Chung-huan rushes back to the capital only to find that Chung-cheng's

urgent call was over Lady Tien's elopement. He flares up and refuses

to murder Ting-feng for him. Yan Ge-ge's declaration of love for Chung-huan is overheard by Tsao

Ta-shu. She turns her anger into flattering Wang Ta-chi.In view of Chung-huan's deserted state; Hua-hsiang persuades him to

organize a 'Brave Team', in order to infiltrate his power. A province governor, Tsui Pik-lun, facing the seriousness of the

bandit problem and his old age; requests Chung-cheng for transferrable.

In order to show his power, Chung-cheng orders his execution in the

name of failing duty, which angers the other ministers:..Hua-hsiang's man, Pak Yuk-lun, is finally able to bring Lady Tien ---

back to the capital. Unable to win her back, Chung-cheng orders

her execution. The Queen's attempt to halt this ends in rebuff.