How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 86, Let's ride horses together.

Chu Ci slowly leaned down and gently kissed Shi An's lips.

This kiss was filled with endless tenderness, as if it wanted to convey all the love to the other person.

After the kiss ended, Chu Ci touched Shi An's temples and earnestly promised, "I will not leave you. You are the only one who has meaning for me in this life. You can be a little more unrestrained with me."

Upon hearing these words, Shi An felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and her eyes welled up with tears.

He hugged Chu Ci's neck tightly, buried his face in her arms, and felt her warm breath.

The two embraced quietly for a long time without saying a word.

Time passed by, and night gradually fell.

After dinner, Shi An's lower back was still a little uncomfortable.

Chu Ci felt sorry for him and said softly, "Lie down on the bed, I'll massage you."

Shi An obediently did as she was told and lay down on the soft bed.

Chu Ci sat on the edge of the bed, reached out and gently placed her hand on Shi An's waist, and began to massage.

Her technique was light and graceful, each press was just right, with moderate pressure, making Shi An feel extremely comfortable.

As Chu Ci massaged him, Shi An's body gradually relaxed, and his tense muscles slowly eased.

He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, closed his eyes, and fully enjoyed this rare moment of relaxation.

Days passed by, and in the blink of an eye, more than half a month had gone by, and it was already the end of March.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to announce the results of the provincial examination.

On this day, Shi An got up early and dragged Chu Ci, who was still asleep, to the list.

They arrived too early; the list hadn't been posted yet, but many candidates and their families were already gathered there, anxiously waiting.

Shi An was very nervous. He held Chu Ci's hand tightly and kept comforting her: "My wife, don't be nervous. No matter what the result is, you are the best."

Chu Ci wasn't nervous at all, but she still smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay."

After a while, the list was finally posted.

The crowd erupted in excitement as everyone jostled to get a look at their names.

Shi An pulled Chu Ci along and squeezed in. He immediately spotted the number one spot on the list—Chu Ci.

He was so excited he almost jumped up, shouting, "My lady, you're number one!"

Upon hearing Shi An's words, Chu Ci smiled faintly and nodded, saying, "Mm."

Shi An could hardly believe his eyes. He excitedly hugged Chu Ci and said, "My wife, you are amazing! You really did it! I knew you could do it!"

Chu Ci gently patted Shi An on the back and said tenderly, "Okay, let's talk about it when we get home."

At this moment, the people around also noticed the Chu Ci (Songs of Chu).

Some people recognized her and came over to congratulate her.

Chu Ci responded with a smile, showing great courtesy.

Shi An looked at Chu Ci, his heart filled with pride and honor.

He thought his wife was the most amazing person in the world!

Chu Ci was too tired to deal with such a lively scene, so after greeting everyone, she hurriedly took Shi An back home.

Upon arriving home, she immediately went to inform her teacher.

When the Master heard the news that Chu Ci had won first place, a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face.

He nodded in satisfaction and said, "Very good! Keep it up. The provincial examination will be more difficult than the county examination."

Chu Ci naturally and respectfully replied, "Yes, Master."

After finishing her morning classes, Chu Ci took Shi An home. As soon as they arrived at the door, they saw He Baobao and Song Zhao standing there.

It turned out that the two women had come to congratulate Chu Ci on winning first place in the provincial military examination.

He Baobao smiled broadly, seemingly even happier than if she had gotten first place herself, and said cheerfully, "Sister Chu Ci, congratulations on your outstanding achievement! You're amazing!! This is a gift, you must accept it."

Chu Ci took the black box, opened it, and found a high-quality calligraphy brush inside.

She looked at He Baobao with some surprise and asked in confusion, "Where...where did you get this spare money?"

He Baobao scratched his head, a little embarrassed, and said, "I saved it myself, it's not money from some dubious source, so please accept it without worry. I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to give you a decent gift."

Chu Ci smiled, ignoring the words she didn't understand as usual, and gently replied, "No, it's enough that you mean it. You know I don't care about these things."

At this moment, Song Zhao stepped forward, bowed to Chu Ci, handed him a piece of ink, and said, "Chu Ci, congratulations. I knew you could do it."

Chu Ci carefully accepted the gifts, then smiled and replied, "Thank you for visiting me. Why don't you stay for lunch?"

However, He Baobao shook his head and explained, "The weather has been cold lately, and there have been many more patients with pneumonia. I really don't have time. Let's get together next time."

Chu Ci turned to Song Zhao and asked, "And you?"

Song Zhao shook his head and replied, "The imperial examination is next month, so I need to make the most of my time to study."

Chu Ci nodded in understanding, then bid farewell to the two, took Shi An's hand, and opened the door to go inside.

After lunch break, Chu Ci planned to go horseback riding at the horse farm.

After all, we've already paid the fee, it would be a shame not to go horseback riding.

Upon learning this news, Shi An naturally decided to go with Chu Ci.

Chu Ci carefully draped a heavy cloak over Shi An and made him wear cotton gloves, wrapping Shi An up like a round ball before feeling at ease.

Shi An felt a little amused as she realized her body was covered by layers of clothing.

It wasn't until they arrived at the horse farm that Shi An understood why Chu Ci had dressed him so warmly; Chu Ci wanted to take him riding a horse with her.

Chu Ci nimbly leaped onto the horse, then reached out her hand to Shi An and said gently, "Come, Shi An, let me show you how to ride a horse."

Looking at the tall horses, Shi An couldn't help but feel a little scared, but he trusted Chu Ci completely and reached out his hand without hesitation.

Chu Ci lifted the person into his arms, held him tightly with one hand, and said softly, "Sit still."

Shi An adjusted her posture as instructed, then nodded slightly to Chu Ci to indicate that she was ready.

Chu Ci raised his riding whip and swung it hard. With a crisp crack, the two men and their horse shot off like arrows.

"Ah!!" Shi An was startled by the sudden speed and couldn't help but scream.

After all, in his previous life, he always traveled by sedan chair or carriage, unlike now when he was riding a horse at full gallop.

The cold wind howled past, mercilessly lashing at the face, the biting cold making one shiver involuntarily.

But at the same time, the thrill of that extreme speed made Shi An's heart race and his blood boil.