**02 September 1995**
**Nanjing**
Xia Wei Ting sat in a car provided by the Chinese embassy, carrying the ashes of his father.
"Mr. Xia, your mother was an exceptional hero," the driver commented. "She was among the leading spies who successfully gathered critical Japanese intelligence during World War II. Yet, she faced tremendous hardships."
"Thank you for your kind words about my mother," Wei Ting replied.
The vehicle came to a stop at the Nanking War Memorial Cemetery, where several embassy officials guided him to Yan Ting's grave.
Upon arrival, Wei Ting was taken aback to see that the tombstone had been modified and re-engraved to read: "Grave of Madame Xia Yan Ting and General Takeshita Kenniji."
"Madame?! What an absurd title! How can the government refer to a man as Madame?!" Wei Ting exclaimed, his voice low yet filled with indignation.
"We apologize, Mr. Xia. In those times, it was unheard of for men to bear children. Madame Xia had two children, which is why we cannot address him as Sir. We recognize his considerable sacrifices for our nation," an embassy officer explained gently.
"You are right, Mr. Ho. My mother was even more beautiful than many men. Had she not met my father, her life might have been less tragic," Wei Ting said, a trace of sorrow in his voice.
Later that evening, at a book café, a banner proclaimed, "Xia Wei Ting Autograph Session for the Novel 'My Mother Was a Top Spy.'" A long line of admirers held copies of the book, eagerly awaiting their turn. A reporter sat beside Wei Ting during the event.
A fan approached him. "Could you sign my diary, please? I don't want to damage my book's cover. Your dad-mummy looks stunning in the opera costume," the fan requested.
"Dad-mummy?! What does that mean?!" Wei Ting asked, intrigued.
"It's a term for a dad who can give birth. I'm not sure if it's fiction or a true story, but the narrative is both tragic and beautiful. This book will sell like hotcakes! How old is Mr. Xia now?" the fan inquired.
"I am 59. I'm also a Daddy-Mummy, with twins who are now 30, each with their own families—one in Osaka and the other in Nanjing. My husband is Japanese," Wei Ting answered.
"Such beauty! It makes sense why Mr. Xia has such a fair complexion," the fan remarked, smiling as they left.
Following the autograph session, Wei Ting participated in an interview with the reporter.
"Hello, Mr. Xia. Thank you for coming to Nanjing to share your bestselling novel, 'My Mother Was a Top Spy.' We've heard it recounts the true story of a leading spy during World War II. Is that accurate?" the reporter asked.
"Yes, my mother, Xia Yan Ting, was indeed a celebrated opera singer and courtesan in the 1930s in Nanjing, Hua Ting," Wei Ting explained.
"Pardon? He… he is your mother?! But he was a woman! Why do you refer to him as 'he,' and how can he be your mother?" the reporter questioned, clearly astonished.
"In those days, few understood intersex identities, and same-gender relationships were not accepted. Xia Yan Ting had a male upper body and a female lower body. As children, he and my father, General Kenniji, were playmates from the age of five. Unfortunately, after a few years, his mother passed away, and his father brought him back to China," Wei Ting clarified.
"Fascinating. Is all of this included in your novel?" the reporter asked.
"Yes. The film adaptation of the novel premieres tomorrow night at the Nanjing cinema, located in the same building as Hua Ting. Here are tickets for you," Wei Ting offered.
"Thank you, Mr. Xia. See you tomorrow," the reporter replied.
The interview wrapped up at 6:30 PM, and Wei Ting took a taxi back to the memorial cemetery.
As he stood outside the memorial hall, a security guard approached. "Hello, Mr. Xia. Here to visit your parents again? There's a man at your mother's grave," the guard informed him.
"A man? Who is he?" Wei Ting asked.
"He claims to be Madame Xia's elder son," the guard responded.
Wei Ting's heart raced as he walked toward the grave.
"Who are you?! Did you mix that bastard's ashes with my mother's?!" Wei Guang shouted angrily.
"I am his first son, Xia Wei Ting," Wei Ting replied firmly.
"Do you know how your father betrayed our mother?! He told the Japanese soldiers he was a spy! Do you have any idea how much she suffered after marrying him? When your father abandoned her, she had to sell herself to the Japanese as a male prostitute. Thankfully, my father, Li Boqiang, rescued her," Wei Guang shot back, filled with rage.
With tears streaming down his face, Wei Ting left the cemetery, haunted by memories of what Yan Ting had shared with him on her deathbed.
**20 December 1948**
**Nanjing General Hospital**
General Kenniji and 13-year-old Wei Ting rushed to Nanjing to see Yan Ting one last time.
In Yan Ting's hospital room, she weakly asked, "Ken… Kenniji, do you still remember me? How is our son, Wei Ting?"
"I brought him here. Wei Ting, you should talk to your mother," Kenniji replied before stepping outside.
"Wei… Wei Ting, does your father still hold resentment towards me? I cannot blame him. My only fault lies with myself. Whatever I did, I have repaid him. (She coughed violently) Wei Ting, keep your distance when I cough. Your mother has tuberculosis. Promise me something. Please ensure my ashes are placed with your father's when he passes. I know he is waiting for me," Yan Ting said weakly.
"Mum, I promise. I know Dad never blamed you. He loved you deeply," Wei Ting responded, tears welling in his eyes.
Yan Ting gently wiped the tears from Wei Ting's face.
"Mum… Mummy knows. Because Mummy loves him for…" she began, her voice trailing off as she succumbed to her final breath.
**-End of Chapter-**