Sam prepares ginseng chicken soup for her mother when a search party hunting Mystic Ginseng discovers the mountain’s supply stored at a nearby household. A woman reveals plans to take the ginseng to “save the Third Prince” and secure marriage, sparking orders to seize Lydia (the host’s younger sister) and anyone labeled a witch. Lydia’s old pain flares as guards close in; Sam is told to pack up and leave the mountain. While trying to carry the mother away with a rope and sedan chair, attackers corner them and promise “the fate of being crushed to pieces,” leaving Mother in immediate danger.