Jade Dragon Mountain Read Online Free Page B

residence in the capital. Its design has been praised in the highest circles of society, but is, sadly, underappreciated here.”
    â€œI will enjoy seeing it,” said Li Du, honestly, though aware that his cousin’s interest was in acquiring books, not reading them. “And who was the merchant at the gate? Am I to speak to him also?”
    Tulishen frowned. “He has brought tribute from a powerful foreign company. They want access to our eastern seaports, but it is unlikely that they will get what they want. The Emperor has refused them for years—he will not be persuaded to change his mind by a few boxes of trinkets. But the man is to be treated with deference until the Emperor makes a decision.”
    â€œYour soldiers were inspecting the crates he carried.”
    Tulishen nodded. “We must be very thorough. This region is wild. The Ming loyalists still lurk at the borders. And Tibet cannot be trusted.” Tulishen put his hand to his forehead as if it pained him.
    A young official had just entered the room, and Li Du recognized the man who had so adeptly managed the situation at the gate. He had the clean, unremarkable presence of a young scholar. Under his arm he carried a bundle of dirty, crumpled papers. He bowed respectfully and, after a brief, curious glance at Li Du, directed his gaze forward and waited to be addressed.
    â€œThis is my secretary, Jia Huan,” said Tulishen. “He arrived from Beijing a month ago and already has taken great initiative in the matters of this province. With my guidance he may become a magistrate himself one day. What is it?”
    â€œThe merchant from the English East India Company is concerned that the treasure room is not secure enough. He says that he does not trust Mu Gao to guard it, and Mu Gao has gone away to drink with his friend the clerk.”
    Tulishen rose from his chair with a sigh of exasperation. “Mu Gao,” he said to Li Du, “takes care of my library. He is barely literate, but his family used to be powerful in this province. That is the only reason he has a place here. If you meet him, advise him on the proper care of books. His skills are only adequate.”
    He turned to Jia Huan. “I will reassure the merchant that the treasure room is as secure as the mansion itself. There are guards at the gate and at every corner of the wall. He will have to be satisfied until the Emperor’s own soldiers arrive. What is that you are carrying?” Tulishen indicated the papers.
    â€œI found more graffiti on the walls in the market. I have peeled it away so that it can be copied and filed, according to the Emperor’s new mandate.”
    â€œYou did well,” said Tulishen, directing a nervous look at the offending papers. “Of course, these foul slanders against the Emperor are unavoidable with so many people crowding the city. The Emperor must understand that. But someone will see the culprits and report them soon. It is inevitable.”
    He returned his attention to Li Du. “I will attend to these other matters. You will be shown to your room, and you will meet the Lady Chen. She is first consort, and responsible for the household.”
    â€œYour wives are not here with you?”
    â€œOf course not. They are in Beijing. Lady Chen is of a local family, though one of high rank, naturally. She is very capable in this rough setting.”
    Li Du perceived no lack of opulence or comfort in the mansion, however rural its surroundings, but he said nothing.
    â€œTonight there will be a banquet,” continued Tulishen. “You will attend.” He paused and added, “It is not necessary to tell the foreigners that you are an exile. It is better that they consider you an authority. If they do not respect you, perhaps they will not talk to you. You will be introduced as a scholar traveler.”
    *   *   *
    A maid in crisp red-and-white robes led Li Du through the mansion