During the Great Chu Dynasty, opera troupes were considered a despicable business, and men's singing was even considered a disgrace to their family background. Shen Yan was born into a poor family. Due to his father's early death, he was forced by his patriarchal uncle to abandon school and join a theater troupe to learn opera to pay off his debts. He had no talent, only tenacity, and worked hard to practice his basic skills amidst beatings, scoldings and discrimination. Inside the troupe, the senior brothers are jealous and the troupe leader is ruthless and unjust; outside the troupe, the powerful take advantage of him and everyone looks at him coldly. Shen Yan started out as a minor player, and gradually made a name for himself on the small stage by virtue of his thorough understanding of opera lyrics and repeated polishing of his body. However, in an environment that favors boys over girls, his success requires not only fighting against industry prejudice, but also dealing with the demands of his family. He must also maintain his original intention of singing in the turbulent power struggle, and step by step from a low-level actor to the position of "King of Actors" who shakes up the government and the opposition.
