Adapted from Wu Xuelan (Liu Lianzi)'s novel The Story of Ruyi in the Harem, the series follows Hongli as he ascends the throne as Emperor Qianlong, while Side Consort Ruyi is named Consort Xian and enters the palace. As they face the turmoil of palace power struggles and political scheming, the pressure gradually mounts. The emperor and Consort Xian work together to overcome their obstacles, and Ruyi eventually becomes empress. However, the mature emperor and his former love have grown apart in all but name, and their relationship steadily deteriorates.
