‘Nothing really tasty from the small hostel kitchen, Master,’ Yang said, placing the tray on the table. ‘So I’ve bought for you an earthen oven cake and salty soybean soup from a street-corner vendor.’

‘Well, a cup of Dragon Well tea would be perfect for the moment, preferably fresh and hot from a cotton-padded teapot warmer.’

It would be too much of a luxury to have hot water all the time at the shabby hostel, Judge Dee knew.

‘But you have to eat something, Master. Especially after such a long night. The steaming soybean soup strewn with chopped green onion and purple seaweed tastes quite delicious. Then it’ll be high time for you to leave Chang’an. It’s a long trip ahead of you today.’

Apparently, Yang saw no point their staying any longer in the capital. It appeared to be a legitimate move for Judge Dee to set off despite the request made by Minister Wu. After all, Judge Dee had the imperial decree issued directly from the empress for him to go to the new post.

‘Yes, let’s move,’ Judge Dee said reflectively, rubbing his temple with a finger, ‘but to a temple in the Fang Mountains first. Dingguo Temple.’

‘What!’

‘It’s a small temple, but well known for its fabulous vegetarian meals. A lot of gourmet tourists go to the Buddhist temple for that reason. It’s on the way. So we shall make a visit there first.’

‘Very well, then, we’ll stop for lunch there. Have something light and nutritious,’ Yang said with a suggestion of relief in his voice. ‘That’s exactly what you need.’

‘And we may as well stay at the temple for a day or two. I’m thinking of arranging a Buddhist service in the temple for my late parents. I don’t know when I can possibly make it back to the capital, you know.’ Judge Dee added after a short pause, ‘It’s quite close to Xuanji’s nunnery, just about a mile or two away. You and I can also take a look there.’

‘But we don’t have to do anything for the case, as you said last night – surely not for the sake of Minister Wu.’

‘Well, it does not hurt to make a show of doing something about it as requested by Minister Wu. We don’t really have to go out of the way for it. In fact, there’s something else I would like to do, Yang.’

‘What’s that?’

‘I’ve read a number of her touching poems, and heard a lot of anecdotes about her colorful life. A very intriguing character, that celebrated poetess named Xuanji. So I’m toying with the idea of compiling a poetry collection for her. A temple will be quiet and convenient for that purpose. After the knife message last night, staying in this hostel is no longer a good idea.’

‘Whatever you say, then, Master.’