A Concubine for the Family: A Family Saga in China

by Amy Kwei

  Purple Jade turned to discuss financial matters. “Dragon-dee, since Virtue is no longer working in the uniform factory, you are solely responsible for its enormous profits. We really should not take half of it.”

  “Since these are war profits, I know Virtue will not approve.” Glorious Dragon crunched his raw carrots. “However, none of us wish to see the profits fall into enemy hands. Let me set up accounts for the girls in America.”

  Purple Jade nodded. To argue would be a reproach to her brother. This plan would be a face-saving option for all concerned. “For myself, I will take the necessary yens for our household expenses and no more.”

  When the soup came, Comely Brook exclaimed, “They do everything backward — not saving the soup for the last course!”

  Everyone enjoyed it nevertheless. The crusty bread, spread with butter, was a favorite.

  “M-ma.” Silver Bell slurped her soup. “Golden Bell and I want to be baptized!”

  Glorious Dragon motioned her not to slurp.

  “Your teachers have been most kind to you. I don’t wish to seem ungrateful,” her mother replied. She took a breath and was just going to speak again when Silver Bell chimed in: “Oh goody! I’ll have to wear a white dress at the baptism. Brook ma-ma, will you make me a dress like the one on the American doll Father gave me?” She found it hard to drink soup without making a sound. “Do you think they will ask me to sing during my baptism? I do wish Father could be here to see me.”

  “Wait.” Her mother put down her spoon. “It is cold outside. I’m afraid pouring water over your heads will give you a chill. Your teachers will probably think I am an uneducated, ignorant woman, but I never liked Western ways.”

  “Oh, M-ma!” Golden Bell rolled her eyes.

  Everyone waited while the servers cleared their soup dishes.

  “Your mother is right. Christianity is very strange.” Glorious Dragon held up the fish fork and knife when the fish was served. “We believe children are born kind and can be educated to remain good, but they talk of children being born in sin. I cannot find one streak of meanness in either of you.”

  “The Christians looked to a simple carpenter to bring them peace.” Purple Jade was pleased to have her brother’s support. “Perhaps they should go wash the heads of the East Ocean Devils to bring peace to this tormented country.”

  Silver Bell brought her knife to her mouth. Glorious Dragon stopped her. “You must either switch the fork to your right hand or eat with the fork stabbing the food with the left hand.”

  Golden Bell also struggled with her utensils. “This is a ridiculous way to eat!” She laughed.

  They found themselves full before the main course arrived.

  A waiter wearing a tall puffy hat wheeled in an enormous piece of meat. He waved a huge knife, and rubbed it against a round steel sword. Silver Bell expected him to do a sword dance; she found the sound of grinding steel frightening. The waiter put down the sword and took out a long fork. With a flourish of his shiny knife, he carved out slabs of meat that appeared quite raw.

  “It must have come from some freshly killed animal. Look, the blood is still flowing,” Comely Brook whispered in awe.

  The waiter scooped up the blood, and poured some over the meat before serving them. As if in one voice, the women claimed to be full — unable to eat another bite. Golden Bell ate a tiny portion just to keep her Uncle Dragon company. Purple Jade and Comely Brook escaped to the restroom.

  In the restroom, Comely Brook promptly disgorged her entire dinner. “The sight of all that blood unnerved me,” she panted. “Ugh . . . imagine eating red flowing blood!”

  “My stomach is upset too,” Purple Jade answered. She brought water to help Comely Brook rinse her mouth and massaged her back.

  When they had regained their composure, Purple Jade sighed in resignation. “The girls are exposed to so many new things in Shanghai. I’m grateful Lao Wang sent us Old Chen to pull our rickshaw. At least I know every place he has taken the girls to. It is also convenient to have a man around to take care of the essential errands.”

  Dear Jade-mei:

  Your letter brought me great peace. I’m happy to learn that you are all well in Shanghai, and busy with your many pursuits. Your study of herbal medicine is most impressive, and I believe the herbs can be a superior preventative for illness. Your compassionate care of Comely Brook also moves me. Your personal attention will nurture her in a way no medicine can. You have maintained our family integrity in these confusing times. If our nation had more men and women of your moral caliber, we would have nothing to fear.

  Your arrangements with Dragon are wise, and perhaps the best under present circumstances. I’ve written to him and expressed my gratitude for his care of my family. Since he is providing for the children’s financial future, I’ve made large contributions to our national struggle in his name. He is in fact a true patriot. He is prudent and most sensible not to bring Bright Crystal into our house. Our daughters are at an impressionable age. They may want to emulate Bright Crystal’s glamour. I’m writing another letter to the girls so they may understand my thoughts on their welfare.

  My only request to you is to send Comely Brook to a Western physician for an examination. I understand your concerns. As you know, most women at cousin Ling’s mahjong table are not educated, and do not understand the wonders of modern medicine. When Golden and Silver Bell were born in Hangzhou (Jade-mei, I can’t believe they’re already sixteen and ten!), there were no Western doctors there. Now you are in Shanghai. You must take advantage of the finest the world has to offer. Trust me, I only seek the best for my family. I’ve written to Dragon, and asked him to find a woman doctor for Comely Brook.

  The Chinese doctors only feel your pulse, examine your tongue, and look into your eyes. The Western doctors examine all the woman’s private parts, so you must reassure Comely Brook that it is all very proper, and that I approve. I think a woman doctor will help to ease her mind. There aren’t many women doctors in the world. However, I’ve heard that there are a few in Shanghai. I would advise you, Golden and Silver Bell, all to have a check-up with the woman doctor as well. Jade-mei, as you are now practicing Chinese medicine, it would be of added intellectual interest for you to experience the Western methods. You must have noticed how strong and vigorous the Western people are. Our nation has been trampled upon long enough. I’m sure your experiences will confirm my belief that we must not encourage our daughters to be weak and helpless.

  Your studies in acupuncture are truly impressive. Our ancient art has been most successful in pain alleviation. By comparison, Western medicine is far behind in this regard. Perhaps your work in acupuncture will some day enlighten the world regarding the benefits of this ancient science. I am speechless with awe whenever I think of you as a working “doctor.” Indeed, you exemplify the perfect woman in our culture: nurturing, gracious, considerate and self-effacing. Good luck in your studies. My heart bursts with pride for you.

  Jade-mei, we all wish for a son. But moral principles do not govern procreation. Now that our country has no laws to protect us, the question of inheritance is moot. I shall be just as pleased to have another daughter. Deep down, I feel the soul of our nation is feminine. We are a gentle, artistic people devoted to the enjoyment of life. We conserve, suffer, endure, and we survive to procreate. Another daughter will bring me great joy because she will reaffirm the life principle that is the foundation of our culture. If the child is male, he will be called Brilliant Way; if female, she will be called Jade Bell. She should be named after you because she is truly a gift from you, and I hope she will learn from your strength as well as your decency and thoughtfulness.

  Consistent with my belief in bringing good health to my family, I urge you to practice modern hygiene at home. Since ancient times, the Chinese have had a high infant mortality rate, and I believe proper hygiene will correct that. From now on, all toilet activities must be confined to the bathrooms. After the baby is born, all the utensi
ls must be boiled in hot water as you do for your needles in the clinic. No one is to feed the baby by passing food from one mouth to another. If the baby cannot chew the food, it is not needed. In this, I am thankful that Comely Brook is not one of those vain modern women who need to hire a wet nurse for her baby. A young mother’s milk is nature’s best food, and a lucky baby is one who has a healthy mother. I read that modern science recommends cod liver oil for everyone. Check with the doctor if you need a prescription. Comely Brook, Golden, and Silver Bell should all take it. Jade-mei, you should take some too. It will please me greatly to learn that my family is in good health. As a point of intellectual curiosity, are there any Chinese pharmaceuticals that correspond to cod liver oil?

  I am also happy to hear that Iris has a suitor. She has reached marriageable age, and we shall have properly discharged our responsibility toward her. Should she decide to marry, we must be generous with her dowry. She is now an adopted niece, and an indispensable hand in the administration of the factory. Since the factory does business with the enemy, some of them may attend the wedding. I do not wish the family to attend the public wedding. Dragon will represent the family. Instead, the family should have another celebration in a Chinese restaurant with all of Iris’s relatives from Hangzhou. I know the girls will be disappointed, but this is my command: that they will attend only the family celebration.

  In view of the coming social activities, perhaps you might ask old Chen to cultivate some flowers in our front and back skywell. He sounds like a noble old soul. I commend you, Jade-mei, for hiring him and providing for his welfare.

  I am deeply moved by Silver Bell’s efforts to weave a scarf for me. A piece of homespun silk will be a true reminder of my Chinese soul. I shall wrap my favorite books and your poems in it, and if the cloth is long enough, you should keep half. But the weaving will take too long and it will bring lint into the house. So I suggest that you ask Dragon to have the factory finish the job. I know it will be made from your cocoons, and so much of your love, thoughts, and effort have already gone into it.

  Now a few words about my life here in Hong Kong. I have decided that I am not an industrialist. So instead of starting a factory, I have found a position writing editorials for the New Island News. I also help in various aspects of editorial work, so I commence work at five in the afternoon and return home around dawn. I am still staying at the East Asia Hotel. The schedule suits me fine. I am thrilled by the opportunity to read the many foreign publications available at the news agency. In many ways, I enjoy my work so much that I am ashamed to take a salary.

  In some ways, life here reminds me of the heady excitements of my student days. But I am no longer young, and my heart is with you in Shanghai. When Comely Brook has delivered, and the baby is old enough to travel, I will arrange with Dragon to bring you here.

  Hong Kong is a British colony, but most faces here are Chinese. It is also a tropical island. I know it will mean another move and more adjustments for you. I am already considering housing for us. Since the island is so small, most families live in apartments. There are some lovely apartments on Robinson Road. (Purple Jade, try not to translate the name into Chinese and judge whether it would be an auspicious place to live. Western names translated into Chinese have strange comical meanings.) This is on the mid-level of a mountain called Victoria Peak. The peak area is often shrouded in mist and is very damp, but the mid-level has wonderful ocean views and catches the cooling breezes. However, for one who is used to a house with many courtyards, the apartment may feel confining. There will be no gardens. All the rooms will be on one floor, but the view can be breathtaking.

  One other alternative is Happy Valley. There are many lovely houses on Blue Pool Road, much like the one you are living in now. They are larger, and I think we’ll all be able to have separate rooms. They also have larger gardens, and one can cultivate tropical flowers. But being in a valley, it can get very hot in the summer. You will have to adjust to the heat. I am excited whenever I think of your arrival. There are so many things I want to show you.

  With my warm regards to you and Comely Brook,

  Respectfully,

  Righteous Virtue

  The 27th year of the Republic of China

  The First Moon, 26th day.

  Feb. 25, 1938

  Dear Golden Bell and Silver Bell:

  Your English letters please me. I’m particularly happy to learn that Golden Bell is helping Silver Bell. The strength of our family depends upon the unity and mutual assistance of all members. The strength of a nation is based upon the strength of its families. In you I see the triumph of our cultural values, and know our national humiliation will be avenged some day.

  I have asked your mother to follow Western standards of hygiene, because of a baby’s low resistance to germs and infection. You both could help by cleaning up after yourselves, without waiting to be served. As you are both fond of Western manners, you must know that Westerners do not have personal maids, and everyone contributes to the necessary chores around the house. The essence of our culture is to learn grace and virtue, to nurture the young and the dependent, and to live exemplary lives. You two must set good examples of personal care and hygiene, which you are learning in school, so that the baby may grow up in a healthy environment.

  In Hangzhou, using chamber pots in our home of many courts was never a discomfort. Now your mother is out of the house most of the day, and may not be fully aware of the inconvenience in our cramped city quarters. She is making a valiant effort to adjust to our drastically reduced circumstances, and is naturally inclined to preserve as much of her home atmosphere as possible. Both of you must learn forbearance and patience.

  Golden Bell, I’ve asked your mother to have old Chen cultivate some flowers in the front and back skywells. Western ladies wear gloves when cultivating their own gardens. Perhaps you could consult your science teacher and decide upon the types of flowers suitable to the Shanghai climate. You could be old Chen’s helper. Teach him some scientific methods, and learn something from the old peasant, who will feel honored that you should take an interest in his endeavors.

  Rickshaw pulling is a life-saving profession for old Chen. Your mother has made sure that he is not strained, and a man is never a beast when he is given face and security. We all have our burdens in life. Some psychological burdens are far more intolerable than physical ones. Given a choice, I would gladly pull a rickshaw for gentle mistresses like you than be exiled here away from my family and my roots.

  The Packard is a very beautiful car indeed. One day I should like to own one, when the country is at peace, and we are reunited. I’m learning how to drive now, and I shall love to drive you wherever you choose. In fact, Golden Bell will soon be old enough to learn to drive. I shall be glad to teach her. But the time is not now. It is in poor taste to parade one’s good fortune in times of national shame and suffering. Remember our devastated home and separated family. Do we have so much to be cheerful about? It is rumored that in the northeastern provinces under enemy control, your “Packard Eight’s” father is a prominent businessman. I don’t know if he is involved with the opium trade, but these provinces are flooding our country with so much cheap opium that the poorest rickshaw puller can afford a smoke. (Again, your mother is wise in hiring old Chen. He doesn’t smoke.) You only need to look at your mother’s cousin Yu Wei to see the effect of this business. Yes, the enemy would love to see our nation reduced to a people of degenerate drug addicts. Think clearly children: is it such an honor to be named after the license plate of a car?

  I do apologize for not providing you with English names earlier. Golden Bell, you will be called Victoria. Your undaunted spirit and insatiable desire for learning promise a bright future for our country. Tell your mother that this is the name of the last English queen. During her reign, the English Empire prospered. Your American teachers can call you Vicky for short.

  Silver Bell, I have no understanding of music education. However, teaching i
s not an easy task. I’m sure your teacher will not teach you what is not necessary. Practice your scales, and perhaps someday you will tell me whether it has helped your piano playing. I’m naming you Sarah, because I like the sound of this old biblical name.

  Regarding baptism, I can understand that both of you wish to be like your teachers. But the Chinese do not believe children are born in sin. We shall discuss this further when you come to Hong Kong. You will be older then, and if you still feel you need a religion to guide you, I shall not oppose. It is a pity that Christianity came in with the merchants of colonialism. I do believe our Chinese morals would be reinforced by their doctrine of charity. This is essentially the same as our concept of jen — the foundation of a harmonious society — but it is difficult to practice jen in times of war and hardship. The Western idea is strengthened by the added incentive of a heavenly reward. Living in Hong Kong, I’m also enjoying Christian charity and the protection of colonialism, so I cannot find fault with Christianity. I would like to know that you want baptism not because it is fashionable but because you understand and truly want to practice the basic belief of charity. Though your mother is not a Christian, she practices jen in the Christian way — especially for old Chen. Golden Bell, you need to be more like your mother to become a true Chinese Christian!

  Golden Bell, it is best that your mother does not know Mr. Kamasaki is Japanese. You remember how ill she was after she returned from Hangzhou. The shock of learning Iris’s association with a Japanese may cause her to relive the trauma of losing our home. I know there are many admirable individuals from every nation in the world. Still, Mr. Kamasaki is in our country because of the war. For that reason, none of you are to be seen with him in public. You will visit Iris in her home, but never when there are other Japanese friends around. This is my strict command, and you shall obey without exception. Iris has chosen her path in life. I wish her well. It is the arrogance of youth to think that they can defy conventions as well as centuries of war and enmity. They will have a difficult road before them. I should be surprised if Iris will find acceptance in the Kamasaki family, even in private. The Japanese have adopted much of our fine culture. In both of our cultures, marriage is a union of families. Unless they choose to live overseas forever, life will not be easy for them.