Empress of the Ming

Zhu Di overthrows the second emperor of the Ming dynasty and kills all the officials, including Sun Ruowei's parents. Howver, vice-general Sun Yu saves and raises Sun Ruowei.

After 10 years, Sun Ruowei is assigned to kill Zhu Di, who has now become the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. During the mission, she meets Zhu Zhanji.

Zhu Zhanji becomes curious about Sun Ruowei's real identity. For her safety, Sun Yu wants Sun Ruowei to leave the city, but Zhu Zhanji interrupts their plans.

Zhu Zhanji brings Sun Ruowei to the securest area of the jail and questions her about her identity. He locks her up when she refuses to answer.

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui plan to over throw Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. However, Zhu Di has advanced warning of the plot and prepares to deal with it.

Sun Ruowei's family is killed by the Yongle Emperor though she escapes death after being adopted by Sun Zhong. Sun Ruowei becomes the concubine of crown prince Zhu Zhanji by chance, and continues to investigate the truth behind her family's death.