There was no lack of local Court officials who came forward with unceasing attentiveness, offering warm congratulations.
In reality, whether they were truly welcoming the Yellow River Gathering champion from Qi Country was unknown. At least on the surface, they were all exuberant.
Now, Qi Country probably only needed to see this surface exuberance. Cao Jie didn't even show his face, instead sending a Deputy General to deal with the formalities.
This enthusiasm reached its peak after the return to Qi.
Before even entering the Yang Region and while still establishing the boundary markers, masses of fresh flowers could already be seen blooming along both sides of the road. In this season, to bloom so splendidly, they were clearly coaxed into flowering by Dao Technique.
A large group of young children, gathered from who knows which school - perhaps even several - each dressed brightly and holding fresh flowers, stood neatly along the highway.
