The scene opens with the construction of a statue of the Emperor's dragon, which is now fully carved into a mountain. The dragon's mother and sister, Madame Long and Madame Su, have just returned from a visit to Madame Gui's palace. Madame Gui tells Madame Su that the generals from the Ming dynasty have been sent to the Ming kingdom. Madame Su tells Madame Long that she doesn't think the imperial generals will be sent there, but Madame Su says that she didn't expect them to come. Madame Long tells her sister that she has guests at her palace today, and that no one can be lazy. She says that Madame Gui should stop hitting her father, because he is dead. She also says that the workers should be allowed rest if they're exhausted, and Madame Gui says that they should imprison the guards who beat the old man to death and wait for his trial. Madame Du, Madame Su's sister, asks Madame Gui what's up with the young man, who has been born blind and dumb, and who has no idea how to rule a kingdom. She tells Madame Gui to take Madame Long back to her palace, where she can learn more about the general.