Ling Qingyan, a modern scholar with dual doctorates in history and political science, transmigrates to the Dayao Dynasty after an accident involving an artifact and takes on the identity of Ling Yue, a poor scholar. To survive and pursue her ambitions for reform, she disguises herself as a man and sits the imperial examinations. Thanks to her ideas far ahead of their time, she passes round after round and places first in the palace exam. The Third Prince, Xiao Che, covets her talents and wants to recruit her, while Ling Qingyan sees him as a “stepping stone” to constitutional reform.
Amid the struggle for the throne, Ling Qingyan helps Xiao Che ascend it. But when her identity as a woman is exposed, she is forced to become empress. From within the imperial harem, she quietly lays plans, builds alliances, turns merchants to her cause, and spreads new ideas, all while gathering strength for constitutional reform. As the reforms advance, fierce resistance from conservatives heightens the conflict. Ling Qingyan unites forces from every side and uses economic strikes and military pressure to compel Xiao Che to accept a constitution.
In the end, the Dayao Dynasty promulgates the Great Charter of Dayao, transforming itself from an autocratic empire into a constitutional monarchy. Ling Qingyan then advances intellectual liberation, scientific and technological development, and oceanic exploration, making Dayao a world power. After accomplishing her mission, she retires to Jiangnan with Xiao Che, who has accepted the new system. Their legendary story becomes a celebrated tale, a chapter of history where modern civilization collides fiercely with ancient traditions, and power struggles intertwine with love.
In the end... one assassination attempt, and it was game over!
