The story takes place in turbulent and troubled times: dynasties change, the powerful are overthrown, and the people are displaced. Jiang Buxi and his best friend Zuo Sanshui meet Lin Zhiyan, a down-and-out noblewoman, by chance in the market. They go through many twists and turns in order to survive and realize their ideals: from street fighting to officialdom intrigues, from gangster power to court affairs, the fate of the three people is constantly intertwined. Sometimes they join forces to fight against the enemy, sometimes they contradict themselves, and they always resolve the crisis with humor. Governor Yang secretly assists, Qin Wuliang pursues him insidiously, and everyone has their own agenda. They grow up step by step in troubled times, and finally change the situation with wisdom and courage in the final chapter, achieving self-salvation and life sublimation. The whole novel uses humorous and compact writing to show the happiness and sadness of the little people. It ends with the troubled times returning to peace and everyone getting what they deserve.
