Beauty’s Rival in Palace

During the early Han Dynasty, YunXi's mother, a palace maid, is implicated in palace conflicts which lead to her entire family being executed. YunXi and Shen'er become orphans, and Shen'er is abandoned on the streets, eventually becoming a courtesan. YunXi grows up to enter the palace as a maid-in-waiting, learning palace rules and survival strategies.

YunXi, now a maid, and Shen'er, who was raised as a courtesan, meet accidentally in the palace. YunXi is highly intelligent and gains the trust of the Queen and Emperor, while Shen'er shows rivalry and tricks to gain favor. Empress Dowager Lü Zhi notices YunXi's talents and begins to manipulate her.

Lü Zhi forces YunXi to change her identity to Dou Yifang and spy on Liu Heng, King of Dai. She is sent with Zhou Yafu and monitored closely due to Lü Zhi’s distrust, but she secretly earns Liu Heng's trust by helping him in subtle ways.

Dou Yifang, now trusted by Liu Heng, helps him in secret military planning by suggesting the building of his grand mausoleum to distract Lü Zhi. She becomes integral in local politics and earns Liu Heng's love, despite palace intrigues and rivalries.

YunXi (Dou Yifang) develops deep affection for Liu Heng, especially after Qingning, a spy and Liu Heng's consort, sacrifices herself to protect her. Turmoil ensues as rival factions vie for control, especially after Zirang, Liu Heng’s consort, dies and leaves behind a son.

Liu Ying seeks freedom from Empress Lü Zhi and escapes with Shen'er’s help, disguising himself to avoid death. Lü Zhi then enthrones Liu Gong as emperor, while Shen'er aims for her own power, moving up in the palace hierarchy.

Shen'er, ambitious for her own power, advises Lü Lu, the nephew of Empress Lü Zhi, and seeks to build her influence by manipulating palace politics. She attempts to overthrow Liu Heng and influence succession, plotting witchcraft and deception to incriminate Yifang.

Liu Qi becomes Emperor Jing after Liu Heng, and Shen'er’s schemes escalate. Liu Wu, Liu Qi's son, is favored but becomes arrogant and vain, ultimately being murdered. Liu Qi falls ill and dies, leaving Liu Che as the new emperor and Shen'er’s plans foiled.

Liu Che ascends as Emperor Wu, and Shen'er, now called Liu Wu, seeks power but is ultimately discovered and exiled. Yifang becomes the Grand Empress Dowager and tries to safeguard her family's future amidst political turmoil and palace intrigue.

Liu Qi’s health declines, and he is terminally ill. Liu Qi and Yifang reconcile before his death, and Liu Qi dies in 157 BC. Liu Che, Liu Qi’s son, ascends as Emperor Wu, continuing the cycle of political stratagems.

As Emperor Wu, Liu Che faces palace intrigues, succession struggles, and external rebellions like the Rebellion of Seven States. Shen'er’s schemes continue in different forms, aiming for her son Liu Wu’s future, but are thwarted by political rivals.

Shen’er devices schemes such as witchcraft accusations to eliminate rivals. Her plans backfire, leading to her downfall and exile, as Liu Che stabilizes his reign through military and political means.

In her final years, Shen’er lives in exile, reflecting on her schemes and ambitions. Old Yifang, now a respected matron, reminisces about her past, wisdom, and the tears and happiness of her life's journey.

Yifang, along with other elder stateswomen like Empress Dowager Wang Zhi, witnesses the coming generations of palace life and future Empresses, including Wei Zifu, symbolizing the enduring legacy of palace scheming and influence.