Content Warning: Chapter 9 describes an instance of infanticide.

A drought descends on the land, resulting in a greatly diminished harvest. Nevertheless, Wang Lung buys another piece of land from Hwang that adjoins his other properties. The sales agent tells him that Master Hwang’s family has squandered their wealth without recognizing the limits of their resources.

The absence of rain results in a great famine. Wang Lung can’t grow anything. They gradually run out of all their stored resources. O-lan is now pregnant with her fourth child. The second time Uncle comes to him, Wang Lung has nothing to share. Uncle responds by going through the village and telling people that Wang Lung has both money and food for his family. A group of men pound on Wang Lung’s door in the middle of the night, chase the family out of the house, and search it. They discover no food or money. O-lan confronts the men, shaming them for their actions. Wang Lung is fearful and disheartened until he remembers that he still owns land, which no one can steal.