Yang Ping's peaceful way of life abruptly ends when he is relocated and learns his entire life has been a lie. His best friend, Zhong Da, learns of Ping's departure and follows after him.
Ping's new life at the palace fires up quickly as he's placed in situation he never thought possible.
Ping begins interacting with officials and attendants as "the emperor," but even though he looks the part, can he act it?
Eunuch Zhang wishes to take proper care of the late emperor's body, but it's a dangerous mission. Zhong Da meets with Yang Xiu.
Ping refuses to push thoughts of his foster family from his mind. Zhong Da makes a deal.
Ping and Fu Shou are relocated again. A chaotic battle looms in the near future, setting everyone on edge.
The Cao family tends to Ping and Fu Shou, but they're not as hospitable as they seem. Zhong Da finds a way to see Ping in person.
All four city gates are seized by the army of Western Liang. The ferocious action puts Consort Dong's pregnancy at risk.
Ping's peaceful ways prove futile as sacrifices and wrongful deaths multiply. Unfortunately, this isn't the only thing he's been wrong about.
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The ritual of the Green Emperor is held. Wang Yue seeks to avenge his fallen brother.
Fu Shou questions Eunuch Leng's past. Meanwhile, Lady Bian calls Man Chong into question. Later, Libationer Guo Jia arrives in Xu Chang.
Guo Jia meets with Ping after hearing others' suspicions. Ping devises a plan of his own, but not everyone is a fan of his ideas.
Ping sneaks out of the palace to see Zhong Da. Deng Zhan goes to Wen County in search of a new portrait of Ping.
Ping and Guo Jia continue their battle of wits. Zhong Da tells his brother and father about Ping's true fate.
Ping and Fu Shou wait for Guo Jia to take action, afraid it could all be over. Two family members are reunited.
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Guo Jia and Ping both visit the imprisoned Dong Cheng, and Guo Jia realizes not all is as he thought.
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Guo Jia suggests a boys' day out with Ping. A third wheel tags along on the anonymous adventure.
Ping and Fu Shou set out in disguise but quickly find themselves in a predicament. Zhong Da arrives in Ye City.
Zhong Da must prove his innocence to the skeptical Duke Shen. Fu Shou still isn't convinced of Cao Pi's trustworthiness.
Zhong Da continues to use Shen Rong to make his way to Tang Ying. Ping involves himself in a gathering of scholars in Ye City.
Shen Rong takes an immediate disliking to Ping while Zhong Da plays dumb. Cao Pi meets a woman who quickly gets him into trouble.
Zhong Da wants to help Ping and Fu Shou connect... physically. A familiar face unveils a deeper backstory and a new mission.
The group lays out their infiltration plan. The least trusted member ends up with the biggest responsibility.
Cao Pi is arrested and placed in Zhong Da's care, or lack thereof. Ping's honor and morals throw a wrench in the group's plans once again.
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As he awaits his execution, Ping makes one final request. Zhong Da offers to help Cao Pi yet again.
Cao Pi finally learns the truth, but is he truly ready for it? Yuan Shao feels confident with his plan to defeat Cao Cao, but he's unaware of Ping's motives.
In order to save Tang Ying, someone else's life must be spared. Ping comes face to face with Cao Cao for the first time.
Cao Cao grows increasingly suspicious of Zhong Da, while Zhong Da challenges Ping's actions. Cao Pi confronts his mother.
Zhong Da brings a surprise guest back to Wen County, exciting some and frightening others. Cao Cao asks a dangerous question.
Unable to shake a negative feeling, Cao Cao presents a murderous mission to a reluctant Guo Jia.
Ping offers to accompany Cao Cao to the north to earn his trust. The Sima family awaits their fate as time runs out.
A torrential rainstorm brings Cao Cao's army to a halt. Ping runs into a familiar face, but the chance meeting could change everything.
With only 10 days to figure out his next move, Ping reaches out to Zhong Da for help. The time comes for Wang Yue's revenge.
When tragedy suddenly strikes, everyone becomes weary, wondering who could be the mole among them. Guo Jia's condition worsens.
Lulong faces a potential massacre when the Xianbei Tribe links up with the Wuhuan Tribe. Pan Yang offers his assistance.
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The battle rages on as Ping and Zhong Da lead the soldiers. Unfortunately, the harmony between the two soon turns to dissonance once again.
Cao Cao mourns Guo Jia, but will he collaborate with Ping as his trusted strategist recommended?
Ping wishes to grant Cao Cao a powerful position. Will Cao Cao play fair or will it be a one-sided deal?
Cao Cao must choose an heir, but will it be Cao Pi or Cao Zhi? A wedding ceremony is held, though the occasion is not joyous for all.
As the Cao siblings act on their willfulness, the imperial family's future grows dimmer.
With only a few days left to save Zhong Da, Ping comes to a polarizing decision.
Grant Commandant Yang hosts a banquet in honor of his resignation, but he has more than just a party on his mind.
When Cao Ren and his soldiers barge into the palace looking for an assassin, Fu Shou must protect Tang Ying at all costs.
Cao Cao prepares for his move to Ye City as officials beg Ping to reconsider his decree. Cao Pi seeks Zhong Da's assistance.
Ping and Fu Shou spend what could be their final moments together. Big plans are made for Cui Yan's gathering of scholars.
Ping's morality begins to inspire some, but others take another step toward the darkness. Evidential letters lead Cao Cao to question Prefect Xun.
Cao Cao's physical health rapidly depletes, but he offers one final solution to Ping to help bring an end to the turbulent times.
Ping claims to have a cure for Cao Cao, but it's not as simple as mixing medicine. Zhong Da presents a strategy to put a stop to the seemingly unstoppable Guan Yu.
In the final episode, Cao Pi leads his army to the capital. Will a war break out, or can the nation finally be unified?