Ming tells the emperor that the rebels have ambushed him and that he should return immediately to the capital to find out what has happened. Ming says that he has arranged the trip back to the palace so that he can hide from public view. Ming tells him that the centipede has been interrogating him, and that another man has joined the rebel army. Ming asks the emperor to help him lead the army against the northerners, and Ming says he will do so after they have settled the west tribe.