A married couple travels back in time to the late Ming Dynasty. The husband, Zhang Kun, formerly an insurance salesman, becomes Li Zicheng, while his wife, Li Nan, formerly a university history lecturer, becomes Empress Zhou, the wife of the Chongzhen Emperor. Neither knows that the other has also traveled through time. Zhang Kun focuses on building up his strength, conquering cities and expanding his territory, while Li Nan sets out to eliminate the Donglin faction and the Eight Great Shanxi Merchants, while reforming the powerful gentry of Jiangnan. Unaware of each other's identities, the couple engage in a battle of wits from opposite sides.