"Since they're still so young, why were they retired so early?"
"Well, that's because…"
The young eunuch had only gotten halfway through his answer when he suddenly noticed something off about the voice that had just asked the question.
Turning around, he caught sight of the person speaking and immediately stiffened. Hastily bowing, he cried, "Your servant pays respects to the Fifth Princess and the Sixth Prince!"
"You may rise," Yun Shu said with a casual wave of her hand. "Go on. If those warhorses are only five or six years old, why have they already been retired?"
"T-this… Your servant only heard it from others," the eunuch stammered.
"In the army, warhorses are trained starting around the age of two. Constant galloping and insufficient rest severely wear down their hooves over time. Once the damage reaches a certain point, the horses can no longer handle the demands of the battlefield and must be retired."
"…"
That's it?
Yun Shu fell silent, her brows knitting in thought. Didn't they have horseshoes?
She looked up, voice tinged with concern. "Then will Du Du eventually be unable to carry me too, because of worn-out hooves?"
Du Du was the squat little pony gifted to her by Noble Consort Liu. With its round belly and chubby form, Yun Shu had affectionately named it Du Du, after its pudgy appearance.
She snapped back to attention and gave the eunuch an order.
"Go and bring Du Du out at once. I must check whether his hooves have been damaged!"
"My horse too!" Yun Chuhuan chimed in urgently. "Bring Jinglei as well!"
"Yes, Your Highnesses!"
The two young eunuchs did not dare delay. They hurried into the stables and returned shortly with Dudu and Jinglei in tow.
As instructed, they carefully lifted the ponies' hooves, letting Yun Shu and Yun Chuhuan inspect them.
"Is this worn or not?" Yun Chuhuan squinted, clearly unsure. "Jinglei can still run, right?"
"Of course!" one of the eunuchs quickly nodded. "Both Your Highnesses' horses are still young and haven't been run hard. Their hooves are in excellent condition."
"Good!" Yun Chuhuan exhaled in relief and promptly lost interest in the matter.
But Yun Shu remained troubled. "Still, they'll have to run again in the future. As long as they run, there'll be wear... No. I have to make shoes for him!"
The eunuch opened his mouth, just about to mention that, given how infrequently the princess actually rode, it was virtually impossible for Du Du's hooves to suffer the same fate as a warhorse's. But he wisely kept silent. "???"
Hidden in the shadows, the Dragon Shadow Guards observing from afar said nothing either. "…"
In accordance with Emperor Xuanwu's orders, two Dragon Shadow Guards had split up—one remaining nearby while the other returned to the imperial study, ready to report the moment the Emperor concluded court.
When Emperor Xuanwu received the message, his brow lifted ever so slightly. "?"
If not for the Simulation Life Selection System's earlier revelations, he would have dismissed this latest update as one of his daughter's more absurd whims—hardly worth a second thought.
So absurd, in fact, that he wouldn't have spared even the briefest moment's consideration.
And yet… he now found himself seriously contemplating the feasibility of horseshoes.
Custom-fitted shoes made for each warhorse, tailored to the size of their hooves...
Forget it.
The more he imagined it, the more ludicrous it seemed. He could practically envision warhorses charging into battle with little shoes flying off in all directions.
And if that were to happen—how would one wage war?
By amusing the enemy to death?
The Simulation Life Selection System could not possibly offer such an unreliable path.
Perhaps his fifth daughter was only speaking offhandedly. Perhaps the true solution had not yet come to her.
Unaware that her casual remark about "putting shoes on horses" had already reached her Imperial Father's ears, Yun Shu left the palace and headed first to the restaurant.
She did a quick inspection to ensure all the furnishings matched her instructions. Tang Xinhua was gradually growing more adept at managing the place's many mundane affairs, leaving Yun Shu with little to worry about.
Satisfied, she made her way to the Ministry of Works.
By chance, just as she arrived at the ministry's gates, a carriage pulled up beside her. It belonged to Tang Yuanlin.
Surprised to encounter Yun Shu at this time and place, Tang Yuanlin blinked in mild astonishment before his expression warmed visibly.
"Your Highness, what brings you to the Ministry of Works today?"
"I've been tinkering with ways to produce low-cost paper," Yun Shu replied easily. "A few days ago, I managed to create a thin sheet—just one, but I think it has potential. Unfortunately, I'm missing some materials back in the palace, so I came here to borrow the Ministry's resources.
If it works, I might even have something ready in time for the Wanshou Festival. It would make a fine tribute to Father Emperor."
As she spoke, Yun Shu removed a small satchel from her back. From within, she produced an oiled-paper package and handed it to Tang Yuanlin.
"These are some treats I made myself. I came on horseback today, so I couldn't bring much. Please try them. If you like them, I'll make more next time."
"How could I impose on Your Highness to prepare something like this for me?" Tang Yuanlin's eyes were bright with delight. He accepted the bundle with both hands, offering profuse thanks. Then his gaze grew earnest.
"Your Highness is a precious jewel of the realm. If this was simply a passing fancy, then all is well, but please—do not tire yourself over such tasks."
"Grandfather, don't worry. I'll take good care of myself." Yun Shu gave him a reassuring nod, then stepped into the Ministry with him. As they walked, she asked, "Is Grand Preceptor Ye in today?"
"He should be. Most likely tinkering away on some new contraption in his workroom again."
Ye Qing'an—better known now as Grand Preceptor Ye—had originally been a Ministry of Works official. Emperor Xuanwu had personally recruited him to serve as tutor to both Yun Shu and Yun Chuhuan, unwilling to let such a rare talent go to waste.
His official post remained with the Ministry, though ever since his promotion, he rarely made more than a few appearances each month. The Ministry had long since stopped assigning him tasks.
Ye Qing'an didn't seem to mind in the slightest. He'd always had a passion for curious inventions. The feather quill and printing techniques Yun Shu had developed had fascinated him. And ever since hearing her mention the concept of "innovation," he had felt truly enlightened.
These days, whenever he had spare time, he would shut himself in a quiet room, poring over strange and marvelous ideas that most others would dismiss as nonsense.
Today, no doubt, would be the same.
After explaining Ye Qing'an's habits, Tang Yuanlin offered politely, "If Your Highness needs to speak with him, this old official will summon him at once."
"No need. I was merely asking in passing."
She hadn't expected her young Grand Preceptor to be such a natural inventor. Pleased by the thought, Yun Shu had no wish to disturb him.
"Besides, I've official business to attend to," she added with a light smile.