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墨書 Inktalez
Within the rules of Yinzhou City, Mo Wen only learned about them after entering the city. Although he did not understand why the First Generation Ying Wang had such regulations, he felt there was a reason behind them. For instance, the First Generation Ying Wang was known to be a perfectionist, and the subsequent heirs to the Ying Wang title steadfastly adhered to their ancestor's rules. Perhaps these regulations had yet to reveal their true significance.
Though the alleys were not as lively as the streets outside, there was still a considerable crowd. The shops on either side were brightly lit, and Mo Wen joined the throng, entering various stores to purchase some daily necessities. By the time he returned to the Official Inn, nearly an hour had passed.
The next day, Mo Wen set out from the Official Inn to "explore" the sights of Yinzhou. He returned to the inn well past midnight, and upon his arrival, an attendant immediately approached him.
"Welcome back, esteemed guest. We have been waiting for your return."
"Is there something you need from me?" Mo Wen asked suspiciously.
"Indeed. A message has arrived from Mo Bao Fang. It was originally meant to be delivered to you personally, but since you have been away for some time, it was handed over to me. Here is the message," the attendant said as he presented the note before returning to his duties.
After thanking the innkeeper and taking the note, Mo Wen went straight to his room. Looking at the message in his hand, he shook his head; he still did not know who had sent it. Sitting at his desk, he glanced at the invitation. He had never heard of Mo Bao Fang and was unaware of what faction they belonged to. As someone new to Yinzhou City with no acquaintances in town, receiving an invitation after just one day at the Official Inn made him wary. Upon examining the invitation closely, he found no signs of tampering; it appeared to be an ordinary invitation.
Opening it, he found that its contents were elegantly written, inviting him to attend a Poetry Gathering at You Ran Mountain two days later.
"Mo Bao Fang, You Ran Mountain, Poetry Gathering—what's going on?" Mo Wen frowned. His identity as a scholar was merely a disguise; theoretically, no one in Yinzhou City should care about who he was. Reflecting carefully, he realized he had only revealed his identity in two instances: during the City Defense inspection upon entering and when registering at the Official Inn, where an official specifically inquired about his identity.
The next morning, Mo Wen appeared at the inn's counter. Since he was unclear about the contents of the invitation, he decided to ask someone who might know more—specifically, an official from the Official Inn who had likely resided in Yinzhou City for some time and would be familiar with Mo Bao Fang.
"It seems I have neglected this matter," said one of the officials upon hearing Mo Wen's inquiry. "As a traveler unfamiliar with Yinzhou City’s customs, you wouldn’t know its significance. I should have informed you earlier that Mo Bao Fang is a gathering place for literati in Yinzhou City located in its central area. The Poetry Gathering is an event frequently hosted by Mo Bao Fang for literati to socialize and exchange ideas—an event you are likely familiar with. Regarding this invitation, I do know a bit more; we have been instructed by the new general’s residence to keep an eye on any scholars or literati staying here and report immediately if any are discovered after your arrival last night."
Though those working at the Official Inn were officials carrying out their duties, they maintained a merchant-like demeanor and treated guests well.
"Oh, I see," Mo Wen replied thoughtfully. "But I wonder what purpose the Official Government has in monitoring literati scholars?"
While he now understood where the invitation originated from, Mo Wen was curious about why the Official Government wanted its subordinate institutions to pay attention to literati scholars.
"There’s no need for concern," assured the official. "As far as I know, it is related to this year’s annual Poetry Gathering at You Ran Mountain—perhaps it is indeed this very event mentioned in your invitation."
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