China

by Edward Rutherfurd

  The boy takes after his mother, he thought angrily. As for his show of self-righteousness, I see his game. He’s absolving himself, just in case I get caught.

  Clearly he would have to treat his son like any other dangerous person, with caution. And cunning. He knew how to do that.

  “Your attitude is quite correct. I am glad to hear it,” he said. “Now I think this matter is closed.” And then a thought occurred to him. “By the way,” he asked, “do you remember Mei-Ling, whom you met in Guilin?”

  “Of course.”

  “Did you know that she had a daughter?”

  “I remember hearing it.”

  “A beautiful girl. She is to be married soon, to a merchant I know in Jingdezhen.” He smiled. “Since she has no father of her own, I decided to adopt her. It was an act of kindness to the girl and her mother—she’s marrying into a rich family, you see.”

  “She is fortunate.” Ru-Hai inclined his head politely, but his father could see he was taken aback. “You did not tell me.”

  “I was intending to tell you when I saw you. It was not a matter of great importance.”

  “When is this happy event to take place?”

  “As soon as I have returned to Jingdezhen.”

  “So I have a new sister.”

  “An adopted sister, yes.” And now, Shi-Rong thought, with grim satisfaction, my self-righteous son is wondering if I’m going to give his new sister any of the money he claims to despise. He smiled again. “In the meantime,” he continued blandly, “while I remain here in Beijing I shall do what I can to further the cause you spoke about today.”

  * * *

  —

  He was as good as his word. He soon found that there were quite a number of mandarins he knew in Beijing who were happy to discuss the Tsungli Yamen with him. Most of them seemed to agree that the military must modernize with Western arms and methods. “We call this the Doctrine of Self-Strengthening,” a former governor told him. But when it came to matters like trade and education, there was far less agreement. Some were with the young men. Others held to the old rule: “Keep the barbarians at a distance.”

  An unexpected event helped him. Just two days after his meeting with the young men in the bureau, news came that a Japanese warship had raided the coast of the Korean peninsula—exactly as Ru-Hai and his friends had predicted. “That raid has shaken up the mandarins,” he reported to Ru-Hai. “When I tell them your mission is urgent, they listen.”

  “Perhaps your eunuch will listen, too,” his son reminded him.

  “I’ve got to see him first,” Shi-Rong replied.

  Unfortunately, this was proving a problem. Lacquer Nail had told him to be patient. But after ten days had passed with no word from him, Shi-Rong decided to call at his house. The eunuch was there. He was polite, though Shi-Rong detected a hint of irritation in his voice when he assured him: “Nothing has changed, honored sir. I am still waiting for the vacancy to become official. I am confident that we shall succeed.” And seeing that Shi-Rong still didn’t look satisfied: “I have just as much interest in the matter as you.”

  “I understand,” said Shi-Rong. And since it was clear that Lacquer Nail was waiting for him to leave, he went away without broaching the matter of the Tsungli Yamen.

  The days that followed grew ever more frustrating. His lobbying for the bureau’s cause began to wind down, because he was running out of people he knew. Most of the time he had nothing to do all day, except wait for the news from Lacquer Nail, which never came. Twice more he ate with his son, and these encounters went off without incident. The question of bribery was never raised again.

  But time was getting on. Mei-Ling and her daughter must be well on their way up to Jingdezhen by now. He must get back for the wedding.

  After a further ten days he could bear it no more. He knew he shouldn’t do it, but he went back to the eunuch’s house.

  Dusk was falling. The servant who opened the street door looked surprised and told him that his master was not at home. “He may not be back tonight,” he said.

  Was he lying? Probably not. There might well be some play or concert in the palace that Cixi had told the eunuch to attend, in which case he’d probably sleep there. But then again, he might just come home late.

  Shi-Rong turned away. Having come this far, he didn’t want to miss Lacquer Nail if he should return. On the other hand, he thought, I can’t just stand around on the street corner. It was undignified. So he began to walk slowly towards the Imperial City.

  It wasn’t difficult to work out the route that Lacquer Nail would be most likely to take. This would lead him to the Tiananmen Gate. If he encountered the eunuch on the way, well and good. As for the open space in front of the gate, it was well lit by lanterns, and a prefect could stroll there as he pleased without guards asking him what he was doing.

  He reached the square. It was getting chilly. There were not many people about. He took a turn around it, pausing for a few moments to look up at the great gate. He walked around once more and again paused quite close to the gateway this time. And he was just wondering whether to go around or return to his lodgings when he noticed a tall, stately figure come out and make his way towards him. As the figure came close, Shi-Rong saw that it was a eunuch, and judging by his dress and insignia, one of the highest rank.

  Should he ask him? He might just as well. If he was discreet, there was nothing to lose. Pausing in a place where the lamplight plainly revealed the insignia of the fourth rank on his chest, he let the tall eunuch draw a little closer and then addressed him. “Excuse me, but I wonder if I might ask you. I was hoping to catch a word with a friend before I leave Beijing. He is known in the palace as Lacquer Nail. Would you know whether he is on duty in the palace this evening, or if he may be coming out?”

  The tall figure paused, took in his rank at once, and in a soft voice replied: “Good evening, sir. My name is Mr. Liu. Might I ask whom I have the honor of addressing.”

  “I am the prefect of Jingdezhen.”

  “Ah.” Mr. Liu smiled. “Well, I can tell you that he will not be coming out tonight. This I know for a fact. Is there anything I can do to be of help?”

  “Not really, thank you, Mr. Liu. You have already helped me.”

  “I am so glad.” Mr. Liu seemed to be regarding him with interest. “I should explain that I am one of your friend’s greatest admirers. I was instrumental in setting him on the road to success right at the start of his career.”

  “Indeed?” Shi-Rong was delighted. He wondered if this Mr. Liu could help him discover the best time and place to waylay his elusive partner.

  “I was just going to a teahouse I like to frequent,” said Mr. Liu. “Would you give me the pleasure of your company?”

  “Why certainly,” Shi-Rong said.

  * * *

  —

  What a charming and intelligent person Mr. Liu was. It was soon evident that he and Lacquer Nail were very old friends. He told Shi-Rong stories of their times together, of delightful evenings spent on the lake islands at the Summer Palace, of scandals they had witnessed in the Forbidden City—these were told in strict confidence, of course—and having expressed the opinion that Lacquer Nail was probably the best friend he had in all the world, he earnestly assured Shi-Rong: “You can absolutely trust him with your business. He’s honest, and he’ll never let you down.”

  “That is good to know,” said Shi-Rong.

  “Without being indiscreet,” Mr. Liu confessed, “he may have told me a little about your business already—only because he can trust me, you understand. He and I share such things from time to time.”

  “He told you about the salt inspector’s position?”

  “Ah.” Mr. Liu smiled. “He did indeed.”

  “The trouble is, it’s taking so long. He says we have to wait until it’s announced officia
lly.”

  “And he’s absolutely right,” Mr. Liu assured him. “Do nothing until then. Who is putting your name forward officially?”

  “My friend Mr. Peng and people he knows in the ministry.”

  “Excellent. As soon as they’ve done so, Lacquer Nail will whisper in Cixi’s ear. That should do the trick. Timing is the key.”

  “I went to see him the other day, and he told me to be patient. But I can’t wait here much longer.” And Shi-Rong explained about Mei-Ling and the wedding.

  “There is no need to wait around in Beijing,” Liu told him. “It’s not as if Cixi will want to see you in person. Go to the wedding with confidence. The position is as good as yours.” He paused. “If it will put your mind at rest, I’ll speak to Lacquer Nail about it myself. My word carries some weight in the palace. And having met you, I should be glad to add my advocacy to his. Your application will sail through.”

  “It is very kind of you, Mr. Liu.” Shi-Rong hesitated. “The thing is, my arrangements were already made…”

  “I understand what’s in your mind.” Mr. Liu slightly raised his hand and smiled. “Please do not concern yourself, my dear sir. You would owe me nothing for this little favor. Indeed, you cannot imagine how much pleasure it gives me to involve myself in this affair.”

  “Should I leave him word that I spoke to you?”

  “What for? I shall speak to him myself. Whereas if you try to contact him again when he has asked you to be patient, he might feel a little insulted. He’ll know how to reach you in Jingdezhen, as will the estimable Mr. Peng, no doubt. Travel back there as soon as you like.”

  So he did. The very next day.

  * * *

  ◦

  As the wedding drew near, Mr. Yao’s family were all delighted with Bright Moon. His elderly mother, his sisters, his aunt, his nieces and nephews and cousins. The needlework she had sent was exquisite. The women had all met her face-to-face and declared that she was beautiful, and charming, and respectful, and good. And even if some of them found her accomplishments a bit too far above their own, they all agreed that, since Mr. Yao was about to become a gentleman, this was the girl they needed.

  The only person of consequence in Jingdezhen who had not met the bride was the bridegroom. Nor would he, until they were married. That was tradition, and everything was being done correctly.

  For Shi-Rong, these were happy days. He enjoyed having this beautiful young woman in his house. And the fact that Mr. Yao had circulated the rumor that Bright Moon might be more than his adopted daughter added to his local reputation in an agreeable way. The beauty of the girl’s mother, who was known as his former concubine, was taken as further proof that the prefect of Jingdezhen was a man whose taste matched his rank.

  Since the bridal party should include another male relation, Mei-Ling had brought California Brother with her. Though his manners were somewhat rustic compared with those of his mother and sister, he was quiet and friendly. And if asked, he was happy to give an account of the strange wonders of America.

  Only one thing irked Shi-Rong. Mei-Ling and her daughter shared a room, and the mother insisted that she should remain with her daughter every night. He had secretly hoped that Mei-Ling would make herself more available to him. But as she did not offer, he said nothing.

  * * *

  —

  The wedding was a great success. Of course, Bright Moon wept as she was carried to the bridegroom’s house. A girl was supposed to show grief at being parted from her loving parents. She didn’t look overjoyed when she met her husband. But no doubt with a little time, and her husband’s careful attention, she’d be happy enough.

  The toasts were made, the presents given. Bright Moon served the guests. Both her husband and, equally important, his family were well satisfied.

  It had cost him money, Shi-Rong reflected, but it was the right thing to do. He was glad he’d done it. All was right with his world.

  Almost all. But not quite.

  He was surprised the next day when Mei-Ling came to him, looking rather concerned. “May I sit down?” she asked. “There is something I need to discuss with you.” He nodded. She sat opposite him. “I have come to ask a favor,” she said.

  “Another?”

  “I had a bad dream last night.” She paused for a moment. “Many years ago, Nio gave me some money. It was the only money I ever had in my life. I kept it hidden. And it helped me through difficult times.”

  He frowned. “Your family is not so poor now, though.”

  “That is true. My bad dream was about Bright Moon.”

  “Bright Moon?” What could she be talking about? “I have just found her a rich husband,” he pointed out. “She’ll never want for anything in her life.”

  “I know.” She hesitated. “But in my dream, something had gone wrong. Her husband had divorced her. Sent her home.”

  “Why?”

  “My dream did not explain. But she had nothing.”

  “If she does something bad, if she were unfaithful, her husband could throw her out and keep her dowry. But not otherwise. You’re surely not suggesting she would do that?”

  “No. Of course not. But that’s how it was in my dream.”

  “This was a foolish dream. If it happened, she would be greatly to blame. She would be disgraced. Though her family might look after her, I suppose.”

  “We spent so much giving her the education and all that she would need to make such a marriage, I do not think her brothers would want to help her.”

  “I would not blame them.”

  “And I could not help her, because I have no money at all. You gave me money before, but I have spent it by now. But if you could just give me a little, as Nio did, I would keep it secretly, so that if I ever had to, I could help her.”

  Shi-Rong stared at her. Was she trying to extract something for herself? No, he thought, that was not her way. She was telling the truth, however foolish her fear might be. He felt angry, given all the expense he’d just incurred; but he was touched as well. She was in distress and she’d come to him for help.

  And the truth was, he could afford it. Indeed, the moment he heard the good news from Beijing, his fortune would be so assured that he’d hardly even notice any amount of money he was likely to give her.

  So he smiled. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said. “There’ll be something.”

  “Thank you.” She bowed her head. “This means a great deal to me.”

  It was the custom on the third day for the bride and bridegroom to visit her parents’ house. They were welcomed with warm smiles and celebrations. With a big smile, Mr. Yao presented Shi-Rong and Mei-Ling with the customary gifts and addressed them as Father and Mother. Everybody seemed happy. The ritual of wedding was now complete.

  * * *

  —

  The messenger from Beijing arrived at the prefect’s house at noon the following day. Along with various packages and official dispatches, he brought a personal letter from Lacquer Nail. Eagerly, before even opening the business documents, Shi-Rong went into his study to read the eunuch’s message.

  It is with great distress, honored sir, that I must inform you that a disaster has occurred. Our plans are ruined.

  I flatter myself that I have few enemies. But one enemy, who formerly tried to destroy me, and who has never ceased since then to place every obstacle in my path that he can, is a certain Mr. Liu, a palace person of great power and importance. Somehow, by what means I have been unable to discover, he came to know in advance of the salt inspector’s position and of my interest in the matter. The very night before I was going to mention it to the empress, he obtained an audience with her and secured the post for a candidate of his own. When I spoke to her the next morning, she laughed and said, “Bad luck, Lacquer Nail. I just gave it away to a friend of Mr. Liu’s. You’re too late.
”

  There is nothing I can do, honored sir. If I hear of something else, I shall endeavor to let you know. But there’s nothing on the horizon at the moment. Accordingly, I am returning the down payment with this same messenger.

  This is a heavy blow for both of us, and I can only express my deep regret.

  Shi-Rong let out a great cry of anguish. His chance of riches gone. The wedding of Bright Moon a great hole in his purse. As for the extra gift of money for Mei-Ling, it was not even to be thought of.

  1887

  Guanji didn’t have a plan. He’d generally found that in matters of the heart, it was better not to make plans. If something was meant to happen, it would, one way or another. If not, not.

  If there was a woman he was interested in, he’d be charming, he’d let her know he admired her, but that was all. The next move was hers—if and only if she chose to make it. That was the challenge and the art.

  Normally, widows were his game. Much safer. But this case was different. He wasn’t sure what to make of it yet. There were difficulties to be overcome, danger, uncertainty. It would require patience. But he had plenty of time. At least he thought he had.

  He was still in his fifties, a widower in robust good health with two handsome grown-up sons and a daughter already well married. That gave him freedom. As a Manchu, he was given the respect that came from his great clan and his high rank. He had all the money he required and a delightful house in one of the most beautiful and fashionable places in the world.

  His neighbors on West Lake called him the general. It was true that he’d briefly held a general command, and he might have gone further. He might even have been granted a title if he’d won a great battle. But seven years ago, he’d chosen to retire with a comfortable pension, and since then he’d enjoyed a very pleasant life.

  It might be supposed that his nickname, the general, carried with it a hint of mockery. Soldiers, after all, were considered crude fellows, far below scholars in status. But amongst the Chinese literati—the poets and scholars who liked to gather in the delightful region around Hangzhou—he found himself well regarded. His cultivated uncle was still remembered; many of the local gentlemen and scholars had been aware of Guanji since he was a boy and knew that he’d shown literary promise as a student. If now, in his retirement, he chose to live the life of a cultivated gentleman on West Lake, they were glad to welcome him.