Wang Lung, a humble farmer living in north central China, eagerly anticipates his upcoming marriage to a woman from the wealthiest family in town. Although he never met his bride-to-be, he hopes she will bring a sense of order and support to his rural life, especially after years of managing alone following his mother's death. As he embarks on this new chapter, Wang Lung's journey intertwines with the land he cherishes and the challenges of family and ambition.

Wang Lung's Marriage and New Beginnings

In the early hours before his wedding day, Wang Lung dresses in his finest clothes, ready to make the trip into town. There, he will meet O-lan, a slave girl from the affluent House of Hwang, chosen for him by his father. Though O-lan is not known for her beauty, the Old Mistress assures him of her potential as a diligent worker. Overcoming his initial hesitance, Wang Lung finally enters the House of Hwang and returns home with his new wife, stopping by a temple to honor the gods. Their home soon becomes a hub for celebration as relatives join them for a hearty wedding feast.

As Wang Lung and O-lan settle into their lives together, the routine of married life brings Wang Lung unexpected contentment. Quiet yet capable, O-lan proves herself both in the home and eventually the fields, working alongside Wang Lung. Their bond deepens when O-lan becomes pregnant, and Wang Lung celebrates the birth of their son, a symbol of growth for their future.

Prosperity and Challenges

To celebrate their newborn son, Wang Lung honors tradition by dyeing fifty eggs red, a symbol of joy and prosperity. O-lan, resilient as ever, soon resumes her duties both at home and in the fields. The couple's hard work is rewarded with a bountiful harvest, allowing Wang Lung to save some of his earnings, signaling a shift in his fortunes compared to his less industrious uncle.

During the New Year, Wang Lung and O-lan visit the House of Hwang, offering rice cakes and showcasing their son to the household. It is here that O-lan learns of the Hwang family's declining fortunes and the availability of land for sale. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Lung purchases the land, marking the start of his rise towards greater prosperity.

As the seasons pass, O-lan bears another son, and Wang Lung's wealth and reputation in the village continue to grow. However, his uncle's family remains a persistent burden, constantly relying on Wang Lung's generosity despite their own laziness.

Hardships and Survival

A third child, a daughter, is born to Wang Lung and O-lan, though her arrival is met with less enthusiasm due to societal views on female children. Nature tests the family's resilience with a relentless drought, forcing them to rely on whatever they can salvage from their land. Still, Wang Lung's prudent investments in more land from the Hwangs keep him afloat.

The drought drags on, leading to a devastating famine that leaves the family on the brink of starvation. Driven by desperation, Wang Lung resorts to selling their furniture to fund their escape south, where he hopes to find temporary relief from their dire circumstances.

Struggles in the City

Arriving in the bustling city of Kiangsu, Wang Lung and his family build a makeshift hut and scrape by, earning their sustenance through begging and menial work. Despite Wang Lung's attempts to find stability by pulling a rickshaw, the family remains trapped in poverty.

Amidst the city's chaos, Wang Lung encounters new ideas and people, including revolutionary voices urging change and foreigners who symbolize the shifting dynamics of their world. Yet, Wang Lung longs for the simplicity and familiarity of his land and resists drastic measures like selling his daughter to escape their plight.

A Return to the Land

The unrest in the city escalates, culminating in an unexpected opportunity for Wang Lung. During a raid on a wealthy home, he comes across a frightened man who offers him money in exchange for his life. This windfall allows Wang Lung to return to his land, where he regains his footing by investing in seeds and livestock.

Back in his element, Wang Lung discovers his wife O-lan has taken jewels during the chaos. Using these, he further expands his holdings and solidifies his standing as a man of wealth and influence. His improved fortunes enable him to construct a better home and hire workers to cultivate his expanding fields.

Wealth and Temptation

Over the years, Wang Lung's prosperity brings both rewards and complications. His dedication to farming diminishes as he takes on a more managerial role, investing in his sons' education to secure their future. The family endures another natural disaster in the form of a flood, yet Wang Lung remains secure, his stores well-stocked.

With newfound wealth, Wang Lung is drawn into the allure of city life, frequenting a sophisticated tea house where he becomes infatuated with a woman named Lotus. Consumed by desire, he showers her with gifts, even taking back the pearls he once gifted O-lan.

Family Tensions and Resolution

Wang Lung's infatuation with Lotus leads to tensions at home, especially after his uncle's family moves in, further straining resources and relationships. O-lan, accepting of Lotus's presence, nonetheless struggles with the return of Cuckoo, a reminder of past hardships.

As Wang Lung's focus shifts back to the land, he finds solace in its reliability. Despite ongoing family disputes, he manages to arrange a marriage for his eldest son, ensuring the family's future stability.

O-lan's health declines, and Wang Lung faces the impending loss of the woman who has been his steadfast partner. As she awaits her son's marriage before passing, her death marks a significant transition in Wang Lung's life.

Legacy and Reflection

After O-lan's death, Wang Lung experiences a series of familial challenges, including sibling rivalry and the burdens of maintaining his growing estate. Despite these difficulties, he ensures his sons are educated and positioned for success.

In his later years, Wang Lung reflects on his life, choosing to retire to the land with his daughter and a new companion, Pear Blossom. The simplicity of rural living offers him a chance to find peace amidst the complex legacy he leaves behind.

Yet, Wang Lung's story ends on a note of uncertainty, as he overhears his sons planning to sell the land he cherishes after his death. Though they assure him otherwise, he senses their true intentions, leaving him to ponder the enduring value of his life's work.