Returning home, grain merchant Lin Zhengqiu came back to Dongwan Village. Foreseeing an impending cold wave and rainy weather, he proposed to purchase paddy rice with cash to help villagers avoid risks. Liu Changgui, a prominent figure in the village, hyped that grain prices would double and incited the entire village to hoard grain. Blinded by illusions of sudden wealth, the villagers collectively ostracized and misunderstood Lin Zhengqiu. Natural disasters struck as scheduled, causing massive grain mold, and the villagers suffered heavy losses, only to discover that Liu Changgui had long ago secretly sold out his own grain. With the villagers driven to desperation, they sought help from Lin Zhengqiu, but Liu Changgui continuously caused trouble and exacted revenge. Afterward, external capital entered the countryside, attempting to monopolize the land by seducing villagers with profits. With his wisdom and sense of responsibility, Lin Zhengqiu led the villagers to fight against traitors and capital, and established a grain cooperative.