The land of Jiuzhou is divided among nine kings, each ruling their own territory, and war is everywhere. Every province produces talented people, each with a leader skilled in both civil and military affairs. Across Jiuzhou, military tactics constantly clash and evolve, while culture continues to advance and flourish as well. Heroes rise from every corner of the land. Jizhou boasts a powerful army, and its prince, Wang Chao, is a brilliant strategist who seeks to conquer the realm by force. Yangzhou is the richest province under heaven, and its prince, Yang Chang, is a gifted statesman who makes lifting the people out of poverty his mission. Liangzhou stands as a power in its own right, and its prince, Zhou Jinming, is respectful toward the worthy and benevolent toward all. His goal is to build a harmonious, equal, and friendly society for the common good. Qingzhou's Zhao Miao is a woman with grand ambitions and a talent for military strategy. Xuzhou's beauty, Li Huiping, is capable and resourceful, with a gift for business. Chen Qingyan, a noblewoman of Yongzhou, has a knack for recognizing talent, and is renowned throughout the land for her radiant beauty. The princes and princesses of every province display their talents, while love and hatred bind them in an endless tangle. Zhou Jinming of Liangzhou and Chen Qingyan of Yongzhou marry. Each contributes their strengths, and together they eventually rule all of Jiuzhou, with every land submitting to them. At last, peace reigns and society becomes a commonwealth. Wang Chao of Jizhou and Zhao Miao of Qingzhou join forces to expand their borders and wage war across the land. Yang Chang of Yangzhou and Li Huiping of Xuzhou work together to build a prosperous home,