The seriously injured King of South Sea has finally recovered, undoubtedly boosting troop morale.
Outside the military camp, figures are bustling about, cheering jubilantly, accompanied by the movement of carriages and horses. Tiny water droplets from the leaves converge into one and fall onto the oily canvas with a crackle, as if another small rain had started.
Liang Qu tightly grips his gunstock, looking towards Otter Kai.
"What's the date today?"
Otter Kai rises from a blanket, takes out a yellowing calendar, and points to a red circle.
"Ah, it's the end of the thirtieth. February 4 is the beginning of spring, February 16 is New Year's Eve, February 17 is the New Year celebration... Spring rain stirs spring, clear valleys emerge, summer fills with grain and heat… First, the east wind thaws, second, insects awaken, third, fish ascend with icy challenges—truly full of vibrant life…"
