DGNT
November 6th, 2006, 06:51 AM
Few noticed the fairly nondescript trade ship which passed into and out of ports across the world between China and France. It flew Dutch flags, which were so common that, if one were to gather them all up, you could build a wall large enough to stop a good sized Mongol invasion.
The only questions asked where, simple. Bribes or taxes, depending on the port really. Nobody bothered to ask about the ships cargo in depth, although one overzealous cargo inspector did receive an earful from a 'Chinese Migrant family' who were paying for passage to the United Kingdom.
Once in France, the ship changed in no way except that it became slightly lighter.
Zhu Yijun debarked from the ship with considerable gratitude. He spoke no Dutch and the sailors on the ship had only the most shakey grasp of French, and the only words they knew in Chinese were rude or had to do with port fees, which meant that most of the voyage was spent talking to the two guards or his 'wife', none of which were very good company.
He had never been to France of course, the Qing had pretty much closed down all forign travel, allowing only those they trusted, and few of them, to go abroad. Zhu Yijun was not trusted by the Qing, in fact, they had issued a death warrant for him several times. He would be safe in Europe though, which was part of the reason he had taken this assignment. The Qing would never dream of employing EUROPEAN assassins, after all.
Knowing that his Asian features would make him a target in Paris anyway, he and his guards opted for the 'all out' approach. Bright silks and shiney swords, polished armour and the very latest in modern firearms.
The little procession attracted much attention in the streets. Only once was the Chinese diplomat accousted, and the rather drunk attempted-highwayman found his arm broken with anatomical exactitude, before one of the guards calmly pushed him out of the way. Zhu Yijun gave him a penny.
Gradually, they made their way to the building where they were supposed to meet with a French representative.
The only questions asked where, simple. Bribes or taxes, depending on the port really. Nobody bothered to ask about the ships cargo in depth, although one overzealous cargo inspector did receive an earful from a 'Chinese Migrant family' who were paying for passage to the United Kingdom.
Once in France, the ship changed in no way except that it became slightly lighter.
Zhu Yijun debarked from the ship with considerable gratitude. He spoke no Dutch and the sailors on the ship had only the most shakey grasp of French, and the only words they knew in Chinese were rude or had to do with port fees, which meant that most of the voyage was spent talking to the two guards or his 'wife', none of which were very good company.
He had never been to France of course, the Qing had pretty much closed down all forign travel, allowing only those they trusted, and few of them, to go abroad. Zhu Yijun was not trusted by the Qing, in fact, they had issued a death warrant for him several times. He would be safe in Europe though, which was part of the reason he had taken this assignment. The Qing would never dream of employing EUROPEAN assassins, after all.
Knowing that his Asian features would make him a target in Paris anyway, he and his guards opted for the 'all out' approach. Bright silks and shiney swords, polished armour and the very latest in modern firearms.
The little procession attracted much attention in the streets. Only once was the Chinese diplomat accousted, and the rather drunk attempted-highwayman found his arm broken with anatomical exactitude, before one of the guards calmly pushed him out of the way. Zhu Yijun gave him a penny.
Gradually, they made their way to the building where they were supposed to meet with a French representative.