Qu Zan stepped forward. The visitor lifted her hood, revealing snow-smooth skin. It was Tuya, the Dzongben's daughter.
The girl lacked her usual radiance and cheer, her brows knitted with worry and grief.
"Miss Tuya." Qu Zan pressed his palms together.
"Little Lama, I came to thank you for saving my life." Tuya bowed.
"There's no need for thanks, miss. Saving others is also saving oneself," Qu Zan said.
"Have you heard about my father?"
"My condolences, miss," Qu Zan said gently.
Tuya said, "Although that father was a fake, I still have to repay you for saving me. These are my private savings, fifty taels of gold in all. I also know you like antiques, so I sent someone to buy a few for you."
As she spoke, she took a bundle from beneath her cloak and handed it to Qu Zan.
Qu Zan did not stand on ceremony. He thanked her and accepted the bundle. He was a little puzzled. Why had Miss Tuya come in person just to deliver some gifts? She could have had someone bring them over.
"My father was murdered long ago. The man we met that day was a complete impostor..." Tuya said softly. Tears glimmered at the corners of her eyes, and her expression was deeply sorrowful.
Qu Zan did not know what to say to comfort her.
"The monastery has sent a message by eagle to report it to the prefecture, and they're investigating too. But there are no leads at all..." Tuya said. "Another reason I came was to ask whether you noticed anything unusual. After all, you're exceptionally clever..."
"You flatter me, miss. This humble monk had never met the Dzongben before, so I wasn't familiar with him. I have no clues about his replacement either," Qu Zan said