I have had to think long and hard about this, to make certain that what I have been doing is the right thing for the gang, for what it has entailed I find so demeaning to myself and the things that I stand for. The sky is high and the “Emperor” is far, but not far enough. The Circuit Inspector has made it very clear that our organization has grown beyond its welcome, especially considering our closeness to Chengdu. And the Hsi Kuo! TWO wealthy gangs, with houses, horses in such proximity! It is beyond unheard of. On the edge of the world to be sure, but still in the empire. He says that our time is short, but that there is one thing which places a shield over us: that girl.

I do not know what connection Tse’Tien has with this deviant woman, but it is real. I have let her stay among us for many months now, biding my time. It is still luck that Kao Li found her and brought her in, though I know he is now very fond of her. Her whole existence to me smells of the will of gods and lucky spirits I can only pray will stay on my side. She is my fortune greeter, and as long as I maintain power over her, maybe I can hold onto the good fortune she carries around.