Chapter 14

Summary

• Culum accuses Struan of being a murderer, pirate, opium smuggler, and adulterer
• Struan tells Culum about his past and the history of the Struan family
• Struan explains that he is the Tai-Pan of the Noble House and must defend the land against all enemies
• Struan gives Culum a knife and asks if he is willing to defend the land and the Noble House
• Culum says he is willing to defend the land, but not the Noble House or its ways
• Struan disinherits Culum and tells him he must leave Hong Kong
• Struan tells Culum he will be the Tai-Pan when he returns and must be ready to defend the Noble House and its interests
• Struan advises Culum to use both strength and humility in his leadership
• Struan tells Culum he must choose his own path and will support him in whatever he decides
• British naval invasion described, with two frigate ships defeating Chinese defenses at the Bogue
• Chinese send fleet of junks and fireboats against the two ships, but they are easily destroyed
• Frigate ships able to maneuver easily and have superior firepower compared to Chinese junks, which are designed for different types of waters and winds