A greedy lord captures the drake to enjoy its beautiful plumage, separating a pair of inseparable mandarin ducks. A kind kitchen maid, no longer able to bear the duck in captivity, frees it from its cage. When the lord discovers the missing drake, he banishes the servant and her husband, deciding they must be executed.
In a surprising turn of events, the servants are freed by two messengers, beautifully dressed in garments that mock the colors of the ducks.