The foolish Empress, Li Fanghua, awakens after nearly drowning, shedding her naive and confused demeanor to reveal her sharp brilliance. She punishes wicked servants, intimidates concubines who dare to provoke her, cleverly defeats assassins, and wins the trust of the mentally unstable Empress Dowager. After witnessing the people's hardships, she reclaims wasteland for farming, develops new crops, cares for palace servants, and bravely protects a bullied prince. As Consort Li secretly schemes against her and court officials submit impeachment petitions, the Emperor, stationed far away at the border, entrusts her with the Imperial Phoenix Seal. The Empress leaves the palace to engage in business and build up her own power. When the Emperor finally returns, the two meet again, grow closer, and resolve their past misunderstandings. Their affection gradually blossoms, and together they introduce agricultural reforms, purge corrupt officials, and govern the Great Zhou Dynasty to usher in a golden age.