In this chapter, we meet the maid of the Ming family, who has just returned from a visit with her elder sister. We learn that the Mings have forbidden servants to enter the palace without permission, but the maid is dressed in fine clothing. The maid asks about the whereabouts of the king, and the king has not yet left. She also asks about her special instructions, which she said before they entered the city, and she says that she will make arrangements for the next day.