This novel consists of three parts: Part A (what they said), Part B (what Yang Shen said), and Appendix (notes of Zuo Ping). It revolves around the Ming Dynasty criminal law of "Tingzhang" and lays out the system, customs and atmosphere of the government and the public in the Ming Dynasty. It narrates the ups and downs of Yang Sheng'an's life from multiple perspectives, highlighting the character and talent of Yang Sheng'an as a scholar.
