In this chapter, we learn that a'cheng's father is still alive and well, and that he's a reliable man. He's also a gambler, a playboy, and a lover of young milla-tang'er. Milla-Tang'er tells his brother that he can like him, but he has to give him money every day to survive. He says he'll protect him, though, and promises to do so in the future. This is the map of the village, which marks all of the secret rooms. After the passageway is complete, the chief kills all the workers, so no one knows about it. In addition, he also marks the secret passageway that the chief built for his escape. The prefect has sent people to the village several times, but they always fail to capture the chief. A'cheng promises to help him complete the map.