A girl returns to the city after the Cultural Revolution but can not get a job because of her disability. With the help of people around, she starts up a flower shop.

At the tail end of the Cultural Revolution, Qiu Shi, a poet who has been in prison for six years, is transferred elsewhere by boat under the guard of two officers. During transit, he meets a series of passengers, who have also faced hardships in recent times.

Based on the old tale of Du Shiniang, a courtesan who falls in love with a student.