The snorting sound of the Da Hei Horse grew more and more pleasant, and its broom-like large tail swayed back and forth, expressing the owner’s joyful mood.

Clearly, this Da Hei Horse had once been very close to Shen Liu and had been greatly loved. It still remembered its former master and was very attached to him.

Just like the horse, Shen Liu, aside from a rare smile on his face, also exhibited remarkably gentle gestures while stroking the Da Hei Horse. Clearly, this former master also still thought fondly of the Da Hei Horse and enjoyed its friendly manner.

At this moment, all around was silent, including Shen Liu; none of the people made any noise. Only the slight breeze blowing across treetops, the gentle flow of the creek through the meadow, and the subtle restless sounds of dozens of fine horses could be heard. These were well-trained battle horses, eager to run through the forest and the wild, to chase prey, but without a command from their master, they had to suppress this yearning.

Everything appeared so harmonious and beautiful.

The whole family came to Jiuyun Mountain to see the maple leaves and, meeting Shen Liu here... these people were also part of such a lovely event, Lian Manman thought with a smile.

At this moment, Shen Liu had already patted the head of the Da Hei Horse, turning to look at Lian Manman.

"The horse is well kept!" Shen Liu, as the former owner, first expressed his satisfaction with the current state of the Da Hei Horse. "Today you’ve brought it out, planning to ride it? I’ve heard from Xiao Qi that your riding skills have improved quite a bit."

The tack on the Da Hei Horse was vivid, made of fine Yanhong Deer Skin and silver-red floral brocade, clearly prepared as a mount for a young lady.

Hearing Shen Liu’s words, Lian Manman’s face flushed slightly. Because her family watched her closely, fearing any little injury she might incur from riding, her riding skills were, in fact, still rough and not even as good as younger Xiao Qi’s. Xiao Qi must have been boasting about her skills in front of Shen Liu.

"Sixth Master overpraises me, it’s merely passable," Lian Manman said.

"Going further in, the roads are still spacious and not challenging; the horse knows the way, you can let it run freely," Shen Liu spoke as he patted the horse’s body.

The Da Hei Horse snorted, trotted away from Shen Liu, approaching Lian Manman. Towards its new owner, the Da Hei Horse was also familiar and fond of her. To master horse riding, Lian Manman often personally fed the Da Hei Horse premium fodder to foster a bond. Her dedication paid off, and the Da Hei Horse was quite humane, leading to good results naturally.

"That’s wonderful." Lian Manman touched the forehead of the Da Hei Horse now beside her and took hold of its reins, saying with a laugh. Then, she instinctively glanced at Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang. She had initially worried that once in the mountains, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang would stop her from riding the horse. Now that Shen Liu had spoken, there would be no such obstruction.

Someone led Shen Liu’s mount over, Shen Liu swiftly mounted his horse and waved his hand, and his retinue responded in unison, all mounting their horses. Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, and Shen Qian were also in the group, accompanied by Master Zhou and Master Zhao, along with several of the Lian Family’s most skilled riding servants.

"Father, Mother..." Lian Manman smiled at Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang understood that Lian Manman intended to ride a horse. They had promised her when they arrived, and now it’s difficult to refuse. Both nodded.

"Well... Manman, just ride for a while. Later, Sixth Master and the others will head into the mountain, and your brother and younger brother will go as well. The three of us will stroll around here, that’s good enough." Lian Shouxin told Lian Manman.

"As a young lady, don’t cause trouble for Sixth Master and the others." Lady Zhang quietly reminded Lian Manman.

"Mm, I understand," Lian Manman agreed and mounted her horse.

On horseback, Lian Manman noticed that behind the horse team, Shen Liu’s retinue also brought many hunting dogs. Shen Liu merely pointed forward, and barking erupted. The attendants, with the dogs, advanced into the woods first, searching and encircling prey.

Seeing this sight, the men’s blood naturally surged with excitement, and even Lian Manman felt somewhat thrilled.

Shen Liu then led his horse in front of Lian Manman; Lian Manman intended to evade, yet somehow Shen Liu waved his whip, and the Da Hei Horse automatically turned its head, trotting alongside Shen Liu’s White Horse.