Taming Poison Dragons by Tim Murgatroyd Page B

finger.
    ‘So, Little General, what is this I hear about you offending my brother Zhi? This will never do.’
    ‘I have done nothing,’ I protested.
    ‘Ah, but you have. You should understand our ways here. As Eldest Son I will inherit Father’s business. As for Yi-Yi. . . well, never mind him. But Little Brother Zhi is destined for great things. My mother has already decided which duke’s daughter he will marry when he is a great official. It would be unwise to upset such plans.’
    ‘How am I at fault? Please explain.’
    ‘Little General, is it sensible to keep beating Zhi in the examinations? Of course not. Why not come second more often, then everyone will be happy.’
    ‘Even if I came tenth, Cousin Zhi would not beat me,’ I said. ‘Is Uncle Ming displeased?’
    ‘Not in the least. But that doesn’t matter.’
    His advice appalled my pride. Yet I knew he meant it kindly.
    ‘My father sent me here precisely so I would pass,’ I said.
    ‘That is not my concern. Take this business with the boy who tried to pick a fight with you. My little brother complains he has lost friends because of it. It seems some of the other boys blame him for spreading rumours and causing trouble.’
    It was true Steamed-Bun-Singing-Girl no longer talked to Cousin Zhi, but that was hardly my fault. Hong offered me another almond.
    ‘And I hear,’ he continued. ‘You have made friends with boys of good family who should really be the companions of Zhi. One day those boys might be useful to him.’
    ‘P’ei Ti has become a friend,’ I admitted. ‘At least we always talk at midday.’
    ‘Exactly! Such a one should be talking to Zhi, not you.’
    ‘But why?’
    Cousin Hong considered, then shrugged.
    ‘Why? There is no good reason why. Why was that wretch unable to pay his rent? Why are we enjoying almonds harvested by pretty barbarian girls with plump thighs and he is deciding which of his daughters to sell?
    Only fools ask why. Better to ask what is.’
    I had never suspected Hong of philosophy, but all men need some principle to guide them. I also took the hint that I might end up like the poor tenant if I continued to offend Honoured Aunty and Cousin Zhi.
    I wandered the streets in disgust for an hour, eventually finding myself in the alley where I had met the singing girl.
    The piercing, autumn wind could not reach me here. A pool of cold sunshine lit the doorstep where she had sat.
    As I passed, the door opened and, to my surprise, she poked her head out. I halted. We examined each other in silence. Then she smiled.
    ‘So you have come back to see me!’ she cried.
    She was dressed in a gaudy gown and wore cheap, yet tastefully arranged jewellery. Her face had been painted and rouged. I felt like a child in comparison. Given the life she led, I was not misguided.
    ‘Aren’t you pleased to see me, eldest son of the Lord of Wei?’ she asked, archly. Her coquettish look faded. ‘But you are upset. Someone has upset you.’
    She waved me to the step and we sat down. So close, her smell disturbed me. There was perfume, and a scent of wine, as well as something I could not name. Yet I poured out my difficulties, expecting she would find them incomprehensible. It was my first lesson to never underestimate her.
    ‘Pah!’ she said, finally. ‘You must carry on as you have and take no notice of them. If it is your destiny to be first then all their tricks will never make you last. Besides, your uncle will keep them in order. The fact he sent his heir to fetch you from Chunming Province shows the regard he holds for your father. Such a sense of duty is not a twig, but a strong branch. Besides, only an envious spirit would not realise your success helps Cousin Zhi, for you are related and dwell in his household. Thus he gains honour through you. Your uncle will understand this. But you must keep your mouth shut, whatever the provocation.
    They are clearly a bad lot.’
    I blinked at her, amazed by her shrewdness.
    ‘What