Synopsis

The chapter opens with a demonstration of a 'scale' to measure the weight of iron plates, which is then tied to a vision or dream related to the Blue Insect God, suggesting they might be key to helping him. Hegemonia, having lost, departs to the west, leaving space for other forces. A new merchant, arriving from the west with high quality silk, challenges the established high prices and trade practices by accepting lower payment in iron plates, sparking controversy.