At fifty, Zhao Shanhe is despised by his daughter-in-law and neglected by his son. In a fit of anger, he cuts ties with his family and returns to his hometown. With help from fellow villagers, he draws on his family's traditional mountain-gathering skills to find rare wild treasures. Together with Lin Wanqing, who recognizes their value, he establishes a mountain delicacies cooperative. By strictly upholding rules for protecting the mountains, he leads the villagers to prosperity. When his son's family falls on hard times, they come begging for money and spread malicious rumors. But once the truth comes to light, public opinion turns in his favor. He protects the mountains and forests and finally lives out his later years with dignity.