From behind the walls of a traditional nineteenth century Chinese family, Kulien, Bitter Seed, grows from a favored, but shamed daughter into a woman known for her work against the San Francisco slave trade. How does a sixteen year old girl escape the sham marriage arranged for her? Why would she be forced into prostitution in the Chinese port of Shanghai? Through courage and perseverance, Kulien joins with American missionaries to rescue girls who know only the dark side of humanity. As seasons unfold, her suffering, losses and faith transform the young Bitter Seed into a selfless, mature woman who stands against evil.