The next day, on the outskirts of the city.
Mountain clouds rose into clear skies, and spring grass stretched to meet the heavens.
Wang Yang and Chen Qing Shan arrived early at the agreed meeting place to wait for the Prince of Badong.
Wang Yang wore the fitted outfit fashionable at the time-a trousers-and-jacket ensemble. His black upper garment fitted close, with narrow sleeves, while his loose, wide-legged trousers were cinched at the ankles with black bands, hence the name "tied trousers." A belt adorned with dark gold patterns encircled his waist. He looked trim and upright, with a martial air rarely seen on him.
Seated on horseback, he walked his horse at an easy pace and said, "Qing Shan, let me buy you a horse too."
"No need. I have money."
Of course Wang Yang knew Chen Qing Shan had money. Jiao Zheng's three hundred thousand was still sitting in her room.
Leaving fixed assets aside, Chen Qing Shan was much richer than he was!
But if you have money, buy one!
Wang Yang thought Chen Qing Shan simply could not bear to spend her money, so he said:
"Your money is yours. As your..."
Chen Qing Shan gave him a cold look.
"Uh... as your employer, it's only right that I provide you with a horse."
Chen Qing Shan shook her head. "I don't have many chances to ride."
"How do you not? I'll be coming out to practice riding often from now on. Having you hoof it... I mean, walk every time doesn't seem right."
Chen Qing Shan was puzzled. "You're from a great gentry family. What do you need riding practice for?"
The gentry of the Southern Dynasties mostly prided themselves on literary refinement and dignified ease. They traveled in carriages, and few rode horses. Officials