Von den Silberwerkstätten des Shanghai der 1920er Jahre bis an die Frontlinien des revolutionären Kampfes steigen drei begabte Brüder zu Gewerkschaftsführern auf – nur um durch Opfer, Verrat und den Kampf um Freiheit auf die Probe gestellt zu werden.

In early spring 1922, at Shanghai’s Hengji Silver House, the front shop hums with activity, while the back workshop rings with the rhythmic clinking of metalwork. The silver house is renowned for its three talented brothers. At 24, Zhang Jingquan, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and efficiency, has already become the establishment’s star. His brothers include the steady and iron-willed eldest brother, Zhu Mingyi, and the sharp-witted, bold youngest brother, You Tao. One day, a striking young woman named Xia Yilan visits the silver house, specifically requesting Zhang Jingquan to craft a custom piece of jewelry. After finalizing the design, she leaves behind a small wooden box. Little does Zhang know, this box and the mysterious documents inside will irrevocably change his life. Beneath Shanghai’s glittering façade of wealth lies the harsh reality of workers‘ lives. In the autumn of 1922, the “Silver House Trio” organizes a landmark meeting with over 1,600 gold and silver industry workers, founding the Gold and Silver Workers’ Club. They successfully lead a massive strike, securing better labor conditions. To commemorate their victory, Zhang Jingquan crafts three rings adorned with a wave motif for the brothers. However, their triumph costs them their jobs. Zhang Jingquan and Zhu Mingyi are sent to study at Moscow’s Eastern University. It is here that Zhang Jingquan adopts the name Zhang Renya, marking a new chapter in his life. In March 1927, amid the smoke and chaos of the Shanghai Railway Station during the Third Workers’ Armed Uprising, Zhang Renya prevents Zhu Mingyi and You Tao from launching a reckless frontal assault. Under cover of darkness, he orchestrates a tactical retreat, ultimately securing the station. Their bravery earns praise from uprising leader Luo Yinong. During the battle, Zhang Renya is shot while shielding You Tao from danger and is rushed to a makeshift church hospital by Xia Yilan, now a progressive student aiding the revolution. At a bonfire poetry gathering at Shanghai University, Xia Yilan recites verses by German communist Karl Liebknecht. Her face is illuminated by the flames as she voices her longing for freedom and light. You Tao, torn between gratitude and guilt, secretly gifts Zhang Renya a gold pocket watch looted from the battle. Zhang Renya rebukes him harshly, and Zhu Mingyi sides with Zhang