〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉16

Chapter 15 Junsheng Rescues the Four Female Tribal Leaders from the Tiger’s Jaws

76
Inside the council chamber of the Tainan Castle Governor’s Office, the air was oppressive. The heavy wooden doors were tightly shut, and only a few large candlesticks emitted faint light, illuminating the surrounding ancient stone walls and the neatly arranged wooden tables. Flags representing military and political authority hung on the walls, and the candlelight cast long, slender shadows across their textures. Outside, the sound of thunder and rain resembled a distant growl, occasionally rolling past; lightning flashed in an instant, further deepening the solemn atmosphere of the chamber. Peter sat on a chair beside the table, his hands clasped together on the tabletop, staring at Bakel, a glint of contemplation flickering in his eyes.

Bakel stood to the side, slightly curling his lips, his tone carrying a trace of disdain: “Sir, what conditions did that doctor propose to you?”

Peter leaned back against the chair, his fingers lightly tapping the tabletop, as if savoring that conversation. His tone was calm yet carried a hint of surprise: “This young man has courage. He actually asked me to release those female tribal leaders.”

Bakel froze for a moment upon hearing this, then let out a low chuckle, his tone filled with contempt: “That Dominican doctor really thinks he’s a savior?”

Peter frowned slightly, a trace of interest flashing in his eyes, and replied in a low voice: “Facing such a doctor—one who neither loves money nor fears death—this is the first time I have encountered such a person in decades of military service. I would rather like to befriend him.”

Bakel stroked his chin, his gaze critically sweeping over Peter. He took a few steps closer and asked in a low voice: “You intend to release those female tribal leaders?”

Peter paused briefly, then nodded lightly, a conspiratorial smile curling at the corner of his mouth: “Yes, to release them under certain conditions.”

Bakel frowned, a trace of doubt in his tone: “What kind of conditions?”

Peter’s eyes flickered. He took a deep breath and spread his hands, his tone carrying undisguised political calculation: “I want them to first sign a document pledging not to defy the Office’s orders. In this way, our objective of raising taxes will be achieved, and we will have an explanation for the Governor—we gain the substance. As for the appearance, we give it to that doctor as a favor flowing with the current.”

After hearing this, Bakel shook his head slightly. A trace of suspicion appeared in his eyes. His fingers unconsciously tapped the tabletop, and his tone grew heavy: “What if those leaders would rather die than submit and refuse to sign the document?”

Peter’s gaze became more resolute. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, as if he had already devised a response: “That is precisely why I want to befriend that doctor. I believe he will persuade those old women.”

Bakel’s brows remained tightly knit, still doubtful. His voice was low, tinged with uncertainty: “Does that doctor truly have such capability?”

Peter revealed a faint smile and nodded gently, his tone full of confidence: “I have crossed paths with him before. I estimate he has considerable influence.”

Bakel fell into thought. After a moment, he finally spoke: “Very well. As long as we can accomplish the mission assigned by the Governor, I do not mind what method is used.”

A glint of foresight flashed in Peter’s eyes. He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming low and meaningful: “Befriending this doctor has another long-term benefit.”

Bakel looked somewhat puzzled, frowning slightly as he asked: “A long-term benefit?”

Peter smiled lightly, his tone carrying confidence and strategy: “Yes. With his actual influence at the local level, he will become a Joker for stabilizing the region in the future.”

Bakel suddenly understood. He reached out and patted Peter on the shoulder, his tone filled with admiration: “I understand what you mean, sir. You are truly far-sighted and calculating.”

Peter’s gaze was calm and wise. He then turned back to the documents on the table, his fingertips lightly sliding across page after page, as if everything were under control.

77
Beside the council chamber of the Tainan Castle Governor’s Office, dim yellow kerosene lamplight streamed in through the window, casting mottled shadows upon the floor. Outside, the sound of rain pattered continuously, and thunder rumbled from afar, like the low roar of nature. Matthews was sitting on a wooden chair in the reception room, his expression relaxed, yet his eyes revealed a trace of vigilance and contemplation. The air carried a damp scent, and this ancient building seemed to bear countless unspoken secrets.

After knocking lightly, Bosmen entered, followed by Junsheng. He carried a rattan wooden case in his hand, his steps steady, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Bosmen said in a low voice: “Sir, the doctor has arrived.”

Junsheng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings. He gently set down the rattan case, touched the tabletop lightly, opened the lid, and took out the neatly arranged acupuncture case inside. The movement was smooth and practiced, as if every step had been rehearsed countless times. The needles inside the case glimmered faintly under the light. Junsheng’s expression was solemn, and his tone steady: “Sir, I will first perform acupoint massage to allow blood circulation in your joints to flow smoothly, and then I will apply the needles.”

Peter sat on the wooden chair, silent for a moment. His gaze was deep, and a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, as if he had confidence in Junsheng’s ability. He lightly brushed the documents on the table with his hand and spoke slowly: “In a moment, I will have the guards bring out those four leaders. Whether they can be released will depend on whether you can persuade them to sign the written pledge.”
Upon hearing this, Junsheng frowned slightly, and his steps unconsciously paused for a brief moment. He placed the acupuncture case on the table, folded his hands over the lid, and a trace of confusion appeared in his eyes: “A written pledge? Sir, what are you asking them to do?”

Peter’s gaze was sharp. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly as he said in a low voice: “I require that they must not resist any orders of the Office from now on. Therefore, they must accept the previously imposed tax increase.” His tone’s firmness and coldness made the air grow even heavier.

Junsheng frowned, placing the acupuncture needles back into the case. He leaned forward slightly, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness and concern: “If those are the conditions, I fear it will be very difficult for me to persuade them.”

Peter looked at him, his gaze deep, and said in a low voice: “I know you will find a way, doctor. Treat me first, and then we will discuss the rest.”

Junsheng took a deep breath and nodded. He crouched down, gently rolling up Peter’s sleeve to reveal his firm forearm. Peter lay sideways on the chair, his hands resting lightly on his thighs, his eyes closed, a faint expression of relaxation appearing on his face. Junsheng’s fingers pressed gently upon Peter’s shoulders, each touch precisely locating the correct acupoint. His movements were skilled and fluid. Peter’s breathing gradually became even, his shoulders relaxing slightly, as if all pressure and fatigue were slowly dissipating under the massage and acupuncture.

The air inside the room remained filled with moisture. The sound of rain striking the window intertwined with Junsheng’s steady movements, forming a unique rhythm. Peter occasionally inhaled lightly, a faint relaxed smile on his lips, as if he had begun to enjoy this brief moment of tranquility.

78
Inside the council chamber of the Tainan Castle Governor’s Office, sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, falling upon the stone floor, where light and shadow interwove. On the walls hung the emblem of the East India Company and several oil paintings depicting maritime scenes. At the center of the chamber stood a long oval wooden table, its surface bearing the dull sheen polished by time. Armed guards stood on both sides, their armor gleaming coldly, the atmosphere stern and tense.

With a heavy creak, the iron door opened. A squad of guards marched in with synchronized steps, escorting four female tribal leaders—they were linked together by iron chains at their ankles. Their steps were heavy, yet they retained an unyielding bearing. Though their clothes were worn, they still preserved the dignity and presence of tribal female leaders. Dou-ning walked at the front, her brows firm. Following closely behind were Wasa, Maya, and Eliza, each with a resolute expression.

Governor Peter Norman sat at the main seat, clad in a deep red velvet robe. His hands were clasped before his chest, and his gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s. He nodded to the adjutant at his side, his tone unquestionable:

“Adjutant, present that scroll of parchment to the four of them for inspection.”

“Yes, sir,” the adjutant replied, stepping forward quickly. From a box in his hands, he took out a finely rolled parchment document and respectfully presented it to Dou-ning with both hands.

Dou-ning reached out to take it. The chains clanged with a sharp metallic sound. She focused on the words on the parchment, her lips gradually tightening, her brows knitting together, her gaze as sharp as a blade.

Peter spoke coldly: “Once you sign the document, I will allow Doctor Junsheng to take you away.”

Before she had finished reading, Dou-ning suddenly flung her hand. The parchment flew to the ground like a long snake released from its sheath, unrolling as it slid. The adjutant was startled and quickly bent down to pick it up, his hands trembling as he gathered it back into the box.

Dou-ning’s voice roared like thunder as she glared at Peter: “You might as well kill us all!”

Wasa immediately leaned closer to Dou-ning, frowning as she asked in a low voice: “Elder sister, what does it say?”

Dou-ning gritted her teeth, almost roaring: “This old scoundrel wants us to unconditionally obey the Office from now on and accept any decision they make!”

Wasa’s anger surged. She kicked over a wooden chair beside her, the legs cracking loudly: “What is this supposed to mean? They don’t even treat us as human!”

Peter remained indifferent and let out a cold laugh: “You are prisoners. You are not qualified to negotiate with me. Doctor, you speak to them.”

Doctor Junsheng stood to the side, dressed in a gray-white robe, his expression solemn. He stepped forward and said calmly: “Sir, under such conditions, I believe they would rather die here than sign.”

Peter’s gaze sharpened: “Is that so? Why don’t you try to persuade them?”

Junsheng replied: “I cannot persuade them, because I know that once they sign this document, their people will certainly not forgive them. They would rather die heroically here than return to their villages to face such disgrace.”

He turned to look at the four leaders, his eyes sincere: “In their hearts, the interests of their people are far above personal honor or shame. Moreover, after they die, a new generation of leaders will soon emerge. Sir, are you prepared to send troops into the villages again, one by one, to capture them?”

These words caused Peter’s expression to change slightly, revealing a brief hesitation. Staff officer Bakel approached him and whispered in his ear. The two spoke in hushed tones for a moment.

Finally, Peter raised his head and said: “Very well. I will make a concession. As for the tax increase, I will grant them a three-year buffer period. After three years, it will be collected in full according to the order.”

Junsheng nodded slightly and walked toward the four female leaders, his tone gentle and low:

“Dou-ning, leaders, the Office is willing to grant a three-year buffer period.”

Chapter 15 Junsheng Rescues the Four Tribal Female Chiefs from the Tiger’s Jaws

Dou Ning pondered for a moment, frowning: “After three years, we still will not be able to afford it.”

Maya stepped forward, lightly placing her hand on Dou Ning’s shoulder: “Doctor, will you have a way to help us solve it?”

Junsheng nodded: “If you switch to raising deer in enclosures, using artificial breeding methods—just like in Chikan Village, the set I personally assisted with. After three years, the tax burden should be manageable.”

Elisa crossed her arms, speaking in a low voice: “But what if they raise taxes again at that time? They are just like vampires, insatiably greedy!”

Junsheng thought for a moment: “This can be made clear with the Chief right here, nail down the clauses. We can also propose conditions in return: from now on, reduce half of our grain tax, to be used for raising deer.”

Washa still remained doubtful, her gaze unfriendly: “Do you think that old scoundrel will agree?”

Junsheng smiled: “If we do not try, how will we know the other party’s bottom line?”

Dou Ning swept her gaze across the three, nodding: “Alright, sisters, let the doctor go and negotiate.”

Junsheng returned to Peter, his expression serious: “Chief, the leaders are willing to accept a three-year buffer period, but they also have conditions.”

Peter raised an eyebrow: “I have already made concessions, and they still want to bargain?”

Junsheng stepped forward, leaned close to Peter’s ear, and spoke softly for a while.

Peter narrowed his eyes halfway, and after listening, he snorted coldly: “This should be your idea, right?”

Junsheng smiled: “You could say so. Chief, the Han people have a fable called ‘killing the chicken to take the eggs.’ You have heard of it, right?”

Peter nodded: “I have indeed heard of it. You mean… you want me to leave them some leeway?”

Junsheng: “Exactly. What you want are deer hides and velvet antlers. If you let them retain their grain, they can raise deer and have goods to pay taxes. If the quality improves, reselling to Europe, Japan, or Ming will benefit both sides.”

Peter finally revealed a faint smile: “Doctor, you not only know how to treat people, you also know how to talk business.”

“You flatter me, Chief.”

Peter raised his hand: “Then we shall proceed as you said. Adjutant, bring that document over and revise it according to the doctor’s suggestions.”

“Yes, Chief.” The adjutant walked toward Junsheng, and the two came to one side of the long table.

Junsheng pointed at the document: “Add here: ‘The official party agrees that the effective starting date of the aforementioned tax increase clause shall be calculated from three years after both parties have signed.’”

The adjutant lifted his pen to write, the ink seeping into the parchment, forming clear characters.

Junsheng added: “Add another sentence: ‘The official party agrees that, from the date of signing, half of the grain tax of the civilian party shall be reduced.’”

The adjutant wrote again and nodded in acknowledgment.

The document was handed to Peter. He glanced through it once and nodded: “So be it.”

The parchment scroll was handed to Dou Ning. She glanced at her three sisters, and the four signed in sequence at the lower left corner, pressing their fingerprints. As their gazes met, there was a trace of silent encouragement and comfort.

Peter stood up and waved his hand: “Alright, Doctor, Father Matthews, you may take them away!”

The guards immediately unlocked the shackles on their feet, the clanking sound like the ringing of freedom. Junsheng and Father Matthews, dressed in a white robe, stood on the left and right, supporting the four female chiefs as they slowly walked out of the council chamber. Sunlight fell upon their shoulders, and the lingering echo of iron chains trailed behind them, resonating for a long time within the stone corridor.

79

The towering red-brick walls of Fort Zeelandia glowed with a copper-rust hue in the morning light. The iron-cast gate creaked open slowly with a “creak.” Outside the gate, a salty sea breeze blew in, stirring the hanging flags on the gate and lifting fine dust from the ground.

Junsheng and Father Matthews stood on either side, supporting the four female chiefs whose steps were unsteady, as they slowly walked out of the city gate. Though their faces were weary and haggard, their eyes shone with the resilience of having endured the storm.

In the distance, a wooden ox cart pulled by a gray water buffalo was parked beside the gravel path leading to Chikan Village. The cart was lined with thick hay and several blankets. Ali held the reins tightly, standing beside the cart and looking out. Kali stood at one side of the cart; when he saw Junsheng and the others emerge from the gate, he immediately called out:

“They’re out! Junsheng and the others are out! Ali, drive the cart over!”

Ali responded: “Got it, brother!” He pulled the reins, and with a “moo,” the ox cart slowly moved forward, its wheels rolling over the stones with a clattering sound.

Junsheng turned his head and said in a low voice: “Kali, Ali, come quickly and help, let’s get them onto the cart together.”

“Coming, Junsheng!” Kali stepped forward quickly, crouched down, and helped Dou Ning up. Noticing her knees trembling slightly, he quickly supported her waist with one hand and grasped her arm with the other, softly saying: “Chief, be careful.”

“Thank you, young man.” Dou Ning smiled weakly, but tears shimmered at the corners of her eyes.

Ali walked up to Washa and extended his strong arms: “Come, I’ll help you up.”

Washa stubbornly tried to stand straight, but her legs gave way and she nearly knelt. Ali quickly caught her: “Ah, you’ve suffered a lot these days, haven’t you? Don’t push yourself!”

She gritted her teeth, nodded, and leaned on him as she slowly climbed onto the cart.

Matthews supported Elisa while softly reciting a prayer: “May the Lord bless you, to walk out of the cage and toward the light.”

After Maya sat on the cart, she hugged her knees and looked at the receding walls of Fort Zeelandia, murmuring: “What a nightmare, Father…”

Matthews sat beside her and gently patted her shoulder: “It is all over, Chief. Your courage will be remembered by the Lord.”

Junsheng checked Dou Ning’s pulse and then used the back of his hand to test her forehead temperature, saying gently: “The four chiefs have suffered greatly these past days, their bodies are still weak, but after returning to the village and recuperating for a few days, they should recover.”

Dou Ning nodded, looking at him with gratitude: “Doctor, thank you. If not for you, we might never have walked out of that gate again.”

Junsheng smiled and lowered his head to pack up his small cloth bundle: “This is what I am capable of doing. I only hope these efforts can allow the villages to safely get through the next three years.”

“We will remember you,” Elisa said softly.

The wooden ox cart creaked along toward the distant path. Bits of hay fluttered in the air, and streaks of light filtered through the tree shadows, falling upon the weary faces of the four chiefs. The wind gently stirred their hair, dispersing the smell of rust upon them, and bringing with it the breath of freedom.

80

At dusk, the afterglow slanted across the hills of Sinkang Village, golden-red light dyeing the treetops with a flame-like color. The ox cart slowly traveled along the winding dirt path, its wheels rolling over gravel and fallen leaves with creaking sounds. The ox snorted heavily from time to time, flicking its tail to drive away circling mosquitoes.

In the distance, the ceremonial archway at the entrance of Sinkang Village stood in the glow of sunset. Totems weathered by time were carved into the stone pillars on both sides. Beneath the arch stood elders such as Luban and Abu, while Amanda, Meifu, and Dabis had already been waiting for a long time, their expressions filled with worry and anticipation.

Suddenly, Amanda’s sharp eyes caught sight of them. She pointed forward in delight: “It’s them—it’s the ox cart! Chiefs, the chiefs are back!” Her voice trembled as she ran to the center of the archway.

Dabis turned and ran, saying as he went: “I’ll go strike the gong and let everyone know!”

Panting, he rushed to the ritual house, grabbed the large bronze gong hanging on the wall, and struck it hard—

“Clang—clang-clang—clang—”

The sound of the gong pierced through the dusk air, startling birds into flight and stirring the village into commotion. Several women returning from the stream with water pails, upon hearing the gong, did not even bother to set down their buckets properly. Children ran to inform their parents, the elderly leaned on canes, and the young supported the old. In an instant, the entire village seemed awakened by the sound of the gong, gathering toward the entrance.

While striking the gong, Dabis shouted loudly: “The chiefs have returned safely! The ox cart has arrived at the village entrance—those who are free, come and welcome them!”

In no time, the entrance was filled with tribespeople. In their eyes were joy, tears, and the final settling of long-held anxiety.

“Everyone, make way, the ox cart is coming in!” Amanda waved her hands, directing the crowd, her voice urgent yet joyful.

The ox cart rolled slowly forward through the afterglow. Kali and Ali stood on either side, carefully supporting Elisa as she stepped down from the cart. As her foot touched the ground, she staggered slightly; Ali quickly steadied her elbow and asked in a low voice: “Chief, can you still hold on?”

Elisa smiled faintly. Though pale and weak, her gaze was firm: “I can. I want to see our people as soon as possible.”

Amanda immediately stepped forward, gently embracing her shoulders, her eyes already reddening: “Chief, you have truly returned…”

Two village guards quickly took over the remaining chiefs, helping them down one by one. The tribespeople voluntarily made way, softly calling out: “Chief, you’ve suffered!” “May the ancestral spirits bless you!”

At this moment, Ali took a cloth bundle from the cart and handed it to Amanda: “This is the Chinese herbal tonic prescription that Doctor Junsheng instructed. According to the prescription, decoct two doses every morning and evening for the chiefs, to help them replenish their energy and recover.”

Amanda received the bundle with both hands, repeatedly saying: “Ali, Kali, thank you so much. Please come into the village and have a bowl of meat soup, let all our people properly express our gratitude.”

Kali smiled and shook his head, patting the dust off his clothes: “We still have to hurry to Madou Village, so we won’t delay. Give our regards to everyone.”

“Won’t you really stay for a meal?” Elder Abu also urged.

Ali nodded respectfully to them one by one: “We will come visit another day. We will remember this kindness.”

Having said that, he turned, pulled the rope at the ox’s head, skillfully turning the cart around. Kali leaped onto the cart bed, sat steady, and waved his hand. The ox let out a “moo,” and the wheels once again rolled over the stones, heading slowly toward the northwest.

The villagers stood on both sides of the entrance, waving them off. Children jumped and shouted: “Goodbye! Brother Kali! Brother Ali!” The elderly clasped their hands together in silent prayer. Under the setting sun, the ox cart moved farther and farther away, its silhouette interwoven with the glowing sky, like a miracle that had just ended yet had not yet faded.