North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 89 Give you color see see (6,000 words)

Before Interim Governor Peter Hardman Burnett arrived in San Francisco, the entire Chinese American Industrial Corporation was busy integrating all the assets it had acquired.

Everyone is incredibly busy!
Even Ah Zu didn't have time to accompany his future father-in-law to inspect the company's many businesses.

Only Vivian and young Carnegie accompanied Parker Parker.

From the main shipyard, to trading companies, gold mining companies, Clarke Wharf, shipping companies, two other shipyards, and countless properties, mines, and land...!
After walking around, Parker Parker finally gained a direct understanding of the strength of Huamei Industrial Company.

What his daughter said—that Huamei Industrial Company owned half of San Francisco—was not an exaggeration at all!
“Vivian, my daughter!” After spending two whole days and only getting a cursory look, Parker Parker couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of person do you think Azu is? How was he able to build such a large business and acquire such enormous wealth in such a short time?”

“He is the most intelligent, talented, and outstanding man I have ever met!” Vivian answered without hesitation.

"So, you really like him?" Parker Parker confirmed.

“Yes, Father! Azu is the first and only man I have ever loved!” Vivian’s attitude was so firm.

“Heh heh…!” Parker Parker chuckled bitterly, feeling that his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen for several months, had changed so much and become so unfamiliar.

Parker Parker couldn't help but say, "But he is, after all, a Chinese man, a heretic!"

"I do not care!"

“But I care!” Parker Parker’s expression turned cold. “I am a faithful servant of the Lord, and I will never tolerate my daughter marrying a heretic! Unless…!”

“Unless what?” Vivian quickly pressed.

“Unless he is willing to convert to my Lord and become a believer!” Parker Parker’s tone was also particularly firm: “If he truly loves you, I believe he will make the right choice.”

Vivian was silent for a moment, then shook her head slightly: "No! Father, I will not force him to do anything! Nor will I treat myself as a commodity to be traded, exchanging myself for his faith!"

“You… Hmph!” Parker Parker suppressed his anger, let out a long breath, and then said in a deep voice, “My dear daughter, have you ever thought that San Francisco is now effectively in the hands of your Huamei Company, which means…!”

"This city, this American city, has been completely taken over by a heretic from China!"

"In less than six months, he completely took control of an American city! Vivian, my daughter, your boyfriend is absolutely a terrifying, absolutely terrifying person!"

"You only saw the surface of him. In places you didn't see, he must have used many shady and underhanded methods!"

"Otherwise, even if he were a god, it would be very difficult for him to do this!"

Parker Parker was indeed a man destined to become the Plenipotentiary Minister to China; his political acumen was impeccable.

"In just six months, he has taken control of San Francisco! And what about the future? He's so young; in the future, he could control all of California! Even the entire West...!"

Parker Parker found it increasingly terrifying, and his expression became extremely serious: "Vivian, if he were a follower of my Lord, even if he were Chinese, I could accept him."

“My daughter, I have lived in China for more than ten years and learned many of their ancient wisdoms. One of them is, ‘Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts!’”

“I think this statement applies to Azu as well! If he can’t even meet the most basic requirement of converting to our Lord, then it means that he is not on the same path as us white people and us Americans!”

"One day in the future, he may even turn the whole of America and the whole of North America upside down!"

Parker Parker spoke at lightning speed, rattling off these words like a machine gun.

To everyone's surprise, Vivian remained unmoved: "Even so, so what? As long as we always stand on Azu's side, we only hope that he becomes stronger and more powerful, right?"

Vivian grew up in Guangzhou and had no concept of loyalty to America or the white ethnic group!

Vivian's words left Parker Parker speechless!

“But he is, after all, a heretic…!” Parker Parker still couldn’t get over the issue of faith.

“Father…!” Vivian interrupted him, “During these years in Guangzhou, haven’t you seen how those British people and the East India Company, who share our faith, poisoned Chinese ‘infidels’ with opium?”

"Father, didn't you witness firsthand how the British army, who share our beliefs, massacred the people of Dinghai?"

"Father, weren't the countless Native Americans who originally lived on this continent slaughtered by those white people who shared our faith?"

“Father, faith cannot distinguish between good and bad people, much less between enemies and friends.”

“Father, I know you are a devout believer, but if you really still think our faith is perfect, I think you'd better talk to Uncle Evan first.”

Parker Parker asked in surprise, "Evan? Why do we need to talk to him first?"

“My Uncle Evan, his faith was once more steadfast and purer than yours. And now, he has been elevated to the position of Bishop of the Bay Area… After you have spoken with him, you should understand everything.”
-
That evening, Peter Parker indeed went to the Church of Dolores and had a long talk with his brother-in-law, Bishop Evan, late into the night.

It wasn't until the next morning that a physically and mentally exhausted Parker Parker returned to the shipyard.

After returning, Parker Parker locked himself in his room.

This challenge lasted for two whole days and two nights!

Meanwhile, Azu, leading a group of people, was waiting on Market Avenue in the southern suburbs to welcome the interim governor.

"Tap tap tap...!"

In the distance, several black carriages appeared on the horizon.

The galloping carriage quickly approached the waiting crowd.

When the carriage stopped in front of everyone, the driver got off first and opened the tightly closed carriage door.

A middle-aged white man with pale skin, curly hair, a shiny forehead, deep-set eyes, a high nose, a wide mouth, and a cold and arrogant expression stepped down from the carriage at a leisurely pace.

He is none other than Peter Hardman Burnett, the interim governor of California!
Vic, the newly elected mayor of San Francisco, led the group forward to greet them.

"On behalf of the entire city of San Francisco, I welcome you, Governor Burnett!"

Mayor Vic extended his hand warmly.

Interim Governor Burnett ignored Mayor Vic's outstretched hand and glanced at Vic with a cold expression: "Excuse me, who are you?"

"Ahem...!" Vic coughed twice to ease the awkward atmosphere, and introduced himself, "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! I am Vic Moore, the newly elected mayor of San Francisco!"

“Vic Moore… Sorry, never heard of him!” Burnett’s expression remained indifferent. “I only know Mayor Henry Cameron and Acting Mayor Locke, but they’re both dead! And so many other distinguished gentlemen, all gone, leaving only a nobody like him!”

These words are so harsh; it's practically a public humiliation and a slap in the face!

"You...!" Verbal skills were never Vic's forte, and his anger surged, but he couldn't find the words to refute him.

Edgar Allan Poe frowned slightly, stepped forward, and said coldly, "Mr. Acting Governor, judging from what you've said, you must be quite famous, right?"

Governor Burnett looked at Edgar Allan Poe and asked, "Excuse me, and who are you?"

"Edgar Allan Poe! Edgar Allan Poe! The newly elected Speaker of the San Francisco City Council!"

Upon hearing the name Edgar Allan Poe, Governor Burnett's expression changed instantly!

Like a rapidly melting iceberg, or a legendary face-changing act, Governor Burnett's face immediately broke into a smile: "Dear Mr. Edgar Allan Poe, I have long admired your name. I have read many of your great works, as well as your newspaper, The Standard...!"

As he spoke, Burnett extended his hand warmly.

“Excuse me…!” Edgar Allan Poe glanced down at his hand coldly: “Peter Hardman Burnett, that name is equally unfamiliar to me!”

The interim governor of Burnett's expression and his outstretched hand both froze in place!

Edgar Allan Poe continued, "Is there really no one left in all of California? How could the Constitutional Convention have elected such an arrogant fellow as you?"

Compared to Edgar Allan Poe, a great poet and famous novelist, the interim governor Burnett was really just an unknown figure!
Therefore, Burnett had no reply.

Interim Governor Burnett quickly said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Edgar Allan Poe, I think there might be some misunderstanding between us?"

“No!” Edgar Allan Poe replied, “There is no misunderstanding! Mayor Vic is my political partner and my business associate. Your insult to him is an insult to me, an insult to the entire city of San Francisco!”

Burnett was getting really anxious. He didn’t care about or fear offending Mayor Vic, but he was unwilling and dared not offend a big celebrity like Edgar Allan Poe!
Especially this famous person, who also controls a highly influential newspaper like the Standard!
Finally realizing he'd gotten himself into trouble, Burnett reacted quickly, grabbing Vic's hand and shaking it enthusiastically: "I'm sorry, Mayor Vic, I was just joking with you. I hope you don't mind!"

"Just a joke...?" Vic frowned, as if he wanted to say something more.

Azu stepped forward, gently patted Vic's broad shoulder, and smiled, "Mayor, I believe the Governor was just joking! Don't worry about this little misunderstanding."

"Of course, BO... Lee!"

When there are outsiders around, Ah Zu never lets them call him BOSS.

Azu's casual remark was enough to put Mayor Vic aside his reservations. A strange look flashed in the eyes of the interim governor, Burnett, who asked, "And who are you, young Chinese... gentleman?"

"Me? My name is Li Zunian. I am just an insignificant member of Huamei Industrial Company. On behalf of the Chinese community in San Francisco, I welcome the interim governor."

“Huamei Industrial Company? The Chinese community?” Burnett said, “I’ve heard of Huamei Industrial Company. Your company has risen rapidly in just six months and is now a very powerful large company.”

“California and San Francisco both desperately need companies with such strength. But… are you qualified to represent Huamei Industrial Company, and can you represent all Chinese people?” “Of course not!” Azu shook his head slightly: “But that doesn’t stop me from coming here to welcome the Governor, to express a San Francisco citizen’s welcome to His Excellency, right?”

"Of course! Mr. Li!"

After a brief welcoming ceremony, Azu and the others watched as a line of carriages drove away, finally disappearing into the densely packed streets.

Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Mayor Vic said angrily, "That interim governor is such an arrogant fellow!"

"Arrogance?" Azu smiled slightly. "No, he might just be trying to intimidate us!"

What is... a show of force?

"It means, first we'll teach this local tyrant mayor a lesson, show him what you're made of, and make sure he can't hold his head up in front of you anymore!"

"Then, what do you mean by 'give me a taste of my own medicine'?"

"Uh... I'll explain it to you later!"

Azu then changed the subject: "Our interim governor is flexible and adaptable; he's definitely not as simple as he seems!"
-
At the same time, on the carriage.

Interim Governor Mr. Burnett had a somber face ever since he boarded the carriage.

After a long while, he turned to his assistant sitting opposite him in the carriage and said, "Go and investigate that young Chinese man. Find out his background and origins."

The assistant quickly asked, "Is it that Chinese guy named Li Zunian?"

"Besides him, who else?"

"Excuse me, Governor, why should we investigate him?"

Burnett replied, "As the governor's assistant, don't you even have the most basic observation skills?"

“Governor, I’m so sorry…!” the assistant said, flustered.

"Shut up! Didn't you notice that everyone who came to greet us today was subtly led by that young Chinese man?"

"Didn't you see that as soon as that young Chinese man spoke, everyone instantly fell silent, not uttering a single sound?"

"Didn't you notice that the moment that young Chinese man opened his mouth, that country bumpkin mayor Vic listened to him and immediately shut up?"
A cold glint flashed in Burnett's eyes: "If the entire city of San Francisco is truly led by this young Chinese man, then we will face many challenges and difficulties in the future."

Unable to contain his curiosity, the assistant asked, "Why do you say that, Governor?"

"Because I'm going to completely suppress these filthy Chinese laborers!"

When the group returned to the shipyard, they finally saw Peter Parker, who had locked himself in his room for two whole days, come out of his room.

Parker Parker looked even more haggard after just two days!
"Mr. Parker, are you alright?" Azu asked with concern, supporting his future father-in-law's elbow.

“I’m fine!” Parker Parker waved his hand, shaking off Azu’s support: “These past two days, I’ve just been thinking about some things and principles.”

"What happened? What's the reason?" Azu pressed.

Looking at Azu's young and energetic face, Parker Parker said, "Azu, I think we should have a serious talk!"

"Of course, Mr. Parker!"

After leading his future father-in-law into the study, Parker Parker promptly shut the door on his own daughter as well.

Ah Zu poured him a glass of wine, and then sat down opposite him with a glass of wine of his own.

Before Azu could speak, Parker Parker said to himself, "Three days ago, Evan and I talked for almost an entire night."

“He is Anne’s older brother, but much older than us. He was also the one who guided me onto the path of missionary work.”

"In my eyes, Evan was once a servant of my Lord, incredibly devout and pure!"

“But…!” Parker Parker’s tone shifted abruptly: “Since that conversation, I’ve noticed that Evan has changed, completely changed!”

"Now that he's the Bishop of the Bay Area, faced with power and money, he's completely transformed into a different person, someone I don't even recognize!"

“Evan... he's been corrupted by power and money! He's become slick and mercenary!”

“Even his perspective on problems revolves around power and money! All he thinks about now is how to maintain his power and wealth, and even... how to climb higher!”

"Moreover, he revealed many secrets to high-ranking clergy members!"

"What secret?" Azu asked curiously.

“Heh!” Parker Parker chuckled bitterly, “What else could it be? The higher the rank of the clergy, the more extravagant and corrupt they become, the more they vie for power and profit, and the further they stray from the doctrines they once believed in!”

"The entire church leadership is a bunch of insatiable parasites!"

Parker Parker raised his bloodshot, weary eyes: "If that's the case, then what was the point of my once unwavering faith and all those years of arduous missionary work?"

In the past two days, Parker Parker has experienced a tremendous shock of a broken faith!
So he was in pain, conflicted, and tormented, and desperately needed someone to talk to!

Looking into his eyes, Azu calmly said, "Mr. Parker, you have been practicing medicine and spreading your faith in China for more than ten years, saving countless lives and treating everyone equally, regardless of their wealth or status, and doing your best to treat them free of charge."

"Just for that reason alone, you are an extraordinary person, and you absolutely deserve everyone's respect!"

"Mr. Parker, have you ever heard a saying in China?"

"What?"

"Never forget your original aspiration, and you will achieve your goal!"

Parker Parker nodded: "This sentence comes from the Buddhist classic Avatamsaka Sutra, right?"

Azu was slightly surprised, not expecting that this missionary would actually have some knowledge of Buddhist scriptures!

"Yes! Only by staying true to your original aspirations can you achieve your goals! Mr. Parker, you are undoubtedly a noble gentleman who doesn't care about so-called money and power. But I would like to ask you, what exactly are your original aspirations?"

“My original intention…!” Parker Parker answered without hesitation: “It is to spread the glory of my Lord to every corner of the world!”

"Really? Then have you ever thought about why we should spread the Lord's glory to every corner of the world?" Azu pressed.

“Why…?” Parker Parker fell into deep thought: “Why spread the glory of my Lord to every corner of the world? Yes, why…?”

“Mr. Parker!” Azu coaxed patiently, “When you treat each patient suffering from illness and they recover, don’t you feel an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and accomplishment?”

Parker Parker nodded in agreement: "Yes!"

If it weren't for this sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, no one would have been able to dedicate themselves to treating any patient for free for over a decade!
"Have you ever thought that whether it's missionary work or healing the sick, your original intention is to save more people from illness and suffering?"

“Yes, that’s right!” Parker Parker felt as if he had suddenly seen the light: “Azu, you’re right! My original intention was to save everyone and free them from illness and suffering!”

Parker Parker has finally found his true calling!

Azu continued, "As the saying goes, your position determines your perspective. Since Bishop Evan is in that position, his way of thinking and handling problems must have changed. Otherwise, his end will be very difficult!"

"But Mr. Parker, I hope you can always stay true to your original aspirations! After all, there aren't many people as pure as you left in this world!"

In later generations, Parker Parker also underwent a significant change after entering politics, no longer the unwavering medical missionary he once was!
Seeing that Parker Parker looked thoughtful, Azu continued, "Mr. Parker, your strength is limited after all! As a doctor, how many people can you save in your lifetime? As a missionary, how many people can you convert to Christianity in just a few decades?"

"Ah Zu, so what you mean is...?"

Ah Zu got up and took out a vial of medicine from the drawer, which was in a small glass bottle!
Azu carefully handed the clear liquid to Parker Parker: "Mr. Parker, this stuff is what can truly save millions of lives and free them from illness and suffering!!!"

"This is……!"

"This is penicillin!!!"

"This is penicillin?" Peter Parker examined the unremarkable transparent medicine in his hand carefully. "Is this the medicine that completely cured Mr. Edgar Allan Poe's long-term severe pneumonia?"

"Yes! Without penicillin, I think Allen would already be a rotting corpse!"

Edgar Allan Poe, who lived in later generations, died on October 7, 1849. Azu was not exaggerating at all!

"Unbelievable! Is penicillin really that amazing?"

Azu replied, "Penicillin is a miracle drug that can cure many diseases caused by bacteria and infections!"

"A disease caused by bacteria?" Dr. Parker, a medical doctor from Yale University, looked at Azu with puzzlement.

Azu slapped his forehead, remembering that although bacteria had long been discovered in this era, their pathogenicity had not been confirmed.

The establishment of bacteriology in the medical field would not occur until more than a decade later in 1861!
Damn it! I let it slip again!
(End of this chapter)