Jiuyun Mountain is not a single peak but a mountain range connected by several peaks. Today, Wu Lang plans to take his family to explore the main peak of Jiuyun Mountain, as this particular area has the most maple trees and the best scenery, making it ideal for sightseeing.

As they gradually approached the foot of the mountain, surrounded by the beautifully dyed autumn foliage, Lian Manman wanted to get out of the carriage again. Just as she mentioned this to Lady Zhang and lifted the curtain, she heard the sound of horse hooves approaching rapidly from behind.

Lian Manman was curious. Judging by the sound, there were at least dozens of riders, coming at full speed. Who in the area had come here to hunt? The Double Ninth Festival is not only a time for climbing and admiring the autumn scenery but also an excellent season for autumn hunting. Today, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi went out with their bows and arrows, hoping to bring back some wild game if they were lucky.

As for their horsemanship and archery, Wu Lang and Xiao Qi just learned over the past two years. Boys seem to have a natural inclination and talent for these skills. Their riding and shooting master was one of the martial arts instructors hired by the Shen Family. These instructors were carefully selected from the troops under Shen Liu. As the saying goes, "A renowned teacher produces outstanding students." Wu Lang and Xiao Qi have already developed quite a good stance.

The primary reason everyone was so eager to visit Jiuyun Mountain was largely that Wu Lang and Xiao Qi wanted to test their skills.

"Whose people are they?" Lian Manman asked. In and around Prefecture City, who owns so many fine horses?

By this time, the sound of horse hooves had approached closely. Lian Manman’s family’s convoy also came to a halt, with Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi riding to the back of the convoy, facing the newcomers.

"It’s from the Shen Family, people under Sixth Master." Several maids, including Ji Xiang and Ru Yi, had gotten out of the carriage and were attending by Lian Manman’s carriage.

"Oh? They..." Lian Manman thought for a moment, then swallowed the question she was about to ask. The Shen Family was also coming to Jiuyun Mountain today, yet Wu Lang hadn’t mentioned it at all. Just yesterday, Wu Lang had visited the Shen Mansion to request a leave from Master Chu. With Shen Liu’s people here, what about Shen Liu himself?

"Quickly, have the madam and the young lady get off the carriage," Lian Shouxin’s voice came, as Lian Manman was still unsure. "Sixth Master is here; everyone come to pay respects to Sixth Master."

Shen Liu had indeed arrived.

Lian Manman hurriedly got out of the carriage with Lady Zhang. The two quickly tidied their attire and saw Shen Liu, flanked by Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and others, already dismounting and walking over.

"Greetings to Sixth Master, may Sixth Master be blessed," Lian Manman and Lady Zhang promptly curtsied to Shen Liu.

"Please rise, madam. There’s no need for such formalities outside," Shen Liu raised his hand, courteously saluting Lady Zhang.

Lian Manman then supported Lady Zhang to stand up and glanced at Shen Liu again.

Today, Shen Liu was dressed very neatly, with a golden crown on his hair, wearing a silver brocade robe with arrow sleeves, over which was a white soft armor, and solid-soled boots on his feet. Two personal servants followed closely behind Shen Liu, one carrying a silver bow, and the other a deerskin quiver.

They were indeed here for hunting.

At this moment, a young man in light green arrow sleeves approached from behind Shen Liu, accompanied by a smiling Xiao Qi. So Shen Qian had also come. Lian Manman and Lady Zhang quickly prepared to salute again, but Shen Qian waved them off, saying it was unnecessary, and respectfully saluted Lady Zhang and Lian Manman. Lady Zhang and Lian Manman quickly returned the gesture.

"I mentioned that outside, there’s no need for formalities," Shen Liu reiterated.

Everyone then remained standing without further formalities, all with smiles on their faces, awaiting to hear what else Shen Liu had to say.

"This is your first time out hunting, so don’t wander off; just follow Master Zhou," Shen Liu said to Wu Lang and Xiao Qi, pointing to a robust man in short attire behind him.

Wu Lang and Xiao Qi both respectfully saluted the robust man, whom Lian Manman knew was Master Zhou, their riding and archery instructor.

"Don’t run around either, stay with Master Zhou and Master Zhao, and keep an eye on Xiao Qi," Shen Liu instructed Shen Qian.

Shen Qian, having started learning horsemanship and archery earlier than Wu Lang and Xiao Qi, had previously gone hunting with Shen Liu and was considered an "old hand." However, since he was still young, Shen Liu essentially meant to have the martial arts masters look after him too.

"Sixth Brother, I understand," Shen Qian agreed readily.

Shen Liu then turned his gaze back towards Lian Shouxin, Lady Zhang, and Lian Manman.

"Sixth Master, please feel free to lead them; you don’t need to mind us," Lian Shouxin responded quickly with a smile. "We’re not hunting; we’re just here for the scenery."

"Indeed," Lady Zhang chimed in with a smile.

"There’s nothing much to see out here," Shen Liu said, maintaining his expression as his gaze fell briefly on Lian Manman before shifting away. "The best scenery is further in. It’s your first visit, so you’re unfamiliar with the route. No one knows it better than I do; you all should follow me, just avoid venturing too deep inside."

With Shen Liu’s offer, Lian Shouxin, Lady Zhang, and Lian Manman felt it was inappropriate to refuse, so they thanked him and agreed.

While they were talking, they heard the clattering sound of hooves, and Da Hei, Lian Manman’s black horse, nonchalantly made its way through the crowd. The black horse approached not anyone else, but directly headed to Shen Liu. It lightly pawed the ground, snorted, and nudged its head against Shen Liu’s arm.

The black horse was originally majestic and had been well cared for by the Lian Family, looking even more sleek and glossy.

Shen Liu placed a hand on Da Hei’s head, a faint smile gracing his features.

...

Here concludes the first part; I am off to diligently work on the next one. Looking forward to your pink votes... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to vote for it on Qidian [qidian.com] with recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)