Crimes & Mysteries

Chapter 6Nine Dragons Shi Jin Robs in Red Pine ForestSagacious Lu Burns Down Waguan MonasteryAfter crossing a number of ridges, Sagacious saw a path up the mountain through a large forest of pines. He followed it for less than half a li and arrived at a run-down monastery. It was from here that the tinkling of the bells came. Above an arch a faded vermilion sign read in letters of gold: "Waguan Monastery." Lu proceeded another forty or fifty paces, crossed a stone bridge, and entered the compound. He went directly to the guest-quarters. Its front gate was gone and its surrounding walls had cru...

Chapter 5Drunk, the Little King Raises the Gold-Spangled Bed CurtainsLu the Tattooed Monk Throws Peach Blossom Village into Confusion"Sagacious," said the abbot, "you definitely can't stay here. In the Eastern Capital a Buddhist brother of mine, called the Lucid Teacher, is the abbot of the Great Xiangguo Monastery. Take this letter to him and ask him to find you a job. Last night I had a vision and composed a four-line prophetic verse to guide your destiny. You must remember these words."Kneeling before him, Lu said: "I'd like to hear the prophecy."The abbot intoned: "Take action in the fores...