Emperor Xiao Ming of the Great Liang is old and knows his time is near, so he decides to name a crown prince. By the customary rules of past dynasties, the eldest legitimate son is the best choice. But the eldest legitimate son does not inspire Emperor Xiao Ming's confidence. Besides him, there are nine other princes. Choosing an heir gives both the emperor and his ministers a terrible headache: the First Prince, Xiao Meng; the Second Prince, Xiao He; the Third Prince, Xiao Ping; the Fourth Prince, Xiao Chu; the Fifth Prince, Xiao An; the Sixth Prince, Xiao Xi; the Seventh Prince, Xiao Yi; the Eighth Prince, Xiao Ai; the Ninth Prince, Xiao Zhen; and the Tenth Prince, Xiao Yuan. Each prince has his own allies and influence, and every one of them wants to become crown prince. An unprecedented battle for the throne begins. In the end, the Tenth Prince, Xiao Yuan, wins with the support of his princess consort, Su Yuting; the Ninth Prince, Xiao Zhen; and the great general Qin Kuan and his wife, Liu Ruohe. Xiao Ming can finally depart in peace, and the Great Liang enters a golden age.
