In 1894 the Japanese Imperial Navy provokes the Chinese navy to test defenses. Some Chinese want to make concessions while others want to fight. When Japan invades, some naval officers put up a heroic resistance.
Unfortunate events beset a poor Chinese girl as she escapes from invading Japanese forces, narrowly avoids being raped, and seeks solace in a neighboring village.
Old lady from the countryside travels to the bustling city of Xinjing to join her children in the "10th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of Manchukuo", and then solves the problems of the children and conflicts within the family.