Opium Warfare

by Justin Bienvenue

  “There will be more...Tsang.”

  His hands let go of mine and I immediately dropped the sword and backed away as the cloaked assassin fell to the ground with the blade sticking through his chest and out of his back. Did I just kill a man? Oh god! I looked down at my hands and noticed they were bloody. What just happened?! My hands were now shaking uncontrollably and covered in blood, and I felt like I was going to faint. I decided to rest against one of the walls, but decided to do it a bit further ahead, away from the body. I didn’t need a reminder of what I’d just done. I took a seat with my back against the wall and took a deep breath. I wasn’t going to ask myself anymore questions, because lately, all it ever seemed to do was make things worse. How was it that the saying went? He who asks too many questions will only become more confused than he originally was. That was me right then. After I had regained my composure, I got up and continued walking through the tunnels.

  One thing I do know is that he knew my last name and knew I was coming. Someone sent him after me. If it was who I thought it was, then I had no idea what I was in for. I continued walking down the long tunnel for what seemed like hours, endless hours which would continue for what seemed like forever. Not only did I not know what time it was, but I had a strange feeling inside me as if time was non-existent here. It was as if the further I traveled into this tunnel, the more irrelevant time became. Clearly my thoughts were the thoughts of a shaken and tired man, but better than seeing all that opium being smoked around town or wondering who was coming for me next. I then came across a group of crates. I looked inside some that were open and noticed they were the same ones from one of the ships. Only four out of ten boxes were open. As I walked past them and looked over them, I stopped at the last three boxes. On one of them it said Explosives. I definitely don’t remember that sign being on any of the crates in the ships and seeing that I was in a tunnel, I decided to be careful around the last three boxes.

  I kept on walking, but I felt my legs going limp. This tunnel was taking a toll on me. I sat down again for a breather and then saw something fly past me. I looked over and saw a strange object stuck to the wall. I looked ahead and saw someone standing there ready to throw another one. I picked the one imbedded to the wall out and then tried to get out of the way as another one came flying at me. It just missed me. I then made a break for it and ran back and turned around the corner, the only one I had seen since I’d been in this tunnel. I knew the person would be coming after me, so I quickly looked down at the weapon. At first glance it appeared to be a shuriken, but it looked nothing like any I’d ever seen. It was only half a blade and looked like a crescent moon with sharp triangle points sticking out of it. Just as I looked up, I detected the figure who threw it. He looked the same as the former one wearing a black cloak, and he had two swords hanging behind his back.

  Assassins in a tunnel, that’s what they were, of that much I was sure. I wondered if this guy was going to be as odd and friendly as the other one. I decided to strike first, but that proved to be a foolish move as he caught my fist with his hand and bent my wrist sideways, cracking it. I screamed in pain, and he kicked me causing me to fall backwards. I then backed away while still on the ground as the assassin was slowly creeping up to me. I started to think this guy wasn’t going to be like the other one, but then again, the other guy wasn’t like I thought he’d be either, so I decided to just tough it out. I got up and he approached me. I surprised him by striking him in the face. His head turned to the side before it focused back on me. I struck him again and his head turned to the other side and then back on me. He then struck me three times in the face much faster than I had struck him. Seeing as I wasn’t doing anything to topple him, I remembered I still had the half star in my other hand. Still a little bit woozy from his three punches, I took the half star and slashed it across his face right where his eyes were, since they were the only thing visible.

  Blood began spilling from his eye sockets at a very rapid rate. He let out a scream before his hands went to his face to cover his deadly wound. Sure it was a girly move, but then I kicked him in his groin where it would hurt the most and took a step back. I then looked down at the mess I had just created. Lying before me was a cloaked assassin who not only couldn’t see, but was also hurting in the one spot to which no man could dare fake. I picked up his sword and placed it next to him. I then walked away and continued going further in the tunnel.

  I felt the proudest I’ve ever felt since waking up in this tunnel and, though I knew not what lay ahead, I knew what had to be done if I wanted to survive and make it out of here. I continued forward making two more turns in the wooden labyrinth where I had no idea when or if I would ever get out of. I then heard what sounded like faint voices up ahead. Another assassin peered from around the corner and began attacking me immediately. This one had no weapons of any kind other than his fists and feet. He came at me with raging fury of kicks and punches and I did my very best at dodging them. I still had the half star in my pocket and thought about taking it out and using it. I was kicked in the head and fell to the ground. I got to my knees and told him to stop. He responded by stopping his fist mid swing. He then looked at me and tilted his head as if confused. Seeing a perfect moment to strike, I took out the half star and charged to attack him, but he was quick, too quick.

  He caught me and threw me against the wall. I slashed at his arm and he pulled it back. I tried my best at kicking him, but failed as he was able to block my every move. He then backed away, and I decided to throw the star. He would more than likely strike it down but I had to at least try. I threw the star at him and despite his attempts, he could not stop it. The star pierced him in the corner of his chest. He came at me full speed sending me to the ground again with a kick. A loud voice uttered a word in Chinese, but I couldn’t understand it clearly, but he did. He must be retreating or something, because he bowed and pointing to me then he took off running.

  I kept on walking and as I did, the voices grew louder. Perhaps I was closing in on the assassins clan’s layer. As I reached the end of the tunnel, I noticed two directions I could go to: to the left or straight ahead. I wasn’t sure which way the assassin went. I went up to each of the entryways and listened trying to pinpoint where the voices were coming from, but I couldn’t really tell from there. I decided to go left and see if it was the right way. I walked down the long passageway and shortly, I remarked tapestry upon the wooden walls of the tunnel. Well, this certainly just got interesting. As I traveled further, I noticed beautiful rugs on the ground and I soon realized that I had definitely come across something. I soon came to a big opening and that’s when I saw them: Mia tied to a chair with a rag in her mouth, so she couldn’t speak, and a man standing behind her, but I couldn’t see who he was as his back was turned to me. The entire passage way was decorated in pure elegance.

  “MIA!!!!” I cried.

  Mia looked up at me and her eyes grew wide. She tried to speak, but her voice became muffled with the rag in her mouth. The man behind her slowly turned around and gave me an evil smirk. It was who I thought it would be...Shin Shaojin.

  Chapter 11 - Liberation

  1885, Chinese Embassy.

  “Quan Tsang, how nice to see you. Long time no see.”

  “Yes, nice to see you as well, Aeris,” Quan said.

  “The conference should be beginning shortly.”

  “Ah, very good. It’s been a while since we had one, although, the timing seems a bit odd. Aren’t they usually held at the end of the month?” Quan asked.

  “Err...usually yes, but I guess they felt that certain things needed to be addressed today in order to move forward. I heard there’s some surprises coming and they felt it would be best to meet, so we could all go over the issues.”

  “Yes, I also remember hearing about that. So the Russians will be doing business with the Chinese once more. All too long if you ask me,” Quan answered.

  “Well, luckily, I didn’t!” Aeris said laughing.
>
  “Gentlemen, the meeting will begin shortly if you’d like to come in and take a seat,” a man from the doors of the Embassy building called out.

  Quan and Aeris made their way through the doors and into a conference room of the Chinese Embassy. Each of them took a seat next to each other on the ground level in front of ten other men, and the meeting began. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I felt we should meet seeing as we have not in quite some time. The first matter at hand is that we will be doing business with the Russians again,” the head of the committee announced. “Now I understand all of you are in different types of businesses, but do keep in mind that when it comes to the trading business, the Russians are open to all negotiations, and we all have something that they want.”

  “Did the Russians approach you about this treaty or did you?” Quan Tsang asked.

  “They came to me Quan. They said it was time to put the past in the past and move forward. They are very much looking forward to trading furs with you. They have a lot of businesses in trading furs with other countries and this new partnership with us will give them access to some of the finest materials, and they know you have the goods,” The man replied.

  “This is great. Aeris and I were just speaking about this outside. It’s been a long time coming; I’m just surprised they finally came around. Out of the cold and into the light,” Quan said.

  They all laughed and began clapping after Quan’s words. The men then started discussing their plans with the Russians and how they plan on making trades with them for each other their goods. After they discussed business for a few more minutes, the head of the committee addressed the second topic.

  “There is a problem in our midst. It appears that the Green Gang have also been making exchanges in their trading of Opium with other countries.”

  “You’re kidding,” one of the members said.

  “Afraid not. It’s been seven years since we’ve done business with the Russians and now they have finally agreed to trade with us once more. I would hate them to get word that the Green Gang is still dealing opium; if it gets out, the Russians may void our treaty and back out of the deal,” the head said.

  “Why doesn’t somebody do something about it? Isn’t what they do illegal?” a member asked.

  “Yes, but you have to remember that the Green Gang also deals in the trading of other goods, which is how they’ve kept afloat for all these years. Besides their deals in opium aren’t too many, but enough to cause someone like the Russians to turn on us again.”

  “So they’d assume just because they do mysterious business transactions that we do too?” another member asked.

  “Precisely. If even one group is out of line, it ruins it for the rest of us. I think we’ll be fine, but just the thought of their opium business growing in the future is a scary possibility.”

  “It won’t even see the light of day; it will be dead in a few years,” Aeris reassured.

  “I hope you’re right Aeris. We need the Russians to be on our side, it just makes things easier.”

  The men moved on to discussing more about their trades in business of furs, food goods, clothing, manufacturing, and teas and herbs. After about ten minutes of going over these matters, the meeting adjourned and the men went their respective ways.

  “You alright my friend?” Aeris inquired Quan.

  “Hmm? Yes. Why do you ask?” Quan asked.

  “I don’t know, you seem bothered. You only asked that one question in the beginning of the meeting, then you were quiet the rest of the time, which isn’t like you.”

  “Oh, yeah, I just got a lot on my mind, but I figured I’d let everyone else speak for a change,” Quan said.

  Aeris laughed, “Well, how thoughtful of you! Alright, well, I was just checking. I’m glad all is well. Looks like the fur trade is about to boom for Shanghai, eh?”

  “Yes and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.”

  * * * * * *

  Quan made his way to a warehouse far away from the town. He knocked on the door in a unique pattern of knocks. Two, one, three, two and ending with one final knock. The warehouse door opened and he was welcomed inside. As Quan made his way inside, he noticed a large group of men all in rows fighting on one side and a group of men sitting down praying on the other. In the back center of the room sat a man in a large chair who noticed Quan entering. Quan began walking toward him, and the man got up from his seat.

  “Ah, hello Mr. Tsang, to what do I owe the pleasure?” the man asked.

  “I had a meeting with the committee and the Russians have agreed to do business and trade with us again. The first time in seven years,” Quan announced.

  “Ah, very nice. This is splendid news indeed. I take it that you all shall benefit from the new agreement?”

  “Yes and they are very much interested in trading furs with me.”

  “Hmm...I’m sensing your reason for coming here wasn’t just to tell me this wonderful news.”

  “I’m telling you, because you came up, at least The Green Gang did, anyway. If the Russians know you’re trading opium, they will back out of our deal. You see, you can’t be making any more mysterious transactions Master Zheng.”

  “Is that so? Because I would ruin everyone’s business with the Russians or because you’d risk being exposed as our consultant?”

  “No, and you know why I am in on this with you. I told you it’s been tough lately and you’ve helped me in the fur business tremendously, but now that the Russians have agreed to trade with us again, hopefully down the road, I won’t need your assistance anymore.”

  “Won’t need my assistance? Is that what you’re calling it? Your hands are dirty Quan Tsang, they are tainted in the eyes of Confucius.”

  “Please, I’m just asking you to be more careful and discreet about your business,” Quan retorted.

  “Who are you to demand anything of me? How dare you! We took you in when you were facing difficulties Mr. Tsang, and if anyone is going to pull out of our arrangement, it would be me!”

  “I don’t want another Opium War to ensue.”

  Master Zheng smiled. “I think the Opium Wars were one of the finest things to happen in this country and I also believe that if opium does not strike a hole in the fabric of our society now, it will in the years to come.”

  “I just wanted to tell you-”

  “You just wanted to tell me to keep quiet, so that things don’t get spoiled for you and your men and that you don’t get caught working for us, that Mr.Tsang is the truth you speak to me. Though is it really the truth as it comes from my lips and not yours?”

  “I’m sorry Master Zheng, hopefully I won’t have to rely on you much longer.”

  “Yes, hopefully you won’t. I thank you for the ‘information,’ you may see yourself out. Oh, and Mr. Tsang? If word does happen to get out about you working with us, then I offer my deepest condolences.”

  Quan Tsang then saw himself out of the warehouse. He hated what he had become. No one knew that work would become so hard for him that he had to affiliate himself with Master Nan-dao Zheng and The Green Gang. None of his business associates and most certainly not even his family knew about it. He felt they would think of him as an outcast and shun him, but he forgot how understanding his family was. Seeing as there wasn’t another meeting for a month, he had time to get things together and hopefully this would all work out and no one would be hurt in the process, especially Quan’s reputation. A few days passed and it was then that Quan was told about another meeting. An emergency meeting was to take place that Friday.

  He started to become nervous. He wasn’t sure why they would have another meeting so soon; in fact, he thought the last one was a bit off in timing as well. He even discussed that with Aeris. He decided to get some sleep, and attend the meeting earlier tomorrow to hopefully get some insight on what it was going to be about.

  Quan woke up early on Friday morning. He did his daily routine and then made his way to the Embassy. His nerve
s had calmed down since the day before, he thought that perhaps the Russians were in town and had decided to go over their new agreement. He took a rickshaw to the Embassy and despite getting there ten minutes earlier, he noticed everyone was already there. He saw Aeris and approached him.

  “Aeris, what’s going on? Do you know why we are having this meeting?” Quan asked.

  “No, I’m just as shocked as you are,” Aeris replied.

  The men then gathered as they all began wondering why they were summoned again to a meeting for the second time in less than a week. They made their way into the Embassy building and took their seats in the same conference room as they had a few days before.

  “Gentlemen, the reason for this meeting is because we have received word that someone among us is working for the Green Gang. Someone is trading secrets and has tipped off the Green Gang about our deal with the Russians,” the head of the committee said.

  Everyone gasped and began looking at one another inquisitively, trying to guess who it could have been. At first, Quan gulped hard and took a deep breath before he engaged with everyone else as not to reveal himself.

  “How did this information come to light?” a committee member asked.

  “One of my associates is close with Nan-dao Zheng who enlightened my associate about knowing about the Russians being in town and about our mutual deal. Seeing as we are the only people in this room other than the Russians themselves who knew this information, I have to believe one of you went to Zheng and told him about the deal.”

  “Well, what if they were just telling him to keep away from the Russians?” Aeris asked.

  “If there’s one thing we know about Zheng, it’s that you don’t go and tell him to back off of something. Why are you asking Aeris? You working for the Green Gang?”

  “Yes and I had tea with Nan-dao Zheng!” he joked, laughing.

  Everyone laughed and figured this as Aeris’ way of reassuring them he was not the traitor among them.