It was still clearly the first few days of the New Year. If this had been in the past, the red fragments of firecrackers would still be flying through the air and the slightly pungent scent would still be floating through the streets and homes. Everything would give off a celebratory and lively atmosphere. However, for the officials and people of Jingdou, the spring festival in the 12th year of the Qing calendar was not celebrated satisfactorily. Not only was it not satisfactory, it was even a bit gloomy.