Lian was silent for a moment, acknowledging the truth of this. “Meirong wasn’t a danger to you. She was just idealistic.”

“I don’t know who could’ve given her name to the Juntong. It wasn’t me,” he said. “There were a lot of people in Changsha, a lot of mixing around with other universities, with strangers.”

“But can you help get her out? Intervene? Please.”

He shook his head. It was as she expected. He couldn’t go against the Juntong’s decision.

“I won’t spy for you anymore,” she said.

“You’re upset,” he said, turning back to the window. “Why don’t you take some time to think things over? Let’s talk another day. I know you want to visit your friend at the camp. I’ll see what I can do.”

Lian left Lee’s office, shaking at the unfairness of it all, at her utter helplessness. The clear skies above, the glorious moon and starlight, they all mocked her. They traveled their arcs each night, untroubled by the woes of mere mortals. All she’d gotten from Mr. Lee were vague words about visiting Meirong.

From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw movement in the shadows outside Lee’s office. But she turned her head away in case it was Lee coming out to speak with her again.

Chapter 25

Shortly after sunset, mists rose from the riverbank and clung to the hills above Shangtan. A noise like sails snapping their sheets in a strong wind made some of the townspeople latch their window shutters, wondering if a storm was on its way. Above the cliff walls behind the barracks, a waning crescent moon shone on leathery creatures climbing out of hollows in the rock. They clung to the cliff face for a few moments before taking flight. The giant bats circled overhead before turning north, wingspans as wide as those of an albatross.

Other sounds reverberated in the forested hills surrounding Shangtan. Gnarled mountain pines groaned as though bracing for an earthquake. Sailors would’ve likened the noise to the creaking of masts in a strong wind as tree spirits tore their way out of ancient trunks that had been their homes for centuries. Covered in moss, with resinous pine needles stuck to their scraggly hair, they dragged large veined feet through the forest floor and turned north. Now bereft of their spirits, the trees shuddered then settled into silence. They were unchanged, as tall and thriving as before, but the small creatures living beneath their roots suddenly felt more vulnerable. Rabbits and bamboo rats immediately began tunneling deeper burrows.

THE STAR BROUGHT a kettle of hot water to Professor Kang’s office. The professor took out two small cups and put a frugal pinch of tea leaves into a teapot. They waited as the fragrance of fine longjing tea intensified.