The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Startled Horses

“That person seems to be the eldest young master of the Prime Minister’s mansion, Pei Qingyan. He’s said to be quite remarkable. He abandoned literature for martial arts, determined to serve the country. Now that he’s achieved great things, he’s still single, and many girls in the capital have their eyes on him.”

“If one could catch his eye, wouldn’t their future be set?” Many people in the crowd had come to see Pei Qingyan, but he frowned, looking displeased at the items being thrown at him.

Most of them were perfumed sachets and handkerchiefs, things he had never liked. After spending three years at the border, he had grown accustomed to the rough and simple life there. Suddenly returning to the capital, he was overwhelmed by the strong scent of perfume, almost dizzying him.

General Wei Yuan turned around and saw Pei Qingyan covered in items thrown by the girls. He couldn’t help but smile and say, “Jingzhi, are there any girls in the capital who catch your eye? You’ve spent three years honing your skills at the border and have achieved great things. Now it’s time to think about marriage.”

Pei Qingyan skillfully dodged the handkerchiefs being thrown at him. When he had a chance, he snorted lightly.
“General, you’re joking. My heart belongs to the country. Romantic entanglements are fleeting. Besides, if I were to marry, it would have to be arranged by my parents.”

Pei Qingyan had a lively personality, but those who didn’t know him well might not notice. He had a noble appearance, with red lips and white teeth, like a refined and elegant young master.

He bore a resemblance to Pei Lingyi, but while Pei Lingyi was ethereal and refined, Pei Qingyan was the opposite – his features were deep and profound, like the bright sun in the sky, full of energy and passion.

At one time, he was a young man who would ride horses through the streets, admired by many. However, his experiences at the border had tempered his sharpness, giving him a more mature air.

After three years away, Pei Qingyan was eager to return home. Now that his family’s direction was within sight, he couldn’t wait any longer, longing to reunite with his family.

General Wei Yuan saw the longing in the young man’s eyes and waved his hand. “Since we’re already in the capital, you can go home first. I’ll go see the emperor and likely there will be a grand banquet tonight. I’ll explain the situation to him then.”

Pei Qingyan worked under General Wei Yuan, and although he was the son of Prime Minister Pei, he had risen through the ranks from the bottom. Reporting back to the capital wasn’t something a small officer like him would do.

Hearing that he could return home immediately, Pei Qingyan was overjoyed, his eyebrows dancing with a smile. “Thank you, General, for your kindness. I’ll head home now.”

Watching the young man walk away, General Wei Yuan’s eyes were filled with admiration. The young man had been too impulsive when he first arrived, but after three years of tempering, he had become much more steady. He would make a good son-in-law, but it remained to be seen if his own daughter would agree.

Pei Qingyan rode his white horse, galloping like a meteor, exuding confidence and pride. The thought of seeing his family soon made his heart swell with excitement.

His horse-riding skills were excellent, and even navigating through the streets, he didn’t collide with any pedestrians. However, unexpected events can occur at any time.

Suddenly, a woman darted out onto the empty street ahead. Pei Qingyan’s pupils contracted, and he quickly pulled on the reins. The white horse beneath him was startled, neighing loudly as it reared up on its hind legs, threatening to throw Pei Qingyan off.

Xue Yiran was also shocked by the sudden turn of events, standing frozen in place, her heart racing like a drum. For a moment, she forgot to move out of the way.

Fortunately, Pei Qingyan’s strength was sufficient, and he managed to calm the horse down after a while.

He had a short temper, and his patience was mostly reserved for his family. Despite being tempered over three years, he couldn’t help but want to scold the woman in this situation.

“Which family’s Miss are you? Can’t you watch where you’re walking? If I hadn’t controlled my horse today, you would have been trampled into a pulp,” he said sternly.

At this moment, he was dressed in armor, his presence radiant. Even his slight frown was handsome.

Xue Yiran was momentarily stunned, her mind filled with images of white horses and princes charming, destined to be hers.

She had finally managed to sneak out of the house today, eager to enjoy some freedom.

She had been playing for too long and had even left Jinxin behind.

She never expected to have such an encounter today.

She saw Pei Qingyan wearing silver armor, looking young but extraordinary. He must be someone of importance.

Could this be the universe’s way of giving her a golden opportunity?

To meet various powerful and handsome men by chance?

Her mind wandered, and before she knew it, she was smiling. But to Pei Qingyan, it seemed like she might be a little off.

He had just spoken to her in that tone, and she was still smiling?

Seeing that she wasn’t responding, Pei Qingyan suppressed his annoyance. He didn’t want to waste time on this when he was eager to get home.

He was about to ride away, but the woman in front of him blocked his path.

Her small face was scowling, her hands spread wide, and her tone was tinged with anger. “Hey! You were galloping your horse in the street. What if you had hurt someone? Luckily, it was me you met today. Otherwise, you might have been sued.”

Pei Qingyan was anxious to get home and didn’t want to be delayed by this, but the woman was just too foolish. He couldn’t understand why she would say such things.

However, due to his upbringing, he couldn’t bring himself to curse her. He had to restrain his temper and say, “Miss, it was you who suddenly ran out without warning. I was riding my horse normally. If it weren’t for you, would the horse have been startled?”

Xue Yiran saw that Pei Qingyan’s face had darkened, and her confidence waned a bit. Still, it was a fact that he had almost collided with her. She was the victim, and if she didn’t say something, how could she leave an impression on him?

That’s right. After the experience with the Gentlemen Gathering, she realized that relying solely on her own strength wasn’t enough. In ancient times, it was too difficult for a woman to succeed alone.

Perhaps if she changed her approach and connected with powerful men, it wouldn’t be hard to gain their favor, given her understanding of the plot.

Besides, she wasn’t limited to just those men. Having a backup plan wasn’t a bad idea; it was just being prepared.

Even though she said that, the man still didn’t lose his temper. Xue Yiran’s evaluation of him rose even higher. She just didn’t know what his family background was like. Unfortunately, she had lost Jinxin in the chaos, or she might have recognized the man in front of her.

The woman in front of him seemed intimidated, her eyes welling up with tears. “Waaah, you’re bullying me…”

Pei Qingyan’s grip on the reins tightened involuntarily. If the situation allowed, he would have ridden his horse over her.

Who could tell him that he had only been away for three years, and the capital had produced such a peculiar person?

The woman’s behavior was baffling to him.