Daughter of the Moon Goddess

In this section, The Influence of Romantic Love appears with the true introduction of Xingyin’s second love interest. Xingyin’s growing relationship with Wenzhi, though currently platonic, introduces the potential for Xingyin to move past her heartbreak over Liwei. However, this is complicated by Liwei’s continued jealousy and concern for her well-being. Although he is honest about his lingering feelings for Xingyin, they are essentially useless, as a relationship with him is currently impossible unless she deigns to be his concubine or have an affair with him (she does not). Still, Xingyin also retains feelings for him. Though she joined the army partially as an attempt to distance herself from him, she is upset at his visit, indicating that she has so far failed to rid herself of her feelings. At the same time, she is still naive about the jealousy that Liwei and Wenzhi exhibit. She notes Wenzhi’s and Liwei’s cold behavior toward each other (198), but doesn’t consider the implications, even when Shuxiao prods her about the rumors about her and Wenzhi (203).

Meanwhile, the theme of Honesty is hinted at through Wenzhi. He ventures into the mountain before the battle (176-77), and Xingyin notices his black eyes at the end of Part 2, Chapter 15. Although Xingyin doesn’t think too much of these things when they occur, these instances will be important later in the novel when Wenzhi’s treachery comes to light. What Xingyin does find fault with in this section is the fact that Wenzhi withholds information from her during the battle briefing and judges her readiness without out consulting her first. She tells him directly, “Next time, I prefer to decide my readiness on my own” (176). Xingyin prefers to be privy to all relevant information, even if this flaunts typical army regulations (176). Though his reticence could be dishonest, in truth, Wenzhi’s skepticism has legitimate merit. He is the more experienced soldier and captain of his troops; she is a green recruit. While she is a key component in the Xiangliu mission, her lack of actual battle experience affects her psyche—she feels unprepared going into the battle, and her impulsive, fearful actions result in extra battle casualties (183).

Finally, although family is not as much of a central theme in this section, it remains a constant undercurrent. The moon continues to symbolize family and comfort during Xingyin’s emotional turmoil, and she often looks at the moon or sits on the rooftop beneath it. She works to fulfill her Familial Duty in these chapters, focused on acquiring the talisman for her mother. Liwei is also reminded of his duty when Xingyin asks about his wedding, which forces him to admit that he is still putting duty over love. Finally, Xingyin recalls Chang’e’s romance with Houyi, the father she never met. They still remain Xingyin’s only role models for her own love affairs. However, Xingyin refuses to pine like her mother does, preferring to live her life through action rather than wistful longing and ignoring her own lingering feelings.