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墨書 Inktalez
Watching the expressions of the two, Sang Qingxiao couldn't help but smile. This pair truly had their share of challenges.
From Great Jing to Dayu, they traveled in a straight line, while from Dayu to Ginger, they took a long diagonal route. Even with the aid of a speed-enhancing talisman, it took longer, especially since Qi Xiaomian always deliberately delayed their journey, insisting on stopping at interesting places and dragging her along for a day of fun.
Aren't you in a hurry?
What’s there to rush about? It’s us who are busy with our affairs and can never seem to stop. When will we get to enjoy our own little lives?
Since we can’t slow down, why not take the opportunity to relax a bit? Isn’t that good?
Sang Qingxiao encouraged him, noting that they were almost there and it would be nice to push through with some enthusiasm.
There’s no need to rush at this moment.
Qi Xiaomian was adamant about it, and Sang Qingxiao reluctantly complied; in truth, she was enjoying herself quite a bit.
After days of travel, they had finally reached the border between Great Jing and Ginger—Sizhou City.
The border between the two countries was not heavily guarded; one could see merchants from both sides exchanging goods. With nothing else to do, they observed for a while, becoming increasingly puzzled.
Great Jing was vast and rich compared to Ginger, which was smaller and poorer with a limited variety of goods primarily focused on agricultural products. Thus, many adventurers sought opportunities in Great Jing rather than in Ginger.
However, the situation over the past few days seemed reversed, with large groups of people from Great Jing crossing southward into Ginger. They appeared to be in quite a hurry for some unknown reason.
When they asked an innkeeper about it, they learned that these travelers were going to pay their respects.
What you may not know is that various cults are prevalent in Ginger. The local population is insufficient for all these cults, so they have set their sights on the people of Great Jing.
Every year, they tirelessly persuade many individuals, and during various celebration dates for these cults, one can see crowds rushing toward them.
In Sizhou City alone, it is estimated that around thirty to forty percent of the population has become their followers. The intense rivalry among different factions has severely affected neighborhood relations within Sizhou; people often quarrel over trivial matters, which is quite bothersome.
And what about you? Which cult do you follow?
The innkeeper shook his head in disgust. I don’t believe in harmful things like that.
Your resolve is quite strong.
With a hint of sadness, the innkeeper continued, My father believed in this nonsense; no matter how I tried to persuade him, he wouldn’t listen. It brought unrest to our home and even cost him his life during a pilgrimage. I hold a grudge against those cults; how could I possibly believe in them?
Li Cu pressed on with his questions. So how many cults are there in Ginger?
There are more than twenty notable ones, along with some smaller sects. Altogether, it should be no less than several dozen.
The crowd was astonished. "So many?!"
"Indeed," the waiter said, raising his hand to point. "Across the river is Ginger, always shrouded in a mist. Don't think it's real fog; it's all from the incense being burned."
Each cult uses different types of incense, and the mixed scents are unbearable. For a while, Sizhou was also filled with smoke and haze. After the new Prefect took office, he issued a decree banning it and listed several heavy penalties, which gradually put an end to it.
People were puzzled. What benefits did faith bring that made them so obsessed? They spoke of beliefs—things that could neither be seen nor touched. When enticing someone to join, they offered small favors: a small bowl, a dozen eggs, or a tiny jar of lard. Some relied solely on their words, luring you in without giving anything tangible, leaving you confused and disoriented.
Once inside, not only would you find nothing, but they would also coax you into willingly pouring in more money. I’ve seen those who were deceived lose everything, unable to afford even a meal while still praising the church.
I wonder if the incense is toxic, clouding people's minds. The waiter was amusing; Sang Qingxiao rewarded him with a silver ingot. After thanking her, he continued his musings. "People should be grounded and work hard to support their families. Those who believe are often deluded, never satisfied or stable."
"Don’t think I’m just a lowly waiter. Sizhou City has many merchants, and our shopkeepers are generous. With my salary plus tips from customers, I’ve managed to buy a house in the city after just three years."
"In Sizhou City, as long as you're willing to work, you won't starve. Yet some people cling to those ethereal beliefs and end up ruining themselves."
"Please don't mind my chatter; I'm saying this as a reminder. There have been traveling merchants who were lured into these cults before. That kind of thing is truly untrustworthy; I hope you remain vigilant."
The crowd hurriedly expressed their gratitude and wanted to ask one more question about the flow of people heading toward which church's festival.
The waiter indeed had his ear to the ground. "Common Faith," he replied. "There's joy in the church; they have successors, so it's quite a significant celebration."
These people were actually rushing to donate money; if they gave too little, the church would be displeased. I've heard that copper coins won’t do; it has to be gold and silver ingots—the sound of gold and silver is what pleases them.
Li Cu scoffed, "Oh? Isn’t that just admitting they’re greedy? And yet people still believe them?"
"Of course they believe! Even if they have to sell their pots and pans, they’ll exchange everything for gold and silver ingots and rush over there."
Another table of customers called for the waiter, who excused himself and left.
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