Chapter 111: Yaoyao Leads

Chapter 111

"Oh, this is quite a warhorse," said the county magistrate's wife, who was knowledgeable about such things. "It must have cost a pretty penny!"

"Not too expensive," Li Yao replied. Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

"Li Yao, you really do spoil him," the county magistrate's wife said. "No one pampers their child as much as you."

"It's not spoiling him," Li Yao explained. "Wang San'er will have to serve in the military next year."

"Oh, military service?"

The county magistrate couple was a bit taken aback.

According to the law, males over the age of 14 were indeed required to serve in the military, but not everyone went.

Generally only one or two from each family went, and families without sons were exempt.

Besides, wealthy families like Li Yao's could easily pay someone to serve as a substitute. There was no need for their own sons to suffer through it.

Yet Li Yao was voluntarily sending Wang San'er to serve.

"Li Yao," the county magistrate's wife said, "are you sure?"

"What's there to be unsure about?" Li Yao replied. "Anyway, this is his own wish. He wants to become a grand general in the future."

"Admirable ambition," the county magistrate remarked. "A man ought to have such aspirations!"

Wang San'er had already bonded with the little horse, riding it around the yard a few laps and totally forgetting about his bicycle.

"Mother, can you buy me a real bow and arrows?"

"If you can beat County Captain Zhang in the archery contest on the thirteenth, I won't just buy you a bow and arrows, but also have a fine sword forged for you."

"It's a deal!" Wang San'er jumped down excitedly from the horse's back. "I'll definitely win!"

"I made a saddle for you too. Starting tomorrow, practice more riding."

The saddle Li Yao had prepared incorporated her own innovations, using double stirrups. It was a simple modification, but revolutionary in impact.

After chatting a while longer, the county magistrate's wife noticed the late hour and suggested they all turn in early.

...

On the first day of the new year, Li Yao's doorway was nearly trampled from all the villagers coming to pay respects.

Li Yao also brought out the melon seeds and candy she had prepared to treat them, and red envelopes for the children.

That night, the two families enjoyed a hearty hot pot dinner.

On the second day, it was time to visit the wife's family.

Of course Li Yao did not go, and He Xiaoyi had already gone the previous year, so she did not go either. Naturally the county magistrate's wife could not go back.

The two families spent the day together again, eating another hot pot.

Nearing Baichuan Market, he had left most of the riders behind by over a li, with only Wang San'er doggedly tailing him.

"This kid really has some skill."

On the return trip, the two were clearly competing intensely.

Wang San'er closed in, forcing Zhang County Captain to pull out all the stops.

But by the time they reached Huawan Village's outskirts, the two were neck and neck.

Seeing the finish line ahead, Zhang County Captain fiercely cracked his whip and his horse abruptly accelerated.

"Wang San'er, I'll be waiting for you in Huawan Village!"

"It's too early to say that now!"

Wang San'er refused to back down. Bending low, he stood up in sync with the warhorse's steps, swaying back and forth with its motion.

His mother had taught him this--it enabled maximum coordination between rider and warhorse to achieve the greatest speed.

In a flash, Wang San'er overtook Zhang County Captain.

"How can this be?"

Zhang County Captain was flabbergasted.

In decades of riding, he had never seen this riding technique.

"How did he even stand up on it?"

...

"They should be back soon," said the county magistrate's wife, looking at the nearly burned-out incense at the entrance to Huawan Village.

"My lady," the county magistrate asked with a smile, "do you think Li Yao can win?"

"Is there any need to ask? When has Li Yao ever exaggerated?"

"Well, not necessarily," he chuckled.

Ding ling ling--

At that moment, a clear ringing sounded as Li Yao came into view riding her bicycle.

Yet there was not a single horse behind her!

She was clearly far, far ahead!

"Look, Li Yao did win after all," said the county magistrate's wife.

Watching Li Yao draw nearer and nearer, the county magistrate remained silent.

A bicycle that could outrace ordinary horses by human power alone--Li Yao's creation really was formidable.