Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

Once in Yibin, De-hong's husband is appointed leader and returns to a form of his former name, Chang Shou-yu. He and De-hong live together in a mansion confiscated by the Communists and De-hong is happy. He is the epitome of the Chinese dream—leaving home penniless and broken and "returning home robed in embroidered silk". De-hong's new job is with the Public Affairs Department and their chief job is to feed the people.

Fang-Yu, despite her bound feet and difficulty walking, makes the long trek from Jinzhou to Yibin to see De-hong. She goes alone, but with a document saying she's the mother of a revolutionary. The trip is difficult and takes more than two months. De-hong is happy to see her mother but Chang Shou-yu is not, knowing he's "no match for the bonds between mother and daughter". Fang-Yu...