Directors: Li Huizhu / Deng Weien / Wen Weiji

Starring: Lu Yi / Yuan Shanshan / Gao Yunxiang / Dai Jiaoqian / Yang Rong

First aired: 2014

Plot Summary:

     In the first year of the Qianlong reign, the orphaned girl Liancheng, in order to save her mother, resorted to swindling the jianghu and was captured by the bailiff Hengtai. Through their clashes, the two came to know one another, and Liancheng secretly fell for Hengtai. At that time, a plague was raging, and a courtesan named Jiang Qimei danced to raise funds, winning Hengtai’s heart. Determined to take Qimei as his wife, Hengtai left Liancheng heartbroken. On the streets, she happened to meet Wei… Hongli, on a secret visit, traveled alongside her. At the Ulanara Mansion, Lady Shen discovered that Liancheng was none other than a princess who had been sent into the common folk; she immediately ordered her to be brought back. In her hour of peril, Qi Mei abandoned Hengtai, leaving him disheartened and despondent. Yet Liancheng’s sincere devotion eventually won his heart. To restore her family’s prestige, Lady Shen resolved to send Liancheng to the imperial palace. Determined to protect the woman he loved, Hengtai devised a way to enter the palace as an official. By a twist of fate, Hongli fell in love with Liancheng, while Xingdai found herself drawn to Hengtai. When Xingdai learned that Hengtai cherished Liancheng, her love turned to hatred, and she plotted to take Liancheng’s life. Years later, now Empress Xingdai, she faced grave danger—only to be rescued by a mysterious master. Lost and bewildered, she nonetheless witnessed Hengtai and Liancheng sailing away together.