To the Wanderer: It has been over a month since I left home and headed west. All that I have seen along the wa…
To the Wanderer:
It has been over a month since I left home and headed west. All that I have seen along the way has left me with profound mixed feelings.
In Kaifeng, Revelry Hall is brightly lit all night, echoing with endless songs. Yet, just around Forsaken Quarter, starving people with barely enough clothes to cover themselves huddle in the freezing wind.
By Jinming Pool, seeing the majestic imperial warships filled me with inspiration. But upon reaching the Mistveil Forest, I heard the young and old weeping over the poisonous mist that has left most homes empty.
The stark contrast of these scenes has left my mind deeply unsettled... I can only sigh that beneath the glory of this prosperous age, hidden wounds still fester. Having practiced martial arts for years, I wish I could use the Mo Blade in my hands to clear away this poisonous miasma and solve this crisis alongside other heroes of the martial world.
With such thoughts weighing on me, I picked up my pen to write, yet I know not what to say.
I originally intended to return early and talk freely with you over warm wine. Unfortunately, while passing the Grand Canal, I saw imperial soldiers whipping the laborers. I intervened, and consequently, ran into trouble with the authorities.
To avoid bringing disaster upon you, I will lay low for now. My return... I fear will be delayed. (The handwriting suddenly becomes sloppy here, as if written in a frantic rush with the other hand.)
Once the storm passes, I will definitely return to Blissful Retreat and drink with you until we drop.
Separated by a great distance, I hope you take care.
Shi Jingtian