The film is loosely based on the life of Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) and focuses on his battle with the Dutch East India Company for control of Taiwan at the Siege of Fort Zeelandia.

Having heard of Zheng Sen's strong sense of loyalty, the Longwu Emperor is so impressed with him that he grants him the imperial family name, Zhu, and a new personal name, Chenggong (literally "success").

Despite his father's betrayal, Zheng Chenggong remains loyal to the Longwu Emperor and continues to resist the Qing invaders even after the fall of Southern Ming.

He plans to retreat to Taiwan and establish a new base of operations there in preparation for retaking Mainland China from the Qing dynasty.

Director Wu Ziniu originally had Tony Leung in mind for the role of Zheng Chenggong before Vincent Zhao took over.