As the days became warmer, the plague seemed to retreat. The number of new cases continued to drop while survival rates increased. The first few days of zero new cases seemed like a dream that was too good to be true. But the trend continued, and it was not long before the Office of Epidemic Control announced that the plague was officially eradicated from the Capital. The long dark days of death and fear were over.
Similar good news were eventually brought from other parts of the kingdom, though some places fared better than others. It would take a while for the kingdom to rebuild. But for now, it was good enough.
The Emperor decided the time was right to hold the ceremony to offer sacrifices to the Heavens. The Department of Rites was quite busy organizing everything, and He Tianhong, as the Grand Tutor, was tasked by the Emperor to go over the details and assist with picking the most auspicious day.
