Dik's sister Wei Nuang, voluntarily divorced by her seriously ill husband, operated a wine shop for a living. Pan Hsiung, a rich family-in-the-Capital, who has been covetous of Dik's monopolized business, colludes with Secretary Han Kun to profiteer by secretly transporting government salt to Hsi Liao. When Dik comes to office, he tries to frame Dik, but Yang's remonstrance with the liege prevents him from conviction.

Pan Hsiung spreads rumors of salt shortage so as to raise prices. In a countermeasure, Dik pleads with Emp. Jen-tsung to allow free trade in salt and announces news to this effect, winning Yang Tao's approbation.

When transporting government salt out of the go down, Dik discovers some bags contain sand only. A thorough investigation shows Pan Hsiu has tampered with them to destroy evidence of their smuggling. Dik then lays the case before the monarch.… ...