Jade Dragon Mountain by Elsa Hart Page A

of the church, who should be the ambassadors to China from Europe. We are the ones who will bring China into the world. The Jesuits have had their time. They are a passing fancy, like those clocks with which they bought their way into the Emperor’s court. But the Chinese can only learn so much from them. This empire is not like the colonies. China is in possession of wealth and knowledge beyond what England can comprehend.”
    Li Du heard the rising excitement in Gray’s voice. He shuddered inwardly, chilled by Gray’s animation in the aftermath of Brother Pieter’s death. “I have studied so much about China,” Gray continued, apparently oblivious to Li Du’s discomfort, “but this is the first time I have set foot inside its borders. I’ve been waiting, along with others—merchants, explorers, scientists. We are all waiting, studying your language from the Chinese traders prepared to teach it, ready for the moment the empire finally decides that it is time for us all to share in a new prosperity.”
    â€œThese political considerations are outside my understanding,” said Li Du, whose arm was beginning to ache from the weight of the teapot. Still Gray did not move.
    â€œBecause you are an exile?” asked Gray, looking intently for Li Du’s response. When Li Du made none, Gray shrugged. “I saw you as you waited by the gates of the mansion yesterday. A man of my experience knows not to ignore strangers who watch from the shadows. I asked the magistrate who you were, and now that I know, I have need of your advice. The opinion of an exile is valuable to me.”
    â€œOn what matter?”
    â€œWill the Emperor agree to trade with the Company?”
    â€œI cannot be of any use to you. I do not know the answer to your question.”
    â€œBut you must know something. You know the political games of your empire. You know what is effective, and I must assume from your exile, if you pardon my straightforward speech, that you know something of endeavors that are doomed to fail.”
    Li Du’s reply was firm. “It is the Emperor, and the Emperor alone, who will decide whether your ships will be allowed to come to China. His is the only opinion that should concern you.”
    Ignoring the finality in Li Du’s tone, Gray said, “In my own room there is a small vase, very beautiful. I asked the maid its value, and she said it was nothing of any great worth. And yet its glaze is made from gold suspended in glass, a material of color and quality I have never seen before, one that our alchemists cannot yet duplicate. If you could see what I see, the possibilities…” He let the sentence hang.
    â€œThe Jesuits,” said Li Du, “came to China to learn and to teach. The Emperor respects these motives. I would not expect him to share the empire’s wealth with Western merchants unless he sees good reason to do it.”
    â€œYou are naive if you think the Jesuits do not have their own more subtle agendas. But I do not disagree with you entirely. Desperation is always a weak position. And there are certainly those who are desperate. Before I left Europe I heard that Prince Frederick of Saxony has imprisoned an alchemist in a tower, and vows not to let him out until he has discovered a way to re-create Chinese porcelain.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œMy point is that it will be through diplomacy, not stealth and medieval methods, that any person in this world who has some sense may become wealthy. We don’t want to possess China. There is wealth enough for China to benefit just as much as we will. Those who can control the wealth will be powerful. The Emperor could become even more powerful than he is now. He must think beyond China. Think of the whole world.” Gray gesticulated eagerly. His open hand caught the light, exposing a dark slash across his palm.
    â€œBut you have hurt yourself,” said Li Du, pointing to the