Song Hexiu is the eldest son of the Song family and a gentle scholar who has supported the entire household since he was thirteen, paying for his younger brothers' marriages and buying land. He is devoted to his wife and three children, but his filial piety to his parents nearly costs his daughter's life when they sacrifice her without his knowledge. Upon returning from the city (where he was tricked by his father's false job offer), he learns of the incident and confronts his parents, expressing deep disappointment and guilt. He punches his younger brothers for their role in the kidnapping and resolutely demands a family division, even though he knows the separation will leave him with almost nothing. He shows leadership and pragmatism by moving his family to a mountain cave, building a wooden hut with help from friends, and managing the limited resources. Though frail and often ill, he is determined to protect his loved ones and rebuild their lives, refusing to sell his daughter as his mother demands. His sense of justice and strong will make him a pillar for his family in their time of crisis.
