In the underground prison of the Ming Emperor's court, a young prince has been captured and is being held as a prisoner of war. The young prince, who is named Hu Ming, has fallen in love with one of the court's mistresses, ruoxi, and has been injured in the scuffle. The prince is now in the custody of the emperor, who has forbidden him to leave the prison. He tells the young prince that he has been looking for him for a long time, and that he can't find him anywhere. Hu Ming tells the prince that his injuries are not serious enough for him to return to the palace, but that he is afraid that someone will stage a revolt during his absence.