The story takes place in Henan in 1942, when the famine was at its worst. The young Hao Yulan (played by Chen Xiaoyi) followed her father to join the famine-escaping team and drifted to Xiaodongmen, Xi'an. Although she was not starving to death, life there was still very difficult. In desperation, Hao Yulan married a man named Bai Laosi (played by Ni Dahong). Bai Laosi is not only 20 years older than Hao Yulan, but also has two sons. In this way, Hao Yulan has become a woman before she has experienced love. Although the reality is full of despair, Hao Yulan has never given up hope and dreams. She gave birth to five children for Bai Laosi and raised the children with great maternal love and tenacious perseverance. Unfortunately, the children cannot understand Hao Yulan's efforts for them. The problems and troubles in the family continue one after another, challenging Hao Yulan's fragile heart.