In the waning days of China's feudal aristocracy, a powerful family crumbles under the weight of tradition, betrayal, and inner decay. The Yang household, ruled by the domineering patriarch Mr. Yang, is torn apart as each son struggles with personal misery: a forbidden love, a loveless marriage, a murderous rivalry, and class-defying passion. As secrets of smuggled arms and illicit affairs come to light, the once-mighty clan collapses amid death, scandal, and disgrace.