In the troubled times of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the famous scholar Xie Chunfeng and his wife Wang Yan lived in seclusion in Linting, focusing on the mountains and rivers and staying away from the disputes in the temple. However, the news that his brother, General Xie Chunyong, had failed in the Northern Expedition and was defeated and retreated came like thunder, instantly breaking the tranquility. Chun Yong's failure was not only a matter of personal honor and disgrace, but also put the entire Xie family at the forefront, facing the dual crisis of being held accountable by the court and liquidated by political enemy Huan Jiu.
In order to preserve his family, Xie Chunfeng had to end his seclusion, accept the call from Jingzhou Governor Huan Jiu, join the army, and move his family to Jiangling. Huan Jiu was ambitious and intended to use the "earth extermination" strategy to track down hidden properties and reorganize household registrations to enrich his military strength. However, he knew that this move would surely touch the foundation of Jingxiang's wealthy family and face many obstacles. He handed over this hot potato to Xie Chunfeng, who had just arrived and seemed to have no factional background.
Xie Chunfeng accepted the order in the face of danger, knowing that this trip would be like walking on thin ice. On the one hand, he needs to use his wits to deal with Huan Jiu's suspicion and temptation, and on the other hand, he has to appease his worried wife Wang Yan, and take care of his intelligent niece Xie Xingling and his calm martial nephew Xie Qiuning who have defected. In Jiangling, he met Fubuki, a geisha with a mysterious life experience and superb piano skills, and her fate was quietly intertwined with the Xie family.
When Huan Jiu's ambition and the court's suspicion are increasingly revealed, how can Xie Chunfeng find a chance for his family to survive while "defending strictly"?
Intention: The way of survival of the Wei and Jin Dynasties