When the Grand Preceptor's Order went out from the Grand Preceptor's Residence, lamps still burned along the long street lined with the Feudal Lords' Lodgings in Chaoge.
The main gates of every lodging remained open.
The lamp stands outside had not been removed.
No one blocked the main thoroughfare used by the Feudal Lords' envoys, either.
Only the little relay gate behind the lodgings was surrounded by Armored Guards.
That was where the lodgings sent private letters, received Urgent Reports, and exchanged visitor notes.
Three letter boxes hung behind the gate: one for calling cards from those entering the city, one for letters from the Feudal Lords, and one reserved for Lodging House Guest Passes.
The Registrar from the Grand Preceptor's Residence arrived with his men and drew no blade.
He merely pasted a seal over the third letter box.
"Grand Preceptor's Order."
"Investigate the source of the counterfeit Northern Border Relay Station Slip at the South Gate."
"Seal the lodgings' relay gate."
"Do not seal the main gates."
"Do not detain the envoys."
"Official Letters from the Feudal Lords shall enter the residence and be registered as usual."
"All privately delivered visitor notes are suspended tonight."
When those few lines had been read out, the lodgings' long street actually fell silent for a breath.
Then people emerged from several lodgings at once.
The first to speak was a Lodging Steward from the eastern side.
"The Grand Preceptor's Residence seals the relay gate at night, yet claims it isn't sealing off the Feudal Lords?"
Another man sneered.
"With the relay gate sealed, how are the Feudal Lords' urgent letters supposed to get through?"
"If Urgent Reports from the border are delayed, who answers for it?"
"Grand Tutor Wen wants to investigate one scrap of paper, and that gives him the