Secret Maid Summary

Back on Path, Qing-jao is completing her righteous labor. In the midst of her work, a peasant girl approaches Gloriously Bright and boldly strikes up a conversation with her. Qing-jao converses with her long enough to determine that the girl is quite bright and asks whether she too is godspoken. The girl, whose real name is Wang-mu and whose ancient namesake is "The Royal Mother of the West," laughs bitterly and explains that she is poor and has only ever been given a rudimentary education. She says that she envies Qing-jao her privilege as godspoken and also her education. Qing-jao tries to explain that she would gladly give up her status if she could also give up her responsibilities. Through dialogue, each girl comes to see the world a little better from the other's point of view. Qing-jao figures out Wang-mu...