We discuss chapters 14-18 of Dutch diplomat Robert van Gulik’s reinterpretation of an 18th-century Chinese magistrate-detective, Judge Dee. One of the Judge’s associates invites him to see a play about a fictional magistrate solving three mysteries. Despite his bewilderment at the convolutions of theatre, Judge Dee realises that he’s just watched a meta-narrative, and goes about unravelling the final clues keeping him from understanding the grand conspiracy operating right under his nose. Will justice prevail before it is too late?

Check out Part Two and Part Three here!