Summary

In Chapter 11, Violet learns that Perpetual’s family of scholars is also a ruse. A tailor discovers the more difficult portions of the Five Classics copied on the sleeves of a ceremonial robe worn by each generation of that family’s scholars. Perpetual’s father is beheaded per imperial edict. The family’s scared possessions are set on fire in front of him. At home, villagers set their house on fire, steal furniture and break what they didn’t take. Perpetual claims that he will rebuild the family name.

Violet realizes like his father, Perpetual has told lies to cover the first ones. She vows to leave but can find no way to do so. She has tried to find where Perpetual has hidden her jewelry but cannot convince him to show her where it is. In a dream a concubine who...