In addition, it is estimated that So Hyeonseong-rok was written in the late 17th century at the latest, as research revealed that a handwritten edition of Hanssi samdae-rok (韓氏三代錄 Story of Three Generations of the Han Family), a novel based on So Hyeonseong-rok, was written in 1692.
But before So Hyeonseong is born, his father passes away, leaving Madame Yang all alone to raise all three children.
Upset about the whole incident, Hwa Sueun finds herself at odds with So Hyeonseong and Seokpa, but Seok Myeonghye wisely manages the situation and appeases all three.
When Madame Yeo's evil schemes are revealed, she is kicked out of the family, and Seok Myeonghye returns home with all charges against her cleared.
As a bureaucrat, So Hyeonseong continues to advance his career, serves his mother devotedly, manages the household well, and builds his family's reputation.
So Ungyeong marries his betrothed Wi Seonhwa, who is threatened by her stepmother; So Unseong is married to his beloved Hyeong Ganga but is forced to marry Princess Myeonghyeon by the order of the emperor, which causes conflicts in his marriage; So Unmyeong abuses his virtuous wife Yi Okju when the envious Jeong Gangseon slanders her; and So Subing becomes Kim Hyeon's second wife after years of Kim's courtship, but is ostracized by Kim's first wife and family, and is only accepted by the family after years of hardship.
When So Semyeong, one of the third generation, plots treason against the emperor, So Unseong finds out and kills him to eliminate misfortune in the family.
The So Family prospers afterward, giving birth to famous literary men during the Song Dynasty.
As one of the earliest novels written in Korea, alongside Guunmong (九雲夢The Cloud Dream of the Nine), Sassi namjeonggi (謝氏南征記Record of Lady Sa's Southward Journey), Changseongamui-rok (彰善感義錄 Story of Inspiration from Good and Righteous Deeds), it is considered to have created a new literary tradition.