Emperor Zhao Zhen of Song Dynasty is struggling with his identity as the son of a palace maid later adopted by the Empress under his father, the Emperor's order. He is not allowed to see his birth mother and has hostility at being unable to rule due to the influence of the empress dowager and prime minister. His sense of injustice is heightened as time goes on and decisions that he makes for good backfire. The FL wants to help him, but does not want to live in the deep palace. This is a very well done series both in script, cast and authenticity. The actors are believable and the constumes seem to fit the time.