The chapter opens with a soliloquy by the young master, in which he laments the injustice that has befallen his family. He laments that his family has been wronged by the imperial court, but he is sure that they are not ignorant people who cling to vengeance. He tells his father that if he were to flee, no one would trust his leadership. The young master tells him that the twenty-four counties of Hebei should stand together and fight against the lushan army. The army is two hundred thousand strong, and the royal guards would be unable to stop them. He warns his father not to strike at the enemy with an egg, as it would only invite disaster. He also tells him to look at their weapons, which are rotting. He wonders where they will go next to seek refuge.