Chapter 005: Lotus Leaf Rain, Aster Flower Wind, Autumn Regrets of Several Red Branches (Five)

She ultimately could not travel hand in hand with Xu Zhilan to Qianqiu Mountain, witnessing the fiery red maple leaves illuminating half the sky

That smile, seemingly directed at the black horse, is more akin to being directed at Xu Zhilan

No matter how cold the weather is, it does not matter; what is important is that there remains a sense of spring in a person's heart

She faintly heard her own sobbing, and then cool fingertips brushed against her forehead

Xu Zhijie felt a pang of bitterness in her heart as she walked out of the stable with a sullen expression. She said to Xu Zhilan, "Third Brother, since Huan Yan likes it, why don't you take that horse and keep it? In the future, when Huan Yan wants to ride, she can simply ride it herself, wouldn't that be more convenient?"

At this moment, Xu Zhilan's trusted attendant hurried over, respectfully bowing to her and saying: "Miss Huan Yan, the Third Young Master has sent me to convey a message. The day after tomorrow, he has made an appointment with friends to go to Qianqiu Mountain to see the maple forest. He asks you to prepare male attire so that he can take you along with him."

A familiar male voice called softly in my ear: "Huan Yan, are you awake?"

Xu Zhijie said: "It's fine, I will take care of it for you. When you want to ride, just come over and take it. I will accompany you out of the city, so you won't have to worry about others stopping you."

Her spirit is beautiful, the black horse does not understand, yet Xu Zhilan does understand

Two days later, due to the death of her elder brother, Xu Zhilan was unable to go to Qianqiu Mountain; and the spring feeling in Huanyan's heart was finally shattered in front of the public.

Xu Zhijie said: "We only speak of what we desire, after all, we are still one family, and our ancestors would never blame us"

Xu Zhijie stroked the head of the black horse, continuously praising its beauty, and said: "Huan Yan, I see that this horse is a good match for you. How about I ask my father to get it for you the day after tomorrow?"

As the cool fingers brushed against her cheek, touching the dampness, they paused for a moment, slowly moving to the corner of her eye, gently wiping away her tears

With a cheerful smile, her mood lifted, and even the autumn scenery in the evening did not seem desolate to her.

It was already evening, with the setting sun painting the sky in hues of red, the sun immersed in the clouds, casting a faint glow, and everything around was enveloped in a gentle twilight. Yet, as Xu Zhilan stood quietly, adorned in a brocade robe, he radiated a soft brilliance akin to sunlight, evoking an irresistible joy in the hearts of those who beheld him

With a slight pout, she said, "I can't raise a horse anyway, so what's the use of having one?"

The brothers walked out side by side

Xu Zhilan handed the reins to the groom and stood in the courtyard smiling at them

Xu Zhilan shook her head, "Fifth Brother, you do not understand the gravity of the situation. The imperial steed is a bestowed gift, and if anything were to go awry, I fear..."

Xu Zhilan smiled faintly, stepping outside as she said, "You are talking nonsense again! This was bestowed by the Emperor, and my father cannot casually give it to others."

Xu Zhijie looked into her eyes and then realized that although she was touching the head of the black horse, she was occasionally glancing at Xu Zhilan

As the cuckoo cries blood amidst the smoky trees of Shu, it cannot summon back a fleeting spring dream

Smiling cheerfully without saying a word

Huan Yan could no longer hear what Xu Zhi Lan was saying, standing dazedly by the side of the black horse, watching their figures disappear, feeling a sense of melancholy in her heart

Her eyelids were as heavy as a thousand pounds. Warm droplets of water flowed over those heavy eyelids, slowly spilling out.

Good