Influenced by her father's beliefs, Lin Huizhen firmly believes that women should work tirelessly so that men can enjoy a comfortable life. When drought strikes and food runs short, she sells her biological father to a male pleasure house in exchange for money. When times improve, the Du family arrives to fulfill the marriage agreement. Du Lin, a proud scholar, looks down on her for making a living selling tofu. Yet she dutifully continues delivering meals and taking care of him. After being mocked by the neighbors, Du Lin storms over to confront her. As he makes his way home in the pouring rain, Uncle Ma, who has often looked out for Lin Huizhen, suddenly strikes him unconscious.