Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 229: We're here, the Royal Hunting Ground

The carriage slowly stopped, and Cheng Wu excitedly jumped out first, shouting, "Daddy, we've arrived at the hunting grounds! The royal hunting grounds are truly magnificent!"

Cheng Yaojin laughed heartily and replied, "Okay, okay, my daughter, don't worry."

Hua Da Jiao scolded from the side, "Be careful, don't fall. This is a royal place, and we can't lose our manners."

Cheng Wu didn't care and skipped ahead to explore the way.

Cheng Yaojin and Hua Dajiao followed behind, looking at Cheng Wu's back, their eyes full of doting.

In the hunting ground, flags are flying, horses are neighing, and princes and nobles have already gathered here.

The arrival of Cheng Yaojin's family also attracted a lot of attention.

Cheng Wu looked around curiously, her heart filled with anticipation for the upcoming hunt. She said, "Dad, I heard rare and exotic animals often appear in this hunting ground. Will we be able to see them today? Also, isn't the hunting method very exciting? I really want to see it soon."

Hua Da Jiao pulled him and said softly, "Your father is talking to Master Qin, don't disturb him."

Cheng Yaojin said, "Master Qin, you have arrived."

Lord Qin said, "They just arrived too. General Cheng brought his whole family here to enjoy this hunting event today."

Cheng Yaojin smiled and nodded: "I haven't relaxed like this in a long time. I brought my wife and daughter out to see the world."

Hua Da Jiao tugged at Cheng Wu and whispered, "Remember to keep quiet. In this royal hunting ground, you must be careful with your words and actions."

Although Cheng Wu was full of curiosity and excitement, she nodded obediently.

At this time, the atmosphere in the hunting ground became increasingly tense, like a pot of hot oil about to boil, warm and noisy.

The dignitaries from all sides gathered like stars, bringing their families with them.

They were dressed in gorgeous clothes, either brocade robes and jade belts, or silk skirts and embroidered clothes, which sparkled in the sunlight, demonstrating the glory and status of the family.

The neighing of the horses resounded through the sky. The horses were in high spirits, their hooves constantly digging the ground, splashing up clouds of dust.

Their manes flutter in the wind, like burning flames or surging waves.

The riders on horseback are agile, with confidence and expectation in their eyes, and they hold the reins tightly in their hands, as if they are about to gallop onto the battlefield and engage in a thrilling battle with their prey in the next moment.

The flags were flying, and the colorful flags were fluttering in the wind, as if cheering for this grand event.

Some flags are embroidered with family totems, majestic and mysterious; others are embroidered with exquisite patterns, gorgeous and delicate.

The dancing flags added a touch of lively color to the hunting ground and made the whole scene more spectacular and grand.

The hunting ground was already surrounded by a crowd of people.

The ministers stood together, talking in low voices. The topics were either the political affairs in the court or their anticipation for today's hunting.

The ladies exchanged pleasantries, compared each other's clothes and jewelry, and laughed happily.

The children were like ponies running free from their reins, running around in the crowd, their eyes full of novelty and excitement, and filled with endless imagination about the hunt that was about to begin.

The mountains and forests in the distance are lush and green, like a green ocean.

In the mountains and forests, the chirping of various birds can be heard faintly, clear and melodious, as if issuing a warning of the impending danger.

Occasionally, a few hares jumped out from the grass, their ears erect, observing their surroundings vigilantly, and then quickly disappeared into the depths of the woods.

The deer hiding in the woods were leisurely eating grass, completely unaware of the impending danger.

In the center of the hunting ground, various exquisite utensils are placed.

The bows and arrows were arranged neatly, and the arrowheads flashed coldly in the sunlight, as if telling of their sharpness.

The hunting dogs lay on the side, sticking out their tongues, with ferocity and desire in their eyes, just waiting for the master's order, and then they would rush into the forest like an arrow.

As time went on, more and more people gathered at the hunting grounds.

The air was filled with tension and excitement, and everyone was waiting for that moment to come.

The mountains and forests in the distance appear lush and green under the sunlight, as if hiding endless mysteries and surprises.

Cheng Wu's eyes shuttled between the crowd and the forest, and his mind kept imagining the hunting scene that was about to begin, whether it was the falcon soaring in the sky and discovering the prey first, or the hunting dog running ahead and scaring the cunning rabbit out of the grass.

After Cheng Yaojin exchanged a few pleasantries with Lord Qin, the topic gradually turned to court affairs.

Lord Qin frowned slightly. "General Cheng, although the border is now peaceful, we must remain vigilant. I heard that there is a dispute in the court regarding the supply of food and fodder for the soldiers guarding the border."

Cheng Yaojin's expression turned stern. "Food and fodder are the lifeblood of the army. We must not allow any mistakes. I will definitely argue for this in the court."

Hua Da Jiao was listening on the side. Although she was worried, she also knew Cheng Yaojin's temper and responsibility very well.

She turned to look at Cheng Wu and saw that he was concentrating on looking at the royal tent not far away. The tent was richly decorated, showing the majesty and wealth of the Tang Dynasty.

Cheng Wu whispered to Hua Da Jiao, "Mom, when the hunt starts, can I go with Dad to see it?"

Hua Da Jiao patted him gently and said, "Don't mess around. This hunting ground is full of dangers. Stay by my side."

Cheng Wu pouted, looking a little disappointed: "If you don't want to go, then don't go." After saying that, she turned her head away and no longer looked at the center of the hunting ground.

Cheng Wu turned around and asked Hua Da Jiao, "Why isn't Big Brother coming?"

Hua Da Jiao said, "He has to guard Zuixianlou."

Cheng Wu frowned slightly, as if still a little confused, and murmured: "That big brother is guarding Zuixianlou, I wonder if he is busy right now."

Hua Da Jiao smiled and patted his head, saying, "That's right. There are so many diners coming and going at Zuixianlou every day, it's hard to do without someone to look after them. Your eldest brother is very responsible, so naturally he has to stay there to manage it. Nothing can go wrong."

"Mom, after the hunting is over, let's go to Zuixianlou and sit for a while. I miss the aroma of wine and delicious food there." Cheng Wu said to Hua Dajiao with anticipation.

Hua Da Jiao smiled and replied, "Okay, as long as you behave yourself, when we get back, I'll take you to Zuixianlou to have a good meal and try the newly brewed wine." Cheng Wu immediately smiled happily, and was looking forward to the hunting being over soon so that she could go to Zuixianlou to feast on her food.

Cheng Wu stood on tiptoe, gazing into the distance, muttering, "Why haven't the royal family arrived yet? When will the hunt begin?"

Hua Da Jiao tugged at the corner of his clothes and said, "Don't worry. A royal trip naturally requires many etiquettes. I'm sure they're making careful preparations. Look around the hunting grounds; everything is arranged, just waiting for the royal arrival."

At this time in the hunting ground, the soldiers were lined up in an orderly manner. They stood tall, their armors shining coldly in the sun, their weapons tightly grasped, and they were always alert.