A Song to Drown Rivers

After three days of seeing no one, Xishi realizes Wu Zixu, King Fuchai’s advisor, has manipulated circumstances so they will be forgotten. Xishi understands that she needs to draw the king’s attention. She reopens her healing wound with Fanli’s sword while Zhengdan calls for help. The king himself comes with his personal physician. Xishi subtly directs his attention to the neglect of their rooms by saying she was injured by a shattering vase they were trying to dust. He is furious enough that Xishi intervenes on behalf of the maids, arguing that they may have misunderstood direction and should not be blamed. Her seeming concern for others impresses him, and he cancels a court session to stay alone longer with her. She asks to call him by his name, and he enjoys the familiarity. That evening, Xishi and Zhengdan move to new quarters near the king’s. Despite this, Xishi still has trouble finding and seeing him, as every move she makes is blocked by Wu Zixu diverting his attention. King Fuchai’s birthday, however, is approaching, and Xishi plans to impress him at his party.