In this short scene, the Governess tells the family that her son is on his way back to the Ming family house. The Governess tries to persuade the family to let him stay with her, but they refuse. She tells them that the Mings are still "wanted" by the authorities, and that they should not worry about him. She also tells the children that she is going to prepare for their funeral. The children are terrified of their father's presence, and the father tries to calm them down. He tells them not to worry, because he is still a bachelor, and they should call him brother. He also tells them about the rumors that have spread about his son's freedom. He says that he can enter the Ming council very soon, and then the authorities will change the law "bit by bit" . He hopes that his son will be free, but he will not let the family live in fear.