〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉13

Chapter 12 The Mother-in-law Worries That Her Son-in-law Has Been Placed Under House Arrest

56

In the afternoon, sunlight spilled onto the stone-paved road at the entrance of Madou Village, casting a row of mottled shadows. Makawu carried a rattan mail tube on his back and walked with steady steps to the village entrance. A faint sheen of sweat seeped from his forehead, and the hem of his clothes was stained with some mud from the long journey. As he raised his eyes, he saw Walu, the guard, standing by the cliff beside the entrance, with a squad of spear-bearing men beside him, taking turns on watch.

Makawu slightly adjusted his appearance, raised his hands in a respectful salute, and called out loudly, “Walu, Chief Douning has sent me to deliver a letter. I wish to see your chief.”

Walu lowered the spear in his hand, looked carefully at the visitor, and showed a guarded expression tinged with respect. He nodded and replied, “So it is Makawu. It has been a long time. I will personally take you to see our chief.”

He gestured to the men behind him to relax their vigilance, then turned and led the way. The two walked along a shaded forest path, where the air carried the fragrance of wild ginger flowers and shrubs, and birdsong came from among the dense branches. Along the way, Walu turned his head to glance at Makawu and asked in a low voice, “This time Douning sent you—does it concern something important?”

Makawu nodded, his tone cautious and serious: “It is a reply letter from Chief Peter to Douning, and another letter written by our chief to Chief Maya. The situation has only just eased. Now it depends on whether the various villages are willing to cooperate in response.”

Walu pondered for a moment and asked no further questions, only quickening his pace.

Before long, the two arrived at the main road within the village, passed through a path between stone walls and bamboo fences, and reached Chief Maya’s residence. Outside the residence stood a large house built with black tiles and cedar wood. In front of the door hung a banner woven from animal hides, symbolizing the authority of the village ruler.

Walu lifted the bamboo curtain and made a gesture of invitation. “Please, inside.”

Makawu composed himself slightly, clasped his fists with both hands, bowed, and entered the reception hall. In the center of the hall were animal-skin cushions, and sandalwood incense burned around them, its smoke curling through the air, giving off an atmosphere of calm solemnity and authority. Chief Maya sat upon a couch, dressed in a dark blue embroidered robe. Her expression was stern, and her gaze, sharp as that of a hawk, fixed on the visitor.

Makawu stepped forward two paces, clasped his fists, and said in a low voice, “Greetings, Chief. Chief Douning of our village has sent me to deliver letters.”

He took out two letters from the mail tube and presented them carefully.

Maya accepted the letters, her fingers slender yet strong. She first opened and read the one written by Douning. Her brows furrowed slightly as her eyes quickly scanned the page. Then she opened Peter’s letter and read it more carefully. After finishing, she sealed Peter’s letter again and handed it back to Makawu.

“This letter—you are to take it back and return it to Douning,” she said in a low tone, with a trace of barely perceptible vigilance. “Tell her that I will act according to her instructions.”

Makawu bowed to receive the order. “Yes, Chief. I take my leave. I must also proceed to Sinkang Village to deliver another letter.”

He gave a slight salute, and as he turned, he glanced back once more at Maya. Her expression appeared unchanged, but her hands were folded on her knees, her fingertips moving slightly, as if contemplating matters of great depth.

Maya did not rise. She merely waved her hand. “Travel safely.”

Walu escorted Makawu to the entrance. Only after his footsteps had gradually faded did he return to Maya’s side.

Maya watched as Makawu disappeared among the shadows of the trees, then turned her head and instructed, “Walu, go at once to the assembly hall and release those foreign merchants whom we have placed under house arrest.”

Walu was taken aback and hesitated slightly. “Chief… release them now?”

Maya’s tone was firm. “Since Douning has already made the first concession, we cannot let her bear the risk alone. I do not believe the authorities will withdraw so easily, but if it comes to confrontation, we must at least stand together.”

Walu nodded and clenched his fist heavily. “Understood. I will go at once.”

With that, he turned and hurried away. The bamboo curtain was lifted by the wind and swayed gently in the air, as if it too sensed the coming change. Within the residence, Maya sat alone in silence, her gaze as deep as a valley before nightfall—quiet, yet with undercurrents surging.

57

Ali’s ox cart jolted forward in the afterglow of dusk and finally arrived at the entrance of Madou Village. The wheels creaked over the gravel, and the horse let out a low whinny, startling a small partridge pecking by the roadside. The wind stirred the spears and rattan shields planted beside the village gate, making them clatter, like the lingering echoes of drums and banners from an ancient battlefield.

Dabangya lifted the curtain of the cart and frowned as she looked ahead. On both sides of the entrance, village guards were already lined up in formation, each holding a long blade, their expressions grave. They wore animal-hide armor, their eyes alert like wolves, and the atmosphere was as tense as a drawn bowstring.

She said softly to Li Qinghua, “Security here is extremely tight. The situation does not look good. I fear something serious has happened.”

Walu stood by the gate. Seeing that the visitors were Chief Dabangya of Chikan Village and her husband, his expression changed, and he immediately waved his hand and shouted, “You—go quickly and inform the chief. Tell her that the Chief of Chikan Village and the Prince Consort have personally arrived at the village entrance!”

“Yes, boss!” The guard clasped his fists to acknowledge the order and dashed into the village, his footsteps leaving deep marks in the yellow earth.

Walu stepped forward a few paces, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply, speaking with respect: “Greetings, Chief. Welcome to the honored arrival of the Chief of Chikan Village and her husband. I did not go out to receive you from afar; I ask for your understanding.”

Dabangya stepped down from the cart and said with a serious expression, “The matter is urgent. We were unable to send word in advance. We hope your village will forgive us.”

Before her words had fully fallen, Kali had already leapt down from the back of the cart, rushed forward in a single stride, and grabbed Walu by the collar, demanding angrily, “Walu, have you lost your senses? How dare you detain Princess Shayun and the Prince Consort! Do you not take our Chikan Village seriously at all!”

Walu showed a look of surprise and quickly raised both hands, speaking sincerely, “Brother Kali, you have misunderstood! The princess and the Prince Consort are treating our people here and are deeply respected. How would we dare detain them? If I have shown even the slightest discourtesy, I am willing to submit to punishment!”

Dabangya gave a sharp rebuke: “Kali, do not be rude!”

Kali was taken aback, released his grip resentfully, stepped back, and said in a low voice, “Yes, Chief.”

Walu straightened his wrinkled collar and made a gesture of invitation. “Chief and Prince Consort, please follow me. Chief Maya is already waiting at the residence.”

He led the group along a small path within the village. Along the way, villagers cast sidelong glances, and children peeked out from behind the walls, secretly observing the visitors from Chikan.

Chief Maya was already standing at the entrance of the residence, dressed in a tribal robe embroidered with white egret feathers, her expression gentle. She stepped forward with a smile and lightly grasped Dabangya’s arm. “Elder sister, why did you come without sending word in advance? I would have prepared tea and refreshments to welcome you.”

Dabangya returned the courtesy, her face showing apology. “It was a sudden decision to come. I feared disturbing you, younger sister. It was truly discourteous.”

Maya invited her inside and asked, “Has elder sister come this time for Shayun and Junsheng?”

Dabangya nodded. “Indeed. They were originally guests in your village and should have had no worries. But recently, due to the authorities’ tax increase, it has triggered coordinated resistance among the tribes. I fear they may be drawn into trouble, so I have come to take them back.”

Maya’s expression darkened slightly, then she reassured her, “Elder sister’s concern is completely understandable. Fortunately, yesterday Elder Sister Douning sent a letter saying that the authorities have withdrawn their order. We have already released Piyas. However, to guard against a possible counterattack by government troops, I have strengthened security.”

Li Qinghua frowned and said, “It seems the situation is still unstable. If Shayun and Junsheng remain here for long, there may be risks.”

Dabangya nodded. “After discussion, we decided to come in person. But we also understand their desire to treat the people. If it is convenient, could we stay to discuss it for one night and make a decision tomorrow?”

Maya said cheerfully, “Of course. Elder sister and brother-in-law, please rest first at the guest house. I will have someone prepare dinner shortly.”

Dabangya said, “But before that, I would like to see Shayun and Junsheng first.”

“They are at the assembly hall treating the villagers. I will personally accompany you there,” Maya said with a smile.

The group followed Maya across the central square of the village and arrived at the assembly hall. The door was not closed. Inside, several villagers were lined up waiting for treatment. Shayun was listening to a child’s chest while softly comforting the mother; Junsheng crouched in a corner bandaging an old man’s foot wound, his expression focused.

Dabangya stood at the doorway, her eyes slightly red, and called softly, “Shayun, Junsheng.”

“Sena! Sama!” Shayun turned in surprise and joy, threw aside her stethoscope, rushed over, and flung herself into her mother’s arms. The two embraced tightly, remaining silent for a long while.

Maya smiled and said, “Elder sister, I have not treated them poorly.”

Dabangya nodded and gently patted Shayun’s back. “It seems you have been doing very well.”

Kali walked toward Junsheng with a grin and pulled him into a hug. “Junsheng, my good brother—Walu didn’t give you any trouble, did he?”

Junsheng patted his shoulder and said with a smile, “What are you talking about? Walu has taken good care of us. He even sent his younger brother Wami to help deliver medicinal herbs.”

Kali laughed loudly. “When Ali came back and said you were detained, I almost rushed over to fight Walu!”

Junsheng laughed. “Your temper is still as impatient as ever.”

Lalu appeared shyly behind the crowd, her gaze resting on Junsheng. “Junsheng, how is that deerskin outfit—does it fit well?”

Junsheng nodded. “It fits very well. Thank you, Lalu.”

Lalu blushed and smiled. “If you like it, when you return to Chikan, I will sew another set for you.”

Junsheng quickly waved his hands. “How could I trouble you again?”

Shayun teased from the side, smiling, “Junsheng, don’t refuse Lalu’s kindness.”

Junsheng paused, then smiled and nodded. “Alright, then thank you in advance, Lalu.”

The light of dusk streamed through the windows of the assembly hall and fell upon them, its warm hue like the affection of a reunited family—calm and gentle.

58

Inside the guesthouse of Madou Village, night had not yet fully fallen.

Outside the window, the chirping of insects did not cease. Bamboo leaves struck against the wall with the wind, producing rustling sounds, like low whispers circling around the ears. Inside the guesthouse, an oil lamp was lit; its yellow-orange glow reflected upon the walls, casting the swaying shadows of several seated figures. Beneath the calm atmosphere, hidden currents stirred.

Dabangya sat upright on a rattan chair before a low table, her brows slightly furrowed, gazing toward the lingering red glow at the edge of the sky outside the window. Her fingers lightly tapped the wooden table, as if setting a rhythm to the anxiety in her heart.

She said in a low voice, “Judging from the situation, if Shayun and Junsheng stay here, for the time being, there will not be any immediate danger.”

Li Qinghua sat beside her, holding a cup of hot tea in one hand. The steam curled upward, yet it could not conceal the चिंता in his eyes. He said softly, “Given our relationship with Maya, she ought to treat Shayun and Junsheng well. Still, I cannot help but worry—if the two sides come into direct conflict…”

He raised his eyes and looked at his wife. “If they remain here, they will inevitably be affected.”

Kali stood by the window, pulling aside a corner of the bamboo curtain, observing the movements in the courtyard. In the night, village guards patrolled back and forth, the blades at their waists glinting with a cold light. His brows were tightly knit. Turning around, he spoke firmly, “Chief, one does not enter a dangerous state, nor reside in a chaotic one. In my view, we should still bring Shayun and Junsheng back, lest complications arise over time.”

Dabangya pondered for a moment. Her fingertips continued tapping lightly on the table, then suddenly stopped. She turned her head to look at Kali.

She said, “Sister Maya, under the pretext of treating the villagers, has requested that Shayun and Junsheng remain. If I firmly refuse, it will make our Chikan Village seem unfeeling and unmindful of past ties. Since Maya has personally guaranteed their safety, let it be for now.”

Kali frowned in dissatisfaction, stepped forward, and spoke with agitation, “Chief, can personal ties be more important than the safety of Shayun and Junsheng?”

Li Qinghua reached out and patted Kali’s shoulder. His tone was gentle yet firm. “Kali, we all care about their safety. But some matters cannot be resolved simply by forcibly taking people away.”

Dabangya spoke with a slight rebuke, her gaze sharp. “Kali, say no more. Let it be so.”

She paused, then her tone softened. “Tomorrow we will first return to Chikan. If the situation between the two sides worsens, we should still have time to come back and bring them out.”

Kali lowered his head and said in a deep voice, “Yes, Chief.”

A silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint flicker of the lamp wick. Dabangya rose and walked to the window, lifting the curtain and gazing toward the dim outline of the village streets in the distance. She said softly, “May this land no longer see the flash of blades and the shadow of blood.”

59

Inside the administrative office of Fort Zeelandia, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron.

The heavy wooden door was slowly opened by a guard. Piyas and Bossman walked in side by side. On the walls of the office hung sea charts and indigenous maps drawn by the Batavia headquarters. At the center stood an oak table. Chief Peter sat behind it, with Staff Officer Bakel at his side and Operations Officer Blinqi on the other. The three wore solemn expressions, and the candlelight reflected the eagle emblem on their bronze badges.

Upon seeing Piyas, Peter’s eyes brightened slightly. He rose from his chair, and a rare warmth entered his voice. “You have finally escaped safely, Piyas.”

Piyas lowered his head in salute, his voice low but firm. “Thank you for your concern, Chief.”

Bakel crossed his arms and leaned against the table, a hint of self-satisfaction appearing at the corner of his mouth. “Piyas, in order to get the natives to release you, the Chief and I went through quite some effort. The negotiations took much talking, and we even gave them several barrels of gunpowder and bolts of blue cloth.”

At these words, a trace of embarrassment passed over Piyas’s face. He bowed slightly. “I… am grateful for the Chief’s and the Staff Officer’s rescue.”

Peter sat down again, his tone shifting back to official matters. “Blinqi, are all units prepared and in position?”

Blinqi stood at attention, his voice like iron. “All are prepared and in position, Chief. Three platoons are already concealed in the northern forest belt, and two mortars are ready to advance at any time.”

Piyas’s brows twitched, and surprise showed in his eyes. “All units are prepared and in position? Chief, are you going to attack the native villages?”

Peter’s tone was resolute. He pressed both hands on the table and leaned slightly forward. “That’s right! Previously, when you fell into their hands, I held back out of concern for your safety. But that does not mean I condone the unreasonable act of the natives uniting to resist taxation!”

Bossman frowned and stepped forward, meeting Peter’s gaze directly. His tone carried a bold sincerity. “I beg leave to speak. The Chief once promised in writing to reduce the natives’ taxes. Now that promise is unilaterally broken, and troops are being deployed to arrest the chiefs of four villages… I fear this will provoke a full-scale uprising and cause the situation to spiral out of control.”

Peter’s gaze turned cold instantly. Before he could speak, Bakel interjected, his tone mocking. “Bossman, you are too naive. If this farce is not made an example of, which village will not imitate it in the future? We govern a colony, not conduct a contest of friendship.”

Bossman’s expression remained unchanged, his tone turning calm yet resolute. “But going back on one’s word will not only damage the Chief’s authority. The English merchants, the Portuguese consul, and even the Dominican missionaries may side with the natives and accuse us of breaking faith.”

Peter suddenly stood up and slammed both hands on the table, his voice like thunder. “Enough! Every worst-case scenario has already been assessed by the Staff Officer and me. This is a necessary punishment!”

He turned to Blinqi, his tone cold as an iron command. “Operations Officer, within these two days, commence the attack. Capture all four village chiefs without exception and bring them to justice!”

Blinqi responded and accepted the order, clenching his fists as he declared firmly, “Yes, Chief!”

The heavy order fell, and for a moment the room fell silent. The candlelight flickered slightly, as if stirred by distant war drums carried by the wind.

Peter looked toward the deepening dusk outside the door, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes. “This island must eventually know who its true master is.”

60

At daybreak, the morning mist had not yet fully dispersed. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and the oppressive feeling of impending war. Around Madou Village, Dutch soldiers formed ranks like an iron wall. Their boots trampled through the wet mud, pressing the ground into dull, suffocating sounds. Several dark cannons were positioned across the village entrance, coldly aimed inward. The metallic sounds of gunners wiping the barrels seemed like a rehearsal of a symphony of death.

Chief Maya stood on a lookout platform behind the village entrance. The wind lifted her cloak and feather ornaments. Her gaze, sharp as an eagle’s, was fixed unwaveringly on the enemy formation in the distance. Beside the platform, Junsheng and Shayun stood shoulder to shoulder, their hands tightly clasped, their expressions grave. Father Matthews paced anxiously back and forth, occasionally raising his head to look toward the front line.

“With an army pressing upon us like this, what does this even mean?” Father Matthews stomped his foot heavily, his voice exploding across the platform. “This is not diplomacy—this is an outright threat!”

Maya clenched her fists and spoke in a low voice filled with frustration. “The Dutch authorities have unilaterally broken their promise. We have clearly fallen into their trap…”

Junsheng gritted his teeth, his fists clenched, his face ashen. “How can the authorities go back on their word? This is a betrayal of trust! I will go out and negotiate with them!”

“Junsheng, I will go with you!” Matthews patted Junsheng’s shoulder, his gaze firm.

Maya turned around and spread her arms to block them. “No! Neither of you must act rashly. I do not want any harm to come to you!” Her tone was icy, her gaze sharp as arrows.

Junsheng stepped forward, almost shouting, “Chief, please let us go! I do not believe those soldiers would truly dare to fire upon us!”

Shayun grabbed Junsheng’s sleeve, her eyes reddening, and pleaded softly, “Junsheng, you must not act impulsively… please…”

At that moment, a Dutch messenger soldier wearing leather armor and bearing a white flag stepped out from the ranks. His face was expressionless. Holding an official document, he stood before the wooden gate and shouted loudly:

“By order of the Operations Officer, I have come to deliver a message.”

Walu, guarding the gate, stepped forward, his brows tightly knit, and took the letter, handing it to a young runner who quickly delivered it up to the platform. The paper was placed into Maya’s hands. She carefully opened it with a bone knife, read it, and her expression changed abruptly.

“The Dutch commander demands that I personally go out and surrender. Otherwise, artillery bombardment will begin in a quarter of an hour.”

She handed the letter to Junsheng. He glanced at it, veins bulging on his forehead, then crumpled it into a ball and threw it violently to the ground, striding toward the edge of the platform.

“This is utterly intolerable! Let me go reason with them!”

“Junsheng, calm down!” Shayun pulled him while standing in front of him. “If you go like this, something will happen!”

Matthews followed closely. “We cannot throw our lives away—we must think of a way…”

“Wami!” Maya shouted.

“Yes, Chief!” Wami and three burly men immediately stepped forward from below the platform, forming a wall like iron to block Junsheng and Matthews. Shayun rushed over and wrapped her arms around Junsheng’s arm.

“Junsheng, do not do anything foolish!” Her voice trembled.

Maya’s gaze swept over everyone. Her heart was in deep turmoil. She turned and looked toward the artillery positions in the distant mist. She knew this was a step from which there was no turning back.

“I cannot let the villagers—and the few of you—be buried with me…”

After speaking, she walked down from the platform, her figure seeming to merge with the earth in the morning mist.

“Wami, keep an eye on them. I will go to the village entrance to handle this,” she ordered in a low voice.

Two warriors immediately followed, escorting Maya toward the gate.

At the village gate, Walu looked troubled, gripping his spear tightly.

“Chief, you must not go out. All of us warriors and guards have resolved to fight the Dutch army to the death!”

Maya replied softly yet firmly, “They have specifically demanded my surrender. I do not wish to implicate the villagers…”

Walu shook his head vigorously. “No! We would rather die in battle than let you face danger alone!”

In the next instant, Maya drew the bone knife at her waist and, like lightning, placed it against her own neck. The blade pressed against her skin, and a bead of blood seeped out.

“This is an order! Walu, if you dare disobey, I will die before the enemy lines.”

Walu’s eyes widened, his face turning pale. “No… Chief…”

His trembling hands pushed open the heavy wooden gate, tears welling in his eyes.

Shayun, Junsheng, and Matthews also rushed to the gate. Seeing it open, they all cried out at once.

“Chief, let me accompany you!” Walu rushed forward a step.

Maya turned back, her tone resolute as iron. “No! You must stay in the village and protect the villagers and the doctor couple.”

In the mist, the villagers stood in silence. Hundreds of eyes watched as Maya’s figure moved away. Step by step, she walked toward the enemy, like a maiden going to an altar of sacrifice.

The Dutch formation slowly shifted to receive Maya. Several soldiers escorted her back into their ranks, and the Dutch army then withdrew, leaving the battlefield in a brief silence.

At that moment, Yimin rushed forward crying, striking Walu’s chest frantically.

“Walu! Why did you let my sena go out? Why did you let her go to her death alone!”

Walu stood motionless, his head lowered, his throat choked. “Princess… it was the Chief’s order… she held a knife to herself. I could not disobey…”

“Yimin, calm down!” Shayun reached out, embraced her shoulders, and pulled her away from Walu.

Walu suddenly raised his head, his tone turning firm. “We must release the carrier pigeons immediately and notify the other three villages. The Dutch army will not stop here!”

Junsheng nodded decisively. “That’s right! We must warn them as soon as possible so they can prepare!”

The mist grew thicker, and from not far in the sky came the faint rumble of distant thunder, like the muffled beating of war drums, foretelling that an even greater storm was about to arrive.