latelenovela Chapter 228: Going hunting with laughter
Chapter 228: Going hunting with laughter
There was a busy scene in Cheng Yaojin's mansion.
Cheng Yaojin was dressed in a tight-fitting suit and looked energetic, checking his hunting equipment in the courtyard.
The servants beside them carefully wiped the bows and arrows and adjusted the saddles.
Cheng Yaojin patted the axe at his waist and grinned, "Today I'm going to the royal hunting grounds. I must hunt some big fish and show the emperor and my brothers what I can do."
At this time, Hua Da Jiao walked out of the house. She put her hands on her hips and looked at Cheng Yaojin and said, "Old Cheng, don't just show off your power. The hunting grounds are dangerous. You have to be careful. Although you have some skills, you can't act rashly."
Cheng Yaojin laughed heartily, strode over to Hua Da Jiao, and said, "Don't worry, madam. I, Old Cheng, know what's going on. This isn't my first time at the Royal Hunting Grounds, so nothing will go wrong."
"This time I'm going, not only to hunt, but also to exchange martial arts with those ministers. Maybe I can even earn some honor for our Cheng Yaojin Mansion."
Hua Da Jiao rolled her eyes at him and said angrily, "You're the only one who's always bothering with things. Don't offend those ministers. Be more restrained in front of the emperor. Also, if you see anything rare, remember to bring it back for me to see."
Cheng Yaojin nodded repeatedly: "Madam, how dare I disobey your orders? I will definitely keep an eye out. If there are any nice things, you will be the first person I think of."
After saying this, Cheng Yaojin turned around and shouted, "My men, follow me to the royal hunting grounds!"
The attendants responded in unison, and the group prepared to head towards the royal hunting grounds.
Cheng Yaojin was about to go out, but seemed to remember something, turned around and hurried back home.
When I stepped into the inner courtyard, I saw Hua Da Jiao instructing the maids to pack some things for the trip.
Cheng Yaojin took a few steps forward, scratched his head, and said, "Madam, I just learned that you can bring your family with you on this trip to the royal hunting grounds."
"I was thinking, this hunting ground is so beautiful, Madam, why don't you go there too and relax?"
Hua Da Jiao was slightly startled, then her brows lit up with joy, but she still feigned anger: "Old Cheng, why didn't you tell me earlier or later? You only told me when we were almost leaving. Are you afraid that I'll ruin your plans in the hunting ground?"
Cheng Yaojin waved his hands quickly and said anxiously, "Madam, what are you talking about? I, Old Cheng, long for your company. With you by my side, I feel more at ease. Besides, there are many prey in the hunting grounds, and you will surely feast your eyes."
Hua Da Jiao snorted softly, but a smile appeared on her lips: "Forget it, forget it. I'll trust you this time. I'll go change my clothes so I don't miss the trip."
After saying this, she hurried into the inner room with the maids to prepare.
Cheng Yaojin smiled as he watched Hua Dajiao leaving, his heart filled with joy, waiting to go to the hunting ground with his wife.
Cheng Yaojin was just smiling when he heard a clear voice: "Dad, I'm going too!" It turned out that Cheng Wu was running towards him, skipping and jumping.
Cheng Yaojin looked at his daughter, his smile growing wider. He deliberately put on a stern face and said, "The hunting ground is not a place for a little girl like you to play. Wild beasts are rampant there, and it's very dangerous."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Wu curled her lips and said unconvincedly, "Dad, please don't underestimate me. I've learned a lot of martial arts from my brothers. I can't say I'm an expert in horse riding and archery, but I'm good enough to protect myself."
"Besides, with you here, Daddy, and so many guards, what danger could there be? I want to go see what the royal hunting grounds look like. Maybe I can even hunt some small prey."
Cheng Yaojin laughed loudly, walked over and tapped Cheng Wu's head gently: "You are quite arrogant, girl. However, there are many rules in the hunting ground. You must be obedient when you go there. Don't act naughty, otherwise your father will not bring you back."
Cheng Wu's eyes lit up and he nodded quickly: "Don't worry, Daddy, I will be well behaved and obedient and will not embarrass you."
At this time, Hua Da Jiao had also changed into a neat riding outfit and walked out. Seeing Cheng Wu was going with her, she smiled and said, "If Wu'er wants to go, let her go. We'll be watching over her so nothing will happen. It also gives her some experience."
Cheng Yaojin nodded in agreement, and the family of three, along with their attendants, headed towards the royal hunting ground.
Along the way, Cheng Wu was filled with excitement. Sitting in the carriage, she swung her feet and asked, "Dad, how big is the Royal Hunting Ground? Is it so big that you can't see the end of it?"
Cheng Yaojin smiled and replied, "The hunting grounds are so vast that even a whole day's horseback ride would still be difficult to cross. The grounds are crisscrossed by mountains, rivers, and streams, providing a natural habitat for all kinds of birds and beasts."
Cheng Wu exclaimed in amazement, then asked, "So where should we go hunting first when we get to the hunting ground?"
Hua Dajiao said, "Of course, we should follow the emperor's team to the designated area first. There are many prey in that area, and it is safe. We can't run around."
Cheng Wu blinked and asked curiously, "I heard there are some rare animals in the royal hunting grounds. Is that true?"
Cheng Yaojin nodded and said, "Yes, there are descendants of Ferghana horses brought as tribute from the Western Regions grazing there, as well as some white foxes, ferrets, and the like, all of which are rare. However, these rare animals cannot be hunted without the emperor's permission."
Cheng Wu held her chin with both hands and said longingly, "I really want to see those white foxes. They must be as white as snow and so beautiful."
Hua Dajiao smiled and said, "There are so many beautiful sights and novelties in the hunting grounds. Don't just look at them, but also be careful of the movements around you."
Cheng Yaojin joked, "My Wu'er is so clever, she will be fine. Maybe she can even help Dad find some prey."
In this way, the family gradually approached the royal hunting grounds amid laughter and joy.
Cheng Wu sat in the bumpy carriage and couldn't help but stick her head out to look around again. Then she turned around and asked anxiously, "Dad, are we there yet?"
Cheng Yaojin laughed heartily, pulled Cheng Wu back into the carriage, and said, "Little girl, not yet. This royal hunting ground is quite a distance from our house, so please be patient."
Cheng Wu pouted and grumbled a little dissatisfiedly: "Why haven't they arrived yet? I can't wait to see those big tigers and beautiful white foxes."
Hua Da Jiao gently patted her back and soothed her, "It's almost there. Look at the scenery along the road. It becomes increasingly quiet as we get closer to the hunting grounds. I guess we're not far from there."
Cheng Yaojin followed suit, saying, "Yes, Wu'er, the scenery along the way is just a prelude. Once we enter the hunting grounds, the real spectacle begins. The imperial hunting grounds of the Tang Dynasty are truly unmatched by any other place."
After hearing this, Cheng Wu's eyes sparkled with anticipation. She stopped complaining and started discussing with her parents the plans for after entering the hunting ground. The family continued to move towards their destination with their anticipation for the hunting ground.