The Chinese Maze Murders Read online

  The Chinese Maze Murders

  Robert Van Gulik

  Judge Dee must solve three complex mysteries in this case. Poisoned plums, secret messages in a scroll picture, passionate love letters and a murderer with a penchant for torturing and killing women lead him into the heart of the Governor's garden maze and the answers to these mysteries.

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  Poisoned plums, a cryptic scroll picture, passionate love letters, and a hidden murderer with a penchant for torturing and killing women lead Judge Dee to the heart of the Governor’s garden maze and the answers to three interwoven mysteries. The Chinese Maze Murders represents Robert van Gulik’s first venture into writing suspense novels after the success of Dee Gong An, his translation of an anonymous Chinese detective novel from the sixteenth century.

  Robert Van Gulik

  The Chinese Maze Murders

  A Chinese detective story suggested by three original ancient Chinese plots

  With nineteen plates drawn by the author in Chinese style

  FOREWORD

  After the appearance of my translation of the old Chinese detective novel 'Dee Goong An' [1] I was asked to search for other Chinese novels of that kind. However, such books are now rather scarce and moreover it proved difficult to find one that appeals equally to modern Chinese and Western taste. As a matter of fact, 'Dee Goong An' is an exception. As a rule style and contents of ancient Chinese crime and mystery stories differ so much from modern ones that they are of slight interest to the present-day Oriental reader, and even less to the Westerner.

  On the other hand old Chinese crime stories contain many clever plots and much material relating to the detection of crime. I thought, therefore, that it would be an interesting experiment to write a Chinese-style detective story myself, utilizing plots found in Chinese stories from bygone times.

  I engaged upon this experiment mainly in order to prove to present-day Chinese and Japanese authors that it is possible to write a detective-novel in traditional Chinese style that yet appeals to the modern Oriental reader. I thought this all the more worth while since at present the book-market in China and Japan is flooded with bad translations of third-rate foreign thrillers, while their own ancient crime novels are practically forgotten. When I had completed my English manuscript of 'The Chinese Maze Murders', it was translated into Japanese by Professor Ogaeri Yukio, and published in 1951 by the Kodan-sha in Tokyo, under the title Meiro-no-satsujin, with a preface by the well known Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Rampo. Then I myself prepared a Chinese version, which was published in 1953 by the Nanyang Press in Singapore, under the title Ti-jen-chieh-chi-an. Both editions were favourably received in the Chinese and Japanese press. Encouraged by this success I wrote two more 'Judge Dee' novels, 'The Chinese Bell Murders' and 'The Chinese Lake Murders', of which a Chinese and Japanese version is now in preparation.

  Having thus attained my main object, it occurred to me that also Western readers might perhaps be interested in this new type of crime novel. Therefore I decided to publish my English text of 'The Chinese Maze Murders', an additional motive being that the Chinese element has been introduced so often by Western writers of detective stories that I thought that the reader might be interested in seeing how it looks in genuine Chinese garb.

  For information on the background of the present novel and the Chinese sources utilized the reader is referred to my Postscript at the end of the book. Here it may suffice to say that I borrowed three plots from ancient Chinese sources, rewriting them as one continuous story centering round the famous ancient Chinese master-detective Judge Dee. I retained the typical features of old Chinese detective novels, such as the prologue which gives some idea of the main events of the story itself, the chapter headings in two parallel lines, the peculiar Chinese device of letting the

  detective solve a number of cases simultaneously, etc., and in general tried to preserve as much as possible Chinese style and atmosphere.

  The scene of my story is laid in Lan-fang, an imaginary border town of China during the seventh century A.D. The reader will find a Chinese map of that city on page xiv of the present publication. The plates were drawn by me in the style of book-illustrations of the Ming Dynasty.

  All the credit of what may be found satisfactory in this novel must go to the ancient Chinese writers who evolved the plots. All its shortcomings must be blamed on the present author.

  The Hague, spring 1956

  Robert van Gulik

  DRAMATIS PERSONAE

  It should be noted that in Chinese the surname, here printed in capitals, precedes the personal name.

  Main Characters:

  Dee Jen-djieh, newly appointed magistrate of Lan-fang, a town district on the Northwest border of the Chinese Empire. Referred to as 'Judge Dee', or 'the judge'.

  Hoong Liang, Judge Dee's confidential adviser and sergeant over the constables of the tribunal. Referred to as 'Sergeant Hoong', or 'the sergeant'.

  Ma Joong *

  Tao Gan *

  Chiao Tai *

  * the three trusted lieutenants of Judge Dee

  Persons connected with ' The Murder in the Sealed Room':

  Ding Hoo-gwo, a General living retired in Lan-fang. Found murdered in his own library.

  Ding Yee, a Junior Candidate of Literature, his only son. Referred to as 'Candidate Ding', or 'Young Ding'.

  Woo Feng, son of Commander Woo of the Board of Military Affairs in the capital. A Junior Candidate of Literature and amateur painter.

  Persons connected with ' The Hidden Testament':

  Yoo Shou-chien, an ex-Governor who died while living retired in Lan-Fang.

  Mrs. Yoo, nee Mei, the Governor's young second wife.

  Mrs. Lee, a painter, friend of Mrs. Yoo.

  Yoo Kee, the Governor's eldest son by his first wife.

  Yoo Shan, infant son of Mrs. Yoo.

  Persons connected with ' The Girl with the Severed Head':

  Fang, a blacksmith. Later appointed headman of the constables of the tribunal, and hence referred to as 'Headman Fang' or 'the headman'.

  White Orchid, his eldest daughter.

  Dark Orchid, his second daughter.

  His son.

  Others:

  Chien Mow, the local tyrant who usurped power in Lan-fang.

  Liu Wan-fang, his eldest counsellor.

  Corporal Ling, a deserter from the regular army, reinstated by Judge Dee.

  Orolakchee, an Uigur chieftain. His real name is Prince Ooljin. His false name 'Orolakchee' means agent or representative.

  The Hunter, accomplice of Orolakchee.

  Tulbee, an Uigur girl.

  Occurs in Chapter XIX only:

  Master Crane Robe, an old recluse.

  LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

  I Judge Dee attacked by two robbers.

  II Chien Mow's men invade the tribunal

  III Ma Joong and Chiao Tai arrest a criminal

  IV Governor Yoo's picture…

  V Three monks report a theft to the tribunal

  VI Judge Dee in General Ding's library.

  VII Judge Dee in Woo Feng's studio.

  VIII The drinking bout in the Eternal Spring Wine shop…

  IX Yoo Kee welcomes Judge Dee to his mansion…

  X Woo Feng's strange encounter in the temple garden…

  XI Dark Orchid reports to Judge Dee

  XII Ma Joong meets Tulbee…

  XIII Master Crane Robe and Judge Dee.

  XIV A criminal confesses his nefarious schemes

  XV Judge Dee confronts a criminal with the evidence…

  XVI Plan of the Governor's maze…

  XVII Dark Orchid surprised while taking a bath

  XVIII Judge Dee on the rampar
ts of Lan-fang

  XIX A depraved criminal on the execution ground…

  SKETCH MAP OF LAN-FANG

  1. Tribunal

  2. Temple of the City God

  3. Temple of Confucius

  4. Temple of the War God

  5. Bell Tower

  6. Drum Tower

  7. Pagoda

  8. Northern Row

  9. Southern Row

  10. Chien Mow's Mansion

  11. General Ding's Mansion

  12. Eternal Spring Wineshop

  13. Hermitage of the Three Treasures

  14. Mrs. Lee's House

  15. Former Yoo Mansion

  16. Yoo Kee's Mansion

  17. Watergate

  18. Execution Ground

  First Chapter

  A STRANGE MEETING TAKES PLAGE ON A LOTUS LAKE; JUDGE DEE IS ATTACKED ON HIS WAY TO LAN-FANG

  Heaven created an immutable pattern for ten thousand ages, Regulating sun and stars above, mountains and rivers below; Thereafter the sages of old did model our sacred social order, Taking Heavenly Justice as warp, and man-made Law as woof.

  A wise and honest judge is Heaven's unerring instrument, The people's father and mother, both compassionate and stern; In his court the oppressed obtain redress of all their wrongs, No criminal there escapes, despite base fraud and guile.

  Under the present illustrious Ming dynasty, in the Yoong-lo era, our Empire is at peace, crops are plentiful, there are neither droughts nor floods, and the people are prosperous and content. This fortunate state of affairs is due entirely to the August Virtue of His Imperial Majesty. Naturally in this blessed time of peace crimes are few, so that the present provides scant material for the study of crime and detection. Rather than the present one must turn to the past for accounts of baffling crimes, and their marvellous solution by perspicacious magistrates.

  Finding myself with ample leisure for the pursuit of my favourite study, I diligently search old records and dusty archives for famous ancient criminal cases, and I have made it a habit always to listen carefully to my friends and acquaintances when, gathered in the tea house, they start discoursing on the astounding crimes solved by famous judges of past centuries.

  The other day, late in the afternoon, I strolled through the Western Park to admire the lotus flowers that were in full bloom. I crossed the carved marble bridge that leads to the island in the center of the lotus pond, and found myself an empty corner table on the open terrace of the restaurant there.

  Sipping my tea and nibbling dried melon seeds I enjoyed the beautiful view over the lake all covered with lotus flowers. I observed the motley crowd and, as I often do, amused myself by trying to deduce from the appearance of some passers-by their personality and background.

  My eye fell on two remarkably beautiful girls who passed by walking hand in hand. Their strong resemblance suggested at once that they were sisters. But evidently their characters were entirely different. The younger one was gay and vivacious who talked all the time. The elder, on the contrary, was reserved and shy who hardly answered the other. Here face bore an expression of deep sadness. I felt sure that somewhere there was a deep tragedy in her life.

  As the two girls disappeared among the crowd I noticed that they were followed by an elderly woman; she had a slight limp, walked with a cane and seemed intent on overtaking the girls. I took her to be their duenna. But as she passed in front of the terrace I saw such an evil leer on her face that I hastily transferred my attention to a handsome young couple that came walking along.

  The young man wore the cap of a Candidate of Literature, the girl was dressed demurely as a housewife. They walked apart but from the fond looks they gave each other it was clear that they belonged together. I concluded from their furtive air that theirs must be an illicit love affair.

  Just when they were passing in front of me the girl made to take the young man's hand, but he hastily withdrew his and shook his head with a frown.

  Letting my eyes rove over the guests assembled on the terrace I noticed a plump, neatly-clad man who was sitting alone just like myself. He had a round, pleasant face, I placed him as a member of the landed gentry. Since he seemed the talkative type I hastily averted my eyes fearing that he would mistake my intent gaze as an invitation to strike up an acquaintance. I preferred to be left alone with my own thoughts, all the more so since I had seen a glint in his eyes that made me wary. I reflected that a man with that cold, calculating look that so belied his friendly face might well be capable of committing a dark, premeditated deed of evil.

  After a while I saw an old gentleman with a flowing white beard slowly come up the steps of the terrace. He was clad in a brown robe with wide sleeves seamed with black velvet, and a high cap of black gauze on his head. Although he wore no insignia of rank, he had a most distinguished appearance. He stood for a moment leaning on his crooked staff, surveying the crowded terrace with piercing eyes from under bushy white eyebrows.

  Since a person of such venerable age cannot be left standing, I hastily rose and offered the newcomer a place at my table. He accepted with a courteous bow. While drinking our tea we exchanged the usual polite inquiries and it transpired that his family name was Dee and that he was a retired prefect.

  Soon we were engaged in an agreeable conversation. My guest proved to be a man of wide learning and elegant taste, time passed unnoticed while we discoursed on prose and poetry, in between looking at the gay crowd that milled along the water front.

  I had noticed that my guest spoke with the accent of Shansi Province. So during a lull in the conversation I asked whether by any chance his family was related to the old Dee clan of Tai-yuan, the capital of that province, which centuries ago, during the Tang dynasty, had produced the great statesman Dee Jen-djieh.

  Suddenly the old gentleman's eyes blazed. He angrily tugged at his long beard.

  "Ha!", he exclaimed, "my family is indeed a branch of the Dee clan from which issued the great Judge Dee, and very proud I am to count him among my ancestors. Yet at the same time this fact is a source of continuous vexation. Whenever I am eating my bowl of rice in a restaurant or sipping the fragrant brew in a tea house, as often as not I will hear the other guests tell each other stories about my illustrious ancestor. It is true that what they say about Dee Jen-djieh's brilliant career at the Imperial Court is usually substantially correct; moreover such facts can be verified by referring to the official annals of the Tang dynasty. Mostly, however, those ignorant persons will bandy about bizarre tales about the earlier part of Dee Jen-djieh's career when he was serving as district magistrate in the provinces, and as 'Judge Dee' became famous for having solved many a mysterious criminal case. In our family the truthful account of most of those cases has been faithfully transmitted during untold generations. It greatly annoys me to have to listen to all those spurious stories told in the tea house, and I usually leave without finishing my meal."

  The old gentleman shook his head and angrily stamped his staff on the stone flags.

  I was delighted to learn that my guest was indeed a descendant of the famous Judge Dee. I rose and bowed deeply in front of him to show my deference for his distinguished family. Then I spoke thus:

  "Venerable Sir, know that I am a keen student of true accounts describing the feats of detection performed by the eminent judges of our glorious national past. Far from being an idle gossip, however, I delight in a careful analysis of those ancient records. For do they not serve as a mirror for us who live in this late age, warning us by showing our own foibles and defects? Those accounts not only improve the morals and ameliorate the customs, they also act as a powerful deterrrent for all wicked people. Nowhere can be found more eloquent proof of how closely the net of Heavenly justice is woven, and of how no evil-doer in the long run ever succeeds in slipping through its mazes.

  Now in my opinion antiquity has no detective that can compare with Judge Dee. For many years I have been sedulously collecting notes about the cases solved by his brilliant mi
nd. Now that a propitious fate has granted me this meeting with you, Sir, who are a fount of information on this subject, I wonder whether it would be presuming on your kindness if I humbly requested you to give me the benefit of hearing a few lesser known cases from your own lips."

  The old gentleman readily agreed, and I invited him to join me in a simple supper.

  Twilight was falling and the guests had left the terrace for the restaurant inside where the servants had lighted candles and coloured paper lanterns.

  I avoided the main hall with the chattering dining crowd and led my guest to a small side room overlooking the lake, now bathed in the red glow of sunset.

  I ordered two dinners of four courses and a pot of warm wine.

  When we had tasted from the dishes and drunk a few rounds, the old gentleman stroked his long whiskers and said:

  "I shall relate to you three astonishing criminal cases which my revered ancestor Judge Dee solved under most unusual circumstances. At that time he was serving as magistrate of Lan-fang, a far-away district on the Northwestern border of our Empire."

  He then set out on a long and complicated narrative.

  Although what he told was not without interest, he proved much given to lengthy digressions and his voice was as indistinct and monotonous as the humming of a bumble bee. After a while I found my attention flagging. I emptied three cups in succession to clear my mind but the amber liquid only made me still more drowsy. While the voice of my guest droned on and on I seemed to hear the spirit of sleep rustle in the close air.