Chapter 45: Out of Character
It was Fransisco Lim’s first time entering the Casa Real. The former Martin had a close relationship with him but never really required him to leave his stall. But as soon as I learned he was at the tiangge on Friday, I took the liberty of inviting him to the more secure setting offered by the governor’s residence.
"What do you think about the Americans?" I blurted out the question, and only after saying it did I realize how abrupt it was. We had just finished our small talk.
But if Lim was surprised, he didn’t show it. He calmly completed his sip of coffee and slowly placed the porcelain cup back on the table. "The Americans? What do you mean exactly?"
"They’re good for business, aren’t they? I mean—with all the new products they’re introducing to the market," I said, trying to keep my tone as neutral as I could, "And the American dollar... it’s a robust currency."
Fransisco was a smart man. Though he nodded, he began to study my face. "Yes... you could say that."
"And are you still of the opinion that we should avoid confrontation with the Americans at all costs?" I felt the air thicken around us as our friendly façade dropped with my continued questioning.
"It’s too late for that. Aguinaldo has proven unwilling to compromise, and America has realized they can only get what they want through force. Any day now... war will sweep over Luzon." Fransisco looked me squarely in the eyes.
"Do you think he made a mistake?" I continued to prod, knowing full well I was being impolite. "War is very disruptive to trade. Our merchants will likely lose clients and the lucrative deals they offer."
"If he were a businessman... then purely in the lens of trade, yes—perhaps even a terrible blunder," Fransisco said, stressing each word. "But as I understand it, he’s trying to be a leader of his people. And in that regard, his refusal to bend to his country’s intruders is commendable... even if it likely leads to a conflict he may lose."