Summary: Hop Sing struggles to find his place at The Ponderosa.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 11,125 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
His Rightful Place<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Hop Sing shooed the chickens away impatiently as he reached into another of the nesting boxes and drew out a large brown egg.\u00a0 He looked at it with satisfaction before moving to another box and repeating the action. \u201cPlenty egg for breakfast tomorrow,\u201d he said out aloud, startling the chickens and making them flutter away from him quickly. \u201cWhat matter?\u2019\u201d he asked crossly. \u201cYou no like Hop Sing voice? Here \u2026 see if like this!\u201d\u00a0 He flapped his arms around wildly, laughing aloud as he watched the chickens fluff their feathers in indignation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing had never really liked the chickens and had unconsciously taught Little Joe to feel the same way about them when he\u2019d been younger and it had been his job to fetch the eggs. Finally the boy had protested so strongly about having to go into the hen house each day that Hop Sing had taken the chore back unto himself rather than have to listen to the daily litany of Joe\u2019s protests, but it was still a job that he hated.\u00a0 There was something about those beady eyes and the way the chickens looked at him with an unblinking stare.\u00a0 It was as if they knew something that he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many a time they had pecked him when he hadn\u2019t been concentrating on where each bird was and even though he wasn\u2019t scared of them, he had learned to be wary. It gave Hop Sing great satisfaction to have an excuse to serve roast chicken and he made mental notes each time he came into the henhouse as to which particular bird was annoying him the most and who would find their head next on the chopping block.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou careful,\u201d he warned one particular chicken who had eyed him off today with a beady stare. \u201cCartwright family plenty like roast chicken, so \u2026\u201d he drew his finger across his own neck in a dramatic gesture. \u201c\u2026 chop chop for you plenty soon.\u201d\u00a0 He gave the chicken a hard look and shut the wire door firmly behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He turned as Joe rode into the front yard.\u00a0 He knew before even looking to see who it was that it was the youngest Cartwright, from the sound of his horse coming around the side of the barn. Nothing that Joe did was ever slow and no one else would have dared to ride their horse in that way. He fixed the young man with a hard stare. \u201cWhy you ride like that?\u2019 he yelled. \u201cYour Papa very angry if he be here!\u201d\u00a0 He waggled his finger at Joe as he slid down from the saddle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but Pa ain\u2019t here,\u201d replied Joe with a grin. \u201cHe won\u2019t know.\u201d\u00a0 He spoke with the supreme confidence of someone who knew that Hop Sing would never tell on him.\u00a0 There was an unspoken agreement between the cook and the three Cartwright boys that whenever they got out of line in any way it stayed between themselves.\u00a0 Hop Sing would never lie to their father, but never volunteered information unless asked for it either.\u00a0 As Ben often didn\u2019t know to ask, that meant that his sons knew they were usually safe with Hop Sing\u2019s confidence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That didn\u2019t, however, stop the cook from berating them himself if he thought they deserved it.\u00a0 To an outsider observing his relationship with the family one would think that he was angry with them a great deal of the time, but all of them knew that his constant muttering in Chinese, the waving of his arms and his finger pointing were just his way of expressing himself. All three of the boys had been on the receiving end of one of his swats in their younger years and knew that he meant business when it got to that stage, but the three of them also knew of the love the man had for them all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Joe stood grinning at Hop Sing now, he knew without a doubt that the man\u2019s frown and the way in which he was pointing his finger at him were just the same as if he were greeting him hello.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t remember a time when Hop Sing hadn\u2019t been a part of their family and he accepted his comment and gestures without a care in the world.\u00a0 He\u2019d been hearing such things since he could walk \u2026 and probably before.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou be careful or I give you chore of getting eggs again,\u201d said Hop Sing in a huffy voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s grin merely got bigger at the man\u2019s words. \u201cNow you know I wouldn\u2019t deprive you of your favourite chore,\u201d he teased. \u201cThose chickens would miss you too much if you didn\u2019t visit them every day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHmph!\u201d Hop Sing gave the youngster a dark look and began to walk towards the kitchen again. He stopped at the door and inspected a small broad-leafed plant that was in a pot sitting on the windowsill with concern written all over his face. It was small and looked rather sickly to the casual observer, and Hop Sing fingered the wilting leaves tenderly. He shook his head and went inside the kitchen, putting the eggs on the bench next to the stove.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAny chance of something to eat?\u201d said a voice behind him. He pretended to ignore it at first as he began to pound the pastry that he\u2019d left on the bench, but after a moment he pushed a barrel of cookies across to Joe who was standing looking at him from the doorway. \u201cThanks,\u201d said the young man and sat down and began to munch on one. \u201cWhat are we having for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing pounded the pastry deftly, ignoring the young man\u2019s comments. Joe took no notice of him and began to swing his legs, whistling as he watched the pastry being rolled out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou got no work to do?\u201d asked Hop Sing gruffly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned at him and snatched another cookie. \u201cOh I\u2019ve got plenty to do,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI\u2019m just not doing it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFather be angry when he get home if chores not done,\u201d warned Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took another cookie and stood up to leave. \u201cOk ok,\u201d he laughed. \u201cI get the hint.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe have roast beef,\u201d muttered Hop Sing under his breath as the young man left the room.\u00a0 Joe shot him a grin and left, still munching.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head and muttered to himself in Chinese, thankful that it had been Little Joe and not his older brother Hoss who had been asking for food.\u00a0 If Hoss had been here the cookie barrel would have been emptied by now and Hop Sing would have had more baking to do the next day.\u00a0 He grunted as he pounded the pastry for the last time and then lifted it deftly and placed it in the pie tin he had waiting next to it.\u00a0 As he cut around the edges he sang softly to himself, a haunting tune in Chinese that he\u2019d learnt as a small child in China from his nurse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s mind drifted back in time and he smiled softly as he sang the words that the young boy had learned all those years ago. So lost was he in thought, that he failed to hear the kitchen door opening and closing behind him and nearly dropped the tin in his hand when he heard a voice speak. \u201cThat\u2019s nice.\u00a0 What is it?\u201d He turned sharply to see Ben Cartwright giving him a quizzical look. He grunted and muttered something in Chinese, not loudly enough for Ben to catch it. \u201cHave you seen Joseph?\u201d asked Ben casually as he helped himself to a cookie from the still-open jar. \u201cHis horse is outside and there\u2019s no sign of him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing merely shrugged his shoulders. \u201cNo keep track of boys,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cToo much foolishment!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled as he turned to go. \u201cWell if you do see him, tell him that I expect his horse stabled please,\u201d he said. \u201cOh \u2026 and what are we having for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing grunted. \u201cRoast beef,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd you tell number three son no roast beef for him if no wash hands!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will,\u201d grinned Ben and made a hasty retreat. The kitchen was Hop Sing\u2019s domain and they all knew it.\u00a0 Even though they were all welcome there, it was on his terms and they all knew when it was diplomatic to leave. Ben sensed that this was one of those times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing held on tightly to the side of the buckboard as they travelled down a slight slope.\u00a0 Knowing how the man was feeling by the look of the whites on his knuckles, Adam smiled to himself and pulled the horses back to a crawl to alleviate Hop Sing\u2019s anxiety. It was always like this.\u00a0 The man could never get used to the sheer size of the vehicle and much preferred to travel in the buggy, but at times like this when they needed supplies, he had no choice but to travel in the buckboard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knew that any of them could have picked up the supplies for Hop Sing, but the man insisted on travelling in with him today. Adam suspected that it wasn\u2019t so much the supplies that he wanted to keep check on, but rather the chance to visit one of his many relatives in town that had made the cook insist on coming. Not that Adam could blame him. He wondered at times just how lonely it must be for Hop Sing out at the ranch by himself for so many hours each day. He never complained about it, but Adam sensed that there were times when he longed for contact with his own people. He had only to him as he chattered on with other Chinese men in town to know that it must be so. Hop Sing was never so illuminated than when he had the opportunity to meet with others of his own race.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s grip on the side of the buckboard relaxed as they came to an even stretch of the trail again. \u2018You drive good Mr Adam,\u2019 he said and smiled as Adam grinned at him. He never minded coming into town with either Mr Cartwright or Hoss as they were both steady drivers, but Adam seemed to intuitively know when Hop Sing became anxious and adjusted their speed accordingly. Not so Little Joe, whom Hop Sing would avoid riding with at any cost.\u00a0 That particular young man\u2019s only goal seemed to be to get to town as quickly as possible and many\u2019s the time Hop Sing found himself swatting him on the side of the head to slow him down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou need much today?\u201d asked Adam as they drew closer to Virginia City. \u201cI can drop you at the mercantile and then come back later if you like.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cNeed many things Mr Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cLong list.\u201d\u00a0 He drew a piece of paper from his sleeve and studied it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2019ve got quite a bit to do myself,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, we could meet back there later this afternoon?\u201d\u00a0 He gave the man a smile, knowing full well that Hop Sing had been hoping to hear that very thing.\u00a0 The excuse of coming in for the supplies was secondary in his mind to the chance to catch up with his many Chinese acquaintances in town and Adam knew it well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can find things to keep busy,\u201d said Hop Sing shortly. \u201cI meet you back at mercantile in afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Hop Sing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI appreciate that.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you here about three then.\u00a0 Tell Sam I\u2019ll load the supplies when I get here. Have a good day.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his hat to the man as he got down from the buggy and drove off down the street, whistling as he went.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled before entering the store. Now he had practically the whole day to spare for visiting.\u00a0 He wished that all the Cartwrights were so understanding of his needs as Mr Adam was, but then again he really couldn\u2019t have expected them to be.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t that they didn\u2019t support him, but they just weren\u2019t aware of his needs. There were times when he craved to be amongst his own people and no one except Mr Adam seemed to be aware of that fact. He didn\u2019t know why Adam did \u2026 perhaps it was because he had spent so much time with him as a child when Hop Sing had first arrived at The Ponderosa? Perhaps it was because he was just a naturally perceptive person? Whatever the reason, Adam was the one who sensed whenever things built up inside the man and seemed to understand his need to associate with his own people.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He entered the store and waited patiently to one side while Sam Winters who owned the mercantile served several other customers.\u00a0 It was always like this and he had come to accept it as normal.\u00a0 If one of the Cartwrights had been with him then he would have been served sooner, but when he was by himself it was an unspoken thing that any storekeeper would serve the American customers first. It had always been so, and Hop Sing doubted that any of them were even conscious of it.\u00a0 Chinese in Virginia City were used to such things.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing was grateful that his association with the Cartwright family for at least that earned him a degree of consideration that many other Chinese in town didn\u2019t have. There were not many people who would cross the Cartwrights and most people knew that to treat Hop Sing with little respect was to bring down the wrath of Ben Cartwright or one of his boys down upon their head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Morning Hop Sing,\u201d said Sam cheerfully when the other customers had gone. \u201cAfter some supplies this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave a slight bow. \u201cThank you Mr Winters\u201d\u2019 he said politely as he handed the man his list. \u201cMany things needed.\u00a0 Mr Adam said that he will load them this afternoon if you please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure. I\u2019ll get them ready,\u201d said Sam. \u201cYou want to check out some of these new spices I got in?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing spent the next half hour happily selecting supplies and organising items while Sam continued to serve other customers.\u00a0 Soon he was satisfied that he had chosen everything he needed to and left the store, headed for the Chinese Quarter of town.\u00a0 It was an area that he knew well.\u00a0 When he\u2019d first arrived in Virginia City he had clung to it and the people that he felt comfortable with and even now many years later he seldom ventured outside of it when he was in town.\u00a0 Apart from the stores, Hop Sing actually knew very little of the town outside of the Chinese Quarter. He envied many of his friends here their families and often felt a pang of loneliness when he observed them, but he knew deep within him that such a life was not for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing would have welcomed a wife and family if it had ever happened, but something inside him knew that although the calendar told him that he had now been in America for many years he was still an alien in this adopted country of his and as such had never put down his roots completely.\u00a0 It was as if he had transplanted himself from one country to another and he knew that he would always feel not quite native to this country.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Still, he thought as he made his way to the home of one of his particular friends, others from his country seemed to have done it, so why did he continue to feel this way? Hop Sing didn\u2019t know that answer to that, he just knew that it was so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that afternoon as he made his way back towards the store again to meet Adam, he reflected on his life with the Cartwrights.\u00a0 He had met Mr Cartwright many years ago when Little Joe was just a tiny baby and he had stayed with them ever since.\u00a0 He\u2019d watched the boys grow into young men and felt such a pride in them for the people they\u2019d become.\u00a0 He liked to imagine at times that he was part of their family and that he could assume a certain amount of responsibility for raising them, but he knew that even though the Cartwrights were as close as he could possibly get to an American family accepting him, that it still wasn\u2019t the same. He would always be on the edge … always a transplant on The Ponderosa.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So engrossed was he in his thoughts, that he failed to see the large black boot before he actually tripped over it. He was hitting the sidewalk as the thought registered in his brain that something was wrong. He lifted his head and stared at the blood pooling on the wooden sidewalk as voices swirled around him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Hop Sing felt kindly arms raising him up even as someone answered with a snarl. He put his hand to his grazed face as he stared into the hostile eyes of a large red-faced man whose answer to the question was to spit at Hop Sing\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s your problem?\u201d snarled the man, staring at Hop Sing as he spoke even though he was answering Sam\u2019s question. \u201cHe\u2019s just a Chinaboy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you know who this is?\u201d asked Sam irritably. \u201cThis here is Hop Sing.\u00a0 He works for Ben Cartwright you fool.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The red-faced man hesitated for a moment and then shrugged his shoulders. \u201cSo?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo? So Ben Cartwright will have your hide if you hurt him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOr one of his sons will,\u201d said a firm voice behind them and Hop Sing and Sam both turned to see Adam standing there, his hands on his hips and his eyes blazing with an anger that reminded Hop Sing of his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The red-faced man raised his hands defensively. \u201cSorry mister,\u201d he said. \u201cNo offence intended.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam continued to stare at him. \u201cI\u2019m not the one you need to apologize to,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The red-faced man\u2019s eyes bulged. \u201cYou\u2019re not serious?\u201d he snarled. \u201cI ain\u2019t apologising to no Chinaboy!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his eyebrows and continued to stare at the man. Finally the other man lowered his gaze and turned on his heel as if to leave and Adam quickly grabbed him by the collar and flung him into the gutter. \u201cSorry,\u201d he said sarcastically. \u201cNo offence intended.\u201d\u00a0 He took Hop Sing by the arm and he and Sam walked into the store with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got something we can put on that graze,\u201d said Sam. \u201cI\u2019ll get it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat Hop Sing down on an upturned barrel and looked at him closely. \u201cYou OK Hop Sing?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and submitted himself to the men\u2019s ministrations silently. How could he tell them how he was feeling?\u00a0 How could he tell them what it was like to feel so powerless in the face of such hostility?\u00a0 How could he tell them that he had seen this sort of thing happen time and time again to so many of his friends?\u00a0 How could he make them understand that this was a part of being Chinese? There was no way that he could possibly begin to make them understand, so he simply hung his head and said nothing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked into the kitchen and put his hand on Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder, looking at him anxiously. \u201cAdam told me what happened this afternoon,\u201d he said. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said shortly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe man is a drifter in town,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAdam said that Roy Coffee told him to move on.\u00a0 Hopefully by now he already has\u201d\u2019 Hop Sing nodded again, but said nothing. \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re all right?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing forced a smile onto his face. \u201cHop Sing all right,\u201d he said. \u201cFace not hurt much.\u201d\u00a0 How could he tell the man that it wasn\u2019t his face that was hurting? There was no salve that he knew of that could possibly heal his heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d said Ben. He stood for moment staring at the cook as Hop Sing turned back towards the stove again. There was something about the way in which the man was holding himself \u2026. Something about his eyes \u2026. Ben couldn\u2019t put his finger on it, but Hop Sing seemed somehow \u2026 sad. \u201cYou know that he isn\u2019t typical of folks around here,\u201d he continued. \u201cPeople in town respect you Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing said the words that he knew Ben needed to hear, although they sounded so hollow to himself. \u2018Hop Sing know,\u201d he said. \u201cIs all right now Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled and patted Hop Sing on the shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d he said sincerely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing sighed as the other man left the room and glanced over at the plant which he\u2019d placed on the windowsill.\u00a0 It still looked sickly and its broad leaves drooped alarmingly. He tipped a few drops of water onto it and picked up a pale-red bloom that had dropped onto the sill. He remembered back to when he\u2019d been a small boy in China and he\u2019d gathered such flowers to take home.\u00a0 His aunt had loved this particular allium flower and any that he gathered from the slopes where it grew wildly near their house had been put into pots and displayed on the windowsill such as this one. That was the reason he\u2019d asked his cousins to send him some of the small white bulbs all the way from China \u2026 it reminded him of his homeland and the happy memories he\u2019d had of his childhood. Hop Sing stroked the allium plant again and sighed.\u00a0 It seemed as if the flower wasn\u2019t going to survive in this climate after all and the thought made him even sadder still.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAfternoon Hop Sing,\u201d said Hoss as he burst through the kitchen door, one eye on the cook and the other on the bench beside him where the day\u2019s baking was laid out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing raised his wooden spoon in a threatening manner. \u201cWhat you want in kitchen?\u201d he said. \u201cIs not supper time for long time yet!\u201d He waved the spoon around as if to press his point.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took a step backwards, his eyes fixated on the spoon and his hands behind his back. \u201cI ain\u2019t here ta ask bout supper,\u201d he said defensively. \u201cI just came ta deliver something for ya\u201d He drew a letter out of his vest pocket and held it out to the other man. \u201cI picked up the mail today and there was a letter come for ya.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing took the letter and turned it over a couple of times in his hand as he examined it closely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s come all the way from China,\u201d volunteered Hoss as he edged towards the bench slowly. \u201cAin\u2019t ya gonna open it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing rapped Hoss on the shoulder with his spoon. \u201cLeave food alone,\u201d he said warningly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAw, have a heart Hop Sing,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cJust a bite?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing picked up two cookies and handed them to him. \u201cLeave kitchen before get lump on head,\u201d he ordered, putting his letter in the pocket of his tunic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t ya gonna read your letter\u201d\u2019 asked Hoss as he reached out behind his back and grabbed three more cookies. \u201cIt\u2019s all the way from China ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing ignored the fact that Hoss was taking more cookies and tapped his wooden spoon on the young man\u2019s shoulder again. \u201cI read when I ready,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cLeave kitchen now or get lump on head from spoon!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss bid a hasty retreat, munching his cookies as he did so.\u00a0 Hop Sing hesitated for a moment and then laid down the spoon before sitting down on a stool and reaching into his pocket for the letter.\u00a0 He looked it over a couple more times before opening it carefully and beginning to read.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Hop Sing\u201d\u2019 said Adam, looking up from his book as the cook refreshed the coffee in his cup. Hop Sing nodded and walked over to do the same to Ben\u2019s cup before glancing at Hoss\u2019 cup.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNone for me thanks Hop Sing\u201d\u2019 said Hoss. \u201cHey!\u00a0 You put that back Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe reluctantly put the pawn back on the board. \u201cI was just looking at it,\u201d he said huffily. \u201cAnyone would think I was gonna cheat or something.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wonder why?\u201d muttered Adam in a low voice before turning another page of his book.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey Hop Sing,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAnything important in that letter ya got this afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss!\u201d said Ben angrily. \u201cHop Sing\u2019s mail is none of your business young man.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss immediately look aggrieved. \u201cBut \u2026 I was only asking,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was all the way from China.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d said Joe, his eyes lighting up. \u201cWow \u2026 was it from your family Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid neither of you listen to what I just said\u201d\u2019 asked Ben in a stern voice before turning towards the cook. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Hop Sing \u2026the boys don\u2019t mean to pry.\u00a0 They\u2019re just interested.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cI heat coffee again,\u201d he said and left the room abruptly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s strange,\u201d mused Adam thoughtfully. \u201cHe usually shares any news with us that he gets.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow many times do I have to remind you boys that Hop Sing has the right to his privacy?\u201d asked Ben sternly. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have to share any of his news if he doesn\u2019t want to\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cI just think that it\u2019s strange that he didn\u2019t this time that\u2019s all.\u201d\u00a0 He shrugged and looked back at his page.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cHop Sing always tells us bout his family when they write. Remember that time when he told us about his uncle and the war?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell this time he obviously doesn\u2019t want to tell us,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cSo don\u2019t ask him again you two.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing listened to the conversation between the Cartwrights from his position in the hallway before heading towards the kitchen. How he wished that it were that simple this time! He placed the coffee pot on the stove and sat down next to it, taking out the letter from his pocket and looking at it again. He sighed. If only the Cartwrights knew the news that he\u2019d received and how it could affect all their lives. If only they knew that the letter brought news of the death of the very uncle that Little Joe had just mentioned. If only \u2026\u00a0 His eyes drifted over to the wilting allium plant on the windowsill as his mind drifted back to the days when a young boy had gathered it on the hills outside his small town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cVery nice,\u2019 said the old man as he smiled and took the pale red blooms from Hop Sing. \u201cYour aunt will be pleased.\u00a0 She loves this flower.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cUncle?\u201d said the child.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYes my boy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhy are there so many people walking through our town?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThey are leaving the cities on the coast my nephew.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe British are burning their homes.\u00a0 They must find new ones.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned.\u00a0 Such words for a small boy such as himself were hard to understand and his uncle\u2019s words rattled around in his brain for several minutes before he grasped onto the one thing which to his child\u2019s mind was important. \u201cWill we have to find a new home too?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n His uncle Hop Ling gathered the small child to him and sat him on his lap. \u201cNo my nephew,\u201d he said soothingly. \u201cWe are safe here in the country.\u00a0 There is nothing here on our farm that anyone wants. Go and give the flowers to your aunt now.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n But his uncle had been wrong.\u00a0 By the time Hop Sing had become an adolescent danger had come again \u2026 but this time it wasn\u2019t from the British, but from their own people. With the fierce anti-Manchu sentiment that had arisen throughout the countryside bandits had roamed the land, attacking all within their path as they maintained their guerrilla warfare against the imperialist forces. The Ling family had suffered as many others had and to the young Hop Sing his uncle as head of their family had been a tower of strength and guidance in those troubled times. He had looked up to him and obeyed him as a dutiful nephew should \u2026 until \u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head as the coffee in the pot bubbled over and he reached out to take it off the stove. If only \u2026 he thought sadly. There were many unknowns in life.\u00a0 When he\u2019d left his country he didn\u2019t know if he\u2019d vowed to return one day when the trouble had passed and life was simple again, but it never happened. One conflict after another had wracked hi beloved country and he\u2019d watched and waited from afar in this new country which he\u2019d found. Now his beloved uncle was lost to him forever and he\u2019d never see again the venerable old man in this life.\u00a0 Hop Sing lowered his head and wept bitter tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere you been?\u201d shouted Hop Sing angrily as Joe drove the buckboard into the front yard of the ranch house and pulled the horses to a halt. \u201cI waiting for sugar!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not late,\u201d said Joe defensively as he hopped down. \u201cI\u2019ve been as quick as I can.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled the sack of sugar off the back of the buckboard. \u201cI\u2019ll take it in for ya Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing grabbed the sack from him. \u201cI take myself,\u201d he snapped. \u201cNo need help from you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled a face as the man disappeared into the kitchen with his sugar. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on out here?\u201d asked his father as he and Adam came out of the barn together. \u201cWhy is Hop Sing shouting at you Joseph?\u00a0 What have you done now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father an aggrieved look. \u201cNuthin,\u201d he said defensively. \u201cHonest Pa. Hop Sing\u2019s just in a bad mood all the time lately is all.\u201d\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulders. \u201cI dunno what\u2019s the matter with him, but he sure ain\u2019t pleasant to be around.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben indicated the barn with his thumb. \u201cGet the team unhitched,\u201d he instructed. \u201cAnd just keep out of his way then.\u201d Joe shook his head again as he walked the horses across the yard, muttering to himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s right for once Pa,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ve noticed it too.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t even react last night when Hoss told him how great supper was and he\u2019s been grumbling all morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve noticed it myself actually,\u201d said Ben thoughtfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think is wrong with him?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure son.\u00a0 I really don\u2019t like to pry, but I\u2019d like to see if we can help with whatever it is that\u2019s eating away at him,\u201d replied his father. \u201cI think I might have a talk with him. Help Joseph with the buckboard will you please?\u201d He walked over to the kitchen and entered it, noticing that Hop Sing didn\u2019t look up from his cooking when he opened the door. \u201cBusy?\u201d he asked tentatively.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing threw a cup of sugar into a bowl and began to stir its contents. \u201cHop Sing always busy!\u201d he said angrily. \u201cPlenty much to do all time!\u201d He pointed his wooden spoon at Ben. \u201cMaybe too busy … not appreciated by Cartwright family!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh Hop Sing, of course we appreciate you,\u201d said Ben, knowing that the cook\u2019s usual next statement would be that he was returning to Old China.\u00a0 To his surprise, however, Hop Sing clamped his jaw shut and said nothing else. Ben looked at the man closely as he continued to throw ingredients into the bowl. \u2018Is there something the matter?\u201d he said after a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing waved the wooden spoon around. \u201cI just say!\u201d he said angrily. \u201cToo much work!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben reached over and put his hand on the man\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI mean it,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that you\u2019re not yourself lately Hop Sing. In fact we\u2019ve all noticed it. Is there something I can do to help with whatever is troubling you?\u201d Hop Sing stopped and stared into the mixing bowl in front of him silently. \u201cI\u2019d like to help if you\u2019d let me,\u201d persisted Ben. \u201cI don\u2019t want to pry but if you \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked up at the man. \u201cI leave Ponderosa,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave the other man a shocked look. He\u2019d heard Hop Sing say those words so many times, but this time it was obvious to him that he really meant it. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing continued to look at him steadily. \u201cI must return China,\u201d he said seriously. \u201cI get letter.\u201d\u00a0 Ben waited, not wanting to interrupt something that was obviously so important to the man. \u201cMy uncle,\u201d continued Hop Sing. \u201cMy uncle Hop Ling is dead.\u201d\u00a0 He went back to mixing the ingredients in the bowl, his shoulders hunched.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry Hop Sing,\u201d he said. \u201cWere you close?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes. He raise me when my father die.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell then I\u2019m even sorrier,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cI know what it\u2019s like to lose someone \u2026\u201d his voice faltered. \u201c \u2026someone you really love,\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded in sympathy, remembering back to when Little Joe\u2019s mother had died and how affected his employer had been by her death at the time.\u00a0 The man had been through that three times and it was a great testimony to his character that he had come through it all and still managed to raise three wonderful sons. There was something about Ben Cartwright that reminded Hop Sing of his uncle \u2026. a certain strength of character \u2026. and suddenly the years melted away and he felt that he was once more talking to the man as he had so many times when he\u2019d been a boy and sought him out for advice. \u201cI have \u2026 not know word \u2026 I have \u2026\u201d\u00a0 Ben waited while the man tried to bring his thoughts out verbally. \u201cI need go and help family,\u201d Hop Sing finished, cursing himself for his lack of language to express himself clearly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou feel that you have an obligation to your family?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cThat the word,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cOb \u2026 obligation.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut \u2026\u201d Ben hesitated, not wanting to say the wrong thing. \u201cBut \u2026 I can understand you wanting to be with your family at a time like this \u2026 but \u2026 have you considered what you\u2019d be going back to?\u00a0 You know the problems that are happening in China now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded.\u00a0 News had filtered through to them via San Francisco of how the British had teamed up with the French this time in a struggle for the opium rights in his country. \u201cI know,\u201d he said. \u201cI still go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut \u2026 you left China because of the fighting there at the time,\u2019 continued Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s worse now that foreign powers are involved again. There\u2019s no telling what state your family\u2019s farm will be in now if you return.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing hung his head. \u201cFamily farm no more,\u201d he said simply. Taken over by state. Family work it for state now. My cousin tell in letter.\u201d He patted his pocket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d\u00a0 Ben was silent for a moment as he digested this news. \u201cWell then,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you\u2019re bound to go, I suppose I\u2019ll have to try and understand.\u00a0 How long will you be gone for?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked away from him. \u201cI not come back,\u201d he said. \u201cI go forever.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed. \u201cYou can\u2019t be serious!\u201d he said. \u201cI can understand you wanting to visit your family perhaps \u2026but \u2026 never to come back? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing drew a deep breath. \u201cI needed by family,\u201d he said. \u201cI have \u2026 obligation.\u00a0 Uncle dead \u2026 I head of family now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cI see,\u201d he said. \u201cYou have to return to take your place as head of your family, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stared at the wall. \u201cYes,\u201d he said dully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a long silence between the two men. \u201cOf course I understand,\u201d said Ben finally. \u201cYou must do what you think best Hop Sing. Only \u2026\u201d he bit his lip. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how much you\u2019ll be missed around here. If it wasn\u2019t for you I \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing put up his hand. \u201cEnough!\u201d he said firmly, not knowing if he could handle hearing what Ben was about to say. To hear such things spoken were more than he could handle at the moment and wanted to shut out the thoughts of what he was doing. \u201cI need help,\u201d he said finally. \u201cHow to \u2026 what is word \u2026 organise boat ticket?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll wire San Francisco for you and get it organised. If you need any money then \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u201cHave plenty,\u201d he interrupted. \u201cNever spend much wage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded, knowing full well that most of the man\u2019s wages were given to his family members in San Francisco anyway. \u201cOf course,\u201d he said. \u201cDo you want me to tell the boys \u2026 or will you do it yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou tell,\u201d said Hop Sing, going back to his stirring. \u201cIs better so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said.\u00a0 He got up and left the room abruptly, his own thoughts in turmoil as he thought about the implications of Hop Sing leaving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stared out of the window as he heard the door close behind Ben. For a long time he was still as he tried to come to terms with his decision.\u00a0 He had called The Ponderosa home for nearly twenty years and it was very difficult to imagine life anywhere else, but he knew that he was doing the right thing. He had been born in China and that was where he belonged, that was al there was to it. His eyes wandered down to the small plant that was on the windowsill \u2026 the plant wasn\u2019t surviving in this foreign land and he should never have tried to grow it here. Back in China he\u2019d be able to grow plenty allium plants again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou ain\u2019t serious!\u201d said Joe when his father told them about Hop Sing\u2019s decision that evening after supper. \u201cHe can\u2019t go back to China!\u00a0 Not Hop Sing!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put a hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder. \u201cJoseph, he\u2019s made up his mind,\u201d he said gently. \u201cWe have to support him in his decision.\u00a0 We can\u2019t make this any harder for him than it already is.\u201d Joe was silent as he gave his father a mournful look. \u201cBoys, I know this is hard for all of us,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cBut you must remember that it\u2019s hardest of all for Hop Sing. Try and \u2026\u201d\u00a0 Ben stopped as Hop Sing entered the room with a coffeepot. \u201cI\u2019ve just told the boys about your decision Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe understand,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cWe know that you\u2019re doing what\u2019s best for you Hop Sing.\u201d His eyes studied the man intently for a reaction, but saw none. \u201cWe\u2019ll miss you, but we do understand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you Mr Adam,\u201d said Hop Sing as he poured some coffee into his cup.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss swallowed. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said lamely. \u201cOnly \u2026\u201d His eyes met those of his father\u2019s and he shut his mouth again. Joe said nothing, but simply, put his elbows on his knees, rested his chin on his hands and stared into the fire morosely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go into town and send that wire for you tomorrow,\u201d said Ben, trying to sound matter-of-fact. \u201cWe should know in a couple of days when there is a ship sailing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you Mr Cartwright,\u201d said Hop Sing.\u00a0 He turned and left the room abruptly, leaving a room of shocked Cartwrights behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s gonna do the cooking and stuff now?\u201d asked Hoss in a miserable voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have to get someone else, I suppose,\u201d replied his father as he filled his pipe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing has lots of relatives in town,\u201d suggested Adam. \u201cMaybe one of them would be available?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot number three cousin Pa,\u201d said Joe instantly. \u201cHe yells all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cAnd that number eight cousin can\u2019t cook like Hop Sing.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed. \u201cNo one can,\u201d he added miserably. \u201cI reckon we ain\u2019t ever gonna get anyone to replace Hop Sing who\u2019s as good a cook as him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cProbably not,\u201d acknowledged Adam. \u201cOnly I happen to think that it might be nice if we show Hop Sing that we\u2019re going to miss him more than what he does for us in the time we have left together,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI agree,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cWe\u2019ll get a replacement cook and housekeeper somewhere boys, but we all know that no one can ever replace Hop Sing in our hearts.\u00a0 I think we should make sure that he understands that before he goes. He\u2019s given us years of service and we want to make sure that he knows how much he\u2019s appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the hallway leading to the kitchen, Hop Sing clung onto the coffeepot with one hand and steadied himself against the wall with the other as he listened, his heart heavy and his head bowed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing knocked on the door of the small house and waited while it was opened for him.\u00a0 He gave a small bow to the Chinese man and then smiled at him. \u201cGood morning my cousin,\u201d he said politely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The other man returned the bow and the smile. \u201cGood morning,\u201d he said. \u201cPlease come in. I was hoping that you might be in town today.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have news,\u201d said Hop Sing. \u201cI received news in a letter that our uncle Hop Ling has died.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI also have received this news,\u201d said his cousin sadly. \u201cSo you will now be returning to China?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Hop Sing, trying not to let his feelings show in his words. \u201cI will be returning to take our uncle\u2019s place as head of our family.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His cousin nodded. \u201cYou will be expected to by the family who are left there,\u201d he said. \u201cYou will also claim our uncle\u2019s house and money.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing started. \u201cI had not thought to,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI had not thought about it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His cousin stared at him. \u201cIt is yours by right,\u201d he said simply. He stared at his cousin for a while. \u201cYou do not wish to return,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted. \u201cMy life is \u2026\u201d he searched for the right words. \u201cI \u2026 am not sure where I belong now,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI thought that my life belonged in America \u2026 I\u2019m not sure \u2026. I have been transplanted to a new country, but I don\u2019t really belong here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou belong in China?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u201cNo longer,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I will still return.\u00a0 I have \u2026 ob \u2026 obligation there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His cousin nodded sympathetically. \u201cAt least you will have money there,\u201d he said. \u201cThat is something.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Hop Sing in a flat voice. \u201cThat is something.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c\u2026 so we should all be back again by tomorrow night,\u201d finished Adam. He gave Hop Sing an appraising stare. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked after a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cYes Mr Adam,\u201d he said in a flat voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re OK with what I said?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave the other man a puzzled look. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked vaguely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI said that I\u2019m taking the equipment up to Buckhorn Flats and I\u2019ll meet Pa and Hoss there late this afternoon,\u201d Adam repeated. \u201cWe should all be back by tomorrow night, so there\u2019ll only be Joe for supper tonight.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be back from town sometime this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cIs all right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the cook a sympathetic look. \u201cThis is hard for you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cOne for supper is easy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t meant that.\u00a0 I meant \u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Adam indicated the papers that were lying on the kitchen bench between them. \u201cAll of this \u2026 going back to China.\u00a0 The ticket for the ship makes it so final, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour father get it for me,\u201d said Hop Sing, looking at it sadly. \u201cI will sail next week.\u00a0 I travel to San Francisco on Thursday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes I know that. What I\u2019m trying to say is that I understand how hard this must be for you,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou must know that none of us are happy about it.\u00a0 I mean \u2026 we understand why you\u2019re going and we support your decision \u2026.\u00a0 But \u2026\u201d He gave the man a mournful look. \u201cWe all \u2026 well we appreciate all that you\u2019ve done for us over the years Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing turned away. \u201cHop Sing know this,\u201d he said. \u201cHop Sing like being here on Ponderosa too.\u00a0 Like being with Cartwright family.\u201d\u00a0 He stopped as he felt a lump come into his throat and he swallowed before turning away from Adam. \u201cIs very nice,\u201d he finished lamely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam patted him on the shoulder. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cFor us too. Well I\u2019ll be seeing you tomorrow Hop Sing.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let that younger brother of mine do anything stupid will you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stared in silence at the door as it closed behind Adam, wishing that he could find the words to tell him and his family what they meant to him. He jerked as he realised just what they did mean to him \u2026. For the first time ever he was faced with losing them and all he could think about was that his heart was crying out to stay. As e listened to the sound of the buckboard leaving the yard outside he wondered what this meant. Did he in fact belong here more than he realised? Were his roots deeply transplanted here after all?\u00a0 He glanced over at the allium plant on the windowsill, wondering why it was still holding on.\u00a0 Now that he was leaving he would have to throw it away, and yet it still hadn\u2019t quite died yet.\u00a0 Hop Sing frowned, wishing that it would hurry up so that he could dispose of it.\u00a0 Something inside him just couldn\u2019t do it until then. He hoped that it would die before Thursday. With a shrug of his shoulders he went back to cleaning the stove again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that he was leaving, it was easy to see the good in everything around him and even the chickens didn\u2019t look so bad this afternoon as Hop Sing passed their cage on the way to the barn to get some feed for them. He thought about how hard it was going to be to say goodbye to everything that he\u2019d considered a part of his world for so many years and the thought wasn\u2019t an easy one. Even though he didn\u2019t quite feel a part of this country he still found himself longing to stay in spite of his strong feeling of duty to his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he walked into the barn he wondered if perhaps it might be different if he had been allowed to become an American citizen?\u00a0 Perhaps the act of pledging his allegiance to this country might have made all the difference?\u00a0 Unfortunately now he\u2019d never though, as it wasn\u2019t possible for Chinese to become American citizens and what was the point of thinking about it anyway if he was leaving?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing started as he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye.\u00a0 He turned swiftly to see a man leading one of the horses out of the stall and he dropped his burlap bag in surprise. \u201cWhat you do here?\u201d he asked suspiciously. \u201cWhat you do with Cartwright horse?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man turned to face him and Hop Sing drew in a startled breath when he recognised him as the same man who had tripped him in town the other day. He took a step back, suddenly very wary \u2026. The look on the man\u2019s face doing nothing to still his fears. \u201cSo it\u2019s the Chinaboy again, is it?\u201d he spat. \u201cWell what do ya know?\u201d\u00a0 He gave a nasty chuckle and then stared at Hop Sing for a full minute in silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing took another step backwards. \u201cWhat you do with Cartwright horse?\u201d he repeated, trying not to let his anxiety show on his face or in his voice. \u201cYou put back in stall.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou telling me what to do Chinaboy?\u201d spat the man. \u201cI don\u2019t think so! This here horse has suddenly become my property \u2026. I\u2019m gonna show that uppity Cartwright fellar who tripped me up the other day a thing or two.\u201d\u00a0 He took out his gun and levelled it at Hop Sing. \u201cAin\u2019t you or no one gonna stop me either Chinaboy.\u201d Hop Sing stood still, hoping that the man would simply walk out of the barn and leave him in peace, but knowing in his heart that he was in serious danger. He stared at the gun in front of him as he listened to the frantic beating of his heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDrop that gun and let go of that horse,\u201d said a voice behind him and Hop Sing watched as the man snarled over his shoulder at whoever had come into the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow then friend,\u201d he said, pointing at Hop Sing. \u201cI just found this Chinaboy here stealing this here horse.\u00a0 Lucky for you that I stopped him in time eh?\u201d\u00a0 He grinned nastily at Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLiar!\u201d said the person behind him, whom Hop Sing now recognised to be Joe. \u201cI said to drop that gun mister!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d said the man easily.\u00a0 He made to drop the gun and then suddenly pulled the trigger and fired.\u00a0 Behind him, Hop Sing heard Joe slump to the ground and without thinking he turned and rushed towards him. \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he said anxiously, forgetting all about the man behind him. \u201cLittle Joe .. you all right?\u201d\u00a0 He put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and shook him gently, watching with horror as a crimson stain began to spread over the front of his shirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll teach the kid to interrupt me,\u201d said the man behind him. \u201cNow where was we Chinaboy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing grabbed hold of Joe\u2019s gun which was hanging limply from his hand and turned and fired it, hitting the man full in the chest.\u00a0 He gave Hop Sing a surprised look and opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes rolled back in his head before he could utter a word and he fell forward to the ground.\u00a0 He never moved again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing turned back to Little Joe again, his thoughts instantly blocking out the man and what he\u2019d done in his anxiety for the young man lying so still on the ground before him. His heart beat frantically as he tapped Joe\u2019s cheek, willing him to open his eyes. \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cOpen eyes and answer Hop Sing.\u201d\u00a0 He swallowed as the realisation hit him that the young man might be already gone and he gathered him into his arms. \u201cOpen eyes for Hop Sing,\u201d he pleaded, rocking the young man\u2019s body back and forth in his arms. \u201cDon\u2019t be dead Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open for a moment and he groaned slightly. \u201cI \u2026\u201d he murmured, but got no further as a wave of pain washed over him and he closed his eyes again with a groan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing patted the young man\u2019s face gently. \u201cHop Sing look after you Little Joe,\u201d he said gently. \u201cYou be all right. Hop Sing promise.\u201d\u00a0 He rocked the young man again, tears streaming down his face as he did so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later on, Hop Sing wondered how he ever got Joe upstairs unaided.\u00a0 The young man was only semi conscious and Hop Sing very slight, but slowly they inched their way towards the house and into the front bedroom where Hop Sing figured they were closer to the kitchen and the supplies that he would need to help Joe.\u00a0 As he laid him gently on the bed, Joe groaned aloud again and clutched at his stomach where the crimson stain was still spreading. \u201cHurts\u2026\u201d he murmured softly and then groaned again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing fix up,\u201d said the cook, sounding much more confident than he felt. \u201cI get hot water.\u201d\u00a0 There was no response from the young man on the bed as Hop Sing scurried into the kitchen and began to hastily gathered up towels from the cupboard and check ed the kettle on the stove. His mind raced quickly as he thought about the problems that he faced.\u00a0 It was obvious that the bullet that was lodged in Joe\u2019s stomach had to come out \u2026 and come out quickly.\u00a0 There could be no waiting for the doctor, even if there was someone to send \u2026 and Hop Sing couldn\u2019t leave Joe to go himself. There was only one option left to him if he was to save the young man\u2019s life and Hop Sing cringed at the thought of it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many times, he had stood by the bedside of an injured man as the doctor had removed bullets or worse.\u00a0 He had held instruments, helped staunch the blood and mop up afterwards.\u00a0 He had used his vast knowledge of herbs to stop bleeding and diminish pain.\u00a0 He had done all of this because he had the confidence in what the doctor was doing.\u00a0 But this time he was on his own.\u00a0 With trembling hands picked up the kettle of hot water and walked back into the guest room with it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was still lying in the same position on the bed, his hands clutching feebly at the bedspread. As Hop Sing entered the room and put down his towels and hot water, his eyes fluttered open and again and he gave the man a pleading look. \u201cDon\u2019t leave me,\u201d he whispered pleadingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing put a hand on the young man\u2019s forehead and gave him a gentle smile. \u201cHop Sing not leave,\u201d he said. \u201cStay right here with Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 He wet a towel, wiped the young man\u2019s forehead and then began to undo his shirt.\u00a0 He bit down on his lip as he opened the shirt, seeing for the first time the extent of the wound.\u00a0 There was so much blood that at first it was difficult to tell exactly how bad it was, but as he began to wipe the blood away he saw with a sinking heart that the bullet had entered the young man\u2019s torso at an angle and his skin was torn for several inches.<\/p>\n \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d asked Joe softly, his eyes still closed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked at the young man\u2019s face, noting how pale he\u2019d become even in this short time.\u00a0 Beads of perspiration on his forehead and the way in which the whites of his knuckles were showing were enough indication to Hop Sing that he was in a great deal of pain. As he took away the towel from Joe\u2019s torso, the blood immediately started to flow again and Hop Sing knew without a doubt that he had to act quickly. \u201cNot too bad,\u201d he lied. \u201cI go get things from kitchen and get bullet out now.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up to move away from the bed, but Joe clutched at him wildly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go!\u201d he said urgently. \u201cPlease stay \u2026 with me.\u00a0 I \u2026 can\u2019t \u2026\u201d\u00a0 His eyes fluttered closed again and Hop Sing gently prised his fingers from his sleeve, ignoring the panic that he heard in Joe\u2019s voice.\u00a0 There was no time for him to think beyond the immediate need of cutting out the bullet.\u00a0 He escaped to the kitchen and began to gather the implements that he would need, listening all the while to Joe\u2019s soft groaning from the next room. By the time he came back again, Joe\u2019s eyes were again open and he was staring at the cook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t we wait \u2026 for the \u2026 doctor?\u201d he asked groggily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head firmly as he organised his implements. \u201cMust take bullet out now,\u201d he said firmly. He patted Joe on the head. \u201cWill be all right,\u201d he said, wishing that someone were there to say the same thing to him.\u00a0 He bent down and looked intently into Joe\u2019s face. \u201cNeed both hands to remove bullet,\u201d he said. \u201cYou must keep still by self.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed and then nodded, holding onto the sides of the bed with all the feeble strength that he could muster.\u00a0 Hop Sing closed his eyes momentarily and then opened them again.\u00a0 With one hand he steadily wiped away the blood that was constantly forming around the wound and with the other he began to cut away the surrounding flesh.\u00a0 Joe whimpered several times as he worked and by the time Hop Sing had exposed the bullet and reached for the forceps to pull it out the young man was openly groaning.\u00a0 Hop Sing resolutely ignored the sounds coming from his patient and continued to work, focussing on little else but the bloody wound in front of him. By the time he had finished and dropped the bullet into the pan of water beside him, Joe had mercifully lost consciousness and was still.\u00a0 Hop Sing gently laid his hand on the young man\u2019s curly hair for a moment and then began to press down heavily on the wound with a fresh towel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease let bleeding stop,\u201d he said aloud to no one. \u201cPlease let stop.\u201d\u00a0 He knew that removing the bullet was only the first step and that if he couldn\u2019t staunch the wound then Joe would ultimately bleed to death.\u00a0 He pressed down heavily on the towel as he stared down at the young man\u2019s face before him.\u00a0 His heart constricted and his tears began to fall on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n For what seemed like the hundredth time that night, Hop Sing wiped Joe\u2019s face with the wet towel and then lifted the cloth with which he had covered the wound.\u00a0 It was still bleeding slightly in spite of the parsley juice that he had rubbed on it to hasten the clotting of the blood.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s face was even paler and seemed to have no blood in it at all, and he muttered softly to himself as he tossed his head back and forth on the pillow. \u201cPa,\u201d he murmured. \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Papa come soon,\u201d said Hop Sing gently, although he knew that Ben and his other sons were hours away from coming home. Mr Adam had said the next evening and it was still many hours until dawn now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open again and he stared up at Hop Sing. \u201cI feel \u2026 so \u2026 tired,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou lost lot of blood,\u201d said Hop Sing. \u201cYou drink this.\u201d\u00a0 He lifted Joe\u2019s head and watched with satisfaction as the young man drank from the cup he held to his mouth. \u201cYou feel better soon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe continued to stare at Hop Sing. \u201cWhen will \u2026 Pa be \u2026 home?\u201d he asked in a weak voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSoon,\u201d lied Hop Sing. \u201cHe come soon.\u201d\u00a0 He lifted the cloth again and tried not to frown and the red stain that was still slowly spreading on it.\u00a0 If the bleeding didn\u2019t stop soon, then Joe wouldn\u2019t even last the night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI want \u2026 to see \u2026 him,\u201d whispered Joe. \u201cBefore \u2026\u201d\u00a0 His voice trailed away, and he was unable to continue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBefore nothing,\u201d said Hop Sing in a stern voice. \u201cYou see Papa when he get here.\u00a0 You sleep now.\u201d\u00a0 His heart constricted again as he watched the young man\u2019s eyes flutter closed again. As he gazed at him, Hop Sing\u2019s mind began to wander and he thought back to all the times Joe had come to him as a child.\u00a0 He could still see the little boy\u2019s face gazing up at him trustingly as he waited for Hop Sing to fix whatever his problem was \u2026 whether one of his little boy hurts or the answer to the question that needed to be addressed immediately in his small mind.\u00a0 Joe had always depended on him and Hop Sing had always been there for him \u2026 it made his heart bleed to think that this time he mightn\u2019t be able to fix things.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When his mother had died Hop Sing had taken this boy to his heart and Joe in his trusting way had responded with as much love as he could muster. Hop Sing jerked as he suddenly realised that it wasn\u2019t just affection that bound him to this young man \u2026 and indeed this whole family \u2026 it was love.\u00a0 It was clear to him as he gazed down as the unconscious young man in front of him that he loved Joe and his brothers deeply.\u00a0 Perhaps he didn\u2019t quite belong in this country that he\u2019d adopted, but he certainly belonged in this family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing squared his shoulders and leant forward to wipe Joe\u2019s forehead again as the young man once more whimpered for his father. \u201cYour papa not here yet,\u201d he said softly. \u201cBut not to worry \u2026 your Hop Sing is here \u2026 your Hop Sing look after you.\u201d\u00a0 He hesitated before adding. \u201cYour Hop Sing love you Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe murmured again and opened his eyes. He gazed up at the man sitting beside the bed and reached out to grasp hold of his hand. \u201cDon\u2019t leave me Hop Sing,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cI\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled at him gently. \u201cHop Sing not leave you,\u201d he said soothingly. \u201cHop Sing always be here to look after you.\u201d Joe smiled back at him and gave a small sigh as he settled down in the bed and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoc Martin says that if you hadn\u2019t taken the bullet out when you did and apply those remedies of yours to the wound that Joseph wouldn\u2019t have made it through the night,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHow can I ever thank you Hop Sing?\u00a0 You saved the boy\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe be all right now?\u201d asked Hop Sing anxiously. \u201cDoc Martin say so?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said, his relief evident in his voice. \u201cIt\u2019ll take a while until he gets his strength back, but he\u2019ll be fine in time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cNo thanks necessary Mr Cartwright.\u201d He my boy too<\/em>, he added in his heart. No thanks necessary for saving something you love.<\/em>\u00a0 He smiled at Ben. \u201cI get supper ready,\u201d he said. \u201cBoys be hungry when get back from town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes I suppose they will,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThey\u2019ve taken the body to the funeral parlour for burial \u2026 but you must be tired Hop Sing.\u00a0 Sit down for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing not tired,\u201d said the man, although he felt a weariness take hold of him and his body begged for sleep. \u201cI get supper.\u201d\u00a0 He started towards the kitchen and then turned to face Ben again. \u201cThank you for getting ticket for ship,\u201d he said, but Hop Sing not need now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot need it?\u00a0 Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot going back China,\u201d explained the cook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s face became wreathed in a huge smile. \u201cBut your family \u2026\u201d he said. \u201cWhat about your family?\u00a0 Don\u2019t they need you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shrugged. \u201cMy family here,\u201d he said simply. \u201cMy family in America need me more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They stared at each other for a moment. \u201cBut what about the tradition \u2026\u201d asked Ben. \u201cYou\u2019re the head of your family back in China aren\u2019t you?\u00a0 You said that you need to go back and take your uncle\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cBut sometimes traditions must be broken.\u00a0 Hop Sing have very large family.\u00a0 Will find someone else to be head of family.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked over and put a hand on the other man\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWell if you\u2019re sure,\u201d he said. \u201cI must say that the boys will be mighty pleased to hear it.\u00a0 I\u2019m mighty glad to hear it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stood for a moment looking at Ben, their eyes meeting in mutual understanding. \u201cI get supper,\u201d he said finally. \u201cMust look after boys when get back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs always,\u201d murmured Ben as the cook left the room and then turned and headed back to the guest room again where Joe was still sleeping in a drug-induced state.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ##########<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought you understood that you weren\u2019t to come any further than the front porch Joseph?\u201d said Ben angrily. \u201cGet back there please!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave his father a frustrated look. \u201cBut Pa I\u2019m fine,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cI\u2019m so sick of not being able to do anything.\u00a0 Can\u2019t I at least stay out here in the yard for a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoctor\u2019s orders,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cEither get back on that porch or get inside young man.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed towards the house and Joe pouted before stomping off towards the kitchen muttering to himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat you do in kitchen?\u201d said Hop Sing as Joe slammed the door behind him. \u201cNo slam door!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d said Joe, sitting down on a stool and watching Hop Sing work. \u201cI just got nothing to do and Pa won\u2019t let me even go into the front yard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stifled a grin at the expression on the young man\u2019s face. \u201cI talk to father for you if like,\u201d he said. \u201cGot plenty of chores you can do in yard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face lit up. \u201cYeah?\u2019 he said. \u201cWell I reckon even chores would be fine after two weeks of not being allowed out.\u00a0 Can you talk to him for me Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill talk,\u201d said Hop Sing with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cLittle Joe collect many eggs if father say all right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Eggs?\u201d sad Joe, his expression changed to a wary one. \u201cWell on second thoughts, maybe it\u2019d be better if I didn\u2019t do too much at first.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head firmly. \u201cExercise be good for you,\u201d he said. \u201cWill talk to father.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swallowed. \u201cDon\u2019t bother,\u201d he said. \u201cReally Hop Sing \u2026 it\u2019s OK.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up. \u201cI\u2019ll think I\u2019ll go and take it easy for a while. What are we having for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRoast chicken,\u201d said Hop Sing.\u00a0 He smiled at the dead chicken on the bench in front of him as he picked up a cleaver and brought it down on the bird\u2019s neck, severing it in one blow. \u201cThis chicken peck Hop Sing for last time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe chuckled and left the room. As Hop Sing continued to work, his eyes drifted over to the windowsill where a small leafy plant was thriving in a pot in the sunshine.\u00a0 All it had needed was time,<\/em> he thought to himself. That\u2019s all any of us need really.\u00a0 <\/em>He smiled as he thought of the many pale-red blooms that would soon be flourishing on the plant \u2026 forever a reminder of the land in which he had grown up and of the uncle that he had loved so dearly. In time he would tell his new family of their significance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: Hop Sing struggles to find his place at The Ponderosa.The End<\/span><\/h1>\n
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 11,125 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1010,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hop-sing","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1010-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63034","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=63034"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63034\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=63034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=63034"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=63034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}