A historic romance novel set in Madison, Wisconsin, from 1865 to 1906. The main male characters, Major Brennan Fitzpatrick and his close friend Captain John Shannon, are two dedicated Irish Union soldiers returning from the Civil War. Thanks to Brennan's wonderful sister, Katrin, he meets her best friend and the main female character, Ailin 愛玲. Katrin and Ailin's 愛玲 aunt, Wang Āyí 王阿姨, serve as matchmaker and overseer, respectively, of Brennan and Ailin's 愛玲 courtship. Katrin, who wants them to eventually marry, and Wang Āyí 王阿姨, who questions the relationship, ensure that rigorous Chinese etiquette and proper decorum are observed. Additionally, in proving his love for Ailin 愛玲, Brennan must demonstrate that he would be a good son-in-law and member of the Lóng 龙 family.