But he could do nothing without proof; so he waited until the ninth Sun of the ninth Moon, which was a great festival, and then mixed with the crowd of the faithful who went to the holy place.

Passing through the main gate, he found himself beneath great acacias and hundred-year-old pines.  Before him stood the temple, brightly painted with vermilion and decorated by a tablet on which was inscribed in gold letters:  “Monastery of the Esteemed-Lotus, for Retirement.”  To right and left was a succession of pavilions, and innumerable visitors were going out and coming in.

The first bonze who saw the Governor wished to run and warn his companions.  The Lord Wang attempted to stop him, but he broke loose, and soon the drums and bells were sounding to do honor to the magistrate, while the bonzes formed in two ranks and bowed as he passed along.

He entered the temple and burned some joss-sticks; after which the Superior made him a low obeisance and begged him to come and rest himself for a moment in the reception hall.  Tea was served.  Then, concealing his true design, the Governor said: 

“I have learned of the great reputation of this Holy Retreat, and I intend to ask the Emperor to grant you a tablet of honor inscribed with the names and particulars of all the bonzes of the district.”

Naturally the delighted Superior wished to prostrate himself in thanks; but the Governor continued: 

“They have spoken to me also of a miraculous chapel.  Is the matter so in truth?  And in what manner are these prayers made?”

The Superior answered without misgiving that the period of fasting was seven days; but that by reason of the greatness of their desire and the sincerity of their prayers it most frequently happened that the petitions of the suppliants were granted in a dream during the night which they passed at the monastery.

The Governor asked carelessly what measures were taken to ensure the preservation of the proprieties; and the other explained that the cells had no other entrance than the door, before which a member of the family had to pass the night.

“Since that is the case,” said the visitor, “I shall send my wife here.”

“If you wish for a son, it is only necessary for both of you to pray sincerely in your palace, and the miracle will be accomplished,” the Superior assured him hastily; for he was greatly afraid to see the local authorities concerning themselves in this affair.

“But why must the wives of the people come here, if my wife need not disturb herself to do so?”

“Are you not the protector of our doctrine, and is it not natural that the spirits should pay special attention to your prayers?” answered the astute bonze.

“So be it,” agreed Wang.  “But allow me to visit this miraculous chapel.”