This work is adapted from a story that happened to an elder in the author's family. Spanning three generations, it follows the six children of Niu Zhijia, telling the stories of how each of them changes from youth to old age. It also explores the schemes, manipulation, secrets, and falling-outs among some of the siblings over Niu Zhijia's estate, ultimately driving the six siblings to break with one another and cut off all contact.
Theme: Through the stories of Niu Zhijia's children, this work follows the Niu family through its many ups and downs: from a warm and harmonious home, to bitter fights over the inheritance, and finally to the realization that comes after family members pass away. It tells of the family's journey from warmth to conflict and, at last, reconciliation, and portrays the lives of ordinary people
