Lackluster scholar Zhang was pulped for the marriage to grand councilor Jin's child when his parents were alive. But when Zhang's parent were both dead and their family became impoverished, Jin disliked Zhang and ordered him to study in a humble lakeside cottage. Jin said that the marriage should be reconsidered when Zhang gains official career and fame. Zhang is sad and talks to the lake about his miserable encounter under the moon. A carp spirit is touched by him and plays as Jin's daughter Peony to meet him in late night. The two then fall in love.