The Emperor has issued a decree for a city-wide search for rebels, making it difficult for people entering or leaving the city. As the New Year approaches, people are rushing to the city to buy New Year's goods, or they're coming home for the New Year from other places. Because of this search, the city gates have become a major bottleneck.
No related identification documents or witnesses? Sorry, you'll have to visit the Government Office for tea, and someone will need to bail you out.
So, in the past few days, scenes like this have been common at the city gates: "I'm from such and such place, I have a witness, my cousin's son's wife from my great aunt's side is a maid at some mansion."
Or, "Are you blind? Can't you see who I am? How dare you stop me? Get lost!"
Or, "You ignorant fool, don't you recognize this family crest? Who's in front of you? Move aside!"
