Summary

Madame Wu hurries to Madame Kang’s bedside and sees that she is having great difficulty giving birth to the new baby. She immediately takes charge, reassuring Madame Kang and insisting, in a sharp break from usual tradition, that Mr. Kang come into the birthing room. Mr. Kang is terrified, but does as she asks. Under Madame Wu’s ministrations, and with Mr. Kang assuring her of his love, Madame Kang eventually gives birth: the child is dead, but knowing that the Kangs have revealed the depth of their love to each other, Madame Wu assures them that the death of the child is but a small sacrifice to pay.

After returning home, Madame Wu reflects on what has happened, and how it manifests the insights and transformations she has experienced since the death of Brother Andre – specifically, his teachings about love, compassion, and...