The next morning, Cai tells the others that he will go with xia to start her lessons the next day. He tells them to buy a donkey and tie it in the backyard so that it will be easier to travel with her. He also tells them that they can live on their own and that they don't have to rely on their families. Everyone is quiet as they learn that they will be assigned to different classes for the upcoming year. Cai tells them not to slack off after they have signed the contract and paid the tuition, and that anyone who does not work hard enough will leave immediately. Cai hopes that he and the others will be given the chance to be trained by Tan Siniang.