Chapter 97 Rolling Roll, Let's Go Treasure Hunting!

The atmosphere in the study quickly turned somber after a brief moment of excitement.

We found our direction, but we also saw even greater obstacles.

"The Royal Hunting Grounds?" Xiao Beichen stroked his chin and was the first to speak. "That place is not easy to get into."

"Except for the annual autumn hunt, or with His Majesty's special permission, no one may enter without authorization; those who violate this rule shall be punished for treason."

Mu Fang's brows furrowed into a deep frown.

"Even if we could get in, White Tiger Ridge is a hundred miles in circumference, with high mountains and dense forests. Finding the ruins of a previous dynasty would be like finding a needle in a haystack."

Yan Ziche closed the ancient scroll and calmly analyzed, "We cannot report this matter directly to Father Emperor."

Chu Chongjin chimed in, "That's right. Firstly, this matter is too far-fetched; it's not credible to rely solely on a single unofficial history from a previous dynasty."

"Secondly, if we alert them, the mastermind behind this evil formation will surely be on guard and may even launch it ahead of schedule."

"What should we do then?" Xiao Beichen asked anxiously. "We can't just sit here and wait, can we? If the crown prince really gets brainwashed, who knows who will be the next unlucky one?"

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

They have a goal and a direction, but they are stuck on the first step: "how to get started".

Mu Yu sat on a small stool, swinging her two little legs back and forth.

She didn't quite understand what the adults were saying, but she knew that they were going to a place called "Royal Hunting Grounds" to find a large toy called "Dragon Gate Altar".

But now, it seems they can't go.

She tilted her head, looked at her brothers who were frowning, and then looked at the big tiger, Rolling, lying at her feet, yawning with boredom.

The panda is so pitiful.

Since arriving in the capital, it has stayed in the courtyard and has almost become a big lazy cat.

It must really want to run in the big forest, to catch pheasants, and to chase rabbits.

A simple thought popped into the little koi's mind.

She hugged the big, fluffy head, rubbed her face against it, and spoke in a childish voice.

"Daddy, Gun Gun hasn't been out to play in a long time, and it's getting unhappy."

"Shall we take Gun Gun to play in the big forest?"

"It wants to catch a rabbit! A really, really big rabbit!"

The little girl's clear voice sounded particularly distinct in the quiet study.

Just as Mu Fang was about to say that this was not the time to talk about this, Chu Chongjin's eyes suddenly lit up!

yes!

How could they forget this!

“Little Yu’er, you’re right!” Chu Chongjin squatted down and looked at Mu Yu. “It’s time to take Gun Gun out for some exercise.”

He turned to look at the crowd, a confident smile on his face.

"The annual royal autumn hunt is just around the corner."

Xiao Beichen slapped his thigh: "That's right! Autumn Hunt!"

Yan Ziche's eyes lit up: "By using the autumn hunt as an excuse, we can legitimately enter the royal hunting grounds!"

Mu Fang also realized: "Moreover, as Princess Anguo, Xiao Yu'er and as the 'Tiger King' personally appointed by His Majesty, they are both qualified to participate."

A perfect, unassailable reason was thus exposed by Mu Yu's unintentional remark.

The plan took shape instantly.

The next day, after the morning court session.

Chu Chongjin went to see the emperor alone.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor was reviewing memorials, clearly still harboring resentment over the unpleasant parting at the Imperial Garden the previous day.

"Chongjin, what is it?" The emperor's voice sounded tired.

Chu Chongjin bowed respectfully, without mentioning the evil formation, the Earthly Fiends, or even the Crown Prince.

"Father, I have come because of what happened yesterday."

"In my opinion, regardless of who was right or wrong, the dispute in the Imperial Garden yesterday has ultimately damaged the face of the royal family and caused estrangement between my elder brother, the Crown Prince, and the Duke of Protectorate."

“If this continues, it will not benefit the country.”

The emperor raised his head, looked at him, and gestured for him to continue.

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you issue an edict to begin this year's royal autumn hunt ahead of schedule."

"Firstly, this opportunity can be used to bring together the royal family, civil and military officials, and others for hunting and riding, thus demonstrating the power of our Great Chu and easing the tense atmosphere in the court."

"Secondly, it would also allow the Crown Prince and the Duke of Protectorate to display their prowess on the hunting grounds and let bygones be bygones."

"Most importantly..." Chu Chongjin changed the subject, a hint of a smile on his face, "Xiao Yu'er's white tiger is still wild and must be bored to death being confined to the mansion all day. It's a good opportunity to take it to the hunting grounds to soak up some of the royal dragon aura and bring good luck to our Great Chu."

He cleverly disguised his purpose as an activity aimed at "maintaining stability," "team building," and "seeking good fortune."

The emperor pondered for a moment.

Chu Chongjin's words struck a chord with him.

He truly did not want to see the Crown Prince and Mu Fang completely break off their relationship.

One was the crown prince on whom he placed high hopes, and the other was a trusted minister he had relied on for many years.

As for Mu Yu...

The emperor's expression softened considerably at the thought of that beautiful little girl who always brought him surprises.

Letting her take that majestic white tiger to the hunting grounds for a run seems like a good idea.

"Granted." The emperor finally spoke, "It's set for three days from now."

The news elicited mixed reactions from both the government and the public.

Crown Prince Chu Chongyun sneered, thinking that Chu Chongjin was just putting on an act to curry favor with him, but he also wanted to embarrass Mu Fang and his daughter at the hunting grounds.

The Third Prince, Chu Huaijin, felt that this was a good opportunity for him to sow discord and reap the benefits.

Only a few people from Princess Anguo's residence understood the situation.

Three days later, at the Royal Hunting Grounds on the outskirts of Beijing.

Banners fluttered, and the sounds of men and horses filled the air.

Mu Yu, dressed in a specially made fiery red riding outfit, was held steadily in front of the horse by Mu Fang.

Beside her, a massive white tiger strode majestically, causing the surrounding horses to neigh uneasily.

After a simple ceremony, the emperor gave the order, and the autumn hunt officially began.

The crowd surged into the vast hunting grounds like a tidal wave, chasing after the running deer and hares.

The Crown Prince and the Third Prince, each leading a group of people, were showing off their horsemanship and archery skills to Mu Fang and Chu Chongjin, occasionally bursting into laughter.

Chu Chongjin and the others, however, had no interest in this.

They quietly broke away from the main group and headed towards "White Tiger Ridge" marked on the map.

"The location is in this direction, but the mountains are so big, how are we going to find it?" Xiao Beichen looked at the rolling mountains and was a little worried.

Yan Ziche took out a rubbing of the ancient scroll: "The book only says it's deep inside, but doesn't specify its location."

Chu Chongjin looked at the most special member of the group.

"Little Yu'er, it's your turn to take charge."

Mu Yu blinked her big eyes, looking completely bewildered: "Me?"

“Yes.” Chu Chongjin smiled and pointed at Gun Gun. “You’ll be in charge of Gun Gun.”

"Let it take us to a... well, a very special place."

A very special place?

Mu Yu thought for a moment, patted the giant's big head, and whispered in its ear in a "whisper" that only the two of them could understand.

"Gungung, let's play a treasure hunt!"

"Let's find the safest and most comfortable place in these mountains, a place where there are shiny, wonderful things hidden underground!"

She didn't know what the "Dragon Gate Altar" was, but she knew that anything that could purify the nation's destiny must be a good thing.

In her world, good things equal sparkly things.

"Awooo—"

Gun Gun seemed to understand her words and let out a low roar.

It sniffed the air with its nose, then, abandoning its previous lazy posture, it used all four limbs to run towards a secluded direction.

It wasn't moving fast; it seemed to be constantly trying to find its way.

Everyone hurriedly urged their horses to catch up.

They deviated from the main road of the hunting grounds, passed through dense bushes, crossed a rushing stream, and headed towards the remote mountains.

The surrounding noise gradually faded away, leaving only the sound of the wind and the sound of horses' hooves.

After an unknown amount of time, the lead panda suddenly stopped.

It stood in front of a steep cliff completely covered by vines and weeds, and turned back to bark twice at Mu Yu.

"Is this the place?" Xiao Beichen looked at the "green wall" in front of him with a face full of doubt.

But the panda was very determined, and with its huge claws, it began to dig away the tangled vines.

Seeing this, Mu Fang and Xiao Beichen also dismounted, drew their swords, and began cleaning together.

As the vines and weeds were peeled away layer by layer, a deep rift valley hidden in the mountainside suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes.

An ancient and desolate aura wafted from the valley.

The valley floor is covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves and humus.

But in the center, one can vaguely see a huge, flat circular outline.

"Found it!" Yan Ziche's voice trembled slightly.

Overjoyed, the group quickly led their horses and carefully descended the rugged path to the bottom of the valley.

They stood before that enormous circular outline, their hearts filled with awe.

This is the legendary Dragon Gate Altar, powerful enough to suppress the fate of the nation!