Pages 196-226 Summary

The brothers catch up with one another at the beginning of Part Three. Chen tells Hong how he was sometimes beaten by his pirate captors, but that the worst part of his captivity was that they gave him nothing to read.

General Ma is disappointed with Hong that he does not choose to stay with the army and become a soldier. He has observed him and feels he could be a natural warrior. Hong apologizes, but tells General Ma he must help his brother get to Beijing. Ma invites him to return to the military afterward and Hong says he will consider it.

The brothers decide to go to Suzhao to deliver the letter to Meng and then on to Beijing. In Suzhao, Chen finds Mang easily, as most people in the town seem to know him. He delivers the letter...