The scene opens in the glory hall of the Great Hall of the People, where the Grand Master and his son are discussing politics. The Grand Master tells his son that he has come to discuss the situation in the northwest, which is "a barren land, dried up, and sparsely populated. The world is at peace, so we do not need such large armies keeping guard there. He says that if his grandfather's army were cut in half, the national treasury would not be strained. He adds that the drought in the region has never eased, and that his grandfather would be able to live out his remaining years without suffering. He asks his son what his opinion is on the matter, and he replies that he thinks the left-hand grand minister should be replaced.