Near the New Year, O-lan is suddenly better, and tells Wang Lung that preparations need to be made for the New Year. She asks him to call the maid, who is betrothed to the first son, for she will teach the girl what to do. Wang Lung is happy that she seems dutiful and proper, and O-lan is also very happy which is comforting to Wang Lung. She tells him that she wants to die, knowing that Wang Lung will have a grandson. Because Wang Lung wishes to make O-lan happy, he agrees and sends for his son from the city to be married.
Cuckoo makes all the needed preparations for the marriage feast, and many villagers are invited.
Wang Lung's son returns home the night before his marriage. Wang Lung is extremely proud to see his son this way. Upon arrival, the son is sad to see his mother ill. The maid is taken to Lotus' chambers where Lotus , Cuckoo, and the uncle's wife prepare her by washing and dressing her on the day of the marriage. Wang Lung's old father, understanding what is happening, laughs happily to the amusement of all the guests.