Set in third century BC China, the story of ''The Emperor's Shadow'' revolves around the relationship between Qin Shi Huang, the King of Qin (state), and later the First Emperor; and the musician Gao Jianli. Gao Jianli's mother was the king's wet nurse when the young king was a hostage in the Zhao (state), but they were separated after the former returns to Qin to become king.