by Kedriaa
Disclaimer: GW characters do not belong to me. No monetary profit gained through this venture - just an ample amount of self- satisfaction and self-indulgence.
<"..."> spoken in Cantonese
Wu Fei wondered how he managed to get into this mess. He, along with two of his fellow disciples were being punished, yet again, by their sifu - their martial arts master. One word sprang to mind - Mei-Ran, the she-devil of the school and the perpetrator of most, if not all, of the pranks and mischief that befell on him.
<"I am going to kill her!"> Kok Wah, the youngest of the three, whispered angrily.
<"Hush!">Keong replied, <"If sifu hears you, you'll be in bigger trouble!">
<"It wasn't even our fault! She started it! She always starts it and gets away with it. It's just not fair.">
Wu Fei said nothing. There was little to be said. He focused his attention on keeping his balance instead of griping about Mei-Ran. He was no stranger to the punishment that he was currently subjected to; in fact he could almost call himself a veteran, no thanks to HER! He had to maintain a crouching stance over a josstick until it burned to its stub. If he lost his balance before the josstick burned out, he had to start from scratch with a new one. The life span of the josstick was no less than 4 hours. It was going to be a long day.
He cleared his mind and tried to concentrate on the task at hand, something that was proving more and more difficult especially when his companions were still bickering.
<"Shut up!"> Wu Fei growled. Kok Wah and Keong immediately fell to a hush. Wu Fei was the Master's primary disciple; only the Master could supersede his commands and orders. Apart from that Wu Fei's temper and martial art prowess were forces not to be reckoned with. Both younger disciples knew better than to ruffle anymore of his feathers. Mei-Ran alone had managed to fray every last nerve as it was.
Wu Fei continued, <"It's bad enough we are being punished on New Year's Eve because of a crime we did not commit. I do not want to hear your bickering. Life is unfair, especially if you are not the daughter of the Master. You should know by now that Mei-Ran can get away with murder around here, hence you should not allow her to bait you. If you are foolish enough to be one of her victims, then let this be a punishment for your ignorance if nothing else. If anyone of us warrants a protest it is I! If you two had thought before you acted, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place! This is the last time I lay my neck down for you. Now sifu said no talking, so shut up or I'll punish you myself.">
Chastened, Kok Wah and Keong said no more; instead they began staring daggers at each other and Wu Fei.
<"Well done, Wu Fei,"> the voice of their Master filled the courtyard, <"I couldn't have said it better myself.>
Master Ron circled his disciples with a gaze that could cow the hardiest of warriors. Wu Fei's face betrayed no reaction, his companions, on the other hand, had fear reflected in their eyes.
<"As you said, Wu Fei, it is New Year's Eve, hence I am feeling charitable. Your punishment is over. You may stand,"> Master Ron commanded.
The three boys did not need to be told twice. Hastily, they straightened and stood at attention, not daring to stretch cramped legs and sore arms in front of their master.
<"I trust you have learned you lesson?">
<"Yes, sir!">
<"Good. You are dismissed. Return home and have a happy New Year.">
The boys bowed reverently, returned the greeting and retreated from the rear courtyard. It has been a long morning, Wu Fei thought. Way too long. He was glad that he could get home, perhaps indulge in a bath, feast with his family at the Reunion Dinner and forget about the imp called Ron Mei-Ran.
If she were not the daughter of his sifu, Wu Fei would, more than likely, have beaten her to a pulp. She was the most infuriating, exasperating, tomboyish girl he has ever met. Wu Fei had been training under Master Ron since he was seven and that made it seven long years he has had to endure the torments, pranks and teasing of his master's feisty daughter. He had somewhat become an expert in avoiding the trouble that hung around her like a bad smell. This time, his sense of duty and responsibility to the younger disciples got the better of him. To 'save' them from her and her evil schemes, he got into trouble as well. To say he was not thrilled would be an understatement. If he were of a vindictive nature, Mei-Ran would have had her share of paybacks, and them some more.
<"Psst!">
Wu Fei did not stop walking towards the main gate.
<"Hey!"> the voice called out again, this time louder. Still, Wu Fei ignored it. The owner of the voice materialized beside him, falling in step. <"Are you going to talk to me?">
Silence.
<"Gods! You're so childish!">
Wu Fei stopped dead on his tracks. <"I'm childish?">, he spun to face her and demanded, <"I'm not the one who's picking on the new disciples for fun! They could've have been hurt if not worse! Are you really lacking that much attention that you'd do anything just to get a second glance, be it for good or bad reasons?">
Mei-Ran tossed her head sending her plaits swinging, almost hitting Wu Fei in the face. She huffed and retorted, <"You sound more like Father each day! Like him, you have no sense of humour. And you think too little of me! Do you think I'd do something that foolish and mean as to hurt the younger ones? If I were a son, you'd be answering to me, Chang! After all, I have been Father's disciple a year before you sashayed through the doors like you owned the place! Don't you forget that!">
<"Tsk!"> Wu Fei snorted, <"How can I forget when you keep bringing that up every time we have a conversation?">
<"Oooo!"> Mei-Ran fumed, <"You are impossible.">
<"Takes one to know one,"> Wu Fei replied nonchalantly and continued out of the school.
<"I HATE YOU!"> Mei-Ran screamed as Wu Fei shut the doors behind him.
The house was buzzing with activity when Wu Fei arrived home. He was greeted briefly and hastily by servants rushed off their feet to prepare for the feast and clean the house before the auspicious hour.
The main reception hall was decked in red - banners and reams of cloth draped every doorway and every chair, lanterns hung off each post and calligraphy was posted upon the walls spouting slogans of good fortune and luck. Baskets of mandarin oranges and trays of candied lotus, pumpkin and dates occupied table surfaces.
Wu Fei squeezed his eyes shut; the garish glare of all the red in the room was making his head hurt. He never understood why the room had to be filled with this much red. Sure, red was an auspicious colour symbolising good fortune and prosperity but too much of a good thing can be bad. It was a pity no one in his household understood that, not especially the Lady of the House.
<"Wu Fei,"> Well, speak of the devil...
<"Yes, ma'am?"> Wu Fei turned to face the Mistress of the House, his Father's eldest wife [1], Su Yin, and bowed.
<"How did your training with Master Ron go?">
<"Good, ma'am,">
<"I'm glad to hear that. Your uncle and cousins are going to be arriving shortly, please get yourself ready to receive and greet them. And tell your brother to get himself presentable too. Heaven knows he's already been told a hundred times, but I have no doubt he's lazing in his room as we speak,"> Su Yin replied somewhat frustrated.
<"Yes, ma'am,"> Wu Fei bowed again and waited for the Lady to dismiss him before heading towards his room. A small smile appeared on his lips. Su Yin was a formidable woman and a very stern Mistress of the house. Everything was done in accordance to tradition and protocol, everything - from changing the sheets in the servant quarters to hosting banquets for the Manchu Officials. Lady Su Yin, although ruled with an iron fist, kept the household running like clockwork, every contingency was always considered and planed for. Everyone, including the Master of the house, knew better than to interfere with her methods and her system.
Well, everyone except her son - Chang Kim Fei [2] - who was a constant source of amusement for Wu Fei and their sisters. Kim Fei was the only one who had the audacity to challenge his mother and had her securely wrapped around his little finger. He was manipulative, cunning and rebellious, yet very subtle in his approach, hence a true devil in disguise. Notwithstanding, he was also obedient, dutiful and responsible - in all aspects that truly mattered. Kim Fei never spoke out of turn in the presence of his father and elders. He took his position as heir seriously - his dedication to this duty evident in his unwavering commitment to his new position as a Government Official and his agreement to his arranged marriage to the daughter of another Manchu General. He was also a loving brother, always looking out for his three younger sisters and Wu Fei. He was their protector, their guardian angel until the girls found their own by way of marriage and Wu Fei became of age.
Wu Fei chuckled at the memory of all the escapades that he and his brother had indulged in and gotten into trouble because of them. He knew he would miss Kim Fei when he leaves Canton for Peking in the spring to serve at the Emperor's Court.
<"Brother?"> Wu Fei rapped on the door, <"Your mother said you should prepare for the arrival of our uncle and cousins.">
<"Wu!"> He heard a reply from within the room, <"Come in!">
Wu Fei pushed the door open and stepped into the solar. Closing the door behind him he headed toward the bedchamber and was instantly assaulted by the strong, pungent smell of opium. His hand flew to this nose and his brow wrinkled. From under his sleeve, he mumbled, <"Gods, Brother! Are you crazy? If Father catches you I can't even begin to imagine what he's going to do to you!">
<"You worry too much, Wu,"> Kim Fei replied, sedately from this bed. He quickly put out the pipe and packed away all evidence into it secret hiding place - beneath a loose floorboard by the bed. <"Do you think Father has never touch this? Go wait in the solar if this is bothering you this much.">
<"I'm going to go back to my room actually,"> Wu Fei continued to mumble, sleeve still firmly over his nose, gradually moving back to the solar, <"I've been training all morning, I need some rest and bath before I come any close to being presentable. Mother Su Yin has ordered me to be presentable and she has asked me to ask you to get ready too. Please don't get me into trouble. Being punished once on New Year's Eve is more than enough.">
Kim Fei chuckled as he closed the door to this bedchamber behind him. He smiled at his youngest brother, <"Let me guess - Ron Mei- Ran?">
Wu Fei scowled, <"Please don't say that name in my presence - EVER!">
This time, Kim Fei laughed out loud, <"Why don't you simply ask for her hand in marriage and get it over with?">
<"WHAT?!"> the younger Chang sibling exclaimed, horror etched clearly on his expression, <"You have been smoking way too much opium, Brother! You're delusional!">
<"Sure!"> Kim Fei smirked at him, <"Whatever you say, Little Brother. Now scoot! Go get yourself ready before Mother comes ranting. Oh, send Foon in, will you?>
<"Yes, Brother,"> Wu Fei hastily shut the door behind him. The faint smell of opium clung on to his clothes and hair. He rolled his eyes and cursed silently. He often wondered what first possessed his brother to try the drug. The only answer he got from Kim Fei was a nonchalant 'Why not?'. That kind of blasé attitude toward such a lethal substance infuriated Wu Fei. He may only be 14-years-old but he was not stupid. Even if Kim Fei refused to see the damage the drug was causing, Wu Fei knew it would end in tears if Kim Fei did not stop the abuse. He has begged, bribed, threatened and blackmailed his brother but to no avail. Wu Fei was not someone who gave into defeat easily but he was smart enough to recognise a losing battle. The only way Kim Fei was going to stop was if he chose to.
The youngest Chang sighed in resignation and trudged to his room. It was going to be a longer day than he expected. He was a loner by nature and he preferred the solitude of his library or the calm ambience of his Master's training courtyard, not the rowdy atmosphere of the reception hall of the Chang Mansion at New Year's Eve or the boisterous surroundings of the dinning hall during the Reunion Dinner.
<"Master Wu? Your bath is ready and I have laid out your clothes for the dinner on your bed. Is there anything else you need?">
<"Uh, no, thank you, Li,"> Wu Fei dismissed his personal groom, <"Just come get me, if I don't emerge after an hour. I am so tired, I could very well fall asleep in the bath!">
Li chuckled, nodded and retreated.
Wu Fei gratefully lowered himself into the steaming water. Li had added a small satchel of herbs to the water and Wu Fei could feel the effects of the herbs loosening taut and sore muscles. He would love nothing more than a massage at the moment, but he was not one to indulge in such luxuries, unlike his brother.
The boy was rather self-conscious and never like the idea of having an audience when he was nude. It was not like he had anything to be shy about. The young Master Chang Wu Fei, although still short at a mere 5'2", possessed a body built on perfection. He was slim though not scrawny, he was muscular but it was well defined and flawlessly sculpted, not bulky or out of proportion. Those muscles lined his arms, chest and legs beautifully. The years of kung fu training has given him the grace of a stalking panther, the speed of a preying cobra and the serenity of a sleeping dove. Each and every movement, no matter how simple, exuded elegance and sensuality. He had a gentle countenance to his character and a compassionate touch in his actions.
However, looks can be deceiving for this quiet and passive Dragon had the will and the means to breathe fire. Wu Fei, as many of his fellow disciples discovered the hard way, had a temper that could rival the fiercest thunderstorms. Fortunately for all, he had learned to keep it in check, unless severely provoked. His skills in the arts were also peerless as well as flawless. He was a good student and a fast learner making him the star student at Master Ron's school. He had achieved standards no one had at the tender age of 14. Wu Fei certainly had something to be proud of, as were his brother and friends of him. He only wished that his father was too.
Being a man of great intellect as well as a member of the Manchu Government, General Chang Jung valued scholastic brilliance above all else. Wu Fei, although well-read and well-learned was not an academic genius like his brother was. His father had originally objected to his tutelage under Master Ron as martial arts was somewhat considered unsavoury and unrefined. His brother had argued for his sake, but in the end it was through the intervention of Su Yin that gave him his father's blessing to be a disciple of the ancient art of Shaolin kung fu.
Wu Fei often wondered why Su Yin did what she did for him. It was obvious that there was no love lost between them. Nevertheless, Wu Fei respected her as his father's wife and his brother's mother and she accepted him because he was a Chang and there was little she could do about it. They tolerated each other simply because it was required for them to do so. Wu Fei did not hate her or bear any kind of negative emotions, he felt ... indifferent toward her. And perhaps it was because of his lack of fear of her that fuelled Lady Chang's wariness of her youngest 'son'. It was almost like she was afraid that Wu Fei's independence, maturity and sensibility would lead him to succeed General Chang instead of Kim Fei.
Being a Manchu Official was the last thing Wu Fei wanted. He had no interest in politics or having a life in court. He would much rather travel the world and see the wonders that it held. He had contemplated the idea of being an ambassador to this people but felt that the position had a connection too close to the government. God forbid he would venture into the vocation of a merchant! The aristocracy did not favour the trade and thought of it to be rather low class - blaming merchants for fouling the shores of Canton with their exchanges with the 'gwailo' - the white devils.
Ever since the merchant ships of the Western world docked at Canton's port, the youth had been fascinated by them - from their language to their attire to their merchandise. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Wu Fei would head down to the docks to watch the exchange and interaction of the local merchants with their Western counterparts. Occasionally, he would venture out and engage one of them. Within the last 6 months, the young Chinese had learned enough basic English for simple conversation as well as a few French phrases. He had also managed to procure a few books and, with a little help, taught himself how to read the alphabet.
The more time he spent in the company of the Westerners, the more he took a liking to them and theirs. His enthusiasm in learning about them, his willingness to accept them and his lack of prejudice was a refreshing change to the xenophobic attitude the Manchu Officials had. The Chinese government had this inherent and irrational fear toward outsiders that had led to the quarantine of all foreign merchants to the dock areas. None had been allowed to venture into the town square unescorted or without prior agreement with an Official. [3]
It was a shame that very few share Wu Fei's fascination of the Westerners and a penchant for learning about different cultures. Because of the general intolerance among the people, Wu Fei had never shared his interest or voiced his support of them. Only his brother and Li knew of his visits to the docks and his ability to speak English. His father would surely not approve.
A sharp knock jolted him out of his thoughts, Li's voice followed, <"Master Wu?">
Wu Fei groaned, <"Has it been an hour already?"> It felt like he had been in the bath for only a few minutes.
<"Pretty much,"> Li replied.
<"I'll be out in a minute,"> he sighed and climbed out of the tub, hastily wrapping his robe around him. The air was still chilly even though spring was only around the corner. Wu Fei headed back to his bedchamber, where Li was waiting.
<"You don't have to stay, Li. I can dress myself,"> Wu Fei said with an amused grin, <"Isn't there something you want to do?">
<"If I don't attend to you, the Lady Su Yin will most likely get me climbing the rafters to hang more lanterns!"> Li replied cheekily. Li had been Wu Fei's personal groom and companion since they were knee high to a grasshopper. Li was well aware of his lower rank in the social hierarchy but they had always been candid and open in private. As far as Wu Fei was concerned Li was his friend. Nevertheless, Li knew his place and post when they were in the company of the elders, namely Lady Su Yin.
The young Master laughed, <"I see what you mean! Well, make yourself useful then and get me some food!">
Li bowed deeply, mischief in his eyes and he feigned reverence, <"Yes, Master Wu, sir, your wish is my command!"> then promptly retreated the room.
Wu Fei giggled at his friend's antics. He dried himself off while eyeing the ensemble left on his bed. Ugh! More red ... that woman was obsessed, Wu Fei concluded. After 14 years of being subjected to the overload of redness annually, he thought that he would've grown accustomed, if not immune to it. Su Yin very rarely dictated what he wore as long as he didn't emerge looking like a vagabond. It was Hoi Yee, his Father's 3rd wife, who took more interest in dressing the children. She was an excellent seamstress and her craftsmanship in embroidery was peerless. She knew that Wu Fei did not share Su Yin's love for the crimson hue, so she always tried to make him something in another 'auspicious' colour with a dash of red to keep Su Yin happy. She had been successful up till then. Wu Fei shrugged and began dressing, at least it was not the same stark betel nut red the house was currently adorned with, it was a deep, mellow magenta.
Li returned with a pot of white peony tea and a small dish of dim sum just as Wu Fei was struggling to roll his cuffs up. Li chuckled as he poked his head around the door adjoining the bedchamber and the solar.
<"So much for being able to dress yourself huh?">
Wu Fei stuck his tongue out at Li as he approached his young master, gesturing for Wu Fei to lift his arms and hold them out. Li then proceeded to fold the pristine white shirt over his magenta tunic neatly, he then continued fussing over the garment, brushing off imaginary lint and creases.
<"Li!"> Wu Fei cried making the boy jump, <"Stop fussing, for goodness sake! Sometimes you're worse than a mother hen!"> He playfully swatted the boy away and headed for the food.
<"Sorry, I could only get breakfast leftovers. The fools in the kitchen wouldn't let me cook because they said I was in the way and they wouldn't cook for me because they were too busy preparing for dinner. You'd think after all these years they'd have organised themselves well enough to provide us with lunch AND dinner!"> Li grumbled as he flopped into an armchair by the window.
<"Li, every year you moan about lunch on New Year's eve. Haven't you learnt that you can't teach an old dog new tricks?">
<"What?"> Li raised a curious eyebrow.
<"It's an English expression I learnt.">
<"Are you sure?"> Li asked skeptically, <"Dog's are pretty smart and they can learn - ">
<"You're not supposed to take it literally!"> Wu Fei interrupted, <"It just means that old habits die hard.">
<"Gods! Stop talking like a gwailo! You're confusing me!">
<"That's not hard to do! And don't call them gwailo, it's derogatory!">
Before Li could retort, the doors to Wu Fei's room flew open and Kim Fei strode in, dressed in his finest and certainly presentable. He too was clad in a tunic of a crimson variation.
<"Are not ready yet?!"> he cried not missing a beat, <"The world is waiting for you to grace us with you presence and here you are stuffing your face with /dim sum/! Honestly! And you!"> Kim Fei turned to Li and began reprimanding him playfully, <"You're supposed to keep him in line and make sure he fulfils all his familial obligations! Tsk, you can't get good help these days!">
<"Oh, shut up!"> Wu Fei threw a shrimp dumpling at his brother. Kim Fei dipped and caught the flying dim sum with his mouth. <"Is putting food in your mouth the only way to keep you quiet?">
Li chuckled from behind his sleeve.
<"Mordur wons you oot in de cortyard,"> Kim Fei mumbled, mouth filled with half-chewed shrimp.
<"Ugh! You call yourself a Manchu Official? Did they not teach you manners in class? First you barge in my room without knocking, now you're sharing the contents of your mouth! Gods, thank you for making me loose my appetite.">
<"Good!"> Kim Fei grinned cheekily, <"Rise to your feet, soldier and march! If I have to endure this malarkey then so do you!">
Wu Fei groaned as his brother steered him out to the fore courtyard where Su Yin had, no doubt, lined up and paraded all the lead servants and the Chang sisters as if it were a meat market. If Kim Fei was not exempt, Wu Fei certainly wouldn't get out of it. Wu Fei was sure that the full moon not only ushered in a new year but a sense of madness and delirium for the matriarch of the clan. Su Yin may be pedantic and thorough but New Year always brought out the best, or worst, in her.
Judge Chang Soon, the younger brother to General Chang, did not believe in travelling light or in small parties. His entourage easily totalled 30 if not more. 14 of which were family - 4 wives, 8 children and 2 daughter-in-laws, half a dozen foot soldiers (for security purposes) and about a dozen servants, as if the Chang household didn't have enough servants as it is.
Soon the courtyard was awash in chaos. The soldiers and the servants were scurrying around unloading the chests and taking care of the horses while family members, namely the women folk, were practically hysterical with glee in seeing each other.
Wu Fei wondering why they bothered to put on such an air of friendliness. He knew for sure that not all his uncle's wives liked all his father's wives and that they have often pitted their children against each other. It was in these bizarre instances that Wu Fei was relieved that his mother was no longer around. The same rivalry was apparent among his cousins as well. Not everyone liked everyone, yet year after year it was the same display of false amicability rang in the air. Wu Fei could hardly wait for the first day of the New Year when all his father's sisters, his own sisters, whom had married and left home, and everyone else vaguely related, be it by blood or marriage, or associated arrived to pay their respects as per tradition. Chaos would be child's play by comparison. The only good thing that came out of this fiasco, he concluded, was the hoong pau that he would be receiving [4].
Oh, why couldn't his father been an only child and married only once? He could feel the onset of his 'traditional, annual headache'.
<"Hello!">
Wu Fei jumped at the sound of a high-pitched voice behind him. He had been so deep in thought that he had not noticed his young cousin sneak up on him.
<"Oh, hello Chun Fei,"> Wu Fei smiled pleasantly at the little boy before him. He liked Chun Fei. The boy was bright, curious and energetic. Although slightly mollycoddled and sheltered, he was still a lot of fun.
<"Cousin Wu, are you still learning kung fu?"> he asked eyes glowing with awe and hero-worship.
Wu Fei chuckled, <"Of course.">
<"Awesome!"> the little boy practically leapt onto Wu Fei, <"Can you show me more moves like you did last year? I wanna beat up my stupid brother for bullying my alla time!">
<"Chun,"> Wu Fei looked at him sternly, <"Remember what I said about kung fu?">
The littlest Chang dropped his head and pouted, <"Never use kung for in anger or for revenge, only to protect those who can't protect themselves,">
<"Well done, Chun. C'mon,"> Wu Fei extended his hand to his cousin, <"Let's go raid the candy trays, eh?">
<"Yeah!"> Chun Fei's eyes lit up at the mention of sweet as he grabbed onto Wu Fei's hand and broke out into a run. Wu laughed picking up his pace to match his already hyperactive cousin while questioning the wisdom in feeding him more sugar.
Su Yin, as usual, had delegated who sat where at the dinner tables. She had gone to the extent of arranging the next generation of Changs in the order of age! At least, Wu Fei thought grimly, she was no stranger to variety. She had them sitting boy-girl-boy last year and the year before the boys were on one side and the girls on the other - which was the most favoured setting by far.
Wu Fei hated the 'age setting' as he was sandwiched between his airhead sister, Ai Fong, and his similarly airhead cousin, Kwan Fong. They were no doubt the daughters of the aristocratic class. They had their feet bound, schooled only in the arts of embroidery and music, had never left home unescorted by a platoon of guards, handmaidens and an older married woman and were groomed solely for the purpose of marriage to a good and reputable house. To say the least, Wu Fei and the girls were like chalk and cheese. He had no time for girls like these and was thankful he was not the eldest son of the family, lest he would have been betrothed to someone not unlike his sister and cousin.
He could barely get two words out of them much less engage them in a stimulating conversation. The girls spoke only when spoken to and Wu Fei had less than no clue about what to say to them. As it was not considered polite to shout across the table to engage his brother or one of his other cousins, Wu Fei had little to do other than to enjoy the feast.
The 'adult' table was much more alive. The Chang brothers naturally dominated the conversation. However Soon's 2nd wife, Pui San, had more than her fair share of comments, much to Su Yin's chagrin. Pui San, Wu Fei noticed and admired, was not a traditional conventional woman. She was open minded, well-educated, confident and outspoken. She was one of those rare aristocratic women that did not have her feet bound. She was scorned and belittled because of her defiance and the 'disgrace' for not following tradition. Nevertheless, Pui San couldn't care less.
Everyone was surprised that she found a suitor, or to put it more aptly, that her parents found someone willing to marry the social misfit. Wu Fei did not know the whole story surrounding her marriage to his uncle - children were never told of such 'delicate' matters - but he had heard rumours and gossip that had the common theme of 'dowry'. It was believed that Pui San came with a handsome amount of dowry. However, Wu Fei found that hard to believe. His uncle had all the money he could ever need and he held a government position within the Emperor's court; Soon was not someone motivated by greed.
Pui San was the only adult that spoke to him on equal terms. She was well read and her desire for knowledge has led her to amass a vast store of general knowledge. She had even express interest in the Western culture - something Wu Fei hoped to share with her later that evening.
<"Ahhh, Wu Fei,"> Pui San greeted him warmly as he approached her. They were in the rear courtyard waiting for the display of fireworks. <"Have you recovered yet?">
<"I'm sorry?">
<"I saw you trapped between Ai and Kwan,"> she whispered with a cheeky gleam in her eye.
Wu Fei chuckled, <"I've been through worse!">
<"Thankfully New Year only happens once a year huh? I remember when I was forced to sit, eat and speak only when spoken to! That's supposed to be fun?">
<"That's the way tradition goes, like it or not."> Wu Fei shrugged.
<"Oh, damn those traditions! The West is flourishing following the wake of the Industrial Revolution and here we are still grappling for our clubs and holding onto our cave paintings! How positively primitive! How does the government expect us to advance if we don't embrace the teachings of those ahead of us?">
Wu Fei stared wide-eyed at the sudden proclamation from his aunt. He knew she had strong resolutions about opposing traditions but he never thought that she had the desire to change the political and the sociological structure of China.
<"Sorry Wu. Just needed an outlet. You're the only man around that won't rebuke my ideas or reprimand me for being a 'banana' [5].">
<"Only because you outrank me, Aunt Pui San.">
She laughed and playfully smacked her nephew with her fan.
Wu Fei then leaned forward and asked in a hushed voice, <"Can I ask you something, Aunt?>
<"Of course.">
<"Have you had any contact with the Westerners?">
Pui San raised an eyebrow curiously, <"A little, why?">
<"Oh, nothing,"> he shrugged, trying to be nonchalant, <"I just find them ... fascinating.">
<"You too, huh?"> she smiled knowingly, <"They are indeed, especially their social structure - ">
Wu Fei burst out laughing at the admission, <"I should've known that you'd be interested in that of all things! Can you tell me what you know?">
<"Oh, gladly, my little social misfit!">
While all the other children were enjoying the festivities playing with fireworks and sparklers, Wu Fei sat in silent wonder as Pui San shared all she knew about the English, the French, the Portuguese and the Dutch. She revealed that she spoke basic English and Portuguese and could read the alphabet rather well. Wu Fei was giddy with excitement - finally he had found someone to share his little obsession, albeit only briefly. The New Year eve celebrations were turning out to be better.
They spun around; surprised that someone had the audacity to interfere. As they faced him Wu Fei recognised one of them. He did not know his name but he was a disciple of a rival school. They had never faced each other before in competition but he knew not to underestimate him. They had a reputation of fighting dirty.
<"Well, well, well,"> the boy whom Wu Fei recognised sneered, <"If it isn't the young Master Chang. Did you get separated from your nanny?">
Wu Fei rolled his eyes from the pathetic attempt to insult him, <"Your petty insults only belies your ignorance and weakness. That explains why you and your friends are ganging up on someone. You lack the strength to fight him alone.">
<"Shut up!"> Wu Fei had hit the nail on its head. <"You think I'm not good enough to fight a useless gwailo?! He deserved every punch and every kick! Bad enough they're in the ports, this piece of filth dared to pollute our streets with his presence. He has no right to be out of confinement.">
Wu Fei's expression registered surprise, he had not realised that it was a Westerner they had been beating up. His blood began to boil, who was the youth to judge and condemn another human being? The victim being from different ethnic background did not warrant being beaten up!
<"Who do you think you are?"> Wu Fei demanded, trying very hard to keep his anger in check, <"You have no right or reason to touch the man! If he was in violation of the quarantine then you should report it to the authorities and not take matters into you own hands!">
<"Yeah? And what are you going to do about it?">
<"If you know who I am then I should not have to remind you that I am the son and brother of Manchu Officials and the nephew of a Judge of the Emperor's court. Do not underestimate my power and my influence to have you incarcerated for your crimes. The Westerner may have strayed from the docks but I am certain that the Western governments will not be too happy about you beating up one of their citizens for such a small deviation.">
<"You wouldn't dare,"> the boy spat.
<"Go on, try me,"> Wu Fei challenged.
<"You are just too cowardly to fight me! That's why you're using your father's position to scare me.">
<"And why would I want to soil my hands and reputation by brawling with riff-raffs like you?">
<"Because your honour is at stake. If you don't take the challenge then I'll tell everyone you're a gwailo lover! Imagine what you father would say to that.">
<"What makes you think that my father would believe you over me?">
<"That's the beauty of rumours and gossip. The more people believe it the more convincing it'll be,">
Wu Fei did not want to give into the youth; similarly he wanted to avoid an all out confrontation with his father on his interest of the West. He sighed, <"Fine! Time, place and mediator?">
<"Midnight tomorrow at the old unused warehouse on pier 49. No mediator. First one to concede defeat loses.">
<"Time and place is fine. But that would take too long if we had to wait for one of us to admit defeat. We set a boundary, first one out of it losses.">
<"Fine!"> the boy nodded, gestured to his lackeys to leave. Before he walked off he turned to his victim and growled, <"Consider yourself lucky, gwailo! Next time, I'll kill you!">
As the trio disappeared into the night, Wu Fei approached the figure slumped in the corner of the alley. He cleared his throat and willed his mind to find the right words to use then hesitantly asked, "Are you alright?"
As he neared, Wu Fei realised it was a boy no older than he. The boy coughed and struggled to sit up. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth and his face was covered in cuts and bruises.
"Yeah, just dandy!" he replied and looked up, "You came in the nick o'time. Thanks for the rescue, mate. I'm Duo Maxwell."
[1] It was customary then for men of wealth and high social standing to have more than one wife. It was legal for them to have up to 4 wives.
[2] For brothers (as well as sisters), and sometimes all children of the same sex and generation, to have a common name is a tradition that is upheld up till today, although no longer widespread. The purpose of that is for people to easily associate you with the 'branch' of the family and generation you belong to just by knowing your name. Confused? So am I!
[3] This is a somewhat a historical fact. Before the first Opium War (1839-1842) heavy restrictions were imposed on the foreigners who docked at Canton's port - the only port in which they were allowed to dock. However, I am not entirely sure about the quarantine, but this is fiction, so indulge me.
[4] This translates literally to 'red packet', which essentially what it is, that are filled with money and given from married couples to anyone unmarried and younger than them, family and friends alike. Kinda like giving presents at Christmas.
[5] Not sure if this is a modern term but it is fitting to use that in this instance. It refers to a Chinese who have rigorously and passionately embraced the Western way forgoing their Oriental heritage, like the banana which is yellow on the outside, white on the inside. Some consider that reference to be derogatory.
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