In this scene, Cai Ming tells the audience that the deposed prince is the illegitimate son of a woman named pei and a man named Fang yizhi. Cai Ming is worried about his mother, who has always been wicked and has deceived the king into thinking that she is gentle and virtuous. He tells Cai Ming that if he succeeds in the throne, he will be able to maintain order and peace in the country. He says that he wants Cai Ming to choose Cai Ming as his heir, and that he will do everything he can to help the crown prince. The king refuses to listen to Cai Ming's pleas, saying that he does not have the authority to make such a decision. He also says that Cai Ming will be disgraced if he spreads the rumor that his mother had an affair with Cai Ming and made Cai Ming an illegitimate son. He adds that if the rumor spreads to other countries, then the country will be scandalized. The assembly is adjourned, but Cai Ming still wants to see the king. He wants to strangle ling, but the king will not kill him.