# The Out-Passing Into a State of Assured Felicity of the Much-Enduring Two with Whom These Printed Leaves Have Chiefly Been Concerned explained — Kai Lung’s Golden Hours > Chapter companion for Kai Lung’s Golden Hours by Ernest Bramah. ## What happens Kai Lung and Hwa-mei rest under an ancient arch during their journey. At Hwa-mei's request, Kai Lung tells the story of Ten-teh, a cormorant fisherman whose loyalty to the deposed imperial line is tested during the usurpation of Fuh-chi. The story follows Ten-teh's misfortunes, his encounter with a mysterious figure named Hoang, and his subsequent loss of livelihood due to a corrupt mandarin. The chapter concludes with Kai Lung and Hwa-mei arriving at a humble hut where an aged patriarch welcomes them, and Hwa-mei prepares their evening rice. ## Themes in this chapter ### Loyalty and Betrayal Ten-teh's unwavering loyalty to the deposed imperial line contrasts with the betrayal and corruption of officials like the mandarin who oppresses him. ### Justice and Injustice The chapter explores the failure of justice under a corrupt regime, as Ten-teh's plea for redress is met with resignation and the headman's cynical advice. ### Survival and Resilience Ten-teh endures repeated misfortunes—failed harvests, loss of his raft and cormorants—yet continues to seek justice and maintain his integrity. ### Fate and Destiny Kai Lung and Hwa-mei's journey culminates in their arrival at the patriarch's hut, suggesting a destined resolution; the story of Ten-teh also involves fateful encounters. ## Character check-ins ### Kai Lung Narrates the story of Ten-teh to Hwa-mei under the ancient arch; arrives with Hwa-mei at the patriarch's hut. ### Hwa-mei Rests with Kai Lung under the arch and requests a story; later enters the patriarch's hut to prepare rice. ### Ten-teh Protagonist of the embedded story; a cormorant fisherman who remains loyal to the deposed Emperor Tung Kwei and his son Kwo Kam. ### Hoang Mysterious figure who appears to Ten-teh in a storm, revealing himself as a messenger of Kwo Kam and entrusting Ten-teh with a secret mission. ### Kwo Kam Rightful heir to the throne, son of Emperor Tung Kwei; leads the Army of the Avenging Pure and is later crowned emperor. ### Fuh-chi Usurper who seized the throne after Tung Kwei's death; oppresses the land and sets a reward for the capture of Kwo Kam. ### Tung Kwei Deposed emperor whose reign ended in treachery; his memory is honored by loyalists. ## Key lines > Let us remain another space of time... will you not, out of an emotion of gratitude, relate a story for my ear alone, weaving into it the substance of this ancient arch whose shade proves our rest? Hwa-mei asks Kai Lung to stay longer and tell a story inspired by the arch under which they rest. _Hwa-mei's request prompts Kai Lung to narrate the tale of Ten-teh._ > Your wish is the crown of my attainment, unearthly one Kai Lung agrees to tell the story, honoring Hwa-mei's wish. _Kai Lung's deferential response to Hwa-mei._ > Devotion to the Emperor⁠— The story begins with a theme of loyalty to the emperor. _Opening of the embedded story of Ten-teh._ > If two lean and insignificant carp encountered a voracious pike and one at length fell into his jaws, by what means would the other compel the assailant to release his prey? The headman uses a parable of fish to explain that Ten-teh cannot fight the corrupt mandarin. _The headman's allegorical advice to Ten-teh about seeking justice._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se/chapters/xii-the-out-passing-into-a-state-of-assured-felicity-of-the-much-enduring-two-with-whom-these-printed-leaves-have-chiefly-been-concerned - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kai_lung_s_golden_hours_se/chapters