"Sixth Master, you like this place a lot, don’t you?" Lian Manman asked Shen Liu.

"Yes." Shen Liu nodded, "Every time I come back, if I can spare some free time, I like to come here and take a look. You see how beautiful it is now. When winter comes again, it will be a completely different scene."

Lian Manman nodded. Although she hadn’t seen it herself, she could imagine the lake and mountains having their own unique beauty in every season.

"Sixth Master, what’s the name of this valley and this lake?" Lian Manman asked Shen Liu again.

"...They haven’t been named yet." Shen Liu replied, then gazed at Lian Manman, "Manman, what do you think this valley and lake should be called?"

"Sixth Master, you’re teasing me." Lian Manman said, she didn’t believe that these places could be nameless. Even if they didn’t have names before, Shen Liu loved this place so much, how could he not have named it by now?

"When have I ever lied to you?" Shen Liu said, "If I say they don’t have names, they don’t."

"Oh." Seeing Shen Liu was serious, Lian Manman just responded with an ’oh’ and didn’t say more.

"I’ve never brought... anyone from outside the family here before." Shen Liu suddenly said, "Manman, you are the first. So, the naming of this place is left to you."

Shen Liu’s words carried deep meaning, and Lian Manman was momentarily stunned.

"Whatever name you like, from now on, that’s what it will be called." Shen Liu continued.

"This place could easily be called a Mortal Fairyland." Lian Manman thought for a moment and said, "Since it doesn’t have a name yet, there’s no need to give it one. Namelessness has its own advantages."

Just like a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. No matter how beautiful the name is, it can’t match the miracle of nature. This scene of the lake and mountains is just like that.

"Alright, then it shall be called Nameless." Shen Liu said.

Seeing Shen Liu agree, Lian Manman just smiled and didn’t argue further.

When they reached a flat, open area, Lian Manman saw the ground was quite clean and it was convenient to walk to the water’s edge, so she wanted to dismount. Shen Liu got down from the horse first, patted the White Horse, and let it graze freely. Then he walked over and reached out to help Lian Manman down.

Lian Manman’s height was quite tall for a girl her age, but the stirrup was still a bit high, and there was no mounting block. Lian Manman was thinking that since nobody was around, she could just jump down. But Shen Liu was already beside her, taking a stance to support her, and he patted his bent knee, gesturing to her.

Lian Manman hesitated slightly, then smiled lightly and gently stepped onto it. As Shen Liu straightened up with a light support, Lian Manman effortlessly landed on the ground.

The black horse, without needing any urging, trotted off to join the White Horse.

The two of them walked towards the water’s edge. After supporting Lian Manman just now, Shen Liu held her hand and didn’t let go. When they reached the water’s edge, Lian Manman crouched down to play with the water, using the movement to free her hand from Shen Liu’s grasp.

Shen Liu glanced deeply at Lian Manman but didn’t insist further.

The lake water in the Nameless Valley was clear, and in the shallow parts, one could see many small fish and shrimp. Startled by Lian Manman’s actions, they scattered but soon gathered back, finding no danger.

"The water is cold, don’t play too much and catch a chill." Shen Liu said.

The water temperature of the lake was indeed much colder than anticipated. Lian Manman agreed and stood up. Shen Liu had already cleaned a large stone next to her with the hem of his robe and had taken a blanket from under the saddle to spread on it, inviting Lian Manman to sit.

Lian Manman sat on the stone, and Shen Liu sat beside her as well. They remained silent for a while, seemingly entranced by the scenery of the lake and mountains.

"...The border is more peaceful than in previous years. This time I can stay longer at home." Shen Liu finally spoke.

"That’s great. Didn’t you say you had to go to the capital?" Lian Manman asked.

"That will be at the earliest during the winter month, when I have to report to the emperor and visit the Empress." Shen Liu replied.

"That’s necessary." Lian Manman nodded.

As they talked, it was unclear when Shen Liu again extended his hand to hold Lian Manman’s hand. Lian Manman tried to gently pull away, but Shen Liu didn’t let go, so she let him be. Shen Liu’s hand felt firm and warm, the heat from his palm spreading up Lian Manman’s arm and warming her heart.

In the warm autumn sunlight, leaning on each other, even without a word, they clearly understood each other’s feelings. That’s how it was, from youth to old age. Whether in a past life or this one, this was always Lian Manman’s simplest and deepest hope for life.

Thinking this, Lian Manman couldn’t help but look at Shen Liu. At that moment, Shen Liu was also looking at her. Their eyes met, and Shen Liu held her hand even tighter.

Drums beat with a clang, warriors rise in battle.

Beneath the country castle moat, I alone head south.

Following Sun Zizhong, we pacify Chen and Song.

Longing to return, my heart is heavy with worry.

Where to dwell? Where did my horse go?

How to seek it? Beneath the forest.

Whether in life or death, with you I made a vow.

Holding your hand, growing old together with you.

Oh, how distant, you do not sustain me.

Oh, how sincere, you do not trust me.

Shen Liu gazed at the lake as he slowly recited from the Book of Songs. Shen Liu’s voice was lovely, particularly in this setting of lake and mountains, and Lian Manman couldn’t help but be entranced by it.

"Whether in life or death, with you I made a vow. Holding your hand, growing old together with you." Shen Liu repeated, deeply looking at Lian Manman.

If the earlier words and actions were mere hints, now, they were unmistakable declarations. Shen Liu’s move was unexpected for Lian Manman, leaving her slightly at a loss. However, upon reflection, this was indeed like Shen Liu.

...

Thank you, 131012075134068 dear friend, for sending He’s Bi, and thanks to everyone for the pinks and rewards. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for it and give monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)