‘Is it a project worth pursuing for our celebrated Judge Dee?’ Han Shan looked up from the cup, a wry smile spreading across his face, deepening the lines on his forehead. ‘Of course you write poems, too, as everyone knows.’

‘It’s not about my poems, you know. Her poems have been circulating only in a limited circle. If nothing is done about it right now, a number of them may soon get lost.’

‘You mean after her execution?’

‘It’s a possibility, isn’t it? I’m not the judge for the case at the present moment, but I may say that it’s the most likely conclusion. As an admirer of her poems, such a project is the order of the day. Questions about those poems, textual or contextual, would better be answered while she’s still available.’

‘That’s true. But as a poet yourself, why don’t you try to compile a collection of Judge Dee’s poems?’

‘I’ve been so busy with official responsibilities. I did not come to really appreciate her works until the breakout of the murder case. So I have read or reread a number of her poems of late. It’s true I’ve written some myself, but compared with hers, not a single line of mine will be passed down to readers in the future, and I’m sure about that.’

‘Well, I remember one poem of yours, which is about the empress offering the sacrifice to Heaven on top of the Tai Mountains. That poem will be read for generations and generations, I bet.’

‘Come on. You’re making fun of me. It’s nothing but an aggregation of pompous words required for that occasion. If it’s read by people at all, it’s not because of the merit of the poem, but because of Her Majesty on that historical occasion.’

‘But that sounds just like a piece composed by the loyal, talented Judge Dee whom the empress really trusts. So much for poetry,’ Han Shan said with another knowing smile. ‘What do you want me to do for you today?’

‘Tell me what you know about Xuanji’s life and work. As well-known poets, you two must have frequently met and mixed with each other in the circle. These biographical details will be helpful, especially for a “confessional poet” like her. A considerable number of her poems were written for her lovers and “close friends” – full of the details of their intimacies.’

‘I’ve met her several times, mostly at social parties, and for an absurd reason you may have never thought of, Judge Dee. With her, a beautiful, fashionable poet courtesan, and me, a crazy, impoverished poet monk, we were put together just like two exotic side dishes added to a grand banquet. It makes sense, needless to say, from a gourmet perspective.’

‘Exactly, perspectives make meanings.’