The scene opens with a general lamenting that three generals have been assassinated by the rebel leader, and that seventeen counties in the Hebei province have joined the rebellion and pledged their loyalty to the emperor. The general tells the audience that the time has come for change. He urges the emperor to send three of the top officials of the palace to beheaded and to send the heads of the remaining seventeen counties to the rebellion leaders. He also tells the emperor that the traitors should know what hell means and that they should let them know that they are traitors. He tells the crowd that he will protect them until they reach the capital of the province, the city of Pingyuan.