The scene shows a middle-aged woman sitting on a stool in front of a pool. The scenery was of a golden gate which indicates the entry to a very wealthy mansion. The woman was singing and doing embroidery on a Chinese head veil. After a while, she shifted the veil and stared at a red lotus blooming in the pool and smiled.
Su Ju: Doesn't one wish with lotus? Isn't it the right time to awake the beautiful spirit from the realm beyond the sky? (smirks as she shifts the veil and stared at a yellow lotus growing beside the red lotus) hasn't the time come to fulfill the will of destiny?(smiles, then continues her embroidery which was the picture of a red lotus)
*****
It was a happy scenery, people were moving up and down, stopping to buy things. The smell of chūnjuân filled the whole street. Courtesans were welcoming visitors into the brothel house. Little kids were running up and down playing. Just the happy life of Lin'an state.
*****
The scene shows a young handsome man in his room staring at a talisman on the table when his personal errands boy came inside.
Chun-chieh: Young master, young master
Jianyu: What is it?
Chun-chieh: I overheard your dad and mom talking about your marriage
Jianyu: (looks at him) what?
Chun-chieh: It's true. They said it's his Majesty's wish for you to get married soon.
Jianyu: The emperor is involved?
Chun-chieh: (sighs) His majesty will soon send for you and give you the list of girls and there'll be one you'll marry. Nice, isn't it young master?
Jianyu:(bangs the table) It's not. I don't want to get married. Even if I will, not to some pompous girls.
Chun-chieh:(smiles) Your dad even gave example of General Wei's daughter.
Jianyu:(looks at him sharply)
Chun-chieh:(softly) He thought you guys would fit (giggles)
Jianyu:(stands and chases Chun-chieh round the room)
Chun-chieh: Young master! It wasn't me, it was your dad.