Summary

Chapter 16 opens with a quote by John Crawfurd calling the Chinese greedy, addicted to trade, and anxious about building commercial relationships with others.

The next day at Craft’s class, Robin feels he gave up his convictions for a place at Oxford. Then, the four learn that they are being sent to China in October and will spend two weeks in Canton and one in Macau. However, Victoire, Robin, and Ramy worry that this is related to Friday, and they all become paranoid while Lety remains oblivious to their fear. Robin also wants to discuss Hermes, but Ramy wants to wait until its safe.

After the group take a train with Lovell and spend the night in London, they all board a boat to Canton. Robin is still unsure what to think, and the trip becomes more torturous as no one...