I fixed the empress with a hard stare. “I plotted nothing; it was you all along. But no matter the hatred and wrongs between us, you are Liwei’s mother. That means something to me, even if it’s nothing to you.”

As some of the color returned to the empress’s face, Liwei’s gaze searched me. “What do you mean, Xingyin?”

“Just that we should stop turning on each other, for it only aids our enemy.” I looked away from him, so he would not discern the lie.

Wenzhi glared at the empress. “While this has been undoubtedly fascinating, we still need the key to enter the grove. Will you give it to us?” His voice hardened as though expecting objection or trickery.

The empress spun to Liwei. “I will give you the key, my son. All I want is a small favor in return.”

“You would bargain with me?” he bit out.

“Only because you will not see sense.” Her tone was almost cajoling. “Come with me to the Phoenix Kingdom to meet Queen Fengjin. You cannot enter the Fragrant Mulberry Grove.”

“I must, Mother,” he said. “I cannot let—”

“You will not go,” the empress repeated vehemently. “I would rather destroy the key than leave you at Xihe’s mercy. Xihe hates me. Vengeance runs thick in her blood. She will spend her rage upon you, my son, in repayment for what she believes are my offenses. In her mind, I failed to protect her children. She blames me for their deaths.”

“I am not afraid of her,” Liwei said. “If you won’t give us the key, we will find our own way in.”

“You would not survive three steps into the grove without it,” the empress warned. “Only those who possess the key may enter. Only one of you.”

“We need the key,” Wenzhi said to Liwei, his arms folded across his chest. “Will you do as she asks, or should we take it from your mother?”

When Liwei did not reply, the empress added shrewdly, “You promised to protect me. Wugang’s soldiers caught me at the border to the Phoenix Kingdom the last time. They will be keeping a close eye there, and it is safer if you accompany me.”

Liwei’s jaw tightened as he nodded. “I will return here after we’ve spoken to Queen Fengjin, no later.” He extended his palm to his mother. “Where is the key?”

She looked at Wenzhi and me. “Which of you will enter?”

“Why does it matter?” I countered.

An impatient sigh slid from her mouth. “I must relinquish the key to the one who will enter. No other.”

“I will go,” Wenzhi said at once.

“No,” I told him. “It should be me.”

“Why?” he challenged calmly, his gaze boring into mine. “That would be an unnecessary risk. Lady Xihe bears me no ill will; she has no reason to harm me. I have the best chance of persuading her.”