Amid a chaotic era, Chen Ce loses his family and loved ones, becoming a destitute refugee struggling to survive. After gathering other displaced people, he is ordered by imperial decree to reinforce Yanmen Pass on the northern frontier. Through brilliant strategy, he crushes the coalition forces of ten kingdoms and gains command of a hundred thousand frontier troops. However, despite his outstanding military achievements, he falls victim to the suspicions and persecution of Empress Su Chenxi, who frames him for treason and drives him into a desperate corner. Determined to clear the court of corrupt influences, Chen Ce raises an army and leads his Jingnan forces south, conquering cities and territories along the way. He eventually breaches the imperial capital, kills the tyrant, and brings an end to the endless warfare. He negotiates peace with neighboring states to secure the borders, reforms the corrupt bureaucracy, and brings peace and stability to the people. Urged by the masses to ascend the throne, he rises from humble commoner to emperor. Through every hardship, the orphaned Su Wanqing remains quietly by his side.