In a year of devastating famine, Shen Yun, a young man from Niubei Village, regains his senses after being foolish for years. To protect his widowed sister-in-law, Feng Siniang, he stands up to the tyranny of local bullies. He establishes a public granary, restores water sources, and builds medical shelters, using meticulously kept account books to expose the schemes and corruption of grain merchants and unscrupulous local gentry. Navigating the dangers between mountain bandits and government officials, Shen Yun remains true to his principles of fairness and selflessness. He unites the villagers in mutual support, overcomes multiple crises involving food shortages, household registration, and disasters, and uses practical action and compassion to establish a grain supply system that benefits the people and protects the community's peace and livelihood.