1896. A Chinese caravan trader, Zhou Fan, sets off along the Silk Road to Siberia, unaware that cold Russia is destined to become his home—and that the fair-haired Glafira will be the only sun without which life will be impossible. 1917. His son Yevgeny dreams of a Shakhovskaya princess, not fearing the difference in origins. On the way to their union, not only class barriers stand in the way, but also revolution. 1941. After decades, their children will begin their journey—some at home, some abroad—only to overcome all obstacles and find the happiness their parents dreamed of.