This love story between a Frenchman and a Chinese woman from a high-ranking family is set in mid-19th century China. Lucien Battard has come to China to collect information in the hope of countering the rising tide of Darwinism. He meets Hsiao Yen, daughter of a magistrate, sent away from her family because of her disfigured hand. Lucien is moved by her intellect and courage and defies convention so that he can share a future with her.