"If I remember the tale correctly," Wu mused, sipping his refilled cup, "the Beautiful Monkey Princess had been raised by a poor tavern-keeper, who had taken in her mother out of merciful kindness.  And it was the innkeeper she was defending, against a ruffian who had dared to insult her father."<br/><br/>He cleared his throat.<br/><br/>"I should perhaps begin at the beginning."