Amid political turmoil, Wu Zetian rises as the first and only female empress of China. Within months of her ascension, discontent grows and enemies begin plotting against her.

Newly appointed investigating magistrate Di Renjie must solve a series of gruesome murders. The investigation draws him toward the Imperial court and the empress herself.

He must also confront his own inner demons and his loyalty to the previous emperor, while uncovering the connection between the murdered courtesans and the capital’s political secrets.