Set in the Republican era, the film tells the story of Tong Xiaoliu, a frivolous xiangsheng (crosstalk) apprentice who resolves to save Dalian from an arranged marriage. His rescue mission is fraught with danger—Xiaoliu uses his wits to outmaneuver those in power and nearly succeeds, but accidentally falls through a time-space rift, leaving him struggling to find a way back. Meanwhile, a long-planned murder conspiracy unfolds, and Dalian’s hidden secrets are about to be revealed. "Tan Qingshui River" from original film title references a well-known Chinese folk tale.