Firecrackers rang out as the year came to an end, from just when night began around the military patrols, occasional fireworks started sounding off in Di'an City. By the time it was close to the hour of the pig, these firework sounds almost fused together, intermittently drowning out the recent "blessing" issued by the royal family to the people.
The New Year's Eve in Di'an City was filled with festive atmosphere, although the officials had to stay up late for the Imperial, the people did not.
After the reunion dinner, the residential alleys became bustling. Neighbors were familiar with each other, children in groups of three or two scampered around on the muddy streets in the dim alleys, while the elders gathered either to chat about past events or to play mahjong and card games at tables set up in their courtyards.