This chapter opens with a conversation between the firstborn daughter of the general and her younger sister. The younger sister tells her that her mother has made her a special dress for her to wear to the palace banquet. The older sister tells the younger sister that the dress is made of silver and gold threads, which are used in the embroidery on the dress, and that neither of the sisters is supposed to wear it. The elder sister then explains that the material given to her by the old lady was not appropriate for her, but that she will let her have it if she likes it. She tells her sister that she has called her to ask her to accompany her to the banquet, and she tells her to follow her grandmother's instructions. She then tells the older sister that zhener wants to know what is the matter, and asks her to tell him the secret of the embroidery. She says that she already took away the embroidery when she was away, and the embroiderer will soon be able to tell her the secret.