In the State Batipuh Sapuluh Koto (Padang length), a young man holds Swordsman Sutan, nephew Datuk Mantari: More, which is the sole heir of his mother's inheritance. Because no female siblings, then his property taken care of by mamak. Datuk Mantari labih can only spend the assets, whereas for his nephew should not be used. Until one day, when Swordsman Sutan want to get married but was not allowed to use hartany atersebut, there was a fight that makes Datuk Mantari labih killed. Sutan Swordsman arrested, when he was just 15 years old. He was banished to Cilacap, then taken to the Land Bugis. Because the Bone Wars, she finally arrived in the Land Mengkasar. Several years running, Martial Sutan free and married Daeng Habibah, the daughter of a propagator of Islam Malay descent. Four years later, Zainuddin was born.
When Zainuddin was a child, his mother died. A few months later his father after his mother. He raised Mak Base, a friend of his father. One day, Zainuddin asked for permission to go to Mak Base Batipuh, boast, looking for his relatives in his native country. With a heavy heart, Mak Base removing Zainuddin go.
Arrived in Padang, Zainuddin beeline Batipuh State. Once there, he was so excited, but after a long time kabahagiaannya was lost because everything was not as it harpakan. He is still considered a foreigner, is considered the Bugis, the Mengkasar. How unfortunate her, because in her country she is also considered a stranger, while in Singapore he was also considered foreigners because of the strong tradition at the time. He also lived in Batipuh saturated, and that's when he met Hayati, a Minang girl who made her uneasy, make it a reason to keep living there. Starting from the correspondence, they became closer and kahirnya mutual love.
The news of their proximity spread widely and become the gossip of all citizens. Because the family is a descendant Conservation respected, it would be a disgrace for keluargany, customs said Zainuddin was not the Minangkabau, mother was from Makassar. Zainuddin was called by mamak Conservation, the reason for the benefit of Conservation, Conservation mamak told Zainuddin left Batipuh.
Zainuddin moved to Padang Panjang (within about 10 km of Batipuh) with a heavy heart. Zainuddin biological and faithful to each other and promised to continue shipment e-mail. One day, Biological come to Padang Panjang to see the race card. He was staying at a friend's house named Khadijah. One opportunity to remove any homesickness Foremost in the minds of Biological and Zainuddin. However, it is hindered by the presence of a third party, namely Aziz, brother Khadijah were also attracted by the beauty of Biological. Because it is in the cities (Padang Panjang) and Aziz Zainuddin finally compete in getting love Hayati.
Mak Base died, and left a lot of property to Zainuddin. Therefore, he finally sent a letter of application to real Batipuh.Ter Conservation in conjunction with a cover letter Zainuddin Aziz. Zainuddin without mentioning the wealth it has, ultimately rejected by ninik mamak Aziz Conservation and accept the proposal which in their eyes is more civilized, and the original Minangkabau, and finally chose Aziz sebaagai Hayatipun her husband. Zainuddin was unable to accept the rejection. Moreover, said his friend, Muluk, Aziz is a morally depraved. But whatever power before ninik mamak. After the rejection of Conservation, Zainuddin was ill for two months.
The assistance and advice Muluk, Zainuddin can change his mind. Together Muluk, Zainuddin went to Jakarta. There Zainuddin started to show his cleverness writing. Under the pseudonym "Z", Zainuddin later became the author of the favorite readers. He founded the association tonil "Andalas," and his life has been turned into a respectable person because of his work. Zainuddin continue his efforts in Surabaya by establishing the publication of books.
Because pekeriaan Aziz moved to Surabaya, Hajati started to follow her husband. One time, Conservation received an invitation from the repertory led and directed by Mr. Shabir or "Z". Because the invitation Hyati Aziz willing to watch the show. At the end of the new shows they know that Mr. Shabir or "Z" is Zainuddin. Their relationship remains good, also the relationship with Aziz Zainuddin.
Since they Hijrah Surabaya to the longer original character Aziz increasingly visible as well. He likes gambling and womanizing. Economic life of their growing concern and wound a lot of debt. They were expelled from the contract, and they are forced to stay at home Zainuddin. Zainuddin goodness behind it, in fact he was still smarting at first considered Biological never break a promise. Because no power to bear the shame of the goodness Zainuddin, after a month of staying at home, Aziz went to Banyuwangi looking for a job and left his wife along Zainuddin. After the death of Aziz, Zainuddin himself was rarely home, except for sleeping.
A few days later, obtained news that Aziz had divorced Hayati. By letter Aziz requested that live together Hayati Zainuddin. And then came the news of a newspaper that Aziz had committed suicide taking sleeping pills in a hotel in Banyuwangi. Conservation also apologized to Zainuddin and serve him willingly. But because they still feel hurt, Hayati Zainuddin told to return home alone. The next day, Biological return aboard ship Van Der Wijck.
After Hayati go, then Zainuddin realizes that he can not live without a Conservation. Especially after reading the letter Biological inscribed "I love you, and if kumati, is the memory of death in you." That is why after the departure Hajati he intends followed Hajati to be his wife. Zainuddin later following a night train ride to Jakarta.
Zainuddin teryata unfulfilled expectations. Van Der Wijck ship carrying Hajati sank in waters near Tuban. Hajati can not be saved.
In a hospital in Lamongan, Zainuddin find terbarng Biological weak holding Zainuddin photo. And that was their last meeting, because after Hayati Zainuddin advised, Hayati Zainuddin died in her arms. Since then, Zainuddin became pemenung. And unwittingly whoever he died. Said Muluk, Zainuddin died of illness. He was buried in the tomb bersebaelahan Hayati.