“Ping’er was silent for a moment. ‘Some scars are carved into our bones—a part of who we are, shaping what we become.’”

Ping’er speaks directly of Chang’e’s sacrifice when she ascended to the moon: a life with Houyi for a life with Xingyin. This quote is applicable to many characters in the story, as trauma and intergenerational conflict shape the way people grow up. Notable affected characters include Xingyin, who lost her home and must keep her heritage a secret; Liwei, who disagrees with his parents’ method of ruling; Wenzhi, who grew ambitious, ruthless, and twisted due to his familial relationships; and the dragons, who are so pacifistic that to become violent would be fatal.

“‘This belonged to your father.’ Her eyes were as dark as a moonless night. ‘Don’t tell anyone who you are. But never forget either.’”

While Xingyin never meets her father, she still values her heritage. She takes Chang’e’s words seriously, reflecting her sense of Familial Duty. She keeps her identity a secret to protect both Chang’e and herself, and freeing her mother is consistently her highest priority. Houyi’s pendant protects Xingyin from the Celestial Emperor’s wrath, reflecting the lengths Xingyin’s family will go to save her, as well.

“Everyone has their own troubles; some lay them bare while others hide them better. For myself, I do what I can to stretch the boundaries which chafe, even if it’s just a little each time. Who knows when the slightest shift might make a difference?”

Liwei has an astute perception of people, and society in general. As a result, he resists social mores to become his own person. This quote reflects one of the key differences between him and Xingyin: He tells her everything, because he can afford to do so; she, meanwhile, keeps her family and feelings for him a secret, even to herself.