Beneath the azure sky, spring had already arrived.
Winter had passed, and returning birds darted through the city, settling on treetops to chirp brightly.
The weather had warmed, and the shop assistants called out a little louder from their doorways.
In the pleasure quarters, the women had once again returned to their light, revealing clothes.
Carriages came and went. Many young noblewomen took their children out to enjoy the spring greenery, heading beyond the city for a stroll.
Just then, children ran along the streets, shouting with delight written all over their faces:
"Victory news! Victory news!"
"On the plains of Canghai Pass, the Qi army suffered a crushing defeat! King Qi is dead!"
"A great victory for the Qin army!!!"
"A great victory for the Qin army!!!"
These children were called "herald children" in the Qin Kingdom. Whenever there was momentous good news, the court sent them through the city to spread word as quickly as possible.
But the news the herald children carried was carefully selected by the Imperial Court.
Usually, they reported joy, not sorrow.
"Boy! What did you say?"
A burly butcher seized a herald child by the wrist and asked excitedly.
"The Qin army won a great victory at Canghai Pass! The Qi Kingdom has fallen!"
"That blasted Zhao Kingdom is finished too. The King of Zhao is getting ready to surrender."
"Let go, uncle! I still have news to spread."
With that, the herald child shook free as the man loosened his grip and ran on, shouting:
"A great victory for the Qin army! The Qi Kingdom has fallen! The Zhao Kingdom is surrendering!"
"A great victory for the Qin army! The Qi Kingdom has fallen! The Zhao Kingdom is surrendering!"
The butcher stared blankly ahead, unable to believe his ears.
The Qi Kingdom...