In the chaotic era spanning the end of the Ming dynasty and the beginning of the Qing, the low-ranking soldier Wang Lian serves in turn with the Ming army, the rebel forces, and the Qing army. He witnesses a series of wars and feels the suffering of ordinary people amid the turmoil, as well as the ruling class’s greed. After paying a terrible price, he finally lives to see peace return to the realm and the people able to live in security.
