In this chapter, the protagonist is introduced to a new character, Chief chu, who is the military envoy to the Songhu People's Congress. He is also introduced to the protagonist's family, which consists of his mother, father, brother, and sister. He explains that his family is very close to the people of Hangzhou, and he is afraid that the provincial governor will not be able to help him return to his home town. He also explains that the French, who are one of the country's allies, have protested against the Chinese government's decision to allow the French to stay in the country. The French have been angered by the decision, and have threatened to withdraw their support from the government. The protagonist is relieved to learn that the governor has been demoted from the position of commander in chief to the rank of jiangsu, or military envoy. He then asks the protagonist if he would like to join the military council, which is a political body that advises the government on military matters. The chief says that he does not want to leave Hangzhou because the fabric factory is holding him back.