<written in Chinese, on a fine parchment scroll>
Emil Vasilievitch, my Honorable Foe and Friend, I greet you and hope this humble letter finds you in good health. May the blessings of the Jade Emperor rain down upon you and your family. I would be pleased if you should decide to take a second wife to offer my assistance in locating a Chinese woman of superb beauty and even temperament.
My son, Tseng Bao, is in good health as is his mother and my wife, Tseng Song Rae-Lyn. Having a family at my age is a wondrous thing.
I write you on this occasion to invite you to come to Taishan and climb the mountain up the old Emperors’ stairs. I have reached an advanced stage of enlightenment and now am on the threshold of attaining immortality, the dream of all Chinese. I would like you to witness my advancement into the Celestial realm and celebrate my new status. After this transformation, I will never need fear death again and China need never fear the loss of my guardianship. I will be the dragon defender of China and my son will become the new Emperor of China creating an era of peace and prosperity for all China.
Of course, if treading up the 7200 stone steps is too formidable for you, you may send your personal representatives, even some of those troublesome but resourceful adventurers of the Society of the White Rose. My only request is that they show proper respect for the Chinese sacred mountain and traditions.
Elder Doctor