The Sing-song Girls of Shanghai

by Bangqing Han

  By dusk, the carriage had not returned. Getting impatient, Simplicity slipped into the courtyard and stood on tiptoe to look out for them. Just then, Flora and Second Treasure were helping Mrs. Zhao get down from the carriage, and they came in together. He went up and told them about Rustic’s visit. Second Treasure was silent, but Flora said, “Our cousin is not a good man. You shouldn’t have anything to do with him anymore.”

  He expressed his compliance and followed them into the room. Second Treasure fished a bottle of perfume out of her pocket to show him. He could not tell the quality and asked how much it cost.

  “It’s said to be two dollars!” she said.

  He stuck his tongue out in amazement. “What did you want to buy it for?”

  “I didn’t want it, but her brother Fortune insisted on getting it. He bought three bottles, one for himself, one for Flora, and this one he gave to me.”

  Simplicity held his tongue.

  Flora and Second Treasure started recounting the many views they saw in Luna Park. Then they progressed to the looks and clothes of the courtesans and their servant girls, commenting on them in detail. Flora said, “It’s a pity you didn’t go up to the photographer’s studio. It wouldn’t have been a bad idea for all of us to take a picture together.”

  “With your adopted brother Fortune in the picture as well? We’ll be the butt of everybody’s joke,” said Second Treasure.

  “We’re relatives, so there’s no harm in being a bit familiar,” said Flora.

  “This brother Fortune is quite an easygoing person, though. He doesn’t seem to have a temper at all,” said Second Treasure. “When he heard us say Mother, he called her Mother, too. He asked Mother to tea and took Mother to see the peacock; he was just like Mother’s own son.”

  “Mind that your chattering doesn’t get out of hand!” Mrs. Zhao barked to stop her.

  Second Treasure chewed a nail to hide her laughter. Flora also laughed. She asked, “He’s inviting us to the opera tonight at Panorama Garden. Are you going?”

  Second Treasure pouted, affecting modesty. “I still feel a bit embarrassed. Brother can go.”

  “Yes, it’d be nice to go with brother,” said Flora.

  “He didn’t invite me. What would I be doing there?” said Simplicity.

  Second Treasure said, “In fact, he did. Just now, on the way back, he said, ‘Why didn’t he come along for the ride?’ We replied that there was nobody else at the inn. He said straightaway, ‘Ask him to come to the show later.’”

  “It’s already half past six; they’ll probably be asking for us soon. Let’s have supper now,” Flora said.

  The inn attendant was told to hurry with the supper, and the four of them ate around the table. Soon they had finished. Just then, a man carrying a lantern marked Panorama Garden and holding high an invitation came up the steps and shouted, “Invitation!” Simplicity hurried out to take it and read it out: “Madam, the Young Master, the two young ladies.” It was just signed with one word: Shi.

  “Now what are we going to tell him?” Second Treasure asked.

  “We’ll of course say we’re on our way,” said Flora.

  Simplicity raised his voice to relay the message, and the man who delivered the invitation left immediately.

  Second Treasure pretended to be vexed. “Why did you say we’re on our way? I don’t feel like going to a show.”

  “Oh, you and your tricks! In life, it’s best to be straightforward, so stop this playacting.” Flora repeatedly pressed her to get changed.

  “Give me a minute; what’s the hurry?” Second Treasure looked at herself in the mirror and put on a little rouge and powder. Then she chose an off-white Huzhou crepe blouse. When she was dressed, the party was ready to leave. But then Simplicity said, “Please send my apologies.”

  Flora broke out laughing. “Are you following your sister’s example?”

  He lamely tried to defend his decision. “It’s not that. I saw the Panorama Garden’s program sheet; I’ve seen the operas before, and they’re not very good.”

  “He reserved a box, and there’re just the few of us. Even if you don’t go, there’ll be no savings made, so why not come along whatever you think about the operas?” said Flora.

  In fact, Simplicity was keen to go. All the while he gave his apologies, he was watching the expressions of his mother and sister. Second Treasure said to him, “Since Flora tells you to go, you should. Isn’t that right, Mother?”

  Mrs. Zhao also said, “Naturally, you should do as Flora says. You should all come back together after the show. Don’t go anywhere else.”

  Then Flora turned to ask Mrs. Zhao to go as well, but the latter declined. Simplicity cheered up, asked for a lantern marked “Welcome Inn,” and led the way. As it was no great distance, Flora Zhang and Second Treasure just walked behind him to Panorama Garden.

  ::

  1. [Hong’s store is in an area under Chinese jurisdiction while Chen’s is in the International Settlement. That is why Hong cannot go directly to the foreign police. E.H.]

  2. Under the Manchus, men wore pigtails with the front part of their heads cleanly shaven. No respectable person would let his hair grow there.

  CHAPTER 30 :: The Zhaos move to new quarters that come with hired help, and an old barber complains about his worthless son in a teahouse

  Simplicity Zhao led his sister, Second Treasure, and Flora Zhang to a reserved box on the first floor of Panorama Garden. The host, a young man, was dressed in a robe of pale mauve crepe de chine and a lined jacket of sapphire blue gauze. He was seated at one side, waiting. Simplicity recognized him as Fortune Shi although they had not met before. The latter was overjoyed to see them. He stood up immediately, put on a smiling face, and led Flora and Second Treasure by the arm to the best seats by the railing. Then he showed Simplicity to a front seat as well. When Simplicity retreated to the back row after he had put down the lantern, Fortune insisted on dragging him to the front. Ashamed by the contrast between him and Shi, Simplicity felt extremely ill at ease. Luckily, Fortune started whispering in Flora’s ear, and Flora in turn whispered to Second Treasure, so Simplicity was left alone to watch the show in peace.

  Panorama Garden boasted the largest number of first-rate actors, among whom the best was a leading man called Little Willow, whose acting and singing were in a class of their own. That night his number, The Green Screen Mountain, in which he played Shi Xiu, came last.1 When it came to the scene of Pan Qiaoyun cursing him and her aged father trying to make peace, Little Willow gave his songs all he had. Then, in the wine shop scene, his lightning maneuvering of a sword turned it into a flashing streak of electricity. The performance certainly lived up to his reputation.

  When the play was over, it was midnight. The audience made a mad rush for the exit, blocking the way out.

  “We’ll take our time,” said Fortune Shi. He asked Simplicity to walk in front and light the way for the girls, while he himself brought up the rear. Together, they returned to the Welcome Inn. Second Treasure dashed forward and opened the door to their room, calling “Mother.” Mrs. Zhao, who was reclining on the bed, got up instantly.

  “Why didn’t you go to bed, Mother?” Simplicity asked.

  “I was waiting for you. If I had gone to bed, who’d get the door?”

  “It was a very nice show. It’s a pity you missed it, Mother,” said Flora.

  “They have the best show on Saturday nights. It’s Wednesday today; we’ll go with Mother in a couple days,” said Fortune.

  Mrs. Zhao could tell it was Fortune by his voice. She greeted him and invited him to sit down, thanking him for his hospitality. Second Treasure called for the inn attendant to make tea, while Flora set the opium tray on the bed, lit the lamp, and invited Fortune to smoke. Simplicity, being socially awkward, kept in the background.

  Mrs. Zhao said, “Eldest Young Master, I’m afraid we have imposed on your hospitality; you have taken us out many times these last two of days. We really should
go home tomorrow.”

  Fortune said quickly, “You mustn’t, Mother. Don’t keep saying this. You rarely come to Shanghai, so naturally you should enjoy yourself for a few more days.”

  “To be honest, Eldest Young Master, board and lodging for four in this inn cost eight hundred copper coins a day. Our expenses are too high. It’s best if we go soon,” said Mrs. Zhao.

  “That’s not a problem. I have an idea: you’ll find it more economical than living in the country,” said Fortune. As he talked, the opium he was toasting started dripping. He did not notice it, but Flora saw and hastened to lie down on the other side of the divan, take the pick from him, and toast the opium for him.

  Second Treasure took a string of copper coins from under her own bed, quietly handed it to Simplicity, and told him to buy some snacks. He went first to the kitchen to ask for a big bowl and, instead of calling for the inn attendant, went shopping himself on Treasured Merit Street. Unfortunately, it was late at night and the shops were closed. He only managed to get six bean curd dumplings, which he divided into three small bowls and took into the room.

  Second Treasure frowned. “You’re a fine one, Brother. Why did you buy that of all things!”

  “But this is the only thing available!”

  Fortune sat up, took a look, and then said, “Bean curd dumplings are nice. I happen to like them.” Dispensing with any formality, he picked up a pair of bamboo chopsticks and manfully swallowed one down. Second Treasure offered Mrs. Zhao one bowl and called out to Flora, “Come and keep us company, Elder Sister.”

  But Flora felt embarrassed. “I don’t want any,” she said disagreeably.2

  “Then you can eat it up, Brother,” Second Treasure said smiling. Simplicity finished all the dumplings at one go and told the inn attendant to clear away the empty bowls.

  Fortune smoked a couple more pellets of opium and took his leave. Only then did Simplicity ask Flora how she was related to Fortune Shi.

  She said with a smile, “Indeed, you wouldn’t know anything about these relatives of mine, would you? Fortune’s mother is my adopted mother.3 I was only two or three when I was adopted. Last year we ran into each other in Longhua and had no idea who the other was. It was only when we started talking that things fell into place, so I was asked to stay at their house for three days. That’s how we’re related.”

  Simplicity fell silent and asked no more questions. The night passed quietly.

  When Fortune came to the inn the next afternoon, it was just after lunch. The dishes had yet to be cleared away.

  “Hurry up, we’re going shopping today,” Flora told Second Treasure.

  “I don’t want to buy anything; you go ahead,” Second Treasure replied.

  “We’re not buying anything either. Do come along just for fun,” said Fortune.

  Flora said, “Don’t plead with her. I know her ways. In the end, she’s sure to come along.”

  Hearing this, Second Treasure sneered and lay down on the bed.

  “Are you angry because of what I said?” Flora said.

  “Who’s got the time to get angry with you?” Second Treasure retorted.

  “Then let’s go,” said Flora.

  “I wouldn’t have objected to going out, but now that you’ve read my mind for me, I’m definitely not going,” said Second Treasure.

  Knowing how stubborn Second Treasure was, Flora knew she could not turn her around, so she signaled for Fortune to take over. He sat down on the side of the bed with a jolly smile on his face and, addressing Second Treasure as “Younger Sister,” patiently made conversation with her before finally trying to persuade her to go out. Second Treasure still refused.

  “Though I have offended you, won’t you make a little allowance for our brother Fortune’s sake?” said Flora.

  Second Treasure smiled sarcastically and made no reply.

  Mrs. Zhao, sitting on the other bed, did not catch what was said. She called out, “Second Treasure, don’t act that way. Your brother Fortune is speaking to you; get up quickly.”

  “Keep quiet, Mother! What d’you know about it?” Second Treasure said in a pet.

  Fortune sensed they had got to an impasse. He laughed and made light of it and then changed tactics, saying, “In that case, we won’t go, either. It’s nice to sit here for a while and chat.” As he stood up, he happened to see Simplicity sitting at the window, his head buried in a newspaper. “Any news?” he asked. Simplicity offered him the paper with both hands. He took it and picked out one paragraph, which he read out aloud to them, gesticulating and explicating as he did so. Flora and Simplicity played up to him and rolled around in laughter.

  At first, Second Treasure ignored them, but Fortune was so funny that soon she could not hold back anymore. She suddenly got off the bed and went into the anteroom to relieve herself. Flora covered her mouth with a hand and laughed, but Fortune held up his hand to stop her. When Second Treasure came out, he tossed the newspaper aside and told a very funny joke instead. Even Second Treasure could not help laughing at it. Flora turned on purpose to steal a glance at her to see her reaction. Second Treasure, now feeling awkward, went and sat down close to Mrs. Zhao and buried her head in the latter’s bosom, whining, “Mother, look! They’re teasing me.”

  “Who’s teasing you? Let’s hear it,” Flora said loudly.

  “Would Elder Sister tease you? Don’t talk such nonsense,” said Mrs. Zhao.

  Fortune clapped his hands and laughed uproariously; even Simplicity joined in the laughter. Their little quarrel, which had started out of thin air, finally came to an end.

  By and by, Fortune resumed persuading Second Treasure to go out. She, finding it hard to climb down from her earlier stance, pretended not to hear. Guessing that she was willing, he took an off-white jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. Flora had already got ready. With Mrs. Zhao’s permission, the three of them went out, leaving Simplicity to keep his mother company. As she had not slept well, she took this opportunity for an afternoon nap. To relieve his boredom, Simplicity strolled out into the common parlor with a water pipe in his hand. He sat down on a high-back chair, putting one foot up on the seat, and chatted with the bookkeeper. They carried on till the lamps were lit, but there was still no sign of the three who had gone out.

  “Shall I serve supper now?” the inn attendant asked. Simplicity went to consult his mother, who told them to bring dinner for two.

  In the middle of the meal, mother and son suddenly heard the sound of laughter at the main entrance. Then they saw Flora coming in with a bundle of clothes and Second Treasure holding a paper bag. Their faces flushed from eating and drinking, they came into the room in a peal of laughter and giggles. Mrs. Zhao asked them whether they had had supper.

  “We did. We had a Western meal,” replied Flora.

  Second Treasure darted forward, saying, “Mother, try this!” She took a shrimp roll from the paper bag and held it out for Mrs. Zhao. After just one bite, Mrs. Zhao was put off by the strange taste and passed it to Simplicity.

  He asked about Fortune Shi. “He’s busy, so he just saw us to the door and then left in a ricksha,” Flora said.

  When Mrs. Zhao and Simplicity had finished supper, Second Treasure opened the bundle of clothes and showed Simplicity a pale turquoise gauze blouse, asking him to guess the price. He saw it was trimmed with a wide satin cloud-patterned border that was at the height of fashion. He stuck out his tongue and said in awe, “It must have cost at least ten dollars!”

  “It costs sixteen dollars!” she said. “I didn’t want it. It was Elder Sister who said she’d have it, but then she thought it was a bit too short for her and just right for me, so she told me to buy it. When I said I had no money, Elder Sister told me to take it first and talk about the money later.”

  Simplicity said not a word. When Second Treasure took from the bundle three or four summer silk garments and said these were all Elder Sister’s purchases, he was quieter than ever.

  That night, none of
them went out. With nothing to do, Simplicity went to bed early. Flora and Second Treasure talked in a low murmur in the front room, but he took no notice of them. As he was sinking into sleep, he heard his sister call “Mother” repeatedly. This woke him, and he called out to ask what the matter was.

  “Nothing,” Second Treasure answered evasively.

  Mrs. Zhao woke up and joined the murmured conversation, which Simplicity just disregarded. He slept soundly until the sun was shining in the window. Flora and Second Treasure were already doing their hair in the front room. He knew he had overslept and hurriedly came out with his clothes draped around his shoulders. But then he saw his mother was still in bed hugging the quilt around her and realized it was still early. He called for the inn attendant to bring hot water for him to wash his face.

  “We’ve had breakfast. What would you like, Brother? Just tell them to get it for you,” said Second Treasure.

  He had no idea what he wanted, so Flora suggested, “Why not have a couple of soup dumplings as we did?”

  “All right,” he said. The inn attendant took the money and went out.

  With the girls’ toiletries set out on the table, there was little space left, so Simplicity picked up the water pipe and went out to the parlor, where he ate the soup dumplings and chatted again with the bookkeeper. A long while later, Second Treasure suddenly called out “Brother,” saying, “Mother wants you.” He went in immediately.

  Flora and Second Treasure had finished dressing and were seated side by side on the bed. Mrs. Zhao had got up and was sitting in a chair. Simplicity sat down to one side, waiting for instructions. The four of them looked at one another, but no one said a word.

  Finally, Second Treasure got impatient. “Mother, do tell Brother.”

  “Ah, well!” Before she spoke, Mrs. Zhao sighed. “Their brother Fortune is really most kind. He told us to have a couple more days’ sight-seeing. When I mentioned that it was expensive living at an inn, he said, ‘I have a house in Tranquillity Alley that is standing vacant.’ He told us to move there so we could live more cheaply.”