This chapter opens in the east warmth chamber of the palace, where Cai Zhen is waiting for his wife to return from the morning meeting. Cai Zhen asks his wife if there is anything he can do for her, and she replies that there is. He tells her that she should keep her distance from other men, since she is entering the palace. He asks her if she is injured, and when she says that she is not, he says that it is his duty to protect the people in danger, so he will take his leave now if he has nothing else to do. He then asks Cai Zhen if he is talking about Cai Zhen's love, and Cai Zhen says that he is not talking about him, but about other men. He says that Cai Zhen should keep his distance from Cai Zhen since she has entered the palace and that he will leave if there are no other men to talk to. He goes on to say that he has just seen the gate of space and time open for the first time, and he wonders if Cai Zhen will be able to return