Peng Guoliang came from a wealthy family and was well-matched with his wife, Zhang Meiman. However, after many years of marriage, they remained childless. Meiman raised a maid named Xiulan, who grew up to be gentle and beautiful. Over time, Guoliang fell in love with her, and she secretly became pregnant with his child. Unfortunately, Meiman was strong-willed and extremely jealous; she would not allow Guoliang to take a concubine. To protect Xiulan, Guoliang decided to keep her hidden in a secret place. However, their secret was eventually uncovered, and Meiman discovered Xiulan's hiding place. Intent on eliminating her, Meiman attempted to push Xiulan into a well to kill her. In a desperate bid to save the unborn child, Xiulan fled hastily to a nearby farm for temporary refuge.