Just after entering the palace, Bei Chenling faces suppression and schemes from every faction. The emperor is cold and distant toward her, while the other consorts go out of their way to ostracize her. But Bei Chenling refuses to lose heart. Drawing on the business acumen and keen insight she developed in the modern world, she discovers hidden commercial opportunities in the imperial harem.
First, she uses her status as empress to cleverly establish contacts with merchants outside the palace and start trading in silk and spices. Then she holds palace banquets featuring novel foods and drinks, attracting the attention of high-ranking officials and expanding her business empire.
As Bei Chenling's wealth grows, she uses her money to win people's loyalty and build her own faction within the palace. Her actions make the other consorts jealous and alarmed. They start accusing Su Li before the emperor, hoping to make him punish her.
But through their interactions, the emperor gradually notices how different Bei Chenling is and becomes curious about her. During a crisis, Bei Chenling uses her intelligence and wealth to help him resolve the court's financial troubles. Impressed by her, the emperor begins to lavish his favor on her.
However, Bei Chenling's new standing enrages the Noble Consort, the leading woman in the harem. Joining forces with powerful ministers at court, she plots a series of schemes to bring Bei Chenling down once again. Bei Chenling carefully maneuvers through the palace intrigues, engaging in fierce contests with the Noble Consort and her allies.
As the empress and emperor conduct business and fight for power in the harem, their feelings for each other gradually deepen. In the end, Bei Chenling defeats all her rivals, secures her position as empress, and becomes a legend.
