The story took place in the Aba area of Sichuan before liberation. Old Chieftain Maiqi, backed by the Kuomintang, is a well-known local bully. He survives by growing poppies, producing and selling opium, and owns his own arms. The surrounding chieftains dare not compete with him. He has two sons, the handsome young master is his successor, and the second young master who is naturally dull has long been excluded from his successors
