This scene opens with a soliloquy by a han, who blames the queen for leaving year one class. He tells her that she is the soul of the class, and that she should stop blaming him for her absence. He explains that he did not expect that the arrogant miss Dong Fang would have so important a place in everyones heart. He says that he will explain to the queen how to take over her position in the class. The queen tries to defend herself, saying that she did not mean to hurt momo or ling. She says that she was not angry with her, but that her actions and words caused a wedge between her and momo, and destroyed her position. She tells the han that her lousy acting skills are easily exposed, and she admits that she wants to be a better queen. She slaps momo for hitting her, and says that if her behavior makes her so angry, she should slap her for real. The han tells her to stay away from ling if she is sensible or else, he will make sure she pays for it. He threatens to