In the thirty-sixth year of Qianlong's reign, the Lianghuai salt industry was at its peak. Nalan Yuyong, the Lianghuai Salt Administration, was ordered to raise military pay for the Xiaojinchuan battle. However, he failed to donate and lost, and was accused of corruption. Long Yan was furious and had everyone in his family beheaded.
Ninth Miss Nalan and Zhuo escaped because they visited their uncle Ronglu, the Minister of War, who was injured on the front line in Jinchuan. With the help of Bao Yi, they succeeded Ninth Young Master Yu Bohao and joined the business world as a salt merchant.
At the same time, the Xiao family quietly rose in Yangzhou. Xiao Muling, the only daughter of Xiao Yunian, the owner of the salt merchant Sheng Hexiang, took over the banner of Sheng Hexiang as her father grew older.