Yu Xunqiu, a modern-day overworked office worker, accidentally travels back in time and becomes a low-ranking palace maid in the Cold Palace, where all she wants is a peaceful life of doing nothing. To avoid the Empress Dowager's scheme to send her to the emperor's bed, she mistakenly pours an aphrodisiac wine down the throat of her close friend, the 'eunuch' Xiao Mingzi. Only afterward does she discover that he is actually Emperor Lu Mingyu, whose power has been stripped away by the Empress Dowager. To survive and pursue her freedom, Yu Xunqiu is forced into the political struggles of the imperial court. Relying on modern knowledge and ingenious schemes, she steadily rises through the ranks, transforming from a palace maid into a Grand Preceptor of the First Rank. Joining forces with the emperor and Prince Rui, she confronts the Grand Tutor, foils a palace coup, and successfully brings down the Empress Dowager. Once peace is restored throughout the realm, she turns down the position of empress, boldly leaves the imperial palace, and sets off toward a vast new life of her own.