In Chinese culture, proclamations of the Emperor's longevity were usually shouted at the top of their lungs. It was as though they were daring the elements to defy their declarations, and the louder their proclamation, the better it was and the happier the Emperor would be.
Plus, even though it was mandatory, the loudness of their shouts was an indication of their zeal and passion for their lord.
Hearing a million kneeling people make that same declaration in solemn voices a mere split second after they were making bloodthirsty death threats at me came as a shock to me, to say the least.
The drop in volume, and drastic swing in emotions, and the eerie unison in which almost every single person did what they did were all incredibly astounding.
The effect was extremely disconcerting, and it meant that the Emperor not only held great sway in almost EVERY citizen in his empire, he was also in possession of a unique power that had one of two very chilling effects.
