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Chapter 01 of 5

The Floating Brothel

How a sex worker negotiated a marriage that changed the South China Sea.

1. Origin

   The Flower Boats

   In the late 1700s, Shi Yang lived on a 'flower boat' in Guangzhou. These floating brothels were hubs of trade, gossip, and criminal activity.

2. The Setting

   Guangzhou's Underworld

   The South China Sea was a chaotic frontier. Thousands of people lived on the water, existing outside the reach of the Qing Dynasty's laws.

3. First Meeting

   The Pirate's Interest

   Cheng I, a powerful pirate commander, was captivated by Shi Yang. In 1801, he sought her out, but not for a simple transaction.