Summary

Some months later, Madame Wu and the rest of the household are surprised to learn that Fengmo is returning home much sooner than expected. As preparations for his welcome are made, Madame Wu goes to see Madame Kang to talk about Linyi who, Madame Wu believes, must move back to the Wu compound to be with Fengmo. Madame Wu finds Madame Kang fat and happy, surrounded by all her children and still loved by her husband, but not too concerned about Fengmo and Linyi, agreeing easily to what Madame Wu wants. Madame Wu leaves, convinced that the distance between her and her former friend is now too great for their friendship to resume. When she discusses with Linyi how things are to proceed, their talk turns to Andre, with Linyi saying that she did not like his teaching and Madame Wu seeing, in spite...