When Kaifeng, capital of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), was conquered by Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) forces, Emperor Gaozong and remnants of the Song Dynasty retreated to southern China. The eldest member of the 48th generation of descendants, Kong Duanyou, also moved to the south, settling in Quzhou with his family. From then on, Quzhou has served as the second-largest center for Confucian concepts in southern China.

The musical is one of three theatrical productions by the Zhejiang Performing Arts Group being staged in the capital, and which showcase the culture and history of the province.