First Opium War

Chapter 1: Walter Bertrand

The city of Xianfan was the first city in China to be taken over by Great Britain. In 1839, Great
Britain decided to invade and go to war with China. This war was known as the First Opium War. The Ten Tigers Of Canton were a group of Fu Jow Pai (Tiger Claw) masters, who fought the advances. Surprised by the technology of Great Britain, the Tiger Claw masters were annihilated.

         Only a few Fu Jow Pai masters survived. This small group dispersed themselves and relocated to a remote area around the Beijing River. The group named themselves the "Pai," and they stayed hidden when the invaders called off the search.

         In 1840, Fergo Duncan was the first to implement the slave industry in China. His nephew, Walter Bertrand, was born in 1844; 30 years later, in 1874, he became Duncan's successor after his uncle's death. Duncan's brother, Alfred Duncan, was no longer the heir - due to death caused by alcohol poisoning.

         It is now the year 1884. In his tall castle, the Calderburry, Walter, age 40, sat comfortably in his luxurious chair in his master bedroom. Enjoying a beautiful harp melody, holding a tall glass of expensive wine. A few Chinese comfort girls waved large leaves around him to keep him cool on this warm day. His wife, Harriot Bertrand, age 39, began sewing some of her precious fabrics together alongside their bed.

       Their room was semi-covered with red, white, and gold drapes. The floor has fresh crimson red carpet soft to the touch. A king sized bed with two soft foam mattresses with a fluffy white comforter and four pillows. And two tall golden poles touched the top of the ceiling.

       "Such a lovely city, yes?" Walter said, as he took a few sips of his wine.

        Harriot smiled and glanced over at him. "Only during this season." she replied, turning her focus back to her fabrics.

        Walter stood from his chair and startled the comfort slaves. He stepped close to Harriot, admiring her beautiful facial features. He could remember an earlier time in their youth, when he saw Harriot for the first time. In 1864, Harriot performed at one of Xianfan's grand outside theaters. Harriot acquired the crowd's affection with her beautiful voice.

        Bertrand attended this performance with his uncle. He instantly fell in love with Harriot during her debut. After the event, Bertrand immediately approached Harriot, impressing her with his title as the nephew of a king. Two weeks after their introduction they had gotten married.

       "My love", Bertrand said as he took slow steps approaching her. "You have never stopped being beautiful. And your voice continues to be inevitably sweet", he said, holding out his right hand.

        Harriot smiled and slid her palm in his, rising from the edge of the bed. She fixed her long, light-blue silk dress. Bertrand loved watching her wear her white corset top. Her hair is wrapped in two buns. She wore a silver necklace with a picture of her and Bertrand as its charm. He held her close to his long red trench coat.

         From his collar, down to the bottom half of the coat, were elegant gold designs that also covered the end of each sleeve. The top half of his coat covered his undershirt - a loose white shirt with frilled designs running down the middle. Lastly, he wore tight black leather pants, and tall black boots with gold trims.

         Walter's long brown hair went a little past his shoulders. He smiled, as he leaned forward to kiss his beloved wife. Before Harriot could reconcile, they were interrupted by their only daughter, Elizabeth Bertrand, born in 1865, now 19 years old, burst through the bedroom door.

        "Mother! Father!", Elizabeth shouted. "One of those disgusting, filthy rats spilled tea all over my dress!", she screamed, pointing down at the stain that covered the middle of her dress.

         She wore a long white dress, with a black/white corset. Her hair is long with blonde curls, that went a little past her shoulders. She also wore a diamond hairband that separates her curly bangs. Finally, she wore silver earrings on both ears. Harriot slowly turned her gaze back to Bertrand, worried he'd severely punish their daughter's servant.