The thunder begins to thunder, which is a sign of China's decline. The thunder is a warning to the emperor that he must not leave the praying terrace before the other men have arrived. He tells his wife that he has consulted with the astronomer, who tells him that the day is rare, and that he should go to pray. He has a daughter, who is the third emperor's daughter, and he wants to give her to the gods, but the senior censor tells him not to do so.