As a merchant's daughter in Ulm late in the 14th century, young Tilla Willinger lives a comfortable life until her father Eckhardt falls ill and decides to leave his business to Damian, the mayor's son and Tilla's fiancé. To prevent this and replace Damian as Eckhardt's heir, Tilla's brother Otfried secretly kills Eckhardt and conceals his will. Instead of Damian, Otfried forces Tilla to marry the vicious businessman Veit Gürtler, who dies of a heart attack on their wedding night.