Yuk-lun traps Ting-feng with a view to delay his rescue of Lady Tien.
Fortunately, Lady Tien is saved by Chung-huan on her way to be
executed.
On arriving at Liaotung, Chung-huan discovers that Wang Ta-chi has
launched an attack on Kamchiaocheng which results in severe military
loss on his side. He still refuses to surrender, to maintain the
reputation of the Ming Dynasty.
Hua-hsiang tricks Chung-cheng by making him into believing that Tsui
Yan-yuan is able to enter into the dreamlands of all his ministers.
He consequently of accuses the trustworthy ministers of treason,
thus getting rid of them one by one.
The 'Snake' Killer, Immanuel, directs a poisonous snake to attack
Ting-feng and Lady Tien. Feng is bitten and Immanuel uses it to
threaten Lady Tien.
In response to the ministers' reports', of natural disasters and
request of financial aid, Chung-cheng forbids all ministers to
report them with the threat of execution.