Jade Dragon Mountain Read Online Free Page A

at the inn since he arrived. I sent my doctor to bring him herbs, and now the strange man wants to know everything about the plants the doctor used. He has a fascination for plants, he says. Did you encounter these religious men in Beijing?”
    â€œThe Jesuits?” Li Du said. “I was tutored by one.”
    Tulishen’s expression wavered. This was an unwelcome reminder of Li Du’s academic superiority, but Tulishen had not become magistrate by ignoring opportunities to use the knowledge of others. “Did you learn to speak their language?”
    â€œMost of the ones I met in Beijing spoke good Chinese. But yes, I learned their Latin.”
    â€œTell me about them.”
    â€œWhat is it you want to know?”
    Tulishen was irritated. “I never wasted my time with foreigners in the capital. I am not interested in distant places that do not affect us. But now they are here and I am responsible for them. Tell me something useful.”
    Li Du considered. He had not thought of the Jesuits in years. “To me,” he said, “the Jesuits always seemed more scholars than holy men. They spend their time studying our language and reading our books, instead of reviewing their own. As I recall, that is how they fell out of favor with their leaders even as they earned the Emperor’s respect. I doubt these visitors wish to cause any offense or inconvenience. They simply want to know more of the world.”
    â€œBut they have caused inconvenience already,” snapped Tulishen. “They conduct themselves awkwardly. And the old one speaks unwisely on subjects that are forbidden. You do not understand the burden that has been placed upon me. I have no time for such disturbances.”
    â€œI am sure that all will go as planned,” said Li Du, vaguely. He was thinking of the map to the mountain pass, and beginning to make a list of the modest supplies he would purchase in the market on his way out. Perhaps a little bottle of wine to warm over the fire, and some preserved ham, and a small bag of bean paste pastries.…
    Tulishen observed Li Du’s distraction. “You have always acted above society.”
    Li Du blinked. “I am banished from my own home,” he said. “I am an exile, invisible to society.”
    â€œAnd yet, for a man who has wandered in the mountains for three years, you speak of court matters with some elegance.”
    Li Du could see that Tulishen was struggling with an idea that was unpalatable to him, and with a sense of dread Li Du guessed what it might be. “I require a favor of you,” said Tulishen. “I want you to remain in Dayan for a few days.”
    Li Du spoke carefully. “I am grateful, Cousin, for your hospitality. But I am here merely to provide a record of my presence, as required. I should not be in the city when the Emperor comes. I was exiled at his order.”
    Tulishen waved his hand dismissively. “Of course you were. But you were exiled from Beijing, and we are far from that city. I have need of you here. I want you to talk to the foreigners. Question them, politely, tactfully, and tell me what you learn. I don’t want any surprises when the Emperor is here. If this talkative old Jesuit makes a nuisance of himself I am the one who will bear shame. You will leave before the Emperor arrives.”
    â€œBut I—”
    â€œAny further protest will offend me, Cousin.”
    They both knew the request for what it actually was: an order.
    â€œThen it is decided,” said Tulishen, satisfied. “You will stay in the guesthouse, and you will meet the Jesuit in my library this afternoon.”
    â€œYou have a library?”
    â€œIn remote areas like these,” said Tulishen, “it is important to keep reminders of more refined places. It sets an example for the locals. My father and grandfather were renowned collectors, as I am sure you know. I had the entire library moved here from my