Though a private event, rumors can't help but be spread through the underworld of the meeting. In the opium and smuggling trade especially, but known to anyone who deals in the criminal side of society, there is news of a celebration of sorts. The induction of a new member into some kind of secret society. It's left ambivalent as to who is invited, but those of you who know this society are certainly invited.
Everything is a little too ambiguous for comfort, really.