Kao Chiu continues to corrupt the boy Emperor, ensuring that he is surrounded only with the weak and self-indulgent. The emperor is, however, becoming more independent, and soon falls for the affections of a courtesan called Li Chih. Kao is pleased with the diversion, but, fearing the Emperor may grow tired of, the concubine, he plans to bring Feng Hsien, the daughter of one of China's wealthiest nobles, to the city as a candidate for marriage. Unfortunately, her journey will take her close to the water margins of Liang Shan Po. Lu Ta and Shih Chin travel to the capital, hoping to persuade Li Chih to tell the Emperor of the evil of Kao.