A flower ties both Shi Ying and Zhu Yan, the aloof Crown Prince of the State of Kongsang and the warm Princess of the Crimson Clan, to a harbinger of a fateful love. But they become master and disciple for three years by mistake. As a grim star sign looms over Kongsang, Shi Ying seals Zhi Yuan, the merfolk companion of Zhu Yan, because he mistakes the latter for the Sea Emperor. In a twist of fate, Zhu Yan stabs the Jade Bone into Shi Ying, unaware of fulfilling the harbinger. Their destiny, however, has changed since the day it's noticed......

The drama tells the life of Xiao Yanyan, who was the most powerful woman of the Liao dynasty. Xiao Yanyan and Han Derang were childhood sweethearts, but were separated when she was sent into the palace to become the consort of Yelü Xian. Though Xiao Yanyan and Yelu Xian's marriage was not one built on romance, Xiao Yanyan fulfills her job as a dedicated empress, and gains her husband's respect after the policies she instated proved her capability. Xiao Yanyan is entrusted with governing the country and acting as regent for their son after Yelv Xian’s death, and is eventually able to marry her true love Han Derang, who had become the most influential Han official in the Liao court....