In 578 BC, the Jin Kingdom and a host of allied lords had just beaten the Qin Kingdom black and blue, and the lingering scent of war still hung over the Central Plains.
For some unknown reason, the Jin Kingdom had split apart ahead of time, leaving the Zhao Kingdom to lead the alliance in this world, but the outcome had remained the same.
Meanwhile, far to the north, the Yan Kingdom was busy pursuing "peaceful development." Duke Zhao of Yan had decked out his touring carriage in glittering gold-
After all, they hadn't joined the fighting, but they couldn't afford to lose when it came to keeping up appearances.
"Why are there pickled vegetables hanging at the city gate?" Flowey poked a bronze ritual bowl outside Ji City's gate with a vine. Inside, bright green bean leaves soaked in murky brine.
Lin Ye bit into his candied hawthorn skewer and mumbled, "A special Yan Kingdom welcoming custom. Want to try some?"
Flowey picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. He chewed with a frown, then hurriedly spat it out. "Ugh, so salty!"
By then, Flowey had realized that Lin Ye was playing a prank on him, so he angrily wrapped his vines tightly around Lin Ye's right hand.
Suddenly, bells and drums rang out together, and twelve carriages, each drawn by four horses, came rumbling toward them.
An old man wearing a crown with nine strings of beads sat in the central carriage. The dark bird embroidered on the hem of his robe was as plump as a barnyard chicken.
The commoners dropped to their knees in a wave, but Flowey stared at the wheels creaking on their axles and wondered, Is that thing about to fall apart?
"His Majesty commands that rewards be given!"