China in the 1920's. After her fathers death, nineteen year old Songlian is
forced to marry Chen Zuoqian, the lord of a powerfull family. Fifty year old
Chen has already three wives, each of them living in seperate houses within
the great castle. The competition between the wives is tough, as their
master's attention carries power, status and priviligies. Each night Chen
must decide which wife to spend the night with and a red lantern is lit infront
of the house of his choice. And each wife schemes and plots to make sure
it's hers. However, things get out of hand...