The story begins six months before the events of In the Name of the People. Beneath the surface, power struggles roil the political circles of Handong Province, where the various factions are deeply entrenched. Born into poverty, Qi Tongwei earns admission to a prestigious university through his own efforts, only to run into obstacles at every turn early in his political career. He comes to understand how much one’s origins and connections matter. Gradually, his heart becomes twisted, and he longs to change his fate and gain dignity and status through power.
