LAN
Snowy was a wild horse that roamed the short tundra around the capital city with free will.
Nobody dared to catch him. Even if they tried, could anyone contest the pace of the white wind? So, how did the owner ride it?
The whistles of its owner were known to that Akhal-Teke horse. Lan had to whistle a few times before his best friend showed up.
Lan lifted the saddle and led him to the stables.
Snowy took a tentative step forward. The template did not appeal to the horse.
Not even Lan knows why Snowy despised these wooden constructions, perhaps because they stink or were scrapped.
"Come on, buddy. Let me introduce you to your new acquaintances."
Snowy somehow printed his horseshoe into a haystack drenched in melted snow. The thud of his footsteps was scarcely audible, like a whinny. He seemed to be infuriated.
"Beautiful horse." Quan massaged Snowy's skin, inspecting every inch of the snow-white fur. "This horse typically has golden locks, yet it is white like a pearl. You take care of him well. This horse will be costly if it is resold."
Lan gave a big chuckle. "I would not sell my companion, brother." He attempted to respond to Quan's flattery by studying Shutari, a beautiful brown steed with a well-proportioned body. He needed to find what advantages did Quan's horse have. But Lan is unfamiliar with the equestrian breed. "Your horse is indeed wonderful. What kind of horse is he?"
"Shutari is Friesian, the most beautiful equine in the Ahn Empire. All of my horses are stunning and cost a fortune."
Quan's horse was fragrance with orchids, and its saddle was adorned with decorations and gold sculptures. Her boots were also crafted from pricey ivory.
Lan nodded. "Yes, she looks magnificent."
"Hmmm!" Bian was riding a Daikun, a massive strong black stallion. He gazed at his two younger siblings with disgust. "Horses are a man's symbol of pride. Horses are not adornment; they are armaments. C'mon, guys, pace up. We don't want to be stuck on the roads, do we?" His feet gently patted Daikun's hips, holding him back from galloping.
As Brother Bian jolted out, Quan sniggered grumpily. "His horse is a broad, war horse, not very attractive. Brother Lian, come on. Before he sets off without us."
Wordplay between Bian and Quan colours their journey. Lian becomes a satirical target. He opted simply to laugh at himself and listen wisely.
"Little brother, you shouldn't get too close to Ning." Bian downed wine from a jug he bought on the way. "Wealth was used to corrupt you. You will inadvertently sell Kun."
"Thank you for your advice," Quan responded. "At the very least, they are not barbarians who just know how to fight, enslave, and drink alcohol. The Han, for instance. You should be cautious as well. Without your knowledge, you've enslaved the inhabitants of the Kun Dukedom."
"Do you recall the last time we rode together like this?" Lan sped up between Quan and Bian. "Brother fell in the ditch."
Quan laughed heartily, his lips covered by a sleeve fabric. "Yes, yes, beautiful memories."
"You're stuck in the past." Bian's cheeks flushed, and his large eyes longed to leap on Lan. "You've grown up; think about your future!"
"That time we helped Big Brother up, right, Quan?" Lan maintained an eye on Quan, particularly Bian palm gripping the sword's hilt.
"Yes, and Brother Bian yanked me down." Quan suppressed his chuckle. "I hurled mud at your face, didn't I, Lan?"
"Yes, Brother Bian shouted. He must also be dirty!"
Quan and Lan joked cheerfully as they reflected on the past. They savour the recollections without engulfing Bian.
Lan, if only for a short second, noticed Bian's smiling. The first brother relaxed his grasp. He remained silent, but Lan was sure that Bian remembered the memories they had discussed.
Throughout the journey, Bian and Quan frequently argued about state issues. Lan intervenes and diverts their attention by reminiscing about the past.
It worked masterfully. Lan succeeds in differentiating them from arguments. The three princes stopped at an inn on the final night of their journey and did not argue.
They prepared to visit the first city in the morning.
"How about we race?" Bian said, sitting on his saddle.
"Racing without losing and winning is not fun." Eldest Brother was challenged by Quan. "Let's place a wager. The loser is charged for all travel costs. What do you think?"
"OK, OK. Let's get this party started!" Brian was overjoyed. "It's not far to town from here. Come on, people!"
"On the count of three, alright," Lan said. Getting Snowy to stand next to Lesured and Daikun. "One, two, three!" Snowy took a short leap away from the other two horses.
Lan had noticed several riders following them a few days before. He had no notion what their aim was, however. He understood Bian had directed the race to do something without informing his two brothers.
How could the owner of the slowest horse want to ask them for a race?
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