A New Crisis Had Arrived

"Young Madam, Master asked me to take you somewhere."

"Where?"

You'll see when you get there.

"..." (This last part is a bit mysterious and doesn't need a direct translation.)

Since there was nothing to do in the afternoon, there was no need to change carriages. Shen Lantang took Lan Xin and Baozhu and followed the servants out the door. The carriage circled around half of Zhaojing and took them to a house.

This house is located away from the center area. It looks quite large from the outside, but once you step inside, it is not grand at all; instead, it appears simple.

Shen Lantang couldn't figure out what her father-in-law was thinking, so she followed Zhang You inside until she suddenly heard a long and clear screech. The sound was extremely penetrating, and just by listening to it, one could tell that its owner must be powerful and mighty.

As Shen Lantang was thinking, she looked up and saw a pair of clear and bright eyes.

These black eyes were like a spring, gentle yet profound. They belonged to a black steed with strong, powerful limbs, as if it were about to gallop a thousand miles at any moment. Its mane was like black silk, so smooth that it attracted one's hand to touch it. Most importantly, it was those eyes that constantly drew Shen Lantang in.

A dream, a dream of a love horse!!!

Shen Lantang covered her mouth in astonishment.

"Master has heard that the young mistress loved horses in her childhood. This fine horse was acquired by you by chance and has not yet been given a master. I wonder if the young mistress would be willing to accept it?"

Shen Lantang turned her head in shock. "This horse is for me?"

Chapter 25 A New Crisis Has Arrived

Although there is an impression that horses were plentiful in ancient times, truly fine horses were still extremely rare and expensive, and were mostly kept in the military and among the powerful and wealthy. The Shen Family, being ordinary Sixth Rank officials, did not have much contact with fine horses in their daily lives.

The horse in front of me, with its looks, physique, and presence, is definitely a noble among horses!

"Yes," Zhang You nodded, "Master said it's a gift for the young mistress, as long as she's willing to accept it."

"Yes, yes, I'm willing!"

Shen Lantang nodded repeatedly. Her dream horse—how could she not want to!

"Therefore, this horse shall belong to the young mistress. She may name it and raise it."

Shen Lantang thought to herself that coming up with a name would take a lot of time; she needed to think of a name that was both cool and reflected her personality.

She calmed herself down and said, "Please Father Xie for me. I'll take the horse. May I touch it now?"

"Sure."

Zhang You summoned another man and said, "From now on, he will be your personal groom, young mistress, responsible for taking care of this horse and teaching you riding skills."

"This humble one, Wang Liu, greets the young mistress."

No need for formalities.

With a professional groom present, Shen Lantang felt much more at ease. She stepped forward and gently stroked its neck with one hand. As she expected, the black fur was indeed as smooth as silk.

The black horse raised its neck and neighed, then nuzzled her hand.

Shen Lantang exclaimed with delight, "We really are destined to meet!"

It was love at first sight, and it was a mutual attraction!

Seeing that she liked it, Zhang You was relieved. Xie Heng had entrusted him with this task, and he had inquired with the Shen Family's parents to learn that the young mistress had wanted a pony when she was young. However, people's tastes change, and liking something when you are young does not mean you will like it when you are older. Seeing her happy expression now, he naturally breathed a sigh of relief.

When giving gifts, it's always best to choose something the recipient likes.

I brought her here just in case she didn't want her. Now that she likes her, I'll naturally bring her back to the manor, since we already have a place to keep horses at home.

Shen Lantang had already spent quite some time with it on the way home, and her excitement had subsided. Therefore, Xie Hongwen was the one who reacted the most strongly upon arriving home.

Xie Hongwen stared in shock at the black horse being led by the groom. When he learned that it belonged to his mother, he ran forward on his short legs.

"Hongwen wants it too!"

"Hongwen wants it too!"

Hongwen's eyes turned red with jealousy; Hongwen wanted it too!

Shen Lantang suppressed her desire to show off and patted his head.

"Okay, but Hongwen is still too young. We'll have to wait until you're five to give it to you. Until then, Hongwen needs to eat well every day and grow up healthy so he can have his own little pony."

"Yes, yes, Hongwen will eat well and grow up quickly!"

"Good boy/girl~"

After that, the young mother and son went back to their room to look through books to name their beloved horse, while the son looked at the horse in the yard, cupping his face in his hands and dreaming about the future.

As the sun rose and set, life returned to its usual rhythm, and Shen Lantang decided to continue her grand undertaking—

Become the most beloved person in the beautiful sister's heart!

Aside from their first meeting, Shen Lantang had only asked her out twice before, and they were in the process of deepening their relationship. It's important to know that the stage of being more than acquaintances but not quite friends is the most crucial. Many relationships stagnate at this point and remain forever as "acquaintances."

How could she and such a beautiful and talented woman be just "acquaintances"?

Shen Lantang clenched her fist tightly and immediately sent an invitation to Qi Tongjun to go to the suburbs for fun the next day, and also to bring Xie Hongwen and her new favorite.

The next day, Qi Tongjun gladly accepted the appointment. Shen Lantang arrived a quarter early. After the carriage stopped, a woman in white with a pink skirt and a light-colored silk shawl hanging from her arm stepped out of the carriage. Her face, as white as snow and as bright as a silver plate, seemed to make the surrounding scenery pale in comparison as soon as she appeared in the carriage.

Indeed, there truly is a beautiful woman on the other side of the water.

"Sister Qi!"

Qi Tongjun raised her face, her beautiful eyes sparkling in the sunlight, and waved to her with a smile.

This Lakeside spot is perfect for a picnic. The willows sway gently in the breeze, and the water ripples against the rocks. Plus, the sun isn't so intense anymore, so it's quite cool to set up a tent here.

Shen Lantang and Qi Tongjun sat on the ground, kneeling on soft cushions. Several maids had set up a small table with tea on it, and someone was brewing tea nearby.

Two plates of snacks, a cup of hot tea—spending a leisurely morning, carefree and relaxed.