Geraldo Bulhosa and his wife, Maria Teresa, try to improve their lives in Brazil shortly after Independence.

Geraldo is promoted but does not receive a raise, frustrating Maria Teresa. However, an honor from the Emperor restores his joy.

Geraldo cannot extricate himself from the kickback scheme created by Pacheco and finds himself further compromised when his son, Geraldinho, is arrested.

Maria Teresa feels a strange euphoria while riding, and her family is alarmed by her change in behavior.

Geraldinho decides to join the Indigenous cause, which could disrupt Maria Teresa's plans to marry off her daughter, Catarina.

Catarina falls in love with a young suitor. Meanwhile, a young new priest stirs things up at the Bulhosa household.

Geraldo and his accomplices get involved in a scheme to stash money inside religious statues. Things get complicated when he makes a mistake.

Geraldo is invited to a Debret exhibition, but Maria Teresa ends up clashing with the painter.

Maria Teresa worries about Geraldo and steps in to defend her husband when a newspaper publishes a report about corruption at the Imperial Palace.

Geraldo is promoted and takes charge of the department. Consequently, he tries to distance himself from his corrupt friends, who do not like the idea.

Geraldo fears that the Emperor will be outraged by the problems at the Festa do Divino and tries to avoid embezzling money, but he could end up in trouble.

Geraldo is accused of embezzling public funds and needs to put up the Bulhosa family home as collateral to avoid prison.