Before the court session begins, Minister Yang delivers a soliloquy. He tells the court that he is nearing the end of his term as minister, and that the court is not paying attention to him. He says that his vision is blurring, and he is afraid that he cannot continue to serve the court. The king promises to do everything in his power to help the minister. He asks Yang how much he spent on renovations to his garden, and Yang tells him that he can give him more evidence of his crimes if he will read the incriminating letter.