Plot synopsis: "Jisai" translates from ancient Japanese as "sacrificial scapegoat." Wise Japanese emperors, knowing that their well-being and health belonged not only to themselves but to the entire nation, kept a special person with them who took upon himself all the troubles and misfortunes that threatened his master. This self-sacrificing person bore the proud nickname of Jisai, and it was he who bore all the blows that fate generously bestowed upon the emperor. A well-read Russian businessman, having learned about this ancient tradition, also decided to create a similar "lightning rod" for himself in order to protect himself from all kinds of misfortunes. His Dzisay is an unemployed, "former intellectual," doomed to receive blows and beatings instead of his enterprising master...