After his father sacrifices his life for the village, a young boy is forced to part from his mother when she remarries and is sent to live with his uncle's family. Bright and mature beyond his years, he leads the village children in catching eels and gathering medicinal herbs to help the village survive. A devastating flood destroys their homes, but in their darkest hour, the boy calms the villagers and continues studying diligently. The entire village tightens its belt and contributes the clan's wealth to support his education, making a wager that he will pass the entry-level imperial examination within three years. Carrying the hopes of the entire village on his shoulders, the boy sets off for school, determined to use academic honors to protect his homeland.