Rong Ju couldn't bear to leave Little Zhang'er behind in Chang'an City, so she brought Shi Zhang with her when they set off.
Shi Rou, who had injured her leg, remained at the Rong Mansion.
On the day before the first of the month, the Emperor's procession set out for the Imperial Hunting Ground.
The journey from the palace to the Imperial Hunting Ground would take about three and a half hours by horse. Factoring in the imperial procession and its retinue, the trip would last five hours.
They set out at the crack of dawn, stopping for a short rest at a post station around noon before continuing their journey.
Wanyun, riding in Lu Jingxing's carriage, lifted the curtain to gaze at the passing scenery.
Along the way, many people from the neighboring villages, having heard of the Emperor's procession, brought their children to see the spectacle.
However, they only dared to watch from afar, not venturing any closer.
