Second half of a story of a fabulously wealthy young merchant and his 'family' in a household of wives, concubines, employees, servants/slaves who live in a mansion with gates, gardens, etc. in China. Owner of a 'pharmacy' who also deals in cloth and influence peddling, he also appears to be something of a sex addict. Original portions of this novel were expurgated or translated into Latin, not English. This version reinstates original accounts of activities that make this an adults only story.
Vol. 2 continues to detail the rise and fall of the main character and the members of his household. I really liked that the fates of all the main characters are provided; you aren't left wondering what happened to so-and-so. I enjoyed this epic, and sorta miss the characters now that I've finished both volumes.

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