Mingyu proves a warm, duly grateful guest at Mistress Tamaiu's generosity, paying her and her establishment compliments in kind. He offers pointers to the courtesan in training, plays a heartfelt, yearning song on his erhu, and genuinely has a pleasant time with their generous host. Then, once they are free of all other company and Mingyu is preparing to depart again, he stops to catch Tamaiu's hands to draw her in, whispering in her ear.

'Who is the man we trust, Mistress? Where was he these six years gone?'

He begs her wisdom in these tumultuous times. A house of pleasure such as this is the very pulse of this land, after all.