The chapter opens with a description of the new title of earl ofchengwu, which is bestowed upon the leader of the troops stationed in the western part of the capital. The new title also means that the emperor has granted him a new mansion in a wealthy village. After the visitors have left, Yang Ling goes for a walk in the house, appreciating everything. He tells his wife that the rest of the family has been exiled as slaves, and that his only daughter, Gao Wenxin, has been sent to work in the music office. He asks his wife to help her, but she refuses, saying that Gao is a "well educated lady" and that it is not hard for her to get out of the prison. He also tells her that gao was sentenced to death by the new emperor for his part in the murder of his father. He is worried that if he does not help Gao, he will be in danger serving the emperor. He sends someone to prepare Gao for serving the guests tonight.