During the tumultuous events of 20th-century China, Anhua (little flower, the orphaned daughter of two revolutionary martyrs suffers under the swinging opinions of the powers that be - finding herself one moment favoured by the authorities and her peers and then denounced and imprisoned.
The narrative centers on Han Lao-lao, a traditional funeral singer in the Chinese countryside, whose life unfolds against the backdrop of sweeping political change. As the Communists rise to power in 1949, the clash between enduring customs and the new regime's ideologies reshapes the community. The story explores themes of tradition, resilience, and the impact of historical shifts on individual lives, highlighting the tension between cultural heritage and modernity.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative follows Gao Qing, a Chinese/Soviet spy known as Bashan, who embarks on a dangerous journey after being selected for Spy School in Moscow in 1939. Under Stalin's oversight, Gao and his fellow trainees navigate the complexities of espionage, loyalty, and the political tensions of the time. The true story reveals the intricacies of spycraft and the personal sacrifices made in the name of duty and ideology.