My dearest Pai K’an,

It has been several years since we last spoke, but your image will never fade from my memory. I apologize for not being up front with you these past few years, but I have been aware of the actions of your society, and of those who would do you wrong. I have been working with the Imperial Censorate ever since I returned to Chang’an. You were very right about the changes I would find in the Imperial court of course, and my duties have changed accordingly from that of a merchant to that of a politician.

The reason for this letter is to invite you to my home, across the Yellow River, in the Khingan foothills just east of the city. I would prepare a meal for you, and have you meet my three sons, of which I am enormously proud. I would truly love to return the gesture you did for me so many years ago, and I feel it would do my sons well to meet someone like yourself -- someone they cannot even read about in books.

There is an emerging political matter which we must also discuss, Pai K’an, one which is of some urgency, and becoming more and more so each day. Your future, and the future of the Empress herself, hangs in the balance. There may be an opportunity here for you to resolve all that you have begun.

-- Chen Pang