A Concubine for the Family: A Family Saga in China (30 page)

“Happy New Year, Dragon-
dee
,” said Purple Jade. “I see you are improving on the classics!”

“Oh,
M-ma
, we prefer his story,” Silver Bell cried.

“Happy New Year,
Jade-jei
.” Glorious Dragon stood up to bow. “You’ll like the ending of my modern version also. Well, the Monkey King flew to the East Ocean and bombed out their Sun God! Everything blew to high heavens just like the fireworks at your father’s birthday party.”

“Oh, wasn’t that the best party we’ve ever had?” Silver Bell clapped.

“That would put a glorious end to this war, wouldn’t it?” Purple Jade laughed.

Comely Brook served tea and the traditional sweets for the New Year. Glorious Dragon said: “The girls miss festive celebrations. I want to take them to a movie, or better still, take all of you to the Park Hotel to watch people dance.”

“Oh goody!” The girls ran upstairs to change.

“You are really overindulgent, Dragon-
dee
. When you’re not here, it is only Silver Bell’s music that enlivens our house.” Purple Jade smiled.

“Today is special. I’ve booked a table in a European restaurant for our New Year’s Day dinner. But before dinner, we’ll go to the tea dance. You and Brook
mei-mei
must both get changed!”

There were public executions of thieves and Chinese patriots on the streets of Shanghai every day. The Japanese left the headless bodies to rot in the open, so that passersby would learn to fear their conquerors. Glorious Dragon instructed his chauffeur to take a circuitous route to avoid the gruesome sight.

At the hotel, everyone enjoyed watching the dancers. The girls tapped their feet, swayed with the music and gazed longingly at the action on the dance floor. Purple Jade allowed Glorious Dragon to teach her daughters a few steps. Exhilarated by their brief dancing lesson, the girls were reluctant to leave.

On the way to dinner, they were still giddy from the excitement, and so were surprised when their car became mired in an impossible tangle of pedicab, rickshaw, and bicycle traffic. Suddenly, people tumbled all over each other, clearing the way for a Japanese military convoy. A dozen soldiers on motorcycles led the way. An open van followed. A huge white flag, emblazoned with the red sun of the East Ocean, fluttered over the cab. More than a dozen men were in the van, with their hands tied behind their backs. White banners flew from the sides of the van stating the crimes of the prisoners: “Traitors,” “Thieves,” “Enemies of the co-prosperity sphere.” Some of the men hung their heads low; others wept. A few others looked like educated gentlemen. One young man had chalky pale skin, glowering eyes, and a scowl of defiance on his face. He looked like a student. Another man wore a Western suit. His dark eyes burned with rage. Purple Jade turned pale. She thought that either one of them might have been her husband, thrown in with common criminals, to be executed like one of them.

The man in the Western suit began to shout: “
Chun Hwa Ming Kwo Wan Sway! Chun Hwa Ming Kwo Wan Sway!
” (Long live the Republic of China!) People on the street took up the chant, raising their fists. The women were moved to tears.

“The Japanese wish to instill fear in our hearts,” Golden Bell said in a steely voice, “but instead we are roused to even greater heroism.”

Purple Jade turned to her brother to thank him for her husband’s freedom. But he averted his eyes, and began singing an English song with Silver Bell. Purple Jade remained quiet. She realized that this was his way of soothing his conscience — trying to keep his head above this flood of national shame.

When they entered the European restaurant, Silver Bell exclaimed: “The tables are set with so many shiny weapons!”

Glorious Dragon explained that one knife was for spreading butter; another for fish, and the one with a sharp scalloped edge was for cutting meat. One fork was for uncooked raw vegetables, one for fish, and another for the meat. One spoon was for the soup, another for coffee or tea afterward.

“We won’t have tea with our meal?” Comely Brook asked.

“You’ll have it when the last sweet course comes.”

Everyone nodded, but they were confused. Glorious Dragon held up each piece of silverware before he used it, so they could follow and use it the same way.

“The weapons are heavy!” Silver Bell whispered.

The salad of raw vegetables was too strange for the women. They pushed their lettuce around their plates and watched Glorious Dragon.

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 utensils 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?