Verse 57
When the Fire Star burned bright above the northern wall, the ministers announced that the heavens fully supported the current administration.
Liber Martis - Chapter 42
Verses
Verse 58
The rebels announced the same thing.
Verse 59
The emperor ordered the astronomers to produce a more loyal sky.
Verse 60
Three were promoted for clouds.
Verse 61
Yinghuo wandered red among the fixed lights, and every courtier discovered an ancient text predicting his enemy's disgrace.
Verse 62
Then the granaries emptied, which proved a better omen.
Verse 63
Fire does not ask which dynasty owns the roof.
Verse 64
A red star above a palace may mean rebellion, war, drought, or merely a red star above a palace. The palace seldom chooses the fourth interpretation.
Verse 65
The demon of Mars whispered, Your mandate is eternal. He had used the same line on six previous emperors.
Verse 66
People fear omens because an omen allows catastrophe to have handwriting.
Verse 67
Yet when ten thousand doors open at once and the streets begin to roar, even skeptics look upward.
Verse 68
The Fire Star says nothing. Humans translate the silence into revolution.