An earlier screen classic by King Hu, The Story Of Sue San is adapted from a chapter of the Chinese literature Jing Shi Tong Yan. The story evolves around a pair of star-crossed lovers – Wang Chin-lung (Chao Lei), the youngest son of the Minister of Administration; and Su San (Betty Loh Ti), the famed prostitute. When Wang had exhausted his fortunes on Su, the Procuress (Hung Wie) threw him out of the brothel, and sold Su to the local magnate Shen Yen-ling (Yang Chi-ching) as concubine. But Shen’s jealous wife Pi poisoned her husband and framed it on Su, who was sentenced to death. At the same time, Wang was ranked top of his class in the imperial examination, and was appointed as the Inspector-General of Eight Provinces. Determined to save his lover, Wang strives for a retrial.