Following her mother's dying instructions, Gu Zhiwei spends five years grinding ink for an elderly man in the innermost residence of Huaian Alley, mastering the knowledge and skills needed to govern the world. At the imperial selection, her original political insights make her stand out. After entering the Eastern Palace, she repeatedly exposes corruption in the salt administration and uncovers conspiracies against her. Through the trials of the imperial court and inner palace, she steadily grows in wisdom and ability, eventually being crowned Empress. Only afterward does she discover that the old man was actually a reclusive imperial tutor who had served three dynasties. Remembering her master's teachings, she upholds justice and assists in governing the empire, creating a legendary story.