The action takes place in Burgundy at the end of the 16th century.
It`s a sunny autumn morning. Young women are picking grapes. Among them is the feisty Céline who spitefully mocks the Duke`s footman Gifflar who is in love with her. Céline`s heart belongs to Colas and he loves her. But out of pride and stubbornness neither of them is willing to be the first to confess their feelings. Seeing her lover`s hesitation Céline tirelessly taunts him. It`s not for nothing that Colas calls her `the little weasel with the sharp teeth.` The argument that erupts between the rivals Colas and Gifflar quickly escalates into a fight. It ends only when the bell rings from the castlethe Duke ruler of Clamecy has returned from Paris.

The residents of Clamecy have gathered in front of the castle to as is customary congratulate the Duke on his safe return. A visitor from Paris Mademoiselle de Thermes is delighted with a sculpture of a girl placed near the fountain. It turns out it was made by Brugnon. The artist is invited to the castle. Taking advantage of this Gifflar slanders his rival claiming he was seduced by the beauty of the Parisian guest. Driven by jealousy and seeking revenge on Colas Céline agrees to marry Gifflar. The tipsy priest blesses them.

In his workshop Colas finishes work on the statue of Lasochka dreaming of immortalizing the image of his lost love. However the Duke despite Brugnon`s protests arrives and orders the statue moved to his castle. The priest and then the notary inform Colas of unrest in the citythe Duke`s soldiers have emptied all the cellars. Most importantly they have brought the plague. Brugnon`s friend Gambi is also worried. But Cola unwilling to give in to gloom laughs it off. The residents of Clamecy are fleeing the plague-ridden town. Unable to part with his sculptures and determined to test his strength against the plague Brugnon stays behind.

Near the town in a vineyard where the plague-stricken have been brought Brugnon fights death. He emerges victorious from his battle with the plague. Cola greets his sister Martine and Lasochka who have come to say goodbye to him with his usual humor. Only now does Selina confess to Brugnon that she loved and loves him. Learning that there is a rebellion in the town and the rebels are planning to burn the castle Cola hurries to Clamecy. After all his works could perish in the castle!

The town square is filled with rebel citizens led by Gambi. They intend to march on Château de Quincy the Duke`s fortress. Brugnon tries to hinder the rebels. He defends the town elder Poulard from whom the people are demanding weapons. Unsuccessful Colas decides to warn the Duke in whose kindness he still believes of the impending danger.

Gifflar reports to the Duke that Brugnon is alive and has allegedly joined the rebels. In a rage the Duke sets fire to the rebel`s sculptures. And when Colas runs into the castle Gifflar gleefully points out the mutilated statue of Lasochka. Now Brugnon understands who his friends are and who his enemies are. In a fit of rage he kills Gifflar and opens the castle doors to the rebels.

The opera premiered on February 22 1938 at the Maly Opera Theater in Leningrad.