Xingyin moves into the Jade Palace and learns her new duties. In addition to studying with Liwei and acting as his companion, she must also serve him as a maid. Contrary to expectations, Xingyin doesn’t mind; this way she can earn her keep rather than merely receiving charity.

On her first day, Xingyin befriends one of the kitchen maids, Minyi, who knows all the palace gossip. When Xingyin serves Liwei as a maid, he insists on dropping formalities in favor of friendship; she agrees. Her first day of classes introduces her to subjects like history, astronomy, herbology (in which she learns that star-lilies paired with wine can induce sleep (74)), and warfare. This last is taught by General Jianyun; his subject and teaching style pique Xingyin’s interest. During lunch, Liwei teases her about her interest in warfare, then requests that she play her flute for him. She agrees, in exchange for attending the afternoon martial arts training.

During training, Xingyin observes various types of martial arts but is drawn most to archery. Liwei teaches her how to shoot and suggests a wager: After three months of archery training, he and Xingyin will compete.