The story follows Gu Zixin, a fallen princess who goes by the alias Luo Xun as she lies low in an enemy kingdom and even becomes the consort of its Third Princess, Mu Yan. She is not content with merely restoring her kingdom. She is determined to break with tradition and become an empress in her own right. Along the way, she must face bloody upheaval from outside while navigating her complicated relationship with Mu Yan, which begins as a marriage of convenience and blossoms into true affection. She must also contend with the brilliant, far-sighted regent in the imperial court, her greatest political rival and potential kindred spirit, in an ultimate contest over the realm, their ideals, and love.
· Main story arc: The heroine patiently lays her plans and builds her strength → declares her ambition to become empress and joins forces with allies → struggles to balance power games and matters of the heart → creates an era of her own
