At Year's End, Flowers Bloom Like a Samurai

In the fifth year of Yonglu, Mars lingered in the Heart constellation. Its light was like blood, its shape like fire. The Bureau of Yin and Yang calculated the movements of the stars, then fell silent and dared not stir. Rumors of upheaval spread throughout the land. Education and culture fell into disarray, and hearts were unsettled in the court. Military officials resorted to stratagems, carving out territories for themselves and abandoning the kingly way. Alas, these were ominous signs of a year of calamity, and the people would be driven from their homes. The so-called Mandate of Heaven and the Way of the Heavens remained dim and obscure. As the year's end comes, flowers drift and fall. Having burned through the splendor of youth, she presses on, steadfast in her heart as she serves.