Shang Que, the illegitimate daughter of the Chancellor's household, witnessed her birth mother's brutal murder as a child. To survive, she endured humiliation and pretended to be insane for ten years, carefully plotting her every move until she seized the opportunity of the imperial selection to enter the palace. She sheds her foolish disguise and dazzles the imperial court with the auspicious omen of ten thousand butterflies gathering before her. She also sees through the power struggles within the deep palace, repeatedly helping the emperor avert the Empress Dowager's attempts on his life. Amid the treacherous intrigues of the imperial harem and court, Shang Que rises step by step through her wit. She and the emperor develop genuine feelings for each other and support one another, ultimately defeating all their enemies and personally killing her mother's murderer. From an illegitimate daughter whom anyone could bully, she rises to the throne of Empress, writing a legendary tale of patient endurance, revenge, and defying fate within the deep palace.