After a long period of peace, the Western Xia dynasty invades the Song dynasty, leading to the deaths of Yang Liu Lang and Yang Zong Bao at the hands of Pang Tai Shi. Mu Guiying attempts to lead the female warriors of the Yang family into battle, but is falsely accused and faces many obstacles, including being separated from Yang Pai Feng, who later encounters an amnesiac Yelü Haonan and develops feelings for him. Li Yuanhao, the prince of Western Xia, secretly approaches Guiying and others to deceive them and attempts to use their help to seize the throne. In the end, his scheme is exposed, and he is saved by the Bǎihuā Princess. Guiying is appointed as the commander to fight against Western Xia, but Yuanhao kidnaps Pai Feng and forces Haonan to help him kill his father and seize the throne, as well as to fight against the Song army. Guiying vows to eliminate Yuanhao.

During the war between the Song and Liao dynasties, the Yang family served loyally and bravely to defend the Song dynasty. Under Emperor Renzong, General Yang Liu Lang is trapped in a Liao war formation led by strategist Yelü Haonan. His son, Yang Zongbao, journeys to save him and meets female warrior Mu Guiying who helps to rescue Liu Lang. Although Haonan wishes to marry Guiying, she does not return his affections and seeks help from her master to alter her destiny. This leads to a vengeful Haonan scheming against the Yang family. Eventually, Liu Lang and his wife are moved by Guiying's sacrifice and allow Zongbao to marry her. Meanwhile, Xiao Tao Hou ascends to the throne with Haonan's help and continues to invade the Song dynasty. Haonan unexpectedly falls in love with Yang's servant girl, Pai Feng, but ultimately chooses to retreat from their relationship. Xiao's nephew Yelü Zongyuan, who discovers his roots in the Yang family, struggles between his loyalty and love for his kin...

Looking Back in Anger was a 1989 Hong Kong TV series and one of the most watched TVB series by Chinese people in Hong Kong and around the world. Many factors contributed to the success of this series. As well as its tragic but memorable storyline, this series featured a strong cast, with Felix Wong, Deric Wan, Carina Lau, Kathy Chow Hoi-Mei and Maggie Shiu. The popular theme song of the series "Yat sang ho kau" was sung by Danny Chan and later by Deric Wan himself.