In the half-light, we see silhouettes of people entering as if in preparation for something. This is Yingtai and her maids who are about to dress her up as a bride. She is in white, her hair now tied up in a low bun. She is a picture of cold, numb despair – a wall of brittle plaster, covering a bleeding heart. A chair is brought and placed in the center, and she stands before it. Two maids bring forward her red bridal dress and puts it on her. She is still, like a mannequin. Then she is made to sit and a maid brings from a tray, the bridal headdress. As this is about to be placed on her, Yingtai breaks down and sobs. The maids try to console her… and she quickly regains her composure. As the sparkling headdress is tied onto her head, her eyes are filled with tears.
Yin Xin enters hurriedly and comes to Yingtai. We can see that she has been crying but she quickly wipes her face.
Yin Xin:
Miss, Si Jiu has come. He has a message for you… [at this Yingtai immediately gets up, looking agitated.]
Yingtai:
Send him in.
[Yin Xin beckons towards the door and Si Jiu appears with the white band on his forehead and burlap over his jacket. He sees Yingtai, his eyes filled with sorrow and he hangs his head. Yingtai turns to look at him and seeing him in mourning clothes, she gasps, her hand to her mouth, and biting the knuckles of her fingers to stop herself from crying aloud… a strangled cry of pain and she staggers but she holds on. Her maids are agitated.] Where? Where, Si Jiu?
Si Jiu:
At Golden Dragon Mound, Miss, on the river, facing north… [Yingtai whimpers in pain.]
Yingtai:
What else?
Si Jiu:
He said to tell you that he will be waiting for you…
Yingtai: [she sobs.]
Shanbo! [Si Jiu hangs his head and exits.]
[Sounds of the reedhorn and the cymbals are heard. The wedding palanquin is ready. Enter Zhu Gongyuan and his wife in a flurry of gay excitement. They are dressed in wedding finery.]
Master Zhu:
Yin Xin, is your mistress ready? Is Yingtai ready? The palanquin has arrived. The time has come. [Yin Xin hesitates and is about to say something…]
Yingtai:
Will the procession pass by Golden Dragon Mound?
Master Zhu:
Golden Dragon Mound? Yes, the procession will pass it on the bank of the river. Why?
Yingtai:
I am ready, father. [he is delighted at her acquiescence and easy obedience, unaware of her turmoil.]
Master Zhu:
Very good. Excellent! We shall send you off with blessings and good wishes. [as he leaves with his wife and Yingtai follows..] Finally, heaven has eyes… what a good day this is… from now on, we will have no more worries. [Exit]
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