Chapter 2

As a child, his family had worried he might be slow-witted. Fortunately, as he grew older, no intellectual deficiencies appeared. In fact, he learned to read and write quickly, which reassured his parents.

But while his mind was sharp, his weak constitution was undeniable.

As a child, his fair complexion made him endearing, but he remained thin and small, like a lamb that couldn’t be fattened no matter how much he was fed.

The slightest bump or scrape would make him cry, even if his skin wasn’t broken. A gust of wind or a sudden rain in midsummer could easily leave him with a cold. He had been delicate since birth.

More than once, a moment of carelessness led to serious illness. If not for his grandfather being a physician and ensuring prompt treatment, he might not have lived to this age.

His grandfather said he had a congenital weakness—his senses were more acute than most.

He fell ill more easily and felt pain more intensely, requiring far greater care than ordinary people.

Knowing his own frailty, Taehyung had studied medicine under his grandfather to spare his parents some trouble.

But as the only ger in the family, his parents never saw him as a burden. Instead, they felt guilty and took even greater pains to care for him.

His father, a shrewd man, had made early arrangements for his future, betrothing him as a child to a boy from their village.

Over the years, the family had supported the Yu family’s second son in his studies, and their efforts hadn't been in vain. The young man had already earned his xiucai degree and was now taking the provincial exam, his future bright.

The family hoped he would pass this time. Once the marriage was settled, Taehyung’s future would be secure.

Seeing Taehyung silent, the Yu family’s ger pressed on with certainty:

"Well, you’re so pretty. There must be wealthy families in the city who’d want you."

"Xia ger, where did you hear such nonsense?"

Over the years, there had indeed been lustful young nobles or wealthy merchants who sought Taehyung, but none with honorable intentions—they only wanted to buy a plaything.

His parents despised such people, and it was a sore spot for him. He wasn’t sure if the Yu family’s ger was simply blunt or deliberately mocking.

Just as Taehyung was about to retort, a heavy clatter of hooves sounded behind them.

They turned to see a sleek black horse with a piercing gaze trotting steadily down the wide earthen path.

Though the horse wasn’t galloping, its sheer size made Taehyung instinctively pull the Yu family’s ger back a few steps to avoid it.

The horse was broad-chested and well-proportioned, its coat glossy, its movements carrying an untamed wildness.

Taehyung knew little about horses, but this one seemed finer than any he’d seen before. Its snorting breath alone felt more intimidating.

Well-dressed onlookers turned their heads at the sight, murmuring in admiration.

Near the city gates, even the well-traveled elite paused to admire the horse. Taehyung guessed it must be a rare breed.

It was no wonder even the wealthy found it remarkable.

Good horses were scarce in the south. With the northwest embroiled in constant war, most horses were reserved for the military, leaving few fine specimens in the south.

For such a steed to appear on the road instead of in some noble’s stable was indeed a sight to behold.

"That man looks terrifying," the Yu family’s ger whispered, clutching Taehyung’s arm and hiding behind him.

Taehyung followed the horse’s towering frame upward.

On its back sat a man in coarse hemp clothing, a plain black cloak draped carelessly over one shoulder, lending him a rugged, frontier air.

His attire suggested no noble status—rather, he seemed like a wanderer who had traveled north and south.

The man was tall and powerfully built, his long legs gripping the horse’s sides effortlessly. The reins lay loosely in his hand, as if he controlled the beast more with his legs than with the bridle.

His sharp, expressionless eyes stared straight ahead, his imposing aura deterring anyone from meeting his gaze.

Southern men were considered tall at five chi, but even on horseback, this man stood well over six chi.

Due to his poor health, Taehyung seldom went out and had never met anyone as intimidating as the village butcher, whose bulging muscles and wide stride made him formidable.

Thankfully, the rider ignored the stares and continued forward. Had he glanced their way, Taehyung was sure his heart would have raced in fear.

Though the wealthy coveted the horse, none dared approach, fearing they might offend the rider and invite trouble.

They could only watch as the man rode his magnificent steed into the distance.

"People like that are rare around here. Even in a crowd, he’d tower over most. And that face... imagine waking up next to him in the middle of the night. You’d lose half your life from fright!"

Once the horse was gone, the Yu family’s ger reemerged, chattering about the stranger.

"Someone like Cousin—refined, gentle, and well-spoken—is much better."

Taehyung pursed his lips. Based on appearances alone, the man did seem imposing and fierce.

But people couldn’t be judged solely by their looks.

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