Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1626 - 829: Lantern Market Avenue

"Of course." Shen Liu nodded at Lian Manman with a smile.

This horse is a Wusun Liang Ju, brought from the west in the autumn. He specially chose the most beautiful, the best, and also the gentlest in temperament, and handed it over to the most capable horse trainer under him for care and training. Months have passed, and this horse has not let him down.

If he hadn’t planned to give this horse to Lian Manman, why would he have gone to such lengths?

And now, seeing the undisguised delight on Lian Manman’s face, Shen Liu felt that the effort he put in and the months he spent preparing such a gift were worth it. His guess was correct, compared to gold and jewels, Lian Manman indeed preferred such a gift. And he himself also felt that, compared to giving gold and jewels, this gift better expressed his intentions.

"Sixth Master, this gift is too precious, and I truly feel unworthy to accept it, but it would be disrespectful to refuse, so I accept it with gratitude. Thank you, Sixth Master!" Lian Manman bowed to Shen Liu.

"Thank me after you learn to ride," said Shen Liu, "Nowadays, things are peaceful, and many of our customs have followed the south. Before, the women of Liaodong Prefecture..."

As Shen Liu spoke, he seemed to recall something, and his tone paused slightly.

"...Several wives in the Shen Family of past generations were no less skilled than men at horseback riding and fighting." Shen Liu continued, his voice lowered, as if there was a sense of nostalgia.

The past stories of the Shen Family have become legends in Liaodong Prefecture. For instance, the founding head of the family, who followed the first emperor, had a wife who was not only bold but also incredibly strong, standing by her husband’s side through life and death. Later, when marrying daughters-in-law, the Shen Family often chose brides from military families. It was only after the world gradually became peaceful that this changed.

When Shen Liu said several women in the Shen Family were no less than men in riding and fighting, it didn’t seem like an exaggeration. The anecdotes Lian Manman had heard, it was said that a lady of the Shen Family, although having bound feet, could ride like the wind.

Lian Manman listened quietly, not saying anything. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Mount up, let’s go!" Shen Liu glanced at Lian Manman once more, waved his hand, and said.

Everyone mounted their horses, Shen Liu naturally had his own exclusive mount, Wu Lang and Lian Shouxin were also invited onto their horses by the servant, and Xiao Qi refused to go with Lady Zhang in the sedan chair, insisting on being with Lian Manman, so the two siblings ended up riding the big black horse together.

The black horse had been trained, and with someone leading it, there was no fear of danger, even if the siblings couldn’t ride yet.

The architecture of the Shen Mansion was different from other noble residences, similar to the streets and buildings of Shen City, incorporating many military elements. From Phoenix Tower to the main gate, there was a dedicated horse path. Once the group exited the gate, another troop of soldiers was already waiting there, besides Commander Zhang leading a dozen riders for escort, there were also family guards and servants following on foot, heading straight towards Lantern Market Street.

Amidst the drifting snowflakes, the colorful lanterns lining the street displayed a unique charm. The street stalls of various goods, along with all kinds of lanterns, weren’t diminished by this. Although there were many people viewing the lanterns on the main street, it was somewhat less noisy and crowded due to the falling snow, providing easy passage for the horse team.

Entering the lantern market, the horses in front slowed down, and everyone on horseback, including the escorting soldiers, began to appreciate the scenery of the lantern market. Lian Manman knew that many of these escorting soldiers had followed Shen Liu from the Border Town. This time serving as escorts was largely to seize the opportunity to enjoy the lanterns during their hectic schedule.

Lian Manman and Xiao Qi, riding in the center of the formation, with Shen Liu right ahead. Seeing the lanterns on horseback for the first time, Xiao Qi was filled with wonder, his little face flushed with excitement, his big eyes almost not enough to take it all in. Lian Manman, naturally, was much more composed than Xiao Qi, but her joy was not a bit less than his.

Wearing snow hats and wrapped in thick mink fur cloaks, the siblings didn’t need to hold the reins, showing only their faces. Passersby merely saw them as two half-grown children. As long as they didn’t speak, it was hard to tell if they were boys or girls. So Lian Manman wasn’t concerned, holding Xiao Qi as they watched the lanterns, occasionally whispering to each other and sharing a few laughs.