For generations, the Zhao family has wielded power, even extending over the king. In a well-planned coup, their mortal enemy Tu'an Gu (Wang Xue Qi) slaughters the entire clan, determined to wipe out their influence forever. However, a solitary Zhao baby survives the massacre, and is hidden and taken home by Cheng Ying (Ge You), the doctor who delivered him, to live with his wife (Hai Qing) and their own newborn baby. Set on revenge, and raising the Zhao child as his own, Cheng Ying bides his time, enrolling himself and the Zhao orphan (whom he calls Cheng Bo) into the service of the Tu'an Gu household.