Frontier youths Xiao Che and Su Jin grew up together, one passionate and righteous, the other calm and observant of propriety, determined to expel the Xiongnu and both growing into renowned generals of the Han. After wiping out the Xiongnu, Xiao Che stationed troops in Loulan and fell in love with Loulan princess Ayina. Driven by the two, Loulan cut off ties with the Xiongnu and teamed up to defeat them heavily. Corrupt officials in the court relied on Xiongnu plundering for a share of profits, and framing the two due to harmed interests. The Emperor of Wu, furious, ordered Xiao Che to subjugate Loulan to prove his innocence. Unwilling to slaughter the innocent, Xiao Che chose to lean toward Loulan. Former brothers arrayed on the battlefield, after several contests of wits, ultimately due to a gap in strength, Xiao Che was defeated, and Loulan was destroyed.