What were the differing views regarding the acquisition of Hong Kong?

What are the Eight Regulations and what is their significance for the traders?

Why did The Noble House face financial difficulties? How did Dirk plan on solving them?

What was the significance of the four half coins that Jin-qua gave Dirk?

Why is the opium trade necessary for England? What is the problem of the imbalance?

What are the implications for The Noble House of Culum Struan marrying Tess Brock?

What are the Triads? How do they enter into the action of the novel?

What is the significance of the information in the documents that the bishop gave to Dirk?