No one even dared to listen to him, especially when there are orders from the Emperor that they have to
obey.
Thomas continued to be upset. He barely ate his meals or attended his lessons offered by the Qianlong
Emperor. He could not sleep at night even on a fine bed that the Qianlong Emperor had given him in order for
him to cheer up. Although the Emperor had treated him like his very own son, Thomas was never able to realize
it until he met a very pretty and young girl two weeks later. The girl was called Li Qiang and was appointed as
Thomas’ servant by the Qianlong Emperor. Her long hair was black and as soft as silk while her skin was as
white as snow. Her cheeks were as red as roses. She was so beautiful that Thomas could not even take his eyes
off her. She was the apple of his eye.
Every day, Li Qiang would be willing to listen to Thomas’ difficulties and to give him comfort and
advice. She was always there for him. Though they both had to communicate in Chinese, this proved useful for
Thomas as he continued to develop his Chinese. Furthermore, Li Qiang gave the support and encouragement
needed for Thomas to overcome his thoughts of being stuck in China and not being able to return home with his
father. It made him realize that life is precious and it should not be wasted. Soon, Thomas was eating and
sleeping normally. Also, he was being more attentive during his lessons. Thomas even worked up his courage to
thank the Emperor for trying to cheer him up and taught Li Qiang and the Qianlong Emperor English whenever
they were free. Everything was looking up for Thomas.
As days passed, Thomas’ relationship with the Qianlong Emperor and Li Qiang grew ever so close.
Thomas fell in love with Li Qiang and his relationship with the Emperor was as close as the one he had with his
father. It was as if Thomas had a “second father”.
However, while Thomas was following his daily routine of having a morning stroll on the Great Wall
with Li Qiang, he spotted an army of rebels heading for the Great Wall. Aware of the danger of civil war, they
immediately went to the Emperor to warn him about it.
“
Your Majesty,” said Thomas, grasping for air, “There seems to be an army of rebels over the border of
the Stone Dragon.”
“
I will not approve any trade demands from them! Eliminate those barbarians!” ordered the Emperor to
his military general.
Horrified by the Emperor’s decision, Thomas said, “No! You will just end up killing each other! Why
can’t you allow trade links between this nation and the others? Imagine all the good it would bring! The
economies of both nations would prosper and there would be less poverty! No wonder these rebels have become
unhappy!”
While the Emperor carefully thinks about Thomas’ words, Thomas then added, “Your Majesty, please
consider peacefully negotiating with them.”
“
Okay! I hope you are certain about this,” said the Emperor. “Tell the messenger to announce the
approval of their demand on my behalf,” ordered the Qianlong Emperor to one of his servants.
Several months after the Emperor’s first approval of such trade demands, progress that resulted from it
was extremely obvious. The wealth generated from trading had skyrocketed. Many people, who were very poor
before China started trading, had started earning money. As a result, there was less poverty in China and its
economy developed.
Surprised by the results, the Emperor called Thomas and Li Qiang to his throne room.
“
Thomas, this is unbelievable! Look how much the empire has developed!” said the Emperor as he
laughed. “You were right all along! Thomas, as a reward, you are allowed to ask me for anything you
wish,” said the Emperor.
“
I would like to return to England. I have not seen my father for almost 5 years. I think it is about time
that I go back to England, but promise me to continue trading. The Great Wall would be useful for traders to
import and export their products,” said Thomas.
Li Qiang was shocked by his response. She never thought that Thomas would eventually leave for
England as they both had always been in love with each other and had always been there for each other. She
then asked him, “Why? Don’t you love me?”
“
No, I do,” Thomas responded, “I have always loved you from the moment I first laid my eyes on you.
But it is because I miss my father and I know how much my father is worried about me. I believe he is still in
despair even after 5 years. Ah Li, why don’t you come with me to England?”
However, Li Qiang rejected him. This was because she had her family to take care so she would not go
to England.