VIII
The neighing of a horse roused Judge Dee from his reverie. The groom dismounted, and the judge gave him a tip. Then he swung himself into the saddle, and rode down the quay.
At the fish-market he saw many people crowding round the street-stalls. Passing them, he caught a few words about a fire somewhere.
Outside the headquarters of the Guard a dozen or so mounted guardsmen had assembled. They were carrying storm-lanterns smeared with soot. Judge Dee handed his horse to a sentry and told him he wanted to see Lieutenant Liu. A soldier took him up the main staircase to Captain Siew's office. The captain sat behind his desk, talking to his burly lieutenant. He jumped up when he saw the judge and called out jovially:
‘Glad you dropped in, sir! We had a busy night here. Roof of the City Granary caught fire, no one knows how. But my men had it under control soon. Take a seat, sir ! You may go, Liu.’
Judge Dee sat down heavily.
‘I want information on one of my fellow-guests in the Kingfisher,’ he said curtly. ‘Fellow called Lang Liu.’
‘So you set to work at once! I am most grateful, sir! Yes, Mr Lang is exactly the type of scoundrel I expected trouble from. He is the boss of all the brothel-keepers and gambling-houses in the southern part of this province, you see. Has organized them into a kind of secret guild, the Blue League it's called. Lang also owns a large silk firm down south, but that's just to give him a respectable front. As a rule he keeps within the limits of the law, and he's a very punctual tax-payer. Until very recently he had a lot of trouble with a rival, the so-called Red League, which manages the gambling and brothels in the neighbouring province.’ He scratched his nose. ‘I have heard it said that Mr Lang met representatives of the Red League here in Rivertown about ten days ago, and they agreed upon a kind of truce. Mr Lang must have decided to stay on here a little longer, just to observe how the truce would work out, from a safe distance! Remarkable how quickly you got on to him, sir!’
‘He got on to me, rather.’ The judge told Siew of his meeting with Lang in the bath, then he described the attack in the forest, saying that he had gone there for a walk and met Master Gourd. ‘It was a well-planned attack,’ he concluded. ‘The fire in the Granary you mentioned was doubtless meant to keep your patrols busy at the other end of the town.’
‘Holy heaven! The scoundrels! I am most awfully sorry this happened, sir. And right in my area! I don't like this at all !’
‘I didn't like it either.’ Judge Dee remarked dryly. ‘At first we seemed to be at their mercy, but Master Gourd saved the situation. A most remarkable man. You know anything about his antecedents?’
‘Not much, sir. He belongs to Rivertown, so to speak. Everybody knows him, but nobody knows where he came from. It's generally assumed that in his younger days he was a “brother of the green woods”, one of those chivalrous highwaymen who rob the rich to help the poor. They say that once he met a Taoist recluse in the mountains somewhere and wanted to become his disciple. When the old fellow refused, Master Gourd sat down cross-legged under a tree in front of his hermitage for many days so that his legs withered away. Then the old hermit initiated him into all the secrets of life and death.’ He paused, pensively rubbing his chin. ‘Yes, the four fellows that attacked you must have been Lang's henchmen from the south. Local men would never attack Master Gourd. In the first place because they have a great respect for his wisdom, and second because they believe he possesses magic powers, and can draw out someone's soul and bottle it up in his calabash. But how could they have known that you were going to take that walk, sir?’
‘Before answering that, Siew, I want to ask you a straight question. When we were talking here this afternoon, I clearly perceived that besides your concern over Lang and other unwelcome visitors, there were more important issues in the back of your mind. Since, through you, I am getting deeply involved in a situation I know next to nothing about, I demand a full explanation, here and now.’
The captain jumped up and began to pace the floor, sputtering nervously:
‘Very sorry, sir! You're absolutely right, of course. Should've told you the whole story, at once. Bad mistake, keeping things back. I…’
‘Out with it, man ! It's getting late, and I am tired!’
‘Yes, sir. Well, Colonel Kang is a personal friend of mine, you see. My best friend, in fact. We are natives of the same town, always remained in close touch. It was the colonel who got me transferred here from the capital, wanted a fellow near him he could trust. He's a splendid fellow, old military family. Fine warriors, but no money, of course. And no connections at court. Added to that he's a bit stand-offish, and keeps himself to himself, so you can imagine that when he was made commander in the Water Palace here the people there didn't like it very much. They prefer the toadying kind, the give-and take fellows, you know. So he has had all kinds of difficulties, but he has always got over them all right. Lately, however, he has been very downcast. I urged him to tell me what was worrying him, but the stubborn fellow would only say it was about something in the palace. Then, on top of that, he had to conduct some investigation or other yesterday—a hell of a ticklish job, he told me; he didn't know how to go about it. Wasn't allowed to tell me a thing, he said, but it was neck or nothing! You can imagine…’
‘All very interesting, but come to the point!’
‘Certainly, sir. Well, when I recognized you, sir, I thought your arrival was a godsend. You know my admiration for you, sir… I thought that besides helping me to get a grip on all the high-class crooks here, if I could arrange a meeting between you and my colonel, he might be willing to tell you more about this investigation, and that you, with your magnificent record, sir, might…’
Judge Dee raised his hand.
‘When exactly did you tell the colonel I was here?’
‘When, you say, sir? I met you only this afternoon! I see the colonel only in the mornings, sir, when I go to the palace to hand in my daily report. Meant to tell him about you first thing tomorrow morning!’
‘I see.’ Judge Dee leaned back in his chair and slowly caressed his sidewhiskers. After a while he said:
‘I must ask you, Siew, not to say a word about me to your colonel. ‘I'll be glad to meet him some time, but not just yet. Perhaps you could ask him to arrange a visit to the Water Palace for me, before I leave here. In what part does the famous Third Princess live, by the way?’
‘In the north-east corner of the palace grounds, sir. The most secluded and most closely guarded section. In order to get there you have to pass through the residence and the offices of the Chief Eunuch. Capable fellow, I have heard. Has to be, for you know how it is, sir, inside those purple palace walls. Place is riddled with intrigue.’
‘I have always heard that the Third Princess is an exceptionally intelligent and capable woman. Couldn't she put an end to all that underhand bickering?’
‘She certainly could, provided she knew what was going on! It's the hardest thing for a Princess, sir, to know what is happening among the hundreds of persons in her own palace. She's hedged in on all sides by ladies-in-waiting, court ladies, ladies of the chamber and what have you, and every single one of them twists every bit of news to suit herself. I thank heaven my job is outside those walls, sir!’ He shook his head, then asked briskly, ‘What do you want me to do about Mr Lang, sir? And what about those four corpses in his godown?’
‘As to Lang, nothing at all. I shall deal with him personally, in my own good time. The dead bodies I want removed to your mortuary by a few of your trusted men. They may say they were highway robbers, cut down by a patrol when they attacked a traveller. Oh yes, talking about robbers, I learned some interesting details relating to the murder of the cashier. That young fellow was in love with the innkeeper's wife, and the odds are that she went to Ten Miles Village, the village across the mountains that Tai Min marked on his map. Apparently the idea was that Tai Min would join her there. But he was attacked and killed on the way.’
‘That's very interesting,’ the captain said slowly. ‘Mrs Wei being that kind of woman, she might have another lover too. And jealousy is often a strong motive for murder. Well, it so happens that two of my agents are due to leave for that area this very night. I shall order them to inquire after Mrs Wei. She may be staying in Ten Miles Village together with Tai's murderer, for all we know ! Thanks very much, sir !’
As Judge Dee got up, the captain added:
‘This attack on you has shocked me, sir. Don't you want two or three of my civilian agents assigned to you, for protection?’
‘No, thank you, they would only be in my way. Good-bye, Siew, I'll let you know when I have any news.’
The crestfallen captain conducted him personally downstairs.
Few people were about in the main street, for it was getting on for midnight. Judge Dee fastened the reins of his horse to the pillar by the Kingfisher's entrance and went inside. There was no one about in the hall, but through the lattice screen he could see the back of Mr Wei. The innkeeper stood bent over a large leather box on the floor. The judge walked round the counter and rapped with his knuckles on the screen.
The innkeeper righted himself and turned round. ‘What can I do for you, Doctor?’ he asked in his dull voice.
‘Tell a groom to take my horse to the stables, Mr Wei. After seeing my patient, I went for a ride in the forest and got lost.’
Wei muttered something about keeping late hours and shuffled to the back door of the office. Judge Dee suddenly realized he was dog-tired. He sat down in the armchair beside the desk and stretched his stiff legs. Staring with unseeing eyes at the intricate pattern of the lattice screen, he reviewed the amazing events of that night. He had assumed, as a matter of course, that his summons to the palace had come as a result of information about his arrival supplied by Captain Siew. But the captain had not seen the colonel, and he knew nothing about the theft of the necklace. Someone else in Rivertown must have recognized him, and learned about his alias by consulting the register of the Kingfisher. And that unknown person must have a direct approach to the Princess, for only three hours had elapsed between his arrival in Rivertown and the Lady Hydrangea sending for him. It was all very puzzling. Somewhere beyond the hall he faintly heard the tinkling sound of a moon-guitar. The player evidently kept late hours.
His eyes strayed to the open box on the floor. It was crammed with articles of women's apparel. More clothes were draped over the backrest of Mr Wei's chair. On top was a long-sleeved jacket of red brocade, with a rather pleasing flower pattern of gold thread.
The innkeeper came back and told him that the groom would take care of his horse.
‘Sorry to disturb you so late, Mr Wei.’ Judge Dee felt reluctant to get up, so he added casually: ‘I noticed a large brick-shed, opposite the stables. That's your storeroom, I suppose?’
The innkeeper darted a quick glance at him, a nasty gleam in his shifty eyes.
‘Nothing of value there! Just old sticks of broken furniture, Doctor. I have a hard time trying to make both ends meet, sir! If you knew my expenses…’ He took the red jacket and the robe from his chair, threw them into the box and sat down. ‘I have been kept so busy these days I haven't even got around to sorting out my dear wife's clothes!’ Then he muttered, half to himself, ‘Hope the pawnbroker ‘Il offer a good price ! Kept her in luxury, I did !’
‘I was distressed to learn about your domestic trouble, Mr Wei. Haven't you got any idea who could have seduced your wife?’
‘Wouldn't wonder if he were that tall hoodlum that came to my door sometimes, asking for the post of doorkeeper! Lives in the neighbour district.’
‘You could file a charge against him, you know.’
‘Against him? No, thank you, sir! The fellow has friends in the mountains. Wouldn't like to wake up with my throat cut! Good riddance to bad rubbish, that's all there is to it, sir.’
Judge Dee rose and wished him a good night.
On the second floor it was dead quiet. Upon entering his room, he found that the servants had put up the shutters at nightfall, so that now it had become hot and stuffy inside. He went to open them, then thought he had better not. No use in inviting assassins to a nightly visit. Having verified that the door could be locked by a solid bolt, he undressed and inspected the wound on his forearm. The cut was long but not deep. After he had cleaned it with hot tea from the tea basket, he put on a new bandage, then stretched himself out on the narrow bed for a good night's rest. But the close air was oppressive; soon he was drenched with sweat. The mutilated face of the bearded man rose before his mind's eye, and he saw the other dead men in horrible detail. Then he reflected that, for a crippled old man, Master Gourd had shown remarkable resolution and skill in fighting. Strange… now that he had seen Master Gourd's face clearly in the godown, it seemed vaguely familiar. Could he have met him somewhere before? Mulling this over, he dozed off.
IX
The judge woke early, after a fitful sleep. He got up and opened the shutters. The clear sky promised a fine sunny day. After he had washed his face and combed his beard, he began to pace the floor, his hands behind his back. Then he suddenly realized he was tarrying only because he hoped Fern would bring the morning tea. Annoyed with himself, he decided he would have breakfast in the Nine Clouds Inn across the street. He had better try to gather some general information about the town, and find out how he could get a good view of the walls of the Water Palace.
Down in the hall the young clerk stood yawning at the counter. Judge Dee muttered a perfunctory reply to his ‘Good morning’ and crossed the street.
Unlike the Kingfisher, the Nine Clouds had its own restaurant, located behind the main hall. At this early hour only half a dozen customers were scattered around the small tables, gobbling their morning rice. A small rotund man was standing by the counter, berating a surly waiter. He paused to give the judge a sharp look from his little beady eyes, then came waddling to meet him.
‘An honour to receive a famous doctor from the capital, sir! Please take this corner table, quiet and cosy! You'll find our food better than anything the Kingfisher can offer you, sir. May I recommend rice fried with pork and onions, and crisp fried trout, fresh from the river?’
Judge Dee wanted a more frugal breakfast, but it might be worth engaging the garrulous innkeeper in some further talk. He nodded, and the fat man shouted the order at the waiter.
‘I found the rooms in the Kingfisher quite comfortable,’ the judge remarked, ‘but I don't want to make any demands on the service, for that terrible murder of the cashier has upset the routine.’
‘Yes, sir, Tai Min was a good man at his job, and a quiet, pleasant youngster. But it was Mrs Wei who ran the place, sir. Fine, capable woman, but the way that niggardly husband treated her! Kept an eye on every single copper she spent, you know! When she dropped in here, I always gave her a couple of dumplings stuffed with sweet beans—our speciality, you know. She was mighty fond of those. Gave her three or four the very night she went away, as a matter of fact. I don't hold with married women doing things they shouldn't do, sir, not me. But Wei drove her to it, and that's a fact!’ He gave a sign to the waiter and went on, ‘And she always thought of the business first. Didn't want to run off before she had shown that niece of hers all the ropes. A looker, that young wench, but a bit uppish, if you ask me. Mrs Wei, she was what you might call a conscientious housewife. Wish I could say the same of my own missus…’
The waiter brought a bamboo tray heaped with dumplings.
‘Here you are, Doctor!’ the innkeeper said, beaming at him. ‘Take as many as you like, on the house!’
Judge Dee took a bite but found them much too sweet for his taste. ‘Delicious !’ he exclaimed.
‘They are all yours, sir!’ The fat man leaned over the table and resumed confidentially, ‘Now I've something that'll interest you, sir. Poses a problem for you, professionally. Every time I have a meal, after about half an hour or so I get a dull pain here in my left si
de. Then I get a burning feeling, right here above my navel, and a sour feeling, deep in…’
‘I charge one silver piece for a consultation,’ the judge pointed out gently. ‘Payable in advance.’
‘One whole silver piece! But you don't need to examine me, you know. Just wanted to have your opinion. I am suffering from constipation too. Now I…’
‘See your doctor,’ the judge said curtly and took up his chopsticks. The fat man gave him a hurt look and waddled back to the counter, taking the tray of dumplings with him.
The judge ate with gusto. He had to admit that the fried trout were indeed very good. When he left the Nine Clouds he saw Fern standing in the portico across the street. She wore a brown jacket and wide trousers, and a red sash round her waist; her hair was bound up with a red cloth. She wished the judge a cheerful ‘Good morning’, and added:
‘Weather is fine! What about our trip up river?’
‘Shouldn't I change?’
‘Oh no. We'll just have to buy straw hats on the way.’
She took him down several narrow alleys that brought them in a few minutes to the east end of the quay. He bought two straw hats. While she was busy tying the ribbon of hers under her chin, he cast a quick glance at the godowns. Two coolies were carrying a bale to the clearing, supervised by a thin man with a large, bullet-shaped head. Fern went down the stone steps leading to the water, and pointed at a narrow, sleek boat moored among the larger rivercraft. While she held it steady, Judge Dee stepped inside and sat down in the stem. Skilfully she poled the boat out from among the other craft, then exchanged the pole for a long oar. As she started sculling the boat into midstream, the judge said:
‘You know, I wouldn't mind having a look at the famous Water Palace.’
‘That's easy enough! We'll go along this bank and pass it before crossing over. The best places are all over the other side, you see.’
Necklace and Calabash: A Chinese Detective Story (Judge Dee Mysteries) Page 6