In 1136, Kiyomori learns that Tadamori is illegally trading with Sung and keeps it secret from the Imperial Court. Meanwhile, Fujiwara no Yorinaga, the second son of Tadazane who is known for his all-or-nothing personality, is assigned as the Minister of the Center, which eventually makes the already unstable situation in the Imperial Court worse. Yorinaga finds out about the illegal trading and summons Kiyomori to his place. Kiyomori, however, suggests to Yorinaga for Japan to emulate the prosperous country of Sung, pointing out Japan's wrong political structure.