Taking the Tuhai River that runs through the Shandong Plain as the main line of time and space, it tells the story of the three generations of river keepers of the Chen family who lived with the river and protected the river with their lives during the century of turmoil and changes in the times. From the frequent floods in the late Qing Dynasty and the frequent wars in the Republic of China, to the new China's water control and ecological restoration in modern times, three generations of people have guarded the same river in different ways: some guard the embankments to save their lives, some control the water and stabilize the river, and some protect the river for rebirth. The novel integrates the legend of water control, folk customs, family grievances and the destiny of the times. It describes the anger and tenderness of the river, the suffering and joy of the people, and ultimately says - if the river is safe, the people will be safe; if the river is clear, the country will prosper.
