Back at the palace, the old master welcomes the young master back. He tells him that he has spoiled the young man's wife too much, and that the man should be ashamed of his behavior. The old master asks if the man sent by the government to check on the people is really the one who is trying to protect his wife. The young master says that he was just admiring the courage of the man to stand up for his wife when he heard that he had committed a crime against the capital. He says that killing people for power is a natural principle, and he warns the old man not to make the first move too quickly. He asks if he thinks the man is trustworthy enough to lead the people. He then asks if there is still a place for them all in the coastal region. When the deputy of the salt shipping in Haining came to see him, he told him that it was his old friend from Jimingyi who was coming to see them. The master is delighted to learn that he owes him a favor. The servants are all under the control of the eunuch, and the master says it is not proper for him to deal with any official matters. The guards at Dragon Mountain said that they receive less than half their salary, and many soldiers have had to leave because of their families. The other soldiers have also been cheated. The tax supervisor, who is also known as li daxiang, has a reputation of being a swindler, and his transportation is hindered.