The dream traders - E. V Thompson

Depicting the greed, misery, and ruthlessness of the Chinese opium trade, this exciting novel illustrates how this industry has involved Britain in one of the most shameful wars of all time, just as it reached out from Hong Kong to threaten the very throne of China's all-powerful emperor. Young Cornishman Luke Trewarne is in the Far East to make his fortune, but his plans are threatened by his ideals combined with a growing love for China, its people, and a beautiful Chinese boat-girl. Challenged by the brutal intrigues of those with the most to gain from the squalor and degradation of the opium trade, Trewarne finds an ally in the Tartar hero of China's "Bannermen" army. Together, they meet with both triumph and disaster.