Modern-day Tang Zhaoran time-travels to ancient times and binds with a timed case-solving system; if a case fails, it will endanger the people of the entire city. She clears the original body's falsely accused corruption charges, and successively solves major cases such as the murdered bride, stolen tax grain, and serial family massacres. Following the clues to dig deeper, she uncovers a shocking conspiracy planned by the Empress Dowager to replace the emperor and embezzle disaster silver to raise private soldiers. She adheres to evidence supremacy, fears no powerful nobles, unites righteous forces to collect complete physical evidence, publicly tries the ringleaders, establishes the Civil Case Department to protect the people, and embarks on a new journey of case-solving.