Supernatural Beings Will Emerge

Rosamunda is the first to arrive at Cloud Dispelling Hall, but is forced to wait at the entrance. It costs10 yuan to go in.

Gaius, Margaret and Professor Mee-Man Chang are puffing a little.

We'll just look at the outside, says Professor Mee-Man Chang.

Rosamunda really wants to go in.

Zheiwei xiansheng hui quingdan, says Rosamunda to the ticket seller, indicating Gaius.

The ticket seller gives Gaius four tickets, and holds out her hand. Gaius produces a note for which he is given not very much change.

How very kind of you, Gaius, says Professor Mee-Man Chang. Paying for everyone.

It is now that Gaius realises how kind he has been.

They all go in.

The Cloud Dispelling Hall is entered from the second courtyard. It is a raised terrace with marble balustrades. It features pairs of bronze dragons, phoenixes, three-footed vessels, and yellow glazed tiles.

In such a splendid hall, supernatural beings will emerge, says Professor Mee-Man Chang.

Pardon? says Margaret. Oh, is that a saying?

Those are the words of the Jin Dynasty poet, Guo Pu, says Professor Mee-Man Chang. He meant that whoever lived here would be blessed with prolonged life.

How romantic, says Rosamunda. And were they?

No, says Professor Mee-Man Chang. It was refurbished for Empress Cixi, who meant to make it her bedroom, but she became ill upon moving in.

So much for luxurious living, saysGaius. I must say, this place does not impress me. Look at all......ouch, what is it Margaret?

It's a credit to the people who built it, says Margaret The craftsmen and women.

Professor Mee-Man Chang looks pleased. This is right thinking.

..........

Meanwhile Arthur, Richie Porte and Sikong Shu have reached Central Beijing and are about to enter the Forbidden City through the Meridien Gate, south of Tiananmen Square.

Wait, says Sikong Shu. I'm meeting a friend here. He will show us around.

They wait in Tiananmen Square for Sikong Shu's friend, who turns up ten minutes later.

This is Lu Ban, my friend, says Sikong Shu. Lu Ban, this is Arthur Rimbaud the poet and Richie Porte of the famous Team Sky.

Hello, Western boys, says Lu Ban.

Shall we go in? says Sikong Shu. I want you to show them your tower in the corner.

Tell them a bit more about me first, says Lu Ban.

Like what? says Sikong Shu.

Lu Ban punches Sikong Shu's arm in a friendly but dominant manner.

Lu Ban is a carpenter immortal, says Sikong Shu. He is much older than I am. He was born in 507 BC. He is an engineer, philosopher, the inventor of the cloud ladder, grappling hooks and kites, also a military thinker and statesman.

And he's up himself, whispers Richie to Arthur.

I heard that, says Lu Ban. You two will please walk in front.

Arthur and Richie walk in front through the gates of the Forbidden City.

Lu Ban and Sikong Shu walk behind.