The Mandarin's Son

Russian wandering minstrels, the skomorokhs, perform a show before the Emperor of China: a Chinese-based opera The Mandarin’s Son.

Jin Jingu’s inn is bustling: a lot of work needs to be done before the arrival of a very important guest, a Mandarin (government official) named Gao Qing. Yedi, Jin Jingu’s daughter, is in charge, and young Muri, an orphan male servant, is at her disposal. They enjoy working together, and when Muri declares his feelings for Yedi, she eagerly accepts and reciprocates. Their exchange is overheard by the other servant, an elder Zai Sang, whom Yedi is promised to by her father. They have a contract: Yedi’s hand in payment for ten years of Zai Sang’s service. Outraged, Zai Sang seeks justice from his master and threatens to take him to court if he doesn’t sack Muri. Unwilling to take trouble, the Innkeeper fires the young man out. Muri runs off saying he will take his own life. Yedi plans to elope with Muri...