Li Laohan, a poor woodcutter, loses his livelihood axe while gathering firewood deep in the mountains. In desperation, he swears an oath: whoever helps him retrieve it may marry one of his daughters. A golden-scaled snake spirit who has practiced kindness for a thousand years honors the promise and arranges the wedding for three days later. The arrogant and selfish elder daughter fears the marriage and refuses, while the kind-hearted and dutiful younger daughter, Xiao Ya, keeps her father's word and takes her sister's place as the bride. The Snake Groom must shed his monstrous form through genuine love and a virtuous bond, and he and Xiao Ya grow devoted to each other. Driven by jealousy, the elder sister goes into the mountains to harm Xiao Ya and steal her marriage, but her wicked deeds are eventually exposed and severely punished. Despite enduring many hardships, Xiao Ya never loses her kindness and ultimately finds lasting happiness with the Snake Groom, receiving the blessings she deserves. This tale teaches that good and evil bring their own rewards, and that trust and honor are the foundation of every promise.