〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉15

Chapter 14: Junsheng Enters Fort Zeelandia to Meet the Governor

71
Outside Fort Zeelandia, the wind blew in from the sea, carrying with it swirling sand and a faint salty scent. The slanting sunset dyed the towering city walls and the windmills atop the fortress a deep red. Along the ox-cart road, several wind-bent trees swayed in the breeze, and the flags before the city gate fluttered loudly.

Bosimen pressed one hand against the short sword at his waist while leading Junsheng along the dry ox-cart road with the other. From time to time, he looked around cautiously, his expression alert, as if worried that someone might be following them. Junsheng, carrying his medical kit, already had beads of sweat forming at his temples, his heart filled with questions and unease.

Suddenly, a white figure appeared ahead. It was Father Matthews, standing beneath a wind-bent tree, holding a cross pendant in both hands as if praying softly. He turned around, saw the two of them, and immediately walked forward.

Junsheng paused in surprise, stopping in his tracks, and said in astonishment, “Father? How are you here?”

Matthews smiled slightly, raised his brows, and said, “Junsheng, Bosimen is taking you into Fort Zeelandia to see Governor Peter for treatment, right?”

Junsheng gave a wry smile, lifted his medical kit slightly, and said helplessly, “Even you know about this? The news travels faster than the wind.”

Matthews’ laughter carried a note of reassurance: “Your wife is worried about you. She sent me. She said your personality is too straightforward and feared you might suffer a disadvantage in negotiations, so she asked me to accompany you.”

Junsheng sighed softly: “She really is meticulous… very well, with you accompanying me, I feel more at ease.”

Matthews turned and nodded politely toward Bosimen: “Bosimen, long time no see. Are you well?”

Bosimen gave a slight bow and, with his usual half-smiling, insincere expression, said, “Father, I’m the same as always—running errands, writing reports, handling trivial matters for the Governor.”

Matthews replied with a faint smile, “I heard that your Bishop Gansis received a harsh reprimand from the Governor a few days ago and is still fuming in the seminary?”

Upon hearing this, Junsheng immediately looked over with curiosity: “Oh? The Bishop also came to see the Governor?”

Matthews nodded, lowering his voice: “Yes, just two days ago. The Bishop, along with George and Louis, the two guild leaders, specially entered the city to negotiate with the Governor for the release of the four captured female chieftains. But Peter’s attitude was tough—he could hardly be bothered with basic courtesy. The Bishop stormed off in anger. That scene… sigh, it’s unbearable to recall.”

Junsheng frowned and turned his gaze toward the flag bearing the emblem of the East India Company atop the city wall, a shadow rising in his heart: “It seems the Governor clearly responds to softness but not to force. If confronted head-on, there will likely be no room for negotiation at all…”

He turned slightly, his tone becoming lighter: “Perhaps the Bishop did not use the right approach?”

Matthews and Junsheng walked side by side toward the city gate, conversing in low voices. Bosimen lagged a few steps behind, seemingly keeping a deliberate distance.

“I think so too,” Matthews lowered his voice. “This time, Peter is the one who invited you to treat him—he needs something from you. You must make good use of this point. Perhaps… it could bring a turning point to the whole situation.”

Junsheng stopped, smiled faintly at the priest, and nodded, though a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: “On this matter, we understand each other without speaking.”

Matthews gently patted his shoulder and said with a smile, “May the Lord bless you, Doctor Junsheng.”

The three continued forward, their shadows stretched long by the setting sun as they gradually approached the castle shrouded in mystery…

72
In the afternoon, thick clouds hung heavily in the sky. The wind blew in from the sea into Fort Zeelandia, carrying a salty dampness mixed with lingering heat. Bosimen led Junsheng and Matthews across the cobblestone inner road and arrived at the towering council hall. The building’s exterior walls were mottled, and cannons stood on both sides, silently watching over the horizon.

The heavy doors of the hall creaked open. A servant bowed and stepped back. Bosimen took a step forward, straightened his chest, and reported, “Governor, I have brought Doctor Junsheng as requested. This is Father Matthews of the Dominican Order.”

Peter sat at the head of a long table, behind him hung the golden lion emblem of the East India Company. His sharp gaze swept from Junsheng’s feet to his forehead, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes as the corner of his mouth lifted: “I’ve heard your medical skills are quite good. I didn’t expect you to be this young. However, I don’t quite understand—if you’re here to treat me, why must you bring a priest along?”

Matthews remained composed, his tone steady yet firm: “Governor, Junsheng is one of our Dominican Order. I am tasked with ensuring his safety. This is basic respect for our clergy.”

Peter let out a cold laugh and tapped the table: “Father, do you think I would harm him? The entire Fort Zeelandia is under my control.”

Matthews smiled slightly, folded his hands across his chest, and bowed: “I only ask for a clear assurance.”

Peter raised an eyebrow and waved his hand impatiently: “Enough nonsense. Doctor, begin.”

With a gesture, the attendant understood and signaled others to leave. Soon, only Peter, Junsheng, and Matthews remained in the room. The atmosphere grew heavy and oppressive.

Peter removed his uniform, revealing an undershirt and close-fitting trousers beneath. He reclined against a carved wooden chair, legs extended, hands pressing against his forehead, his face showing fatigue. “This old body of mine aches unbearably whenever the weather changes. The joints in my limbs feel as if they are sealed with lead.”

Junsheng approached, knelt halfway before him, and carefully examined his knees and elbows. His hands pressed lightly against the joints, sometimes probing with force, sometimes gently palpating. Peter frowned slightly but said nothing.

“Governor,” Junsheng looked up, his tone gentle yet professional, “your joints show clear signs of wear and deformation. These are typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. From the perspective of Western medicine, there is currently no cure. It can only be alleviated through pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment, but the progression cannot be stopped.”

Peter raised his brow: “Then what are you here for? Speak plainly—name your price. How many gold coins?”

Junsheng stood up, his gaze clear: “I am not in need of money, Governor. If it were for gold and wealth, I would not have crossed the ocean and abandoned the comfort of a Paris hospital to come to this wilderness.”

Peter narrowed his eyes skeptically: “Then what do you want from me?”

Junsheng met his gaze: “I want you to honor your promises to the people—release those imprisoned female chieftains and fulfill your promise of tax reduction.”

Peter straightened, his voice low: “Do you know who you are speaking to?”

Junsheng did not retreat; instead, he pressed forward, his tone firm: “Of course. You are the military and administrative authority here—the absolute ruler of Fort Zeelandia. But I also know—you need me.”

Peter sneered coldly: “Aren’t you afraid I might kill you?”

Junsheng glanced at Matthews and let out a soft laugh: “Of course I am. But I believe even more in reason. If you truly intended to kill me, you would not have let me enter. You need me.”

Peter suddenly laughed aloud and waved his hand: “Doctor, I admire your courage. Come then—let me see what you are capable of.”

Junsheng nodded, turned, and took out a delicate wooden box from his leather bag. Opening it, a row of silver needles, alcohol swabs, and a pulse cushion were neatly arranged. He helped Peter sit upright and said softly: “Please relax your body and slightly raise your knees and elbows.”

Peter complied. Junsheng first took his pulse, his movements meticulous.

Peter asked curiously: “Is this the Chinese medical method?”

Junsheng smiled faintly: “My wife comes from a family of traditional Chinese medicine. I have learned quite a bit from her.”

Then Junsheng carefully sterilized the needles with alcohol and inserted them one by one into acupuncture points. His movements were decisive yet extremely gentle. Peter frowned at first, but gradually his expression relaxed, and he even closed his eyes.

Matthews stood nearby observing, occasionally nodding in approval.

Half an hour later, Junsheng said softly: “Governor, I will now remove the needles.”

Peter opened his eyes and silently watched. Junsheng removed each needle one by one and disinfected them again.

Peter stood up and moved his joints a few times. Surprise and satisfaction showed in his eyes: “These Eastern methods… are unexpectedly effective.”

Junsheng said, “I will prescribe a traditional herbal formula. Combined with tea therapy and internal medicine, taken daily, it can stabilize your condition. I recommend acupuncture once every three days. After three weeks, we can observe the results.”

Peter nodded: “Good. Come again in three days. Bosimen will fetch you.”

Junsheng shook his head: “No need. I will come on my own, so as not to attract attention.”

Peter cast him a sidelong smile: “Very well. In three days, I hope you will continue to surprise me. As for the condition you proposed—I will consider it.”

Junsheng looked at him directly: “I hope that in three days, I will see those chieftains.”

Peter’s tone turned cold: “That decision is mine.”

He turned and called out loudly: “Bosimen! Bosimen!”

Bosimen hurried in, his footsteps quick: “Governor, your orders?”

Peter said: “Escort Doctor Junsheng back. On the way, stop by the port district and deliver the prescription to a Chinese medicine shop.”

Bosimen nodded: “Yes, Governor.”

Junsheng stepped to the table, picked up a quill, and carefully wrote the prescription. Before the ink had dried, he handed it to Bosimen.

Peter put his uniform back on, adjusted his sleeves and collar, and personally escorted Junsheng to the door.

Junsheng turned and bowed: “Governor, please stay.”

Peter smiled without speaking, watching the three leave as the wind blew through the corridor and the flag atop the walls fluttered gently.

73
Outside Fort Zeelandia, the evening glow painted the sky orange-red. A breeze from the sea carried salty moisture and the lingering fragrance of distant spice markets. Along the ox-cart road grew vast stretches of silver grass and swaying casuarina trees, and occasionally a few herons could be seen standing motionless by the shallow water like statues.

Junsheng, Matthews, and Bosimen were walking slowly along the glowing road. The sound of their footsteps and the faint crunch of gravel were accompanied by the approaching ringing of a cowbell. An old ox cart creaked as it came down the slope. Sitting atop it was a sturdy, dark-skinned man, his sun-browned skin glistening, his coarse shirt soaked with sweat, yet his expression focused as he held the reins—it was Kali.

Bosimen waved ahead with a smile: “Doctor, Kali has come specially to pick you up. I won’t accompany you further.”

Junsheng nodded, looking toward the cart: “Alright, go attend to the Governor’s matters.”

He turned to Kali: “Kali, what brings you here?”

Kali jumped off the cart, patted the ox’s back, and said with a grin: “I borrowed this cart from Amanda of Madou Village—that fellow owed me a favor for a long time. It’s so hot today; I couldn’t bear to have you three walking in the sun like dried fish. Junsheng, Father, please get on.”

Bosimen glanced at the cart and asked expectantly: “Kali, could you give me a short ride as well? I need to go to the port district.”

Kali raised his brow and smiled, patting the rear of the cart: “Of course! Sit wherever you like—as long as you don’t mind the ox being slow!”

The three laughed and climbed aboard. The wooden cart swayed gently. Matthews sat at the back, patting a worn blanket beside him for Junsheng to lean on. Kali took the front, humming a local tune as he guided the ox steadily forward.

Bosimen turned back to Junsheng and said: “Doctor, you really impressed him! I’ve followed the Governor for years, and I rarely see him personally escort someone out like he did just now.”

Junsheng leaned against the side of the cart, resting his hand on the rail, gazing at the darkening mountains: “You mean the Governor personally seeing me off?”

Bosimen nodded, admiration in his tone: “Yes. With his proud temperament, he rarely shows favor to anyone. Unless it is someone he truly values. Otherwise, he would simply wave his hand and have an attendant dismiss the guest—he wouldn’t even bother to say another word.”

Matthews interjected softly, as if holding it in for a long time: “Doctor, about what I mentioned to you earlier… is there any progress?”

Junsheng replied steadily: “The Governor said he would consider it. I could tell—he was serious.”

Matthews frowned: “Hmph, he’s good at saying pleasant things, but he often goes back on his word. You must remain cautious.”

Junsheng turned his head, his gaze clear: “Between him and me, it is a doctor-patient relationship. I don’t believe he would joke with his own pain—otherwise, he would be contradicting himself.”

Bosimen gently shook his head, as if dispelling inner conflict: “Father, I know you are working for the release of those chieftains. Recommending Junsheng to treat the Governor was, in fact, my way of hoping for a turning point.”

Matthews was startled, surprise in his eyes: “Oh? So it was you helping behind the scenes?”

Bosimen smiled and scratched the back of his head: “Yes, Father. I am your friend. Although I work in the government office as a mere clerk, I still know how to be a decent person. You really don’t have to be on guard against me all the time.”

Kali turned his head, smiling: “Bosimen, that’s true. You don’t seem like the others in the government. Those people either flaunt authority or bully the locals—they don’t regard anyone at all.”

Bosimen laughed and patted Kali’s shoulder: “Kali, thank you for treating me as a friend. I’ll remember your words.”

He paused, then looked at Junsheng: “Doctor, in my opinion, the Governor will likely release those chieftains under certain conditions.”

Junsheng nodded: “Yes, your view aligns with mine.”

Matthews asked, puzzled: “Certain conditions? What conditions, Bosimen?”

Bosimen blinked and spoke slowly: “I can’t say for sure, but I understand the Governor’s temperament well. The only possibility for him to release them is… if he wants to make a gesture and present it as a favor to the doctor.”

Matthews snorted, crossing his arms: “Hearing you say that, this Peter really is a difficult man—calculating and hard to read.”

Bosimen raised a brow and smiled: “Father, no matter how difficult a person is, if you stroke him the right way, he won’t bite.”

Matthews paused, then burst into laughter: “Stroke him the right way? Bosimen, that’s quite an interesting way to put it.”

Junsheng said softly: “Father, I actually think Governor Peter is not as inscrutable as others say. His thoughts are quite straightforward.”

Matthews nodded: “Hearing you say that puts me at ease. Ah—the cart has reached the port street. I must go report to the Bishop and explain what happened during this trip. In three days, I will wait at the usual place and accompany you again into the city.”

Kali turned back again, grinning: “What? Junsheng, you’re going to see that old fellow again in three days?”

Junsheng shrugged and smiled faintly: “How could I not? I’m still waiting for the Governor to fulfill his promise.”

Kali smacked his lips and blinked: “Oh? I get it—like your saying: ‘If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch the tiger’s cub?’”

Junsheng smiled and nodded: “Exactly—that’s the meaning, Kali.”

74
Night fell, and the mountain wind carried with it the scent of damp grass leaves. In the distance, the tinkling of cowbells rang out as an ox cart slowly made its way along the stone-paved path into the square before the assembly hall of Xiaolong Village. The wheels rolled over gravel, producing a low creaking sound. A pair of old dogs barked twice by the doorway before lying back down again.

Several dim oil lamps hung under the eaves, their flames flickering and illuminating the figures waiting in front of the assembly hall. The first to notice the approaching ox cart was Ali. Squinting his eyes, he shouted loudly toward the interior, “Kali and Junsheng are back!”

No sooner had his voice fallen than the bamboo door of the assembly hall creaked open. Shuyun, Lalu, and several young people rushed out excitedly, their feet kicking up dust from the ground.

“Junsheng—” Shuyun ran at the front and threw herself forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him as if to confirm something from his presence. Her face pressed against his shoulder, her voice carrying emotions that had been suppressed for a long time.

Junsheng was slightly startled, then gently patted her back and said softly, “I’m back. I made you worry.”

Lalu quickly came closer, frowning, and grabbed Kali’s sleeve with one hand: “Brother, where did you two go today? I asked Shuyun, but she wouldn’t say a word and kept avoiding me.”

Kali jumped down from the ox cart, scratched his head, and said with a grin, “We first went to Madou Village to find Father Matthews, and then we rode together to the church at Tayouan Harbor to see the Bishop.”

Lalu crossed her arms, her eyes full of suspicion: “Hmph, liar! What’s so mysterious about seeing a priest? Why make it seem like some secret mission?”

Kali stepped closer and, pretending to be mysterious, leaned near her ear and said, “You can’t lift the lid before the meat is cooked. Little sister, when the time comes, you’ll naturally know.”

Lalu pushed him away at once: “Oh, stop it! What exactly is going on? Why are you still hiding it from me?”

At this moment, Shuyun spoke softly. She walked to Lalu’s side and held her hand: “Lalu, Junsheng has been working tirelessly for this land. Everything he does is for everyone’s future. He is worthy of trust.”

Lalu turned to look at Shuyun, her tone softening somewhat, though her eyes still showed reluctance: “Of course I trust him. What I don’t trust is why all of you keep things from me.”

Shuyun sighed gently and squeezed her fingertips: “When the time is right, I will tell you myself, little sister.”

At this moment, Junsheng also stepped forward and nodded to Shuyun: “Shuyun, later when we go inside, I have some matters to discuss with you in detail.”

Shuyun nodded lightly, her eyes filled with understanding and contemplation. After exchanging a brief look with Junsheng, she turned and led everyone into the assembly hall. The wooden door slowly closed behind them, shutting out the night and the sound of the wind outside.

75
Inside the clinic room of the assembly hall, the faint kerosene lamp flickered unsteadily, casting shadows all around. The flame emitted a light smell of oil smoke, illuminating the worn wooden walls and the old tables and chairs. The window was slightly open, and the night wind outside carried the dampness of the mountains, along with the occasional cries of night birds in the distance. The entire space was quiet and heavy, as if time had slowed down here.

Junsheng sat on a wooden chair beside the examination bed, his hands tightly clasped together, his expression grave, with a trace of fatigue flashing in his eyes. At last, he spoke, his tone calm yet tinged with helplessness: “…That is how everything happened.”

Shuyun stood opposite him, resting one hand lightly on the edge of the table. Her brows were slightly furrowed, her eyes filled with concern. After listening, she nodded slightly, her tone carrying a hint of relief: “It seems that Bosimen is truly our friend.”

Junsheng lifted his head and gave a bitter smile, though the worry in his eyes was still hard to conceal: “These four chieftains… they should be released. It’s just that we don’t know under what conditions Peter will release them.”

Shuyun stepped closer and sat on the chair opposite him, leaning slightly forward, her hands naturally resting on her knees. Her eyes locked onto Junsheng’s face, her tone somewhat urgent: “Peter… he wouldn’t ask you to become his personal physician, would he?”

Junsheng paused for a moment, then gently shook his head, trying to hide the unease in his heart: “That shouldn’t be the case, right? The Dominican Order wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen… I hope so.”

After hearing this, Shuyun looked at him quietly, then reached out and held his wrist. Her tone was gentle yet carried firm strength: “For rescuing these four chieftains, just do your best. But I don’t want you to sacrifice your ideals as a healer. You’ve already done enough for everyone.”

Junsheng looked into her determined eyes, and his heart trembled slightly. He took a deep breath, gently clasped her hand in return, and spoke in a calm yet resolute tone: “I understand what you mean. I will hold that line… no matter what conditions Peter proposes.”

The light of the kerosene lamp flickered between them, casting their intertwined shadows upon the wall, as if time itself had frozen in this moment. The wind outside grew stronger, and the air inside turned slightly colder, yet the trust and understanding between them filled the stillness with warmth.