There is much to learn - or shall I say re-learn about me. Many books have been written, and several motion pictures produced, but none of them are especially flattering to me or my beloved China. Not the China of today, please understand. I speak of my China - perhaps I shall discourse on the difference between the two in my blog at some future date. But I digress.
Motion pictures and "literature" have painted an unworthy picture of me, twisting facts whenever possible. It is true, my methods are at times extreme, but that is the nature of the world in which we live. But to understand this, you must understand what I mean when I speak of "my China".
There are those, also, who contend that I and my actions are defamatory to the Asian race and culture. I can only answer that these assertions are based almost entirely on the image presented in novels and films. In fact, I am an intelligent man - modesty prohibits my use of the term "genius" - who holds very deep beliefs and is willing to work toward the accomplishment of the goals inspired by those beliefs. Inspector Charles Chan, of Hawaii, is similar in nature and personality, yet he is respected. Even so, I must point out that, if one closely inspects the volumes composed by the late Arthur Sarsfield Ward (the actual name of he who wrote as "Sax Rohmer"), reading between the lines, a great respect for myself and China may be discovered. The thoughts and dialogue assigned to many of the characters, however, does reflect the feeling of the times, and does no credit to my nemeses, Sir Denis Nayland Smith being chief among them.
But I will not justify myself. Instead, I shall reveal a few facts, that we may know each other better:
I am rather tall, in excess of six feet. I keep my hair cropped short. I have green eyes. I enjoy opium as a small vice, but it does not govern me. I am unmarried at this time, and do not seek a companion. I have a daughter, Fah Lo Suee, who though dear to me is not to be trusted. I hold doctorates in Divinity, Law and Medicine, none of which are honorary. I am somewhat older than the age listed above; I owe my youthful vigor to a herbal distillation of a species of the mimosa. It is my own concoction, and I share it only with my closest and most trusted servants. I have a per marmoset, for whom I bear an unaccountable fondness. I am a man of my word - but if you break your word to me... There is a saying, in Burma: "Keep your word, though it break your neck." I am a past president of the Si Fan, and currently have the honor to function in that group's upper echelon.
I think that addresses all the essentials for which the public is ready. If you have questions, I welcome them. However, I reserve the privilege of not answering them.
