During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Yang Jikang, the Minister of Household Affairs, was sixty years old. He had always had a clear future and planned to retire and return to his hometown. On the occasion of his birthday, the five daughters and five sons-in-law gathered in the capital to pay their respects and gave gifts one after another in an effort to welcome the two elders back to their home to take care of themselves. The eldest son-in-law has a high position and is arrogant; the two daughters are eloquent and eloquent, winning the favor of Mrs. Yang; but the third daughter, Yang Sanchun, and her son-in-law Zou Yinglong, who come from a humble family, have come from afar, but because of their poor family background, they are treated coldly and despised. Shuangtao was so arrogant that he took the opportunity to humiliate Sanchun, and even instigated his mother to expel him from the house, thus losing his family ties.
Soon, the situation changed suddenly. Yang Jisheng, the younger brother of the clan, failed to impeach Yan Song and was executed instead. Yang Jikang was also implicated, was dismissed from his post, his family was confiscated, and he was exiled from Beijing. In the past, the high gate was overthrown, and the bones and flesh were scattered. When the wind and rain were swaying, only the maid Cuiyun remained loyal and supported the two old men who traveled thousands of miles to visit their relatives. However, when Shuangtao saw his parents in desolation, they refused to raise him and kicked him out; Chen Songnian's in-laws were afraid of power and refused to accept him; even the eldest son-in-law, in order to gain power, worshiped Yan Song as his adopted father, recognized a thief as his wife, and abandoned his flesh and blood.
The Yang couple were left homeless, living on the streets without food and clothing, and almost starved to death. Fortunately, Sanchun and his wife met by chance and brought the two elders into their humble home. Although they had simple food and clothing, they continued to serve them in the morning and evening. The filial piety of the three springs and the righteousness of the green clouds made the two old men regain their warmth and comfort in their dying years.
Three years later, Zou Yinglong ascended the throne with his talent and learning, and entered the imperial court. He gave honest advice and used clever strategies, and finally defeated Yan Song and avenged the injustice of the Yang family. The imperial court was reinstated and its reputation was restored. When the old life is over, all the sons-in-law gather again, and there is a distinction between loyal and traitorous people. The Yang family members expelled the traitorous son-in-law, Shuangtao left the banquet in shame, and Chen Songnian apologized. When the wind and rain are over, family ties return, we are reunited together, spring returns to the Jintang, and the light of family tradition and human relations is restored.
