"Brother, haven’t you forgotten because you’re busy? When are we going? How about in the next couple of days? If we wait, it’ll get colder, and the leaves will fall, so it won’t look as good as now." Lian Manman said to Wu Lang.

During the Double Ninth Festival, it is customary to climb high. This tradition makes sense because this season showcases autumn’s beauty. It’s the perfect time to stroll in the mountains and forests, to climb high and look far.

"How could I forget?" Wu Lang laughed, "I’ve been thinking, we’ll go in the next couple of days."

"Alright." Lian Manman nodded happily. The whole family agreed to go and enjoy a day out together.

After being busy for a few more days, Lian Manman’s family finally found some free time. That evening, Wu Lang returned from outside and told Lian Manman that he was free tomorrow, so the family could go to Jiuyun Mountain to see the maple leaves. Lian Manman was naturally excited and started thinking about what they should bring. Since Jiuyun Mountain is a bit far, if they intend to have a proper outing for the day, they would need to bring plenty for a picnic.

"It’s rare for our family to go out and play, Xiao Qi should go too." Lian Manman suddenly remembered, "Xiao Qi, I remember you have lessons tomorrow. How about you quickly ask Master Chu for leave?"

"Sister, I’ve already taken leave today." Xiao Qi happily told Lian Manman, "Just now, our brother brought me back and met Master Chu, so I asked for leave."

"Oh." Lian Manman smiled, Wu Lang is meticulous and considerate, she should have thought of that already.

"Looks like you got lucky!" Lian Manman poked Xiao Qi’s face and said.

Xiao Qi had grown up over the past couple of years, and Lian Manman rarely did this poking and prodding motion. Yet, the siblings were always close, and sometimes when happy, Lian Manman couldn’t help but poke Xiao Qi’s face which still retained some baby fat.

Xiao Qi rubbed his face where Lian Manman poked him and laughed, then excitedly discussed with Lian Manman about what they should bring. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were indifferent about going out, but seeing the three children happy, they naturally followed suit in happiness.

The night passed uneventfully, and the next day, the family woke up early, took their entourage, and set out from the city.

The autumn air was crisp and the weather was clear. Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi all rode horses. Lian Manman and Lady Zhang shared a carriage. Behind them were two more carriages, one containing Duofu, Ji Xiang, and Ru Yi, their personal maidservants, and the last one packed with food supplies. The head maid serving Lady Zhang, Duoshou, stayed behind with two young maidservants to watch the house.

Aside from those in the carriage, there was also a group of stewards and servants surrounding them. Lian Manman’s big black horse was also led out, prepared for her to ride once they were out of the city, on a flat and less crowded path.

To get to Jiuyun Mountain, they passed through the West City Gate. At the gate, because they brought along an entourage, the guarding soldiers didn’t question them and let them out of the city.

After leaving the West City Gate, the official road was busy with pedestrians and vehicles. The weather was good, and being a festival, many people from the city also ventured out for a day trip. Outside the West City Gate, besides the relatively distant Jiuyun Mountain, there were also a couple of temples and some scenic spots closer by. After traveling on the official road for about ten miles, the pedestrians and vehicles gradually thinned. Lian Manman’s family’s convoy left the official road, turning right onto a rural dirt road.

Though called a rural dirt road, it was not as wide as the official road, yet it was well-maintained with fine sand surface, flanked by tall poplar trees. Seeing fewer people along the road, Lian Manman wanted to ride her horse but was stopped by Wu Lang.

"Manman, this road is narrow, you’d better stay in the carriage to avoid bumps and scrapes. Wait until there’s a more open space, then you can get out and ride." Wu Lang told Lian Manman.

With Wu Lang saying so, Lian Manman had to sit back in the carriage.

"My brother is old-fashioned." Lian Manman quietly complained to Lady Zhang.

"Your brother is being cautious and thinking of your safety." Lady Zhang laughed.

Lian Manman snorted, continuing to express dissatisfaction. In truth, she wasn’t really upset about it. Lady Zhang was right; Wu Lang was particularly prudent in his actions. As the eldest son of the family, it’s a commendable quality. Apparently, in every household, older brothers and sisters, especially eldest sons and daughters, possess this quality.

As the carriages continued forward, villages could be seen occasionally, and the outline of Jiuyun Mountain became increasingly visible to everyone. As the saying goes, "Seeing a mountain is exhausting but riding a horse to it is even more challenging." From the first sight of Jiuyun Mountain to actually reaching its foot, there was still a considerable distance to travel.