Both the Ning Dynasty and the Jing Dynasty have the tradition of spring hunts, summer harvesting hunts, autumn hunts (xiǎn), and winter hunts.
The so-called spring hunt involves targeting beasts that are not pregnant; summer harvesting hunts aim at beasts that damage crops; during autumn and winter, the fiercest beasts are targeted irrespective of type, fattened, and their skins are preserved for the winter.
The nature of these seasonal hunts resembles the worship of the Silkworm God, where the royal family sets an example by showcasing military prowess through field hunts.
In Emperor Ning's youth, these matters were handled personally by him, but once he focused on Dao study, he delegated the task to the Crown Prince. This time, not only are the sons of officials in the capital invited, but elite troops from the Divine Machine Camp, Five Armies Camp, and Longevity Army will also be dispatched.
