Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

In the summer of 1977, it is announced that there would be entrance exams for the universities. Yue Daiyun hopes that her children will have a chance to attend the university and can overcome the political past of their parents. Both Tang Dan and Tang Shuang score high enough to qualify for the key point universities. Yue Daiyun tries to secure assurances that Lao Tang's situation will not be held against them. Neither Tang Dan nor Tang Shuang are accepted for university study.

Lao Tang is released near the end of 1977. The group is eventually cleared of the charges of being part of any conspiracy. However, Lao Tang's name is on a list of six Laing Xaio members who are being held responsible for the group's actions. At this time, Tang Shuang applies for the army but is not accepted. Yue Daiyun...