In this scene, the third prince, Jin Shao, returns from the war. The emperor has bestowed upon him the title of "uff partner" , meaning that he is to serve as the heir to the throne. The marriage is to take place within five days. The concubine of the emperor's house, Beiwei, is overjoyed at the news of the marriage. She tells her husband that the marriage is for his own good and that she will not blame him for disobeying the emperor. She also tells him that the prince has sent him a message asking him to come and see him alone. She bids him farewell and bids him to prepare for his departure. The next year, Shao left the country to conquer a neighboring nation. He thought that he had been given a second chance from the emperor, but he soon found out that he was accused of treason by the court. He protests that he deserves a fair trial.