The news of the Eastern Conquest Army's defeat spread rapidly.
Once the Departure Bell tolled, the news could not be suppressed. Even if the younger generation did not understand its significance, there were always those who did. With a few inquiries, everyone soon learned the truth, especially since the court had made no attempt to censor the information.
Back in the day, when the Yan people hadn't yet thoroughly suppressed the Barbarians, battlefield defeats were common. Each time the Departure Bell rang, men old and young would gather their weapons, pull their warhorses from the stables, prepare their weapons and armor, bid farewell to their families, and then ride out on expeditions with the Emperor.
