Wu Yao unexpectedly becomes the female emperor, but discovers that her father's death was highly suspicious. With no foundation at court, she pretends to be a foolish ruler while secretly investigating the truth. Chancellor Chen Yifei misunderstands the empress and vows to risk his life remonstrating with her, only to be secretly appointed as her empress consort. The empress also takes in the scholar Lu Qingyan, the military general Jin Junhuan, and the wandering swordsman Ye Qing, forming a powerful team of advisers to bring order to the imperial court.