Dark and dense clouds covered the sky. The wind was blowing fiercely and strongly, causing snow to fall with the wind. Pei Zi Yun was riding on the horse towards West Hall County. He had ridden for 30 kilometers and had entered the county city.

It was around noon and the snow was heavy and unrelenting. There were very few people out on the roads. Pei Zi Yun rode straight for the county magistrate's office and saw that the door was closed. A thick layer of snow covered the steps leading up the office.

Pei Zi Yun leapt off the horse and saw a drum within the courtyard. He pushed open the door and started hitting the drums ferociously, "Dong, dong dong”, the sound of the drums rang out and was heard across most parts of the county.

It was fast approaching the new year and the county’s magistrate had been discussing with several merchants how to receive the new year with a blast. They had been drinking earlier and the magistrate had just returned to his office to rest. Before he had ample rest, the sound of the drums could be heard, entwined with the sound of rain. Hearing the drums, he walked out, feeling extremely displeased. He was muttering under his breath, “Who d