"I hope our sudden visit doesn't inconvenience you," Judge Dee said politely.

"It's a signal honour, sir!" the prior exclaimed, blinking his slightly protruding eyes. "It adds splendour to this auspicious day! We are celebrating the foundation of our monastery, as we do every year on this day. This is the two hundred and third time, Your Honour!"

"I didn't know that," the judge said. "May your monastery prosper for ever and ever!" A gust of cold wind blew through the archway. He cast an anxious eye at his ladies who were stepping down from the litters, assisted by the maids, and resumed: "Please lead us to our quarters. We all need to change our clothes."

"Of course, of course!" the small prior exclaimed. "Follow me please!" As he led them into a narrow, dark passage, he continued: "I hope you won't mind the steps. I'll take you to the east wing by a roundabout way. There are many sets of steps, but it'll at least save you from going outside again and getting wetter!"

He went ahead, holding a paper lantern close to the floor so that Judge Dee and Tao Gan could see the steps. A novice followed, carrying a lampion on a long stick, and Judge Dee's wives brought up the rear together with six lay brothers who carried their travelling bags and boxes, suspended on bamboo poles over their shoulders. When they had gone up the first flight of stairs and turned a corner, it had grown very still; nothing was heard any more of the storm outside.

"The walls must be very thick!" Judge Dee remarked to Tao Gan. "They knew how to build in those days! And they didn't grudge expense!" As they began another steep ascent, Tao Gan added: "But they made far too many stairs!"