June 19, it was already "Big Summer," the hottest three months of the year. Yet today, Linhe Prefecture was bustling with activity, even more fervent than the summer heat.
The people of Linhe Prefecture had risen early, heading towards Government Street.
The porters, who awaited the announcements that would bring money to support their families, had already settled on Government Street before dawn, laying down on straw mats, half-sleeping, half-waiting.
Pound, pound, pound—a series of wooden sticks hitting the ground resounded. The Government Officials, seeing the porters sleeping soundly at the government gate, grew more frustrated. Kicking them, they said, "Get up right now, you bothersome lot. Are you beggars? Or do you think the government gate is your home? How dare you sleep here! Have you no respect for the law?"
