During the difficult period from 1937 to 1945, two generations of three intellectual families in Peiping make choices and sacrifices in the face of great turmoil and changes of the times. Some people choose to protect Chinese culture and continue the cultural bloodline. There are both idealists and realistic activists. They try their best to save the nation and survive, and actively search for a way out for the country, and finally head towards the light.

• Zhang Ruonan
• Hu Yitian
• Wang Jinsong
• Zhang Chenghe
• Zhang Xilin
• Liu Jiatong
• Li Mincheng
• Ma Li