(Trembling) The friars... Padre Sibyla threatened me. He said if I deal with you, he will excommunicate me.
The central character of this chapter is , a wealthy Chinese merchant hoping to become the Spanish Consul for China in Manila. He hosts Simoun in his warehouse, which is filled with porcelain, silks, and trinkets. However, under the guise of buying goods, Simoun hides a secret agenda. El Filibusterismo Script Kabanata 17
(Smiling coldly) Let them hear. Let them hear the sound of porcelain... or lead. (He taps the jar again). How many of these can you ship to San Diego next week? (Trembling) The friars
Then you will be the most famous Chinese consul hanging in the park. But do not fear, Quiroga. I will pay you triple. Triple the gold. (He pulls out a pouch, letting coins clink). All I need is for you to look the other way. Tell the inspectors these are wedding jars. The central character of this chapter is ,
The Shadow of the Fair Scene: Quiroga’s warehouse. Boxes and large clay jars (Banga) are stacked high. Distant carnival music and shouts of fairgoers are heard off-stage.
Simoun pressures Quiroga to allow him to smuggle a large number of firearms and ammunition into the province, disguised within ceramic jars and hollow furniture. Quiroga is terrified; he is a businessman playing a delicate political game with the Spanish friars (specifically Padre Sibyla and Padre Camorra). He needs their permission to get his consulship, but Simoun threatens to withdraw his financial support for that same consulship.
