In the early years of the Republic of China, Su Xiulan awakens from a nightmare of drowning. Craving social prestige, Su Guixiang pressures the two women to exchange marriage partners. Seeing Jiang Wenbin for who he truly is, Su Xiulan readily agrees to marry the butcher Gu Changgen instead. Together, husband and wife, along with his mother, build a braised-food business, and their lives steadily improve. Jealous of their success, Su Guixiang repeatedly tries to frame them, but after a public clan trial, she loses her reputation and standing. Holding no grudges, Su Xiulan opens a workshop to teach her craft. Su Guixiang eventually comes to her senses, learns the trade, and becomes self-reliant. Meanwhile, Su Xiulan expands her business into the provincial capital. Through diligence and generosity, she finds a happy life and helps her neighbors increase their incomes.