Yongzheng's harsh and brutal policies lead to widespread discontent and dissension.

Meanwhile, a secret death squad, named after their dreaded weapon — the flying guillotine — goes around slaying the emperor's enemies.

The young crown prince, Hongli, disguises himself as a commoner and embarks on an inspection tour to Jiangnan.

There, the prince evades assassination attempts orchestrated by nobles plotting to seize the throne, and uncovers a shocking truth about his birth and origin.

Besides, he also meets and befriends two maidens, Lü Siniang and Yuniang, who turn out to be actually planning to assassinate Yongzheng.