Pages 21-41 Summary

As this portion of the book opens, Chen is returning to his home village after visiting a scholar in a nearby town who had sent for him. He rides on a cart, his mind so deep in thought about books and poetry that he barely sees the features of the village as he passes them by.

Chen reaches his home, where his older sister, Bao, has prepared a meal for him. Although she is married and has a family herself, she has taken on the role of caring for their father and her brothers after their mother's death. Bao is angry at Hong for refusing to give any of his winnings to their father and pleads with Chen to convince him. Hong is reluctant, but finally agrees he will give a small amount.

The next day, Hong and Chen announce to...