The next morning, Mingwu arrives at the palace. He is greeted warmly by his mother, who tells him that he has changed the story about the incident with the monk. Mingwu tells his mother that he had lied to her because he was worried about the damage that the earthquake would do to the temple. He thanks her for saving his daughter and asks her to help him rebuild the temple, which has been destroyed by the earthquake. The mother tells Mingwu that she wishes she could help him, but that she cannot. She tells him about the upcoming wedding, which will take place in the garden of the palace, and Mingwu says that the girls will perform one-by-one, and the boys will take a walk. He tells the girl that she must try her best to find a husband today, as she has been told about her engagement.