A Song to Drown Rivers

Xishi feels herself changing as her training takes effect, and she tries not to get used to the calm routine, knowing what will come. Fanli advises her to remain aloof with King Fuchai, suggesting that the king will desire what he can’t have. She thinks of her own desire for Fanli and tries to hide it from Zhengdan. One night, she notices his door open a crack and spies while he rubs ointment onto his back, which is covered in scars from whipping. He senses her presence and calls for her to come in. She excuses herself for spying, claiming that she was coming to visit because she was curious about the inscription on his sword, which says, “The mind destroys; the heart devours” (70). He explains that in his opinion the heart is fickle and the mind more dependable.

Her final test is at a teahouse, where she must distract an unwilling man long enough for his tea to go cold. Fanli picks a rich man who already has a lover, judging from the gift he is wearing. Xishi fumbles at first, irritating the man until she realizes she needs to appeal to his ego.