The Terence Featherstone
The Most Honorable and Esteemed Terence Featherstone
Continental Occident Company
Wickham House
Grace Park
Dear Sir,
I write you today in the full knowledge that my letter may likely not reach you before my task is complete, but in the hopes of reporting and recording impressions that maybe helpful to future trade with this baffling region of the world.
We arrived at the pass to the Tsang Valley some days ago, and for one thing, I have found that monks run the place. The restrictions against our entry to certain areas are not, in fact, a matter of simple law or decree as they are in the areas where the Mandarins rule, but of spiritual purity. Negotiation with them has been somewhat difficult in that they have little to profit by from our goods or money, and so I have had to be exceedingly creative in my promises to them.
The good news is that they are not in the least hostile, and have openly banqueted and celebrated with myself and the crew of the Horizon—outside their monastic gates, of course. I have still not laid eyes on a single specimen of "forbidden flower" but Wu, the translator, assures me that deep inside the massive lamasery there are sights of such stunning beauty they will make a man fall to his knees.
Another thing I shall note for the edification of future expeditions; do not be fooled by the seeming bucolic simplicity of these folk. Though many mendicants and clergy of our own land have lacked literacy and education, these monks are more in the vein of the great Linnaeus. I have been startled repeatedly here by the intimate knowledge of mathematics and engineering that all present seem to possess, from the most holy of their wise men down to the lowliest initiate tilling rice on the hillside. It was this observation that led to the single negotiation that was ultimately successful, one which I hope you will approve of heartily, as they refused nearly all goods we offered. In truth, they stated they live in paradise, and what need have they of gold or goods such as we could provide?
Not a shilling of the Company’s currency will they take. Indeed, the only item they truly crave is knowledge, and once this fact was fully grasped by me, I was able to rescue the negotiation by offering the one area of expertise they lack. Hence, we are allowing them to map out every inch of the Horizon. The monks are quite peaceful, but they fear the rebellion that is spreading from the coast, and they quite quickly grasp that air power could easily be used in their defense.
The only sticking point in the negotiation that remains is my insistence that we must leave as soon as they have delivered the five specimens to me, in order to maintain their freshness. They have assured me that various herbs and so on must be kept thriving alongside them for their health, which is a fascinating discovery in itself! Apparently the proximity of certain plants will keep the blossoms of summer free of disease? The translation is too imprecise to know quite what conditions they are prone to, but this knowledge could be a boon for our horticulture far beyond the specimens themselves, and I am pleased to note that the terms of our agreement will allow me to exploit this knowledge myself for the burnishment of my own reputation, and perhaps our mutual profit.
If all goes well with the final point of our negotiation, we shall be floating on the westward winds within a week.
In good spirits and with all respect, I remain,
your servant,
Rbt. Meriweather