In the story of how the four generations of generals of the Yang family defended the nation, many women in the family played an important role. The bravery and resourcefulness of such Yang family heroines as She Saihua, Yang Bajie (Sister Number Eight), Princess Chai and Mu Guiying exceeded that of male generals who struck terror into the hearts of the enemy. Even Yang Paifeng, a maidservant in the Yang household who was responsible for tending the hearth and serving tea, was also a warrior skilled in martial arts.

The main purpose of this play is to give the protagonist Yang Paifeng a chance to display her skill in fighting. Although it recounts a tale of war and strife, the opera is full of humor and invariably delights its audiences.