With the Ulanara clan in disgrace after Empress Yixiu falls out of favour, Ruyi (Zhou Xun) learns the politics of the harem and steadily climbs up the ranks to become Empress. Even after surviving through multiple conspiracies and successfully proving her innocence, her relationship with Qianlong (Wallace Huo) had become irreparable. Ruyi eventually becomes disillusioned with her husband and the harsh reality of life in the Palace. Although the love and trust between them gradually disappeared, Ulanara serves as a distinguished empress until her death.