(The male lead becomes fiercely devoted to her later on; both are each other's first and only, with a happy ending and plenty of sweet moments.) Ning Chang'an, a brilliant weaponsmith from a humble family, modifies a crossbow and saves a high-ranking official during an assassination attempt. His success makes him an overnight sensation and earns him his first fortune.
He meets Shen Yanzhou, a young master from Jiangnan, and shakes up the business world with assembly-line production and futures trading. He also saves Su Wanqing, a talented young woman who nearly drowns, and gains a confidante with a gift for mechanics.
All three make a strong impression from their very first meeting. Relying on his talent to overcome every obstacle and on the support of influential benefactors, Ning Chang'an rises from obscurity and sets out on a legendary path that will change the times.
