Chapter 27: Who He Was

Master Jin said no. He said it politely, at first, in his reception hall, with tea. He said that he and Mr. Hu got along excellently as friends, and that there was no need to bring about a closer connection. He said his daughter was already promised elsewhere. The go-between said with equal politeness that he was quite sure the young lady was not promised anywhere, and asked what the real objection was. Ming heard all this from the doorway of the reception hall, where she was standing with Nine and the tutor, who had gone the color of rice paper. "Well," said Master Jin at last, and put his teacup down, and smoothed his beautiful beard. "If you must have it. My ancestors have been very clear on the subject. Every night for a month." He drew himself up. "We don't care for his species." There was a silence…