[1] After having confronted his old friend Han Zicai, Mengmei learned that a man by the name of Secretary Miao, Imperial Commissioner for the Examination of Gems, was sympathetic in nature and a recipient of high rank, thus making him a more suitable patron than his initial caretaker Guo.
As this request had been granted and the two individuals respectively greeted one another, Mengmei began examining the pearls and jewels beneath Miao's jurisdiction with heightened interest; and intent on further investigating the sourcing of this treasury, he was driven to ask what great distances had been traveled to gather such material.
Approaching a frozen stream accompanied by a broken bridge, Mengmei had little other choice than to cling himself upon a willow tree in prospect of using it as a means of crossing; but when he had initially lost his balance and fell while amidst this attempt, he was forced to humiliatingly plea for help, upon which was answered by Chen Zuilang, who happened to be present nearby.
As Mengmei began to elaborate the dilemmic circumstances that had been encountered upon being supported by his benefactor and exchanging a traditional code of thanks, he was instructed to head to a certain Apricot Shrine in which rest could be received before continuing any further form of travel—a suggestion that was taken initiative of.
Successful in this inquiry and having received the necessary instructions for reaching his intended destination, Mengmei enjoyed what variable lengths of scenery stood before him, and upon further introspection, he had taken the initiative to open a small rosewood box that sat among a pile of boulders.