Canton's illiterate General , General So, recommends a lazy, joyful lifestyle of sex and dollars. His spoiled and also illiterate kid, Chan (Stephen Chow), is his most faithful disciple. For a woman's love, Chan attends the nationwide examinations for Martial Arts Scholar at Peking. Chan is victorious on the physical exam, but he is found to have cheated upon the exam that is written, before he is to be crowned. The Emperor sentences Chan to be a beggar. Initially Chan is incapable cope with his newest role, but using some help that is mystical, he takes on the position as King of the Beggars Association. Leading this team into battle against an evil warlord from the Emperor's entourage, Chan profits the beggars esteem, also rescues the Emperor.