"Undercover horse," Lian Manman secretly mocked in her heart but had no choice but to follow Da Hei.

Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, Shen Qian, and a few others pulled on their reins and quickly caught up. Lian Shouxin also mounted a horse, while Lady Zhang and the other maidens remained in the carriage, following the horse team into the forest.

Although Shen Liu claimed they came to hunt, once inside the forest, he did not rush but instead loosened the reins, allowing the horse to walk slowly.

"Originally, there were no maple trees in Jiuyun Mountain," Shen Liu slowly said, pointing at the surrounding maple forest, "These maple trees were planted by our ancestors."

This was the first time Lian Manman heard such a statement.

"So, this Jiuyun Mountain must be the private property of Sixth Master?" Lian Manman asked, thinking to herself that it was no wonder such beautiful scenery existed without many visitors. Although it was somewhat far from Prefecture City, for families with horses and carriages, it was not a big deal.

Of course, she did not yet know that although Jiuyun Mountain belonged to the Shen Family, it was usually not strictly forbidden for people to visit. It was only today, with Shen Liu hunting, that tourists were prohibited.

"Not entirely," Shen Liu replied, "It’s just the few surrounding peaks that are watched closely. Further away, people from nearby villages can still come to chop wood and hunt."

Lian Manman nodded, understanding that Jiuyun Mountain was indeed the Shen Family’s private property, with the few nearby peaks serving as the Shen Family’s enclosure, forbidden to outsiders.

As Shen Liu spoke, he suddenly reined in his horse and stopped, halting Lian Manman’s horse as well. The people following behind stopped without need for orders.

"Look over there..." Shen Liu quietly said, pointing with his horsewhip to the right front.

Lian Manman followed Shen Liu’s gesture, noticing that the ground between the maple trees was covered in thick leaves. About an arrow’s distance away, something was moving. Upon closer inspection, she saw deer antlers, and then the body of a Spotted Deer flashed by, leaping deeper into the maple forest.

"It’s a Spotted Deer!" Lian Manman whispered, fearing a loud voice would scare the beautiful creature away.

Wu Lang, Xiao Qi, and Shen Qian also saw the Spotted Deer, and their eyes immediately lit up.

"Go ahead, let’s see who can hunt the first deer today," Shen Liu said in a deep voice.

The followers were waiting for this moment and immediately urged their horses to scatter and encircle the area.

"Manman, don’t go in any further," Wu Lang said as he rode up to Lian Manman, fearing she would urge her horse to chase the Spotted Deer. Beyond the right front, there was no path. "Stay here, Father and mother will be here soon."

Lian Shouxin rode slowly with the carriage in tow. Due to the slope blocking their view, it was impossible to see where Lian Shouxin and the others were, but they wouldn’t be far behind.

"Okay." Lian Manman nodded in agreement.

Only then did Wu Lang ride to join the others in pursuit of the Spotted Deer. Xiao Qi urged Shen Qian, and the three quickly joined the hunting team ahead.

Shen Liu leisurely sat on his horse without moving. The two servants who had been following closely behind him were nowhere to be seen.

"Sixth Master, aren’t you going?" Lian Manman asked Shen Liu.

"No rush," Shen Liu replied, urging his horse to continue down the forest path.

Da Hei didn’t need urging, following alongside Shen Liu’s horse. Observing the dynamic between Da Hei and Shen Liu’s White Horse, it seemed the two horses had a deep bond.

The forest scenery was ideal, the air fresh with a slight moistness, mixed with the faint earthy scent of mud and more of the aromatic blend of half-green, half-yellow wild grass, leaves, and wildflowers. Sunlight passed through the varying density of leaves, casting a dappled pattern on both human and horse—a captivating play of light and shadow.

The distant neighs of horses, barks of dogs, and human voices seemed to gradually fade, leaving only tranquility. Birdcalls and the sound of hooves on leaves deepened this tranquility.

Without words from Shen Liu, neither did Lian Manman speak. The two horses walked side by side, as if both people and horses were savoring the peaceful moment.

After a while, the path in the forest suddenly forked, and Shen Liu stopped his horse again.

"Could Sixth Master be lost?" Lian Manman teased with a smile.

Shen Liu didn’t immediately answer but turned his head, looking intently at Lian Manman. Surprised by this sudden relaxation, Lian Manman found herself joking with Shen Liu—her recent words seemed a bit too familiar.

The forest seemed even quieter now.

In the September forest, there was already a bit of chill, yet Shen Liu’s gaze warmed like summer. Under Shen Liu’s ambiguous yet somehow intensely clear-eyes, Lian Manman was at a loss. She didn’t know whether to shift her gaze or return it, resulting in her face turning crimson.

Shen Liu’s eyes narrowed slightly, the arch at the corners of his mouth becoming more pronounced. At this moment, sunlight pierced through the gaps in the leaves, illuminating his face.

Warm, dazzling, the blush on Lian Manman’s cheeks gradually seeped to the corners of her eyes.

"I will show you something nice," Shen Liu softly said, extending his hand toward Lian Manman.

Lian Manman hesitated, looking at Shen Liu. Their eyes met, and for a long time, no words were exchanged.

"Okay!" Lian Manman finally whispered and yet didn’t extend her hand.

Shen Liu chuckled lightly, using his outstretched hand to loop around Da Hei’s reins. As Lian Manman also held the reins, their hands brushed against each other.

Shen Liu’s hand moved slightly, as if intending to grasp Lian Manman’s hand.

Lian Manman quickly withdrew her hand, leaving Shen Liu grasping empty air.

"What is this ’something nice’? Don’t deceive me. If I don’t like it, there will be consequences," Lian Manman laughed softly.

...

Second update, requesting pink tickets. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit qidian.com to cast recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read on m.qidian.com.)