Summary

Jianzhu waits beside Hei-Ran’s bed in the infirmary; she is alive but comatose. The reader learns that Jianzhu was responsible for the poisoning, drinking some of it himself to remove suspicion. He was also the one who kidnapped Rangi and cut off her topknot. Meanwhile Kyoshi, Lao Ge, and Kirima bury Lek and discuss what to do. Kyoshi tells them that they must part ways, and she heads to Qinchao Village. Kyoshi walks into the main building in Qinchao, a tavern, and waits there for Jianzhu.

Jianzhu arrives, explaining to Kyoshi that the shirshus had been assigned to track Rangi, and Jianzhu took her hostage, knowing that Kyoshi would never willingly go back to him without his having some leverage over her. He also tells Kyoshi that if she does not come back with him, he will collapse the building and...