Chapter Thirty-Six: Zhao Yun Tames the Horse

“My lord, I believe Yide will be the victor this time.” Taishi Ci interjected from the side, his tone brimming with confidence.

Liu Yao looked at Taishi Ci in surprise, teasingly saying, “Oh? And why is that? Could it be you think he’ll win simply because you’re close with Yide?”

“Is that what you think, my lord?” Taishi Ci gave a wry smile, then pointed at the horse beneath Zhao Yun. “My lord, look there.”

Everyone followed the direction of his finger. They saw that the Ferghana horse beneath Zhao Yun was already exhausted, snorting repeatedly, foam beginning to drip from its mouth. In contrast, Zhang Fei’s black steed was still full of spirit, growing more vigorous as the contest wore on. The difference in skill between the two was not great to begin with; whichever horse gave out first, its rider would inevitably lose.

As everyone expected, with a powerful strike from Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun’s Ferghana horse could hold out no longer. With a pained neigh, its legs buckled and it collapsed, leaving Zhao Yun with no time to react—he slipped from the saddle and fell to the ground with a thud.

“Yide, halt—quickly!” Liu Yao called out anxiously, seeing the outcome was decided.

Zhang Fei knew his limits and would never strike a killing blow in a friendly match. He yanked hard on the reins, bringing his black steed to a sudden stop, and bellowed, “Splendid! Absolutely splendid! I haven’t felt so exhilarated since my last bout with Hansheng!”

Zhao Yun, somewhat disheveled, climbed to his feet, looking dejectedly at the triumphant Zhang Fei atop his horse. “I lost,” he admitted.

Zhang Fei leapt from his horse and strode over, clapping Zhao Yun on the shoulder. “Pretty boy, you didn’t lose! If my horse hadn’t been better, the best you and I could’ve managed was a draw. And look at me—you even tore my clothes! Remember to pay me back for that, you rascal!” This was Zhang Fei’s nature: as long as someone could give him an exhilarating fight or drink with him to their heart’s content, that person was his brother. Zhao Yun’s performance had thoroughly earned his approval.

Zhao Yun, embarrassed by Zhang Fei’s hearty manner, mumbled, “I’ll pay you back.”

Zhang Fei’s eyes widened in surprise, then he burst into loud laughter. He hadn’t expected Zhao Yun to take his joke seriously.

“Hahaha! Zilong, there’s no need. Yide is only jesting,” Liu Yao and a few others approached, laughing themselves at Zhao Yun’s predicament.

Liu Yao, seeing Zhao Yun still somewhat downcast, said, “Zilong, there’s no need for disappointment. Your skill is in no way inferior to Yide’s. What you lack is a fine steed.” He then called to a nearby guard, “Someone, bring out the Jade Lion Horse from my stables.”

Huang Zhong and the others started in surprise. The Jade Lion Horse was no less than any treasured steed they themselves rode, but it was wild and notoriously hard to tame. They hadn’t expected Liu Yao to bestow such a precious horse on a newcomer. But considering Zhao Yun’s youth and prowess, they soon accepted it.

“My lord, I am newly arrived—how can I accept such a treasure? Please, my lord, take it back,” Zhao Yun hastily declined. Though he did not know exactly what kind of horse the Jade Lion was, the astonished expressions of Huang Zhong and Zhang Fei made it clear this was no ordinary animal.

“It’s nothing. A hero deserves a fine steed, and with your skill, you must not be without one,” Liu Yao replied nonchalantly. In truth, the Jade Lion was always meant to be Zhao Yun’s—this was simply returning it to its rightful owner. Suddenly, Liu Yao seemed to recall something and looked at Zhao Yun. “Zilong, why do you still call me ‘my lord’—do you not wish to join me?”

Only then did Zhao Yun realize his oversight, deeply moved, tears welling in his eyes as he knelt. “Zhao Yun greets his lord.”

“Good, good! Quickly, rise, Zilong.” Liu Yao hurried to help him up, a little exasperated to see Zhao Yun’s tear-filled eyes. He could not help but muse, “Why are people in ancient times so quick to tears?” Having never encountered such things in his previous life, Liu Yao could hardly understand the sentiment of dying for one who truly appreciates you.

Not long after, two guards led the Jade Lion Horse into the training grounds. Zhao Yun’s gaze was riveted upon it. The horse’s coat was pure white without a single blemish, a long mane framing its neck like a lion’s, eyes fierce and untamed. If the two guards had not held its reins tightly, it might have long since bolted.

“Zilong,” Liu Yao introduced, “this Jade Lion Horse is the finest warhorse brought from the Wuhuan. Its temper is wild—few can approach, let alone ride it. If you can tame it, the horse is yours.”

“Thank you, my lord. I will do my utmost,” Zhao Yun replied with confidence, then walked slowly toward the horse. The Jade Lion merely glanced at him, then lost interest.

With a sudden dash, Zhao Yun mounted the horse before it could react.

The Jade Lion, sensing a rider on its back, reared up with a shrill neigh, trying to throw Zhao Yun off.

“What a fiery beast! But I don’t believe I can’t tame you!” Zhao Yun’s competitive spirit blazed. He gripped the reins tightly and pressed close to the horse’s back, refusing to yield no matter how the horse bucked or twisted. He gritted his teeth and hung on without budging.

No one knew how long this contest lasted. The Jade Lion’s movements gradually slowed, while Zhao Yun, battered and sore from the ordeal, still clung stubbornly on. Now it was a test of endurance and patience—whoever held out would be the victor.

At last, the Jade Lion seemed to make one final attempt, rearing with a piercing cry and spinning in midair to cast Zhao Yun off. Yet Zhao Yun remained unmoved, pressed flat against its back.

Then, the Jade Lion appeared to surrender; it let out a mournful whinny, as if admitting defeat, and ceased to move, standing quietly.

Zhao Yun, seeing the horse had given up, knew it had submitted. Among animals, might makes right—having tamed the Jade Lion, Zhao Yun had earned its respect.

He dismounted, gently stroking the mane around the horse’s neck. The Jade Lion nuzzled his arm affectionately. Looking into the horse’s eyes, Zhao Yun’s heart swelled with heroic spirit. “Follow me, and together we shall forge a great legacy.”

Horses have their own intelligence, and the Jade Lion seemed to understand, giving a long, friendly neigh, as if in agreement.

“Hahaha! A hero and a fine steed—this Jade Lion is truly a perfect match for you,” Liu Yao laughed heartily, delighted at Zhao Yun’s success.

“Thank you for your gift, my lord,” Zhao Yun replied gratefully.

Liu Yao waved his hand dismissively. “Think nothing of it. No one else could tame this horse—you have proven yourself, and so it rightfully belongs to you.”

“Oh, my lord, enough talk! Let us drink! Today we must not leave the table until Zilong is drunk with us!” Zhang Fei interjected enthusiastically.

“You, you…” Liu Yao shook his head with a helpless smile at this wine-lover, but did not object.

Just then, a guard hurried over. “My lord, Lord Tian Feng requests your presence at the Hall of Worthies.”

“Oh!” Liu Yao was surprised. He wondered, “Could it be someone has come to offer their service?” Turning to Zhang Fei and the others, he said, “Yide, you go and drink among yourselves.”

“Yes, my lord!” Understanding Liu Yao had important business, Zhang Fei did not dare interrupt. He seized Zhao Yun by the arm and hurried off to drink, their laughter echoing as they disappeared.