Xiao Lingyi, an orphaned girl from Jiangnan, arrives in the capital carrying half of a jade pendant and barges through the palace gates to claim the hapless emperor as her father. Father and daughter only want to enjoy life and be foolish rulers, yet somehow they keep stumbling into doing the right things: exposing corrupt officials, reforming the capital's military camps, repairing the Grand Canal, and securing the borders. Along the way, she rises against all odds to become the first Crown Princess of Great Yan. Xie Yanzhi takes himself hostage to gain leverage over his opponents, only to find himself protected by a warm-hearted and talented gentleman who falls for him. From a bickering pair to a united imperial couple, they join hands to usher in a golden age.