Holmes and Watson are invited by the Chinese Ambassador to the preview of an exhibition of Chinese antiquities. These are to be exhibited at the Victoria and Albert museum in London. The star exhibit is the Zhou bell, a 5th century B.C. bell made specifically for the Zhou king and the only one in existence.It is a priceless artifact and is a personal loan from the Chinese emperor himself. The ambassador is concerned about its safety and trouble looms as the bell is stolen from under Mycroft's noseHolmes and Watson become involved in Imperial intrigue as they try to retrieve the bell. A murder is committed and is linked to criminal elements bent on embarassing the Chinese Emperor and financial gain.