FUNG questions TSEUK’s role in the assassination. TSEUK admits to his defection to a more capable man. PO reports CHING’s murder to the emperor with TSEUK testifying against FUNG as the assassin. FUNG wonders why LUI struggles to live on borrowed time. LUI tells him that as far as he is concerned, the MANG LUI persona and the feuds between SHING and the TONG clan are history. FUNG goes to KWONG’s camp and lobbies for his rescue of CHING, now held under custody at the Eastern Depot, and his escort for CHING’s safe return to the capital. KWONG distrusts his one-sided testimony. SHING enters the room of the sickly CHING and offers to see him off. KWONG hurries to the Grand Mentor’s residence where he is told the news of CHING’s death. TING is infuriated by LUI’s bestowing a money pouch on WAI. She decides that WAI’s longevity is due. LUI kowtows to the YEE’s grave and prays that WAI will wake up from her coma……