The winter snow had long since melted, and the weather was growing warmer.
To pray for a bountiful harvest in the new year, the common folk had to sacrifice to the Spring God, Ju Mang, and hope for a good omen. Last year's harvest hadn't been particularly good, but it had still been a modest one. That had undoubtedly given the common folk a much-needed boost and left them looking forward to this year even more, so the ceremony was more solemn as well.
Shen Tang's makeshift crew had finally stopped looking so shabby.
Everyone wore new clothes and looked bright and spirited.
As the saying went, once was a stranger, twice an acquaintance, and by the third or fourth time, you knew the way by heart. Shen Tang had become completely comfortable presiding over this kind of sacrifice.
The difference from last year was that a solemnly dressed young man now stood behind Shen Tang, his face somewhat familiar.
Judging by his position, the young man outranked the officials serving under Lord Shen. He was either a newly favored confidant of Lord Shen, a young man whom Lord Shen greatly valued, or perhaps a promising young kinsman whom Lord Shen wanted to give a chance to shine at such an occasion.
The common folk watching from the sidelines speculated among themselves.
The officials in the various government offices weren't nearly as curious.
They all knew Lin Feng's identity and that she was the prized pupil of the Administrator of Merits, Chu Yao, favored far more than his other disciple, Tu Rong. Lord Shen had brought Lin Feng along to promote the young woman, most likely. There was nothing more to it...
Some with complicated feelings stole glances at Chu Yao and the others. How could they not feel a