This chapter opens with a conversation between the two young men from the sword mansion. They are discussing the fact that a man who has been chosen as a member of the royal family can marry in the flower-rain tower. The two men wonder aloud whether the young man is arrogant enough to flirt with Miss Chu while they are all gathered in the rain tower. They decide to practice their sword skills. The young men are joined by the patriarchs of the other seven imperial families. The patriarchs discuss whether or not they should keep a large table at the banquet. The men decide that the table should be kept because it serves as a symbol of the seven families.