In an instant, Yuan Zhu leaped off the horse, shooting two snowflake darts that pierced the back of the black-brown horse’s leg. The horse’s hind legs buckled, and its body began to tilt backward, threatening to crush Ning Wanwan beneath it.
In a flash, Yuan Zhu darted like lightning, catching Ning Wanwan just as she was about to fall from her horse and quickly moved her to a safe area nearby.
The speed was breathtaking.
“Boom!” The black-brown horse landed heavily, raising a cloud of dust.
Si Zhan sighed in relief, noticing the hot tea spilled on his hand, reddening his knuckles, which he concealed in his sleeve.
“Are you okay?” Yuan Zhu asked Ning Wanwan, who was still in shock.
Ning Wanwan took a deep breath, shook her head, and smiled gratefully, “I’m fine, thank you, Yuan Zhu.”
Yuan Zhu replied wide-eyed, “Master said to ensure you cannot be hurt. Yuan Zhu is going back to report now.” With that, she vanished.
Yuan Zhu returned to the viewing platform, frowning at Yuan Bi and Si Zhan. “I smelled a strange fragrance on Shao Yin’s horse, somewhat like horse-agitating incense.”
Si Zhan’s gaze sharpened. “Yuan Bi, go investigate!”
Yuan Bi immediately stood and left.
Ma Yi first bowed to the nobles before hastily examining the black-brown horse.
The horse’s hind leg was injured, bleeding continuously, unable to stand, and was lying on the ground, breathing heavily.
Ma Yi lifted the black-brown horse’s eyelids and pried open its mouth, furrowing his white eyebrows.
He stood up and approached the marchioness, saying, “To report to the marchioness, this black-brown horse seems to have been exposed to horse stimulant.”
The marchioness asked, “What is horse stimulant?”
The horse doctor explained, “It is a fragrance used by cavalry during battle to prevent horses from getting tired. A small amount can energize war horses, but too much can make them agitated and uncontrollable.”
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the marchioness asked, “How could there be horse stimulant in the horse field? Where are the grooms?”
The servant replied, “The groom has gone to catch a thief.”
Under the impression that the groom was pursuing an ordinary horse thief, the marchioness stomped her foot angrily and commanded, “At a time like this, he should not be catching thieves! Quickly send someone to call him back!”
