Modern young man Li Changqing accidentally touches an ancient bronze mirror during an archaeological dig. In a daze, he seems to see a woman dressed in Tang-style clothing. When he comes to, he's in the early Tang Dynasty, at a time when smallpox is rampant and the people are suffering.
Armed with basic knowledge of modern medicine, Li Changqing resolves the smallpox crisis and meets the renowned physician Sun Simiao, who takes him on as a disciple.
Later, Li Shimin recognizes his talents and appoints him to the court. He defeats the Turks in the north, campaigns against Goguryeo in the east, and brings all under heaven to heel.
As time passes, the people close to him grow old, and Li Changqing sighs with deep emotion: “Everyone envies immortality, but immortality is no less a torment.”
