CH 76

Ch76 - Hunt

“Young master, it’s time to wake up.”

Liang Rong turned over, burying his face in his pillow as a light breath brushed past his ear. This new pillow his father had given him was much softer than his old one. The faint rustling sound it made when he laid on it never failed to lull him to sleep. Liang Rong absolutely loved it. He insisted on using it every day when he went to bed.

Zhao Yu chuckled bemusedly at the young child’s lazy indolence, “Young master, it’s the End of Year Sacrifice today. You’ll be late if you don’t get up now.”

Upon hearing the words “End of Year Sacrifice,” Liang Rong’s eyes shot open. Ah, that’s right, today’s the End of Year Sacrifice! They were going to go out hunting! He’d been looking forward to it so much yesterday that he’d hardly been able to fall asleep! How could he have overslept today?!

“Quick, gotta get dressed….” Liang Rong slid out of bed, landing barefooted on the ground.

Zhaoyu quickly stopped him, “It’s barely sunrise yet, young master, take your time.”

Liang Rong peeked outside the window and finally unwound. With Zhaoyu’s help, he washed his face, combed his hair, and put on his brand-new hunting outfit.

Liang Rong didn’t immediately head for the main hall after getting dressed; instead, he went to his desk and unfurled a scroll. It was a painting of winter plum blossoms. Upon the ink-blank branch, there were nine flowers, each with nine petals. Ever since the winter solstice, he would fill in a petal each day. When the eighty-first petal turned red, it would be spring once more.

Zhaoyu walked over smilingly, “You’re drawing nines again, young master?”

“Yup! Dad said you have to finish what you start.” Liang Rong picked up a thin brush, dipped it in red ink, and carefully started coloring.

There were many kinds of “nine-nine winter-passing pictures” circulating around, all of which had eighty-one blocks that were to be filled in one by one. But it was rare that plum blossoms were used as the subject, not to mention that Liang Feng had drawn it personally for Liang Rong. Though the art itself was mediocre, it was unique and thoughtful. Liang Rong treasured it dearly.

After neatly filling in a flower petal, Liang Rong looked at the three vivid plum blossoms blooming on the paper and broke into a grin.

“Your drawing is very good, young master. Once all nine are colored in you should show it to the master,” Zhaoyu happily put away Liang Rong’s brush and wiped off his hands with a damp towel. “Let’s go and greet the master first.”

Liang Rong, not letting his nursemaid hold his hand, walked steadily on his own stubby little legs.

Liang Feng had woken up very early today. There were quite a few things he had to arrange for the End of Year Sacrifice. It wasn’t until he came to this era that he learned that the “End of Year Sacrifice” was the predecessor to the “Laba Festival.”

It was written in the “Book of Rites: Single Sacrifice” that, “upon the twelfth month, gather all things and offer them for sacrifice.” Basically, it meant that during the twelfth month, one had to go hunting for animals to sacrifice to the ancestors and deities. As “sacrifice” was homonymous with “hunt”, the twelfth month came to be known as “Sacrifice Month”, and the day of the holiday itself came to be known as “Sacrifice Day”. It had become a national holiday as early as the Zhou Dynasty. During the Han Dynasty, the holiday was held on the third “xu” day after the winter solstice. Then, after the concept of the “five elements” arose, the Wei Dynasty held it on a “chen” day, while the Jin Dynasty held it on a “chou” day. It’s very likely that the modern-day Laba Festival just got rid of the practice of using the five elements to determine which day it should be celebrated and set it on the eighth.

As one of the titled nobility, the End of Year Sacrifice was much more involved than simply having some Laba congee. He had to organize a hunt, sacrifice animals, perform ancestor worship, and conduct exorcisms, etc. It was annoying as all hell, but Liang Feng still planned to go through with it – the whole nine yards. After all, it was a major religious activity meant to pray for smooth winds and rains in the coming year. It was great for raising people’s spirits and pacifying their fears; of course he had to do it. Thus, even the militia’s training and the winter fieldwork had been put on hold so that everyone could celebrate together.

He shed his wide robe, donned an embroidered silk vest and a pair of trousers with tied pant legs, then exchanged his crown for a deer hide cap, and he was all done up in hunting attire. Truth be told, the vest plus pants combination was far more convenient than his everyday clothing. Too bad he couldn’t often dress like this.

The moment he finished preparing, Liang Rong walked in. The young child was also dressed to hunt, though his clothes were all a cheery red and yellow. The vibrant embroidery on his vest made him seem plushy pink – he was simply adorable.

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

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The kitchen had already prepared their morning meal; it was brought at once upon Liang Feng’s order. Aside from the egg custard they usually had, today they’d specially made Laba congee. That was another one of Liang Feng’s arrangements. The congee was made with the five grains, a variety of beans, and dried dates; its chewy and glutinous texture and its glistening luster looked immensely appetizing.

“I had the chefs make a new kind of porridge using the grains produced in the estate this year. Rong-er, you have to finish it all, to bless next year’s harvest to be full and bountiful,” Liang Feng said jokingly.

Unsurprisingly, Liang Rong picked up his spoon, taking him at his word, and earnestly started eating the Laba congee. It was made from freshly gathered, in-season grains; millet rice, which was especially sticky; and candied dates that gave the dish a delectable sweetness.

After finishing a small bowl of congee and his customary egg custard, Liang Rong put down his spoon. Liang Feng, who’d finished as well, asked “Was it good?”

“It’s good.” Liang Rong’s face was rosy red as he rather proudly said, “I finished it all, that means the harvest next year is going to be great!”

Liang Feng nearly laughed at the small child’s antics, “That’s right, it’s all thanks to Rong-er.”

After finishing breakfast and freshening up, Liang Feng brought Liang Rong towards the anterior courtyard. The horses chuffed in their stables; hunting dogs barked as they ran circles around the fully equipped horsemen. Yiyan was in a set of hunting attire as well, though it was more ethnic in style. Narrow sleeves and narrow pant legs, a large bow slung across his back, the moment he caught sight of Liang Feng he walked up to greet him.

“My lord!” Upon seeing Liang Feng in hunting attire for the first time, Yiyan’s heart nearly burst out of his chest. The outfit highlighted his tall and slender grace in ways his usual loose and airy robes never could.

His thin waist was only an arm’s circumference, his skin was pale as snow, but there was a blazing light in his black eyes, radiating spirit and vivacity. He was even more captivating now than he was in his sickly frailty.

“Is everything ready?” Liang Feng silently tisked at how strikingly Yiyan’s hunting attire accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs.

“Thirty cavalry and fifty footsoldiers. The hunting ground has been set by a mountain around five kilometers from the estate,” Yiyan replied briskly after returning to his senses.

“Excellent.” Liang Feng walked up to his Wusun steed, patted its mane, stepped into the stirrup, and swung himself onto the saddle. He’d practiced for several months to get the movement down smoothly. The soldiers nearby cheered, “The lord is mighty!”

All he did was get on a horse, Liang Feng thought sarcastically. He looked at the pony beside him – Liang Rong’s mount. The child had memorized “The Classic of Filial Piety” within two months to earn this young colt. He’d been practicing for a while, and more or less knew how to ride. But as they were going hunting today, he wasn’t quite keen on letting the child ride on his own.

“Rong-er, do you want to ride with me?” Liang Feng asked.

“I want to!” Liang Rong instantly forgot all about his little pony.

Liang Feng smiled amusedly and said, “Yiyan, carry him up.”

Yiyan unconsciously frowned before bending down, picking up the child by the waist, and gently setting him down in front of Liang Feng.

Suddenly sitting up high, Liang Rong couldn’t help clutching the saddle as he curiously looked around.

“Are you scared of riding such a large horse?” Liang Feng smiled as he steadied Liang Rong by the shoulder.

Liang Rong shook his head, “I’m not afraid.”

“That’s good then. Just hold on to the saddle and lean back on me.”

After reassuring the young child, Liang Feng looked up towards the burly cavalrymen beside him and shouted, “We must return with plentiful catch from the winter hunt today!”

“The lord is mighty” the cavalrymen shouted as they mounted their horses. A squad of footsoldiers escorted them to the designated hunting ground.

Today was one of those rare temperate days, but the northwestern winds howled still, buffeting the Liang Estate’s flag. Liang Feng reached behind him for the edge of his cloak and delivered it into Liang Rong’s hands, “Hold on to my cloak for me would you, Rong-er?”

Though Liang Rong’s face was already red from frost, he worried not for himself, but for his father. He hurriedly clasped the cloak in front of him, blocking the wind for his father.

With the fox fur coat, which was warm to begin with, and a little living heater, Liang Feng wasn’t cold, even on horseback. As the path had been plotted and cleared out beforehand, and the footsoldiers actively scouted all around them, the trip was exceptionally smooth. Shortly, the party arrived at the hunting ground.

There was a small hill here and trees as far as the eye could see. There was much for the hunting dogs to find here; it was indeed a suitable location. Although, the forest seemed rather vast. Liang Feng asked, “Might there be any bears or tigers within the forest?”

“Bears are hard to find during winter. If there are tigers, I will hunt one for you, my lord!” Yiyan declared.

Err… alright then. Liang Feng realized their concerns were completely disparate. It made sense – the Bravesage Battalion was a powerful force now. Even hordes of murderous enemies were yet to faze them, much less wild beasts.

“Very well. Begin then!”

At his order, a signal horn bellowed lowly. Tens of cavalrymen and footsoldiers led leashed dogs into the forest. Soon thereafter, the sound of barking rang out as several rabbits and foxes dashed out of the forest, down the slope of the hill.

“Do you want to try, my lord?” Yiyan steered his horse over to Liang Feng.

Liang Feng was tempted by the plump, bouncy wild rabbits. But he knew his own condition. He had no strength in his arms, and his eyesight was somewhat poor. If he shot and missed, he’d embarrass himself. He chuckled and shook his head “Today, I’ll simply watch the Bravesage Battalion demonstrate their prowess.”

The soldiers nearby buzzed with anticipation. Yiyan didn’t demure; he whistled, and five horsemen promptly rushed over. They were the estate’s first batch of cavalry. Their horsemanship and archery were all top-notch. It didn’t take long before the wild critters were all swept clean. Several people, their prizes hanging from their horses, galloped back heartily.

“Excellent!” Liang Feng praised generously.

The people driving animals from the forest were evidently old hands at it. Next, came two lynxes, three bucks, and a dozen or so wild rabbits. Yiyan remained by Liang Feng’s side like a guard as he issued instructions to the militia. Aside from the lynxes, which required two or three people to entrap, the rest of them were all caught single-handedly. Both their efficiency and precision were commendable.

Hunting was another way of training the militia’s coordination and ability to use formations. The way Yiyan orchestrated their movements was positively artful. Not only did he cut off the animals’ escape routes cut off, but he gave the archers the chance to show off their superb marksmanship. It was a beautiful sight. But he was interrupted from his spectating by a roar coming from within the forest.

Yiyan flicked his reins at once, “It’s a leopard! My lord, watch me hunt it for you!”

Without further ado, his steed flew forth like an arrow from a bow. Liang Rong’s eyes widened, “Dad, has a dangerous beast appeared?”

“That’s right.” Liang Feng stared intently.

Hounded by several hunting dogs, a leopard barreled out of the trees. It looked to be fully matured. With its lustrous golden fur, speckled with black plum blossom patterns, and its powerfully muscled physique, it looked majestic. But the hunting dogs and the spear-wielding footsoldiers surrounding it forced it to crouch close to the ground on all fours and roar in anger.

Yiyan retrieved his recurve bow from is back and shouted, “Scatter!”

The footsoldiers instantly backed away upon his order. The leopard saw its chance to flee back into the forest, but a long feathered arrow whistled through the air thudded into the dirt behind it. Hackles raised, the leopard turned abruptly and charged towards Yiyan’s steed.

Horses feared predators instinctively; at this time, most would retreat in panic from the leopard. But Yiyan simply tugged the reins, and the dappled horse reared back on its hind legs, neighed, and thrashed its forelegs. From this stance, it could trample a wild boar to death; a weak, delicate leopard was nothing. The leopard twisted at the waist, changing trajectory mid-air, and dodged its hooves.

This was a golden opportunity, but Yiyan didn’t shoot. His bow was fully drawn, his arrow aimed at the leopard. The leopard backed away, then made as if to pounce. Yiyan loosed the bowstring. The arrow soared like lightning towards the leopard’s neck. But it was only a feint. The leopard cunningly darted forth, avoiding the arrow, then jumped.

If its attack landed, then both rider and horse would be torn to shreds. But the gleaming arrow was already nocked. The heavy three-stone bow hummed, the arrow flashed, then sank into the leopard’s wide-open eye.

Suddenly losing forward propulsion, the leopard’s body crashed onto the ground, twitched, and was still.

Yiyan leaped from his horse, hauled the leopard’s corpse up, and secured it on his horse’s back, before returning.

“My lord, I have slain a leopard for you!” He’d only just fought a life and death battle, yet he wasn’t even out of breath. Though his face was red with excitement and his eyes shined brightly.

His shot was perfectly accurate; the arrow had entered the leopard’s eye and embedded itself into its brain without so much as scratching its skin. Liang Feng looked his fill, then clapped and laughed “Your marksmanship is astounding! Even the Flying General himself couldn’t have done better!”

The other soldiers cheered eagerly as well, “Glory to the lord! Victory to the battalion!”

Liang Rong’s eyes were round and wide as he insistently tugged at Liang Feng’s cloak, “Dad! One day I’ll hunt a leopard for you too!”

Liang Feng patted the child’s head good-naturedly, “Just a leopard? There are tigers and wolves out there for you to hunt! You’ll have to grow up quickly, Rong-er!”

“I will!” The small child looked enviously at the Jie cavalrymen and nodded forcefully.

A group of hunters like this was a disaster to the critters in the forest. Two hours later, everyone returned laden with deer or muntjac behind their horses; and foxes, rabbits, and feathered creatures hanging by their saddlebags.

The author has something to say:

Little wolfdog: my lord, I’m sure you’ll look great in leopard print!

It seems a lot of people were confused about what was going on with the Sima family. Cough cough, it’s pretty much that the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, and the Prince of Hejian, Sima Yong are surrounding and attacking Luoyang, while the Prince of Changsha, Sima Ai is on defense. Sima Ying, Sima Ai, and the current emperor are all of the same litter – brothers of different mothers. And then the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, and the Duke of Dongying, Sima Teng, are trapped in Luoyang. They’re of the same litter too – full-blood brothers.

It’s fine if you don’t remember, they’re all going to die anyway, it’s enough to have a vague notion.