WAN ZHU

Wan Zhu fled China’s Cultural Revolution, knowing there would be no place for an intelligent, educated woman in the new People’s Republic. Like many others, she sought refuge in Hong Kong, and eventually became curator of Wanchai’s Museum of Chinese Historical Relics. Wan Zhu made the acquaintance of a silver-haired English gentleman who visited the museum each evening shortly before it closed. He explained that he was a collector and student of Chinese culture. Wan Zhu found his knowledge and insight impressive for a Westerner. She also found his attention and interest in her opinion both flattering and attractive. Against her better judgement, she spent more time with her newfound friend, even after the museum closed for the night. It was a special part of an otherwise lonely life. One night, Wan Zhu’s gentleman friend asked to see her after-hours, claiming he possessed a new acquisition, a rare jade artifact he wanted her to authenticate before donating it to the museum. Excited by the prospect of such a find, Wan Zhu gave no thought to being in danger. When he arrived, her friend Oliver Thrace r evealed his true nature and Embraced Wan Zhu. He had been studying her for some time, and she was just what he needed: an intelligent and capable Chinese woman to act as his agent. Thrace blood-bound Wan Zhu despite his clan’s prohibitions to ensure her loyalty. The following nights began Wan Zhu’s education in obedience and humiliation under Oliver Thrace’s tutelage. Although she felt betrayed and used by Thrace, the blood bond overwhelmed her hatred; she couldn’ t help but accommodate his bidding. She learned of the conflict between the foreign Kindred and the Cathayans. Thrace taught her enough to “pass” as Kuei-jin for a short time, allowing her to spy and gather information on the mysterious Wan Kuei. He also taught Wan Zhu the arts of Thaumaturgy. She proved a promising student, so much so Thrace was careful not to teach her too much. Wan Zhu hated her sire, but had little choice but to act as his agent in Hong Kong, learning all that she could about the Kuei-jin and their activities. She was actually a very effective actress and discovered abilities she never knew she possessed. Were it not for her enforced servitude, she might have come to enjoy her new existence. Freedom and revenge were ever Wan Zhu’s companions, though. Zhu convinced herself she needed to go behind Thrace’ s back and study his occult tomes and grimoires. She told herself that knowing more would make her more useful to him, but deep down Wan Zhu knew she wanted more power, enough power to break his hold over her soul. Thrace vanished one night when the war for Hong Kong shifted in the Kuei-jin’s favor. Wan Zhu didn’ t question her good fortune. Instead, she took what grimoires and tomes she could and used resources she knew Thrace kept hidden, arranging her own escape to San Francisco. There she disappeared into Chinatown. With nothing more than patience, willpower and enforced separation from her sire, she overcame Thrace’s blood bond. Finally, she had her freedom. Unfortunately, the conflict in Hong Kong quickly followed Wan Zhu to San Francisco. When the Kuei-jin invaded the city, Wan Zhu was trapped. She knew she would not survive alone if either faction decided she was a threat; she also detested the Tremere and by extension, all Kin-jin. Instead, she offered her aid to the New Promise Mandarinate, which was wise enough to realize CHAPTER FIVE: HONORED SHEN 89 her true value. They accepted Wan Zhu despite the concerns of some traditionalists. She has since given the Mandarinate valuable insights, and her mystic skills prove quite useful. One of her most important contributions has been in partially circumventing the Tremere wards. Jiejie Li hasn’t told Wan Zhu that Oliver Thrace betrayed the Kindred and is under her protection. Regardless, Wan Zhu isn’t stupid. She knows about Obliterate the Battlements because the Cloud Mandarins wanted to know if she could cast it (she cannot). Wan Zhu now wonders who possesses the acumen and ability to cast a Tremere spell of that power, but Jiejie Li suspiciously circumvents her questions. Wan Zhu believes Thrace may be behind the ritual, but she has no idea how close her sire and former master is to her, or that he looks forward to binding her to his service again quite soon — a fate she would consider worse than damnation itself.