Set during the Tang Dynasty, the series follows the rise of Li Longji, who orchestrates a coup to overthrow Empress Wei and restore his father to the throne. As Li Longji ascends to power, the inner palace becomes a hotbed of political intrigue, betrayal, and shifting loyalties. The story centers on the complex power struggle between the ambitious Princess Taiping and the newly empowered Emperor, as they vie for control over the imperial court. Amidst the political turmoil, the narrative focuses on the lives of the palace maids and officials, particularly the virtuous Linglong and the pragmatic Yuen-yau. As secrets from the past resurface and hidden agendas are revealed, the characters must navigate a treacherous environment where one wrong move can lead to death. The series explores themes of morality, the price of power, and the internal conflict between personal conscience and the survival instincts required to thrive in the Forbidden City.