Letter of Vituperation Summary

The people of China are rebuilding and regaining their health. Lily's eldest son is now twelve and while she was gone, studied hard and learned that all people are educated the same in the realm to maintain a singular vision. Lily feels he will eventually sit for his exams.

The two laotongs now visit one another often, since Lily's husband trusts the butcher, and the butcher likes the gifts Lily brings. Lily's husband tells her they are not alike, that she is strong and Snow Flower only puts on a brave face. Snow flower is underfed, and her husband continues to beat her. Lily wants her to leave him and come to her home, but desertion makes it acceptable for him to kill her. Lily continually asks Snow Flower why Snow Flower can not fix her problems by following...