Though full of ideas and passion, the 4th son of the Song Dynasty general Yang Ye never seemed capable to satisfy his father.

Yiyun, a Liao spy, succeeded in putting the Yangs in great danger, but eventually sacrificed her own life to save the family and the 5th son whom she developed feelings for.

To be with the 4th son, Pan Yuyan parted ways with her vengeful father, who had plotted with the Liao army to lure Yang Ye and the emperor to a trap.

While the emperor escaped from the ambush at Golden Beach, Yang Ye and many sons died tragically one after another.

Captured alive, the 4th son was presented with a choice: die a hero like his father and brothers, or become a despicable traitor and marry Princess Mingji whom he did not love - the only option if he wanted to return home and unite with family again.