This chapter's opening scene takes place in the middle of a battle between the Ming army and the People's Republic of China. The Ming army is led by Cai Ming-liang, who has just returned from a trip to the Great Wall of China with his son. The two men are engaged in a battle of wits as they fight for control of the Ming camp. Cai and his son argue about whether or not they should fight, and Cai tells his son not to worry, because he's strong enough to take on any opponent. He also tells Cai that he'll take care of the rest of the party.