![]() ![]() The administration was managed by eunuchs, one of whom was ‘a gorgeous rascal’, and graft was rife. Chinese businessmen gave up the comforts of the north for the profits of the south, their revenues raising the governor to such high estate that he carried six yak tails and possessed majesty and dignity worthy of the son of Heaven. China imported gum resins, sandalwood, aloeswood, camphor, patchouli, cloves, frankincense and myrrh. They brought fragrant tropical woods and much-coveted medicines to swap for bolts of silk, crates of chinaware and slaves. One account spoke of its port jammed with the argosies of Brahmans, Persians and Malays to a number beyond reckoning, laden with aromatics, drugs and precious items. ![]() Marvellous sights awaited its visitors and its streets bustled with strangers speaking strange tongues. Ninth-century Guangzhou throbbed with commerce. ![]()
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