Under the blazing sun, houses two to three stories high seemed to make a shadowy arch on the street Minglo was walking. The narrow street which was only enough for four horses to walk through was filled with noises of bargaining merchants and jingling of coins. There was laughter everywhere and everyone seemed to enjoy their lives. To his left, children played catch, often causing roadblocks for merchants carrying their products on a cart. To his right, the parents shouted at their children to return home. Suddenly a man tapped on Minglo’s shoulder.

“Can you please read this out to me?” asked an illiterate middle-aged man who was holding his son on the hand.

“Sure. ‘Attention, Changan citizens. The Xiongnu invaders from the north have consistently looted our fertile northern lands of Qin. The majesty has ordered the citizens of his country to work on a massive wall construction in the north that will decrease the amount of Xiongnu attacks and show the majestic power of Qin. Rise, the citizens of Qin, and sacrifice oneself for our relatives living in the north!…” Before Minglo could finish reading the letter, he heard the ground rumble. Crows flew from nearby trees. He observed shadows of men in the mist. They were coming straight towards where he was standing.

Armed soldiers and officers appeared in Minglo’s sight. The crowd seemed to be frightened and a nearby baby started crying.

“Our majesty has ordered us to build the Great Wall for our country and yet everyone is reluctant to do it! We should do so in honor! Soldiers, gather healthy men of Changan who can work on the Great Wall,” ordered an officer on a horse.

As soon as the officer finished his sentence, a group of armed soldiers began to gather as many Changan men. Soldiers went from house to house, pulling out numbers of screaming and struggling men. They were beaten and forced to gather in front of the officer. Minglo was among them.

“Please, officer. Show me some mercy. My poor mother is sick,” said Minglo.

“You should take this as an honor. Now be quiet,” the officer replied in a cold tone.

“But officer, I would love to sacrifice myself for our majesty if my mother just wasn’t sick. Please, just let me go home this time,” Minglo pleaded, but the officer turned away.