Not once did Lan Wangji believe that tale of the Garden of Eden, for more than one reason. All the cruelty of its featured deity aside, he could lend no credence to assuming everything was created with its purpose bent toward serving mankind, constructed out of selfish arrogance. This explanation finds more purchase. The universe wants to sustain itself, in its infinite simplicity and complexity; the growth of the ten thousand things prevents their dying out.

"Humans do not differ so much, even across oceans," he says, watching with satisfaction as Claudius enjoys himself in his new clothing. "Every fruit and every scrap of clothing flows from the same source." And, at last, now that Claudius is dressed: "Are you ready?"