〈A Love Letter from Lhasa〉6

by Chen Ching-Yang

Chapter 11 – Zha Xi and the Officials’ Battle of Wits

01
In the hotel room, Zha Xi sat in a chair with his back to the window. Zhang Yang and Gesang sat across from him, while Annie and Meiduo sat at the edge of the bed.

Zhang Yang gave a wry smile: “I never expected that after all these detours, we’d still be under the watch of the Public Security Bureau.”
“For now, we must handle this cautiously. It seems the Cultural Relics Bureau is determined to obtain that manuscript at all costs.”
“Professor, what’s your plan?”
“First, we act as if nothing is amiss, blending in with ordinary tourists. We’ll split into two groups to attend the horse racing festival. Gesang and Annie will be one group. While visiting the festival, they’ll find an opportunity to shake off the surveillance and locate Duoren Danzeng, with Gesang explaining our purpose to him. Zhang Yang, Meiduo, and I will form the other group. We’ll also attend the festival, deliberately striking up casual conversations with a few elders to divert the attention of the Public Security officers.

Zhang Yang frowned and asked, “Professor, I know Nagqu better than Gesang. Why isn’t it me accompanying Annie to meet Danzeng?”
Zha Xi patiently explained, “There’s a reason for my arrangement. Gesang joined us last, so he is less likely to attract the attention of Li Ming’s group. Also, when he meets Danzeng, he can speak as a relative, which will help gain Danzeng’s trust.”
Zhang Yang, persuaded but resigned, said: “Alright, Professor, I understand your reasoning.”

Zha Xi instructed: “Gesang, I want you to leave the hotel tonight with only light luggage and roam the busy district alone for a while. Then Annie will go out shopping with her belongings. You two will meet at a discreet location, quickly find a place to rest, and wait for the festival to begin. Once you meet Danzeng and learn the whereabouts of the manuscript, Annie should inform me by phone, and I’ll join you.”

“Understood, Professor. I have a friend here,” Gesang said.

Zha Xi continued: “Both of you must first shake off the surveillance before meeting. Stay hidden and, once the horse racing festival officially begins, go together to find Danzeng. After confirming the manuscript’s location, notify me.”

Gesang and Annie exchanged glances.

Zha Xi then said to Zhang Yang and Meiduo: “The three of us will roam the streets for the next few days. Once the festival starts, we’ll stroll around the venue, deliberately chatting with elders to distract the officers, and then return to the hotel to rest.”

Zhang Yang replied: “Alright, Professor, let’s do it that way.”

Zha Xi asked: “Everyone clear on their assignments?”
All four answered in unison: “Clear.”
“Then let’s proceed with our separate tasks!”

02
Gesang carried his luggage and exited the hotel. Outside, in several alleyways and across the street at other hotel rooms, surveillance officers immediately relayed information via radio. A pair of plainclothes officers split up to tail Gesang.

Sensing he was being followed, Gesang casually strolled toward the shopping street. The tailing officers followed him. Gesang wandered into a restaurant and took a seat to order.

One officer followed into the restaurant and ordered, while the other remained across the street, pretending to read a newspaper at a snack stall, keeping watch on the entrance.

After finishing his meal, Gesang paid and left the restaurant. The officer inside followed, and the two continued their separate surveillance.

Gesang arrived at the cinema, queued for tickets, and one officer followed in line while the other stayed outside, pretending to read at a snack stall.

Inside, Gesang sat near the front, by the restroom. The officer sat three rows behind him. Partway through the movie, Gesang got up to use the restroom. In the men’s room, he met a man of similar build, spoke briefly in Tibetan, and swapped coats and hats. Gesang handed the man some bills, and the man walked out quietly, taking Gesang’s seat.

After a while, Gesang pulled his hat low and wrapped a scarf around his face, then returned to the back row to sit in the man’s spot.

At the movie’s end, Gesang blended with the departing audience, avoided the watchers at the snack stall, and disappeared into the night.

03
Annie carried a small handbag and left the hotel. Outside, the surveillance officers immediately relayed information via radio. A pair of plainclothes officers split up to follow her.

Annie casually walked toward the shopping street. She wandered into a clothing store and handed the shopkeeper a note: “I am being followed by criminals. Please help me escape.”

The shopkeeper glanced at the note and subtly signaled Annie to leave through the back. Annie picked two outfits, went into the changing room, and left a stack of bills. As another customer entered, she quietly exited through the back door.

The two officers across the street noticed something odd. One entered the store to investigate.

“Boss, what happened to that red-haired young woman?”
The shopkeeper feigned ignorance: “Which red-haired young woman?”
The officer showed his badge: “I’m a plainclothes police officer. Tell the truth!”
Surprised, the shopkeeper said: “I thought you were a criminal! Sorry.”
“Where did she go?” the officer demanded.
“She left through the back a few minutes ago,” the shopkeeper replied.
“Arrest you for aiding a suspect in escape!” the officer threatened.
“Unfair! Sir! She gave me a note when she entered!” The shopkeeper hurriedly retrieved the note and handed it over.

The officer, frustrated, said: “She slipped through our fingers.” Then he radioed his partner: “Blue Magpie, the suspect escaped through the back. Spread out and encircle.”

The officer immediately rushed out the back. The shopkeeper muttered to himself: “Who did I offend?”

04
Zha Xi, Zhang Yang, and Meiduo left the hotel. The surveillance officers radioed HQ:
“Eagle calling HQ, three pigeons just left the hotel, over.”
“Copy. Two units monitor the three pigeons. The other unit enter the hotel to check their rooms and plant transmitters, over.”
“Eagle copy, over.”

Two plainclothes officers went to the front desk and presented their IDs: “Public Security Bureau investigation unit. We suspect individuals of concern have lodged here. We are ordered to search the rooms of the three who just left.”

The receptionist, fearing trouble, handed over two sets of keys: “Sir, here are their room keys.”
“Do not alert them. Understood?” the officers instructed.
Nodding nervously, the receptionist watched as they went upstairs.

They entered Room 301 and carefully inspected Zha Xi and Zhang Yang’s luggage. One officer replaced a shirt button with a button-shaped transmitter; the other photographed documents.

Officer A said: “My transmitter is in place.”
Officer B said: “Photography complete.”
Officer A: “Search the woman’s room next.”

After restoring the luggage, they proceeded to Room 302.

The four plainclothes officers continued trailing Zha Xi’s group in the busy streets. Zha Xi, Zhang Yang, and Meiduo acted relaxed, entering a restaurant to eat while the officers waited at surrounding corners. After leaving, they continued shopping while the officers split up to maintain surveillance.

05
Gesang and Annie met at a park pavilion. Annie arrived first, sitting in a shaded corner. Gesang arrived shortly after.

“Annie, you weren’t followed, right?”
Annie smiled: “If I were followed, could I be talking to you here? Where do we go next?”
“To a friend’s house for a few days of hiding.”
“Is your friend reliable?”
“He should be. He’s from Taiwan like me, my high school classmate.”
“How do we get there?”
“I called him; he’ll drive us.”

Soon, a car arrived at the park gate, flashing its lights three times. Gesang held Annie’s hand as they approached. A man emerged and shook Gesang’s hand.

“Ah, Tang, I thought you’d come for the festival, didn’t expect you early.”
“Jiayang, thanks for hosting us!”
“No need for formalities, old classmate. This is…”
“She’s Annie, my fiancée.”
“Oh, so she’s your wife-to-be. Please get in.”

Annie secretly made a funny face at Gesang. The three got in the car, which drove off.

06
The car went through the suburbs, past farmland, and stopped at a factory. They got out.

Sun Jiayang pointed: “This is my factory. We process cumin powder for export to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.”
“You seem to be doing well, Jiayang.”
“Thanks to you! If you hadn’t lent me money to buy the machinery, I’d still be a small trader. Come, let me show you around.”

They entered the living room, and a maid brought a plate of fruit.

“Rest a bit, eat some fruit,” Jiayang said.

After eating, Gesang asked: “I need your help finding a nomadic group, led by Duoren Danzeng.”
“Duoren Danzeng? No problem! They’re my clients. I can take you to them tomorrow—I know where they’ll be.”
“Actually, Duoren Danzeng is my great-uncle. I’ve never met him, but this is important.”
“Stay here tonight, have dinner, take a hot shower, and sleep well. I’ll drive you to them first thing tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Jiayang.”

“Is she not Tibetan?” Jiayang asked.
“No, she’s from California; her mother is Caucasian,” Gesang explained.
“No wonder,” Jiayang smiled. “Her features don’t quite look Tibetan.”

07
Zha Xi, Zhang Yang, and Meiduo returned to the third floor of the hotel and entered Rooms 301 and 302.

“Professor, this feels like a spy movie—tonight was really tense and thrilling!” Zhang Yang said.
“I wonder if Annie and Gesang managed to shake off the surveillance.”

At that moment, Zha Xi’s phone rang:
“Annie, where are you now?”
“We’re together, staying at Gesang’s friend’s house. He’ll take us to meet Duoren Danzeng tomorrow.”
“Good. Once you see Danzeng, call me or have someone notify me. I’ll find a way to meet you.”
“Okay.”
“Be cautious. Don’t reveal your location.” Zha Xi ended the call.

“Everything is going smoothly. Let’s wait for Annie’s report. You go take a bath and rest early,” Zha Xi said.
“Alright,” Zhang Yang replied.

Chapter 12: Finding Dorje Tenzin

01
Sun Jiayang drove the van along the highway, turning onto a cart road that led to a small lake rich with water and grass. A herding team had set up camp by the lake, with thousands of cattle and sheep grazing on the grasslands on either side.

Jiayang led the two toward a tent and encountered Dorje Nima, who was repairing a cart.

Jiayang called out, “Uncle Nima, I’ve brought someone to meet you and Chief Dorje.”

Nima stopped his work and came over.

Nima asked, “Jiayang, who are these young people?”

Gesang said, “I’m Dege Gesang, my grandfather is Dege Gongjia. I come from Taiwan. This is my fiancée, Annie.”

Nima warmly replied, “So you are the family’s nephew and niece-in-law. Pleasure to meet you!”

Nima stepped forward to embrace Gesang.

Holding Gesang’s hand, Nima said, “Twenty years ago, Uncle Gongjia and cousin Losang visited. Let’s go see my father.”

Nima led the three into the tent. Dorje Tenzin sat on the ground smoking a straw cigarette; seeing the visitors, he rose to greet them.

Nima said, “Father, Gongjia’s grandson Gesang is here to see you.”

Seeing Gesang and Annie, Dorje Tenzin scrutinized them carefully for a long moment, then bowed deeply to them.

Nima, witnessing his father’s deep respect, quickly knelt as well, though he had no idea why, his mind full of question marks.

Gesang and Annie hurried to help both father and son to their feet.

Dorje Tenzin respectfully said, “You must be Songtsen Gampo, and you must be Princess Wencheng.”

Annie’s face showed astonishment.

Jiayang, puzzled, said, “Old Chief, your bowing has really confused me.”

Dorje Tenzin said, “Jiayang, you are here too.”

Nima pointed, “Father, he is Gongjia’s grandson, Gesang!”

Dorje Tenzin pointed to two portraits hanging above the shrine and said, “These two are Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng.”

Jiayang and Nima looked up at the portraits; Nima stepped forward for a closer look.

Jiayang said, “Strange! Comparing like this, their features really resemble the portraits.”

Dorje Tenzin said, “Please, sit.”

The three of them sat on the floor. Nima went outside the tent to call his wife and daughter, who soon entered with milk tea and snacks.

Dorje Tenzin recounted, “Years ago, my father passed through Shigatse and stayed at Tashilhunpo Monastery. The old abbot entrusted him with a sandalwood box, predicting that a pair of young reincarnates of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng would one day come to reclaim it.”

Nima’s wife and daughter knelt beside him, placing the tea and snacks on the carpet.

Annie looked at Gesang and smiled; Gesang signaled back with his eyes.

Annie thought, The old lama at Xiaozhao Temple and the abbot at Tashilhunpo both said this—this cannot be coincidence. Gesang and I really are the reincarnations of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng…

Nima happily said, “So it turns out Gesang, my capable nephew, is indeed the reincarnation of King Songtsen. Our family will prosper!”

Gesang asked, “Uncle, is that sandalwood box you mentioned being kept by you currently?”

Dorje Tenzin said, “Rest assured, dear grandson, the box has been well kept. After the horse festival ends, Nima will take you to retrieve it.”

Gesang bowed, “Thank you, Uncle, for your help.”

Nima said warmly, “The annual horse festival is about to start. Stay here a while so we, uncle and nephew, can catch up.”

Jiayang said, “Old Chief, Uncle Nima, I still have work at my factory. Gesang and his fiancée are in your hands.” He stood and saluted. Nima and Gesang, Annie followed, rose to see him off.

Nima said, “Jiayang, remember to send over the shipment in a few days.”

Jiayang replied, “No problem. Gesang and young lady, feel free to stay at my place for a few days on your way back.”

Gesang said, “If time permits, we’ll visit.”

“Jiayang, call my father afterward to let him know Gesang and I are at Nima’s place,” Annie handed Jiayang a note.

Jiayang said, “Understood, young lady.”

Gesang said, “How about you help bring Professor Zaxi and his team over?”

Annie said, “But my father might be under strict surveillance by the authorities. Won’t that let them trace us?”

Jiayang considered, “Not a problem. I’ll arrange a time and place with your father by phone, then pick them up.”

Gesang said, “Thanks for helping, Jiayang.”

The three waved as Jiayang drove off in the van.

02
At the Nagchu Public Security Bureau office, Li Ming was listening to Captain Jiang Bin’s briefing.

“…Zaxi and the other three are still under our close watch. Zaxi’s daughter Annie has escaped surveillance, and we are intensifying the search. There’s also an unknown young man who came with Zaxi and has gone missing; we are investigating his identity.”

A blurry image of a man’s back appeared on the projector screen.

Li Ming asked, “Captain, do we have a frontal image of this person?”

Jiang Bin said, “No. After leaving the hotel, he deliberately lowered his hat, and our men only followed him briefly. By the time he reached the theater, he had shaken them off.”

Li Ming thought, “Annie and this young man escaped surveillance one after another; there must be something unusual.”

Yangjin speculated, “Perhaps these two are connected.”

Li Ming said, “My intuition is that not only are they connected, but they may act together.”

Director Shao Jun said, “Special Officer, you mean this pair may be the main clue to the document we’re after?”

Li Ming said, “Exactly. Mobilize more personnel and find this pair—or at least one of them—quickly.”

03
In Nagchu’s busy shopping street, Zaxi, Zhang Yang, and Meiduo strolled while two teams of four plainclothes officers followed them closely. All three noticed the surveillance but acted casual.

Zaxi’s phone rang; he pulled it from his coat pocket.

“Professor Zaxi?”
“Yes, who is this?”
“My surname is Sun. I’m Gesang’s classmate from Taiwan. I’ve safely delivered them to Dorje Tenzin’s campsite.”
“Understood, thank you for your help.”
“Gesang asked me to pick you up. Let’s arrange a time and place.”
“Good. We’ll contact you after returning to the hotel.”

Zaxi hung up; Zhang Yang and Meiduo continued to act nonchalant.

The surveillance officers noticed Zaxi taking the call and immediately reported via radio:

“Bat to HQ, Bat to HQ, respond, Over.”
“HQ received, report, Over.”
“Target 1 just made a call, Over.”
“Understood! Continue surveillance. Do not lose them, report immediately, Over.”

04
In Room 301, Zaxi and his two companions whispered.

“Gesang’s friend just called. He’s delivered the couple safely to the Dorje family campsite and will coordinate a time to pick us up.”

Zhang Yang said, “We must figure out how to shake off the authorities’ surveillance quickly.”

“Our targets are obvious. Escaping them won’t be easy.”

Meiduo said, “Teacher, I and Zhang Yang can lead the surveillance away; you are the main target anyway.”

Zaxi said, “That could work. Tomorrow at the horse festival, we’ll split into two groups, blend into the crowd, and find a chance to escape. You two hide somewhere first, and keep your phones handy for contact.”

Zhang Yang said, “Alright, we’ll follow the plan.”

Zaxi said, “Zhang Yang, watch your car; don’t let them attach a tracker again.”

Zhang Yang, embarrassed, said, “I know, Professor.”

Zaxi said, “I’ll make the call.”

He took out his phone, went into the bathroom, turned on the tap, and dialed.

05
At the Nagchu Horse Festival opening, officials spoke from the stage as the audience pressed below.

Zaxi, Zhang Yang, and Meiduo split into two groups. Li Ming, Jiang Bin, and several officers monitored Zaxi; Yangjin, Shao Jun, and others monitored Zhang Yang and Meiduo.

Outside in the parking lot, Sun Jiayang texted Zaxi. Zaxi checked the message discreetly.

Once the officials finished, the festival began, and the crowd moved toward the racetrack. Zaxi mingled, constantly moving; Li Ming, Jiang Bin, and officers followed.

Zaxi went into a nearby public restroom. Li Ming and his team followed, guarding the area. Inside, Zaxi applied a disguise: false beard, glasses, wig, changed coat for a cloak. After the transformation, he left the venue undetected.

Zaxi hurried to the parking lot, entered Jiayang’s van, and left.

Li Ming and Jiang Bin realized something was wrong, searched the restroom, and found Zaxi’s belongings and coat.

Li Ming said angrily, “That old fox Zaxi!”

Jiang Bin guessed, “He must have left the venue.”

Li Ming snapped, “Let’s head to the parking lot immediately.”

They left quickly, signaling their subordinates.

06
Jiayang’s van arrived at Nima’s tent area. The four got out and approached the tent, where Gesang and Annie greeted them.

“It took some effort to shake off Li Ming and the officers.”

“Professor, did you see Li Ming?”

“Yes, I’ve met him before. I’m sure he was leading them.”

Gesang worriedly said, “It seems the cultural relic bureau is determined to get it. Thanks for your help, Jiayang.”

Jiayang smiled, “It’s nothing.”

They entered the tent; Nima greeted Professor Zaxi with a respectful embrace.

“Professor Zaxi, a pleasure.”
“Nima, pleasure.”

“Gesang says you are a descendant of the monk Tsangyang?”

“Yes.”

The five sat down, and Nima’s wife and daughter served butter tea and cheese cakes.

Nima said, “Professor, enjoy.”

Gesang said, “Uncle, the professor just managed to escape the officers’ surveillance.”

Nima, concerned, said, “Looks like the situation is… Gesang, what do you think?”

Gesang said, “Time is critical. To avoid trouble, we should return the manuscript to Professor Zaxi during the festival.”

Nima thought a moment, “Alright, I can handle this. I’ll take you to get the sandalwood box. Jiayang, please drive.”

“Sure.”

The five got up and boarded Jiayang’s van.

07
Outside the festival parking lot, Yangjin used a signal tracker. Li Ming, Shao Jun, Jiang Bin, and officers surrounded him.

Yangjin said, “The device shows a signal.”

Li Ming said, “Get in the car and follow the signal.”

They split into three official vehicles and departed.

Jiayang’s van arrived at Lake Namtso, near Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation cave. They got out.

Nima led Zaxi and the others into the cave, got a key from an old monk, unlocked two iron doors, and retrieved the sandalwood box.

Li Ming and Yangjin ambushed outside.

As Zaxi and the group exited, they were blocked; officers pointed guns at them. The four looked shocked, only Nima remained calm.

Li Ming pointed at the box, “Professor Zaxi, thank you for retrieving this important document.”

Zaxi said displeased, “Li Ming, this is a family heirloom of the Tsangyang lineage.”

Li Ming said, “By law, this document should be kept by the cultural relic bureau. Please don’t make it difficult for me.”

Gesang urged, “Professor, just give it to them…”

Seeing the situation was overwhelming, Zaxi handed over the box.

Li Ming, triumphant, said, “I’ll report to superiors and arrange a formal commendation for you.”

Zaxi and the group watched the vehicles leave disappointed. Nima, however, smiled and whispered something to Zaxi, who immediately grinned.

Gesang asked, “Professor, you…”

Nima said, “The genuine Tsangyang poetry manuscript was swapped by my father long ago. The box contained a copy; the original has only been seen by my father.”

Gesang asked, “Then… where is the original manuscript?”

Nima calmly said, “It’s with your father, Losang.”

Gesang exclaimed, “Ah! How come?”

Nima said, “Twenty years ago, Uncle Gongjia returned from Taiwan; my father gave him the original manuscript to take to Taiwan.”

Gesang realized, “I see now.”

Zaxi said joyfully, “It’s destiny! Buddha’s plan. Let’s return to Lhasa. Annie, you’ll accompany Gesang to Taiwan; the original manuscript will be under your care.”

Nima nudged Gesang, “Aren’t you going to thank your future father-in-law?”

Gesang understood immediately and knelt, “Thank you, Father-in-law.”

Annie was surprised; her father arranged her marriage without asking, and she was a bit displeased, “Father, you didn’t ask me yet!”

Nima and Jiayang both laughed.

08
At Lhasa Airport’s departure hall, Zaxi, Zhang Yang, and Meiduo saw them off. Zhang Yang hugged Gesang.

Whispering, “Take care of Annie, or I’ll take her back.”

Meiduo hugged Annie.

Annie whispered, “Zhang Yang is a good person, hold onto that.”

Zaxi waved goodbye with the others as they entered the boarding area.