Snow," Feng Zhuo, perched high on his horse, looked down at them, his red robes fluttering in the wind, "Which one do you choose? Perhaps I could help you pick out a docile one?"

His question drew considerable attention from those around him.

Tang Xixue's gaze swept across the stables, finally settling precisely on the innermost, more spacious, independent stall.

There, a magnificent black horse stood quietly.

Its body is sleek, and its muscle lines contain astonishing explosive power. Even when standing still, it exudes an aloof and fierce aura that keeps strangers at bay. It is none other than the famous spirited horse of Lintai – Chasing Star.

She smiled slightly and said clearly, "I naturally choose Chasing Stars."

As soon as she finished speaking, the area around her suddenly fell into an eerie silence.

Even the sound of the wind seemed to stop for a moment.

Chasing stars.

This magnificent steed, a descendant of the dragon steed from the snowy mountains of the North, was a gift from Emperor Tangxi to his younger sister, named "Zhuxing" (meaning "Chasing Stars"), signifying soaring thousands of miles and chasing the stars and the moon.

It is extremely fierce and unruly; in the past, only the snow of Tangxi could make it bow its head slightly.

For the past five years, every time Princess Jing tried to get close, she was either frightened away by her angry neighing or was mercilessly thrown off her horse. The worst time, she fell in public and had to rest for half a month.

At that time, she was filled with shame and anger, and she even publicly declared that she would kill this "ungrateful beast." If His Majesty had not sternly rebuked and stopped her, it would have almost led to a tragedy.

This matter was common knowledge in Lintai, and Zhuxing had almost become a footnote to the princess's absurdity and incompetence. Moreover, because of her fierce nature, ordinary people had to be careful even when they got close to her.

"Have you... forgotten that it no longer recognizes you?"

Feng Zhuo frowned, his tone filled with genuine worry, and spurred his horse to take two steps closer.

Why bother hitting a snag and making a fool of yourself?

"Yes, Your Highness."

Shen Yan, leading her gentle and beautiful silver-maned horse, spoke at the right moment, her voice soft and carrying just the right amount of concern.

"In the art of horsemanship and archery, safety is paramount. There are other gentle and virile horses on the field; why be so fixated on Chasing Star? If it were to go berserk again and injure Your Highness, wouldn't that be disgraceful? If His Majesty were to blame you then, it might be like last time, harming an innocent life..."

Her words were tactful, yet every word struck at the past and the unspoken concerns of everyone.

Upon hearing this, many people showed subtle expressions, and their gazes toward Zhuxing were tinged with sympathy—being favored by such a master might truly be a disaster for this proud horse.

Shen Xian also stood on his horse not far away. Seeing this, he recalled the chaotic scene of the past and couldn't help but sternly advise:

"Your Highness, acting rashly is not courage. Young Master Pei's choice of Ta Yue is indeed gentle and compliant, perhaps making him a more suitable candidate."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xixue glanced at the Shen siblings and then smiled, a clear and open smile without a trace of anger.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. and Ms. Shen."

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but loud enough for everyone around her to hear clearly.

"You two are so kind-hearted to think of me and my horse like this."

She paused, then abruptly changed the subject, her tone carrying an almost naive doubt:

"However, since you've given me this suggestion, I'll accept your kind offer. But next time..."

"There's no need to offer any further suggestions."

Anyway—I—am—not—listening.

Having said that, she ignored Shen Xian's stunned expression and the fleeting look of astonishment in Shen Yan's eyes, turned around and walked straight toward the lonely and proud black horse.

Each step made a soft crunching sound as I walked on the soft, fresh snow.

The surrounding chatter subsided, and countless eyes followed her retreating figure.

"Your Highness," Pei Yanchuan said, taking a step forward while holding his Tayue, his voice low and filled with genuine concern, "Tayue... is really docile. Zhuxing is wild and untamed; your safety is of utmost importance."

Others might mock her, but he had seen her injured and genuinely didn't want her to take any more risks.

Tang Xixue didn't stop walking; she simply turned her head and smiled at him, her tone relaxed yet firm:

"Since Ta Yue is so well-behaved and sensible, then it shall be yours. From now on, it will belong exclusively to you in Lintai. I will make the decisions."

Pei Yanchuan was taken aback, and then a complex warmth welled up in his heart.

He understood that she was not only responding to his concern, but also, in this seemingly casual gesture, giving him, a student from a poor family, a real sense of dignity, having his own personal mount.

If she really chose Ta Yue, then he probably wouldn't even have a mount to participate in the assessment today.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness." He bowed his head solemnly.

"Tangxi Xue! Stop fooling around!"

Seeing that she was really walking towards Zhuxing step by step, Feng Zhuo became very anxious and spurred his horse forward to stop her.

"Ranzhi, don't worry." She suddenly turned around and smiled at him, a smile with a strange, comforting power. "Zhuxing...it was originally mine, wasn't it?"

She finally stopped in front of the horse stables of Chasing Stars.