Set in the city of Beiping during the 22 days before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 is a story about the drastic changes in the lives of three brothers Jin Hai, Tie Lin, and Xu Tian as well as a romance between Xu Tian and Tian Dan. In investigating the murder that claimed the life of his fiancee, policeman Xu Tian starts on a trail that will eventually lead to his involvement in the liberation of Beiping. Jin Hai, Tie Lin, and Xu Tian are three friends who are as close as brothers. In the face of historic changes and conflicting beliefs, they make choices that take them on diverging paths. Xu Tian and communist member Tian Dan meet during their lowest moments and find a common goal that brings them together.