Shen Qingwu, the legitimate daughter of the Duke Who Guards the Nation, devoted her previous life to helping Xiao Jinhan ascend the throne. In the end, her family was destroyed, and she was sentenced to drink poisoned wine. Only as she lay dying did she discover that the emperor had used her rivalry with Murong Yin to weaken military power. Reborn on the very night she entered the palace and was bestowed the title of Noble Consort, she resolves never to be drawn into his schemes again. On her wedding night, she avoids the emperor and saves Murong Yin, using secret documents to reveal that they are both merely pawns. She joins forces with Consort Rou, Lin Ruxue, and the Southern Border healer Su Mei, forming an alliance of four women who pretend to compete for the emperor's favor while secretly plotting their moves. They deliberately allow the emperor to wear down his health and nurture A Ye, a prince living in the Cold Palace. Ultimately, abandoned by everyone, the emperor meets his downfall. The women support a new ruler and each takes charge of her own sphere of power. At last, Shen Qingwu breaks free from her fate and takes control of her own destiny.