Meihua and Longyan, first daughter and second son of prominent families, discover a powerful bond in their conflict with the centuries-old social codes of the Ming dynasty. Although forbidden education, Meihua secretly learns to read and write. Longyan, beset by a learning disability that dishonors his family and prevents him from becoming a scholar, makes his mark as an outstanding military commander. But soon he must choose between protecting the decaying Ming dynasty and joining the barbarian Manchus from beyond the Great Wall. Longyan and Meihua find themselves on opposite sides of this brutal struggle, yet passion compels them to continue their liaison. Torn between fighting the Manchu conquerors and working to heal their divided country, they endure strife, the torments of conflicting loyalties, and ultimately exile.
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