In the later years of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, then-Fourth Prince Yinzhen and his eight brothers are embroiled in a bitter power struggle for the Qing throne.

The sisters are Yinzhen's maternal kinswomen, as is his mother, Empress Dowager Renshou, who is also a member of the Ula-Nara clan.

Six months after his ascension to the throne, Empress Dowager Renshou organizes a selection to bring newer members into the Imperial Harem of the Yongzheng Emperor.

She joins the Imperial Harem alongside her childhood friend Shen Meizhuang, and the low-born An Lingrong.

Zhen Huan attempts to avoid the Imperial Harem's politics but ultimately falls in love with the Emperor, resulting the other consorts in plotting various schemes against her and Shen Meizhuang as retaliation.

Due to some misunderstandings and her own sensitive and suspicious personality, as well as out of jealousy toward Zhen Huan, An Lingrong also begins plotting against her and works alongside higher-ranking imperial consorts, notably the Empress, Ula-Nara Yixiu.

While avoiding the pitfalls of such schemes, Zhen Huan befriends the neglected Fourth Prince Hongli, promising to care for him when she can.

Now seeking both revenge and protection, Zhen Huan convinces the Emperor to bring her back into the Imperial Harem.

The Empress begins to lose favor as her schemes against Zhenhuan backfire and she ultimately confesses to her role in her sister's death and several other crimes.

The Emperor is slowly poisoned by Zhenhuan and she meets with him one final time to narrate the infidelities of some of his concubines, before announcing his death.

The emperor of the Qing dynasty who is still deeply in love with his first wife, Empress Chunyuan despite favoring various imperial consorts throughout the series.

Initially appearing to rule the Imperial Harem as a benevolent empress, her true nature is shown over time as she removes anyone favored by the Emperor who is deemed a threat to her plans, especially Zhen Huan.

Originally Zhen Huan's friend, she grows jealous and tries to scheme against her due to pressure from her family to win the Yongzheng Emperor's favor, as well as the manipulation of other imperial consorts.

A high-ranked imperial consort who is unfavored by the Yongzheng Emperor, and Zhen Huan's close friend and ally.

She protects the Empress throughout the series in order to maintain the power of the Ula-Nara clan, and it is also suggested that she favours her younger son, Yunti, over the Emperor.

A free-spirited prince who did not participate in the power struggle for the throne and only indulges in literature, playing the flute and horse riding.

Despite being the eldest surviving imperial prince as well as being a legitimate son, he is not favored by his father due to his lack of intelligence and awareness.

Originally neglected as a result of being born to a palace maid from the Imperial Gardens, he is later adopted by Zhen Huan and registered as her biological son.

Chinese traditional arts According to the Overseas Chinese Language and Culture Education Online website, the "Filigree Inlaid Metal Art" (花丝镶嵌), an accessory craft skill that can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn period became a phenomenon due to being featured in the series.

[2] Donkey medicine A traditional remedy derived from donkey-hide gelatin had its profile increased through product placement in the show.