Wan Erniang, a riverside fisherwoman and leader of the Canal Gang, fishes out the distressed, traveling-incognito reigning emperor while fishing, mistakenly taking him as a muddled old man and taking him in. Qiao Sanshu and the seasick imperial guard Wu Xun accompany them, with laughs erupting all along the way, and the group repeatedly encountering assassins sent by the imperial princes. The group takes refuge under the third prince, Prince Rong, whose governed territory is clear and orderly. Prince Rong gradually develops romantic feelings for Wan Erniang. An imperial prince rebellion breaks out, and Wan Erniang utilizes the Canal Gang's influence to escort the emperor to break through the encirclement, assisting the large army in pacifying the turmoil. The emperor establishes Prince Rong as the heir apparent, and wants to confer upon her the title of princess, but she rejects worldly glory, staying behind on the river to remain together with Prince Rong, raising a daughter to pass down the Canal Gang.