The Emperor's Pearl

Judge Dee put his hand in the capacious sleeve of the jacket and brought out an identity card made out to Tong Mai, a certificate stating that Tong Mai had passed his first literary examination, and two silver pieces wrapped up in tissue-paper. Replacing everything he told Hoong: 'Take these clothes to the tribunal.' And, to the headman: 'Have the body wrapped up in that mat, and let your men bring it to an empty cell in our jail. You yourself go to Tong Mai's lodging and take Sia Kwang to the tribunal. I'll question him later tonight.'

The headman left to call the constables. While Sergeant Hoong was helping the judge to take off his ceremonial robe, he asked:

'Who could have murdered that student? One would think that . . .'

'Murder?' a deep voice spoke up behind them. 'I was told it was an accident!'

The judge turned round with an angry remark on his lips. But he checked himself as he saw the huge man who was standing in the door opening. It was Yang, the curio-dealer who owned a large shop opposite the Temple of Con­fucius. The judge often went there to look over his antiques. He said, not unkindly:

'It was indeed murder, Mr Yang. But I must request you to keep this to yourself.'

The giant raised his bushy eyebrows. He had a strongly-featured, sun-tanned face, with a bristling moustache and a short beard. He said, with a slow smile that bared his white, even teeth:

'As you say, sir! I came to have a look because the fisher­men down at the quay are saying that the White Woman took him.'

'What do they mean by that?' Judge Dee asked testily.

'That's what the countryfolk call the River Goddess, sir. The fishermen are glad that a man died during the races, they say that, now that the goddess has got her due, there'll be plenty of fish this year.'

Judge Dee shrugged his shoulders.

'For the time being we'll let the murderer think that the authorities share the popular belief,' he said.

'How was he murdered, Your Honour?' Yang cast a quick glance at the prone figure, then added: 'I don't see any blood.'

'If you want the details, you'll have to attend the session of the tribunal tomorrow morning,' Judge Dee said curtly. 'By the way, since Tong Mai dabbled in the antique trade, I suppose you knew him well?'

Yang shook his large head.

'Knew of him sir. I never met him. I have my own channels of supply! Got those by hard work, too! Riding up and down the countryside, rain or shine, always after farmers who dig up old stuff in their fields. Keeps me healthy, and well supplied with good, genuine articles. The other day ...'

'Ever meet Tong's friend, fellow called Sia Kwang?'

'No sir. Sorry I can't oblige.' Yang wrinkled his corru­gated brow. 'The name sounds familiar, somehow, but that's all. Well, as I was saying, the other day I got in a temple east of the city an old painting that Your Honour would be interested in, I dare say. It's in good condition, I ...'

'One of these days I'll pass by your shop, Mr Yang. I am in rather a hurry now, I must go back to the tribunal.'

The curio-dealer bowed and took his leave.

'I like to chat with Yang,' the Judge remarked to Sergeant Hoong. 'The man has an uncanny knowledge of antiques. Has a genuine love for them, too. But he came at a most inopportune moment.' He put a small black skull-cap on his head and resumed, with a wan smile: 'Since my three lieutenants won't be back in Poo-yang until the day after tomorrow, we'll have to solve this murder the two of us, Hoong!'

'It's a pity that Ma Joong and Chiao Tai took Tao Gan along on their holiday, sir!' the sergeant said wistfully. 'That sly fellow is just the man for solving a case of poisoning!'

'Don't worry, we'll manage, Hoong! I'll now take a horse and ride to Marble Bridge Village. Evidently the poison was put into Tong Mai's food or drink while the crews were being entertained there before the races. I shall have a look at things out there. I want you to go to the Temple of Con­fucius and see the Director of Studies, old Professor Ou-yang. Ask him about Tong Mai, and also about his friend Sia Kwang. The professor is a shrewd old fellow, I'd like to have his opinion on the character of those two young men. You needn't wait up for me, I'll see you tomorrow morning after breakfast, in my private office.

While they were going down the stairs together, the judge added:

'Oh yes, pass by my residence, will you, and let the steward inform my ladies that I shall be in later tonight.'