A story that follows a young woman, once naive and carefree, who matures into a wise ruler. Hers is a legendary journey about overcoming trials and tribulations to become the Empress Dowager of the Great Sheng Nation.

The story is set in the fictive Sheng country. He Lan Ming Yu is an honest and bright young lady. In her young years, she gets to know the 9th Prince Xiao Cheng Xu by chance. The two get along well and gradually develop feelings for each other. However, fate turns against them and while fake news that Cheng Xu died on the battlefield spread, Ming Yu is forced to marry Cheng Xu's third older brother and reigning king Xiao Cheng Rui . Cheng Xu helps Cheng Rui establish a great and stable country through continuous big achievements on the battlefield, but Cheng Rui is filled with jealousy towards his outstanding younger brother. When the truth about the death of Cheng Xu's mother comes to light, Cheng Xu is determined to usurp the throne to take revenge. But before Cheng Xu succeeds, Cheng Rui dies from an old illness after ordering his son Xiao Qi Yuan to succeed the throne. Cheng Xu is forced to assist Qi Yuan while he grows up, and tries to revive his relationship with Ming Yu at the same time. Qi Yuan, however, is dissatisfied with Cheng Xu controlling him. When he finds out that his uncle has an affair with his mother, his hate towards Cheng Xu grows immensely. Ming Yu tries her best to reconcile her son with Cheng Xu.—OnDemandChina

A story that follows a young woman who once naive and carefree who matures into a wise ruler. Hers is a legendary journey about overcoming trials and tribulations to become the empress dowager of the Great Sheng nation. Helan Mingyu (Zhao Yingzi), the bright and clever granddaughter of the Yonglin leader, has been closely acquainted with Xiao Chengxu (Cheng Yi), the ninth prince of Sheng, since they were young. They eventually fell in love, but Mingyu learns that Xiao Chengxu has died in battle. Mingyu is forced to marry the third prince Xiao Chengrui (Han Dong) in order to save Chengxu's younger brother Xiao Chengxuan (Zhao Wenhao), and she getting caught in the complications of the inner palace. Since the news of his death was untrue, Xiao Chengxu returns victorious from battle and helps Xiao Chengrui ascend to the throne. However, his achievements become his weakness as it invites the suspicion of the new King. At the same time, he learns the truth about his mother's death and becomes determined to get revenge, all while waiting for the day he can be reunited with the woman that he loves.—ChineseDrama.Info

Helan Mingyu, the granddaughter of the Lord Yonglin, has been intelligent since childhood. She unexpectedly meets the Ninth Prince of Shengzhou, Xiao Cheng Xu. The two have similar temperaments, and their affection for one another gradually surfaces. Misinformation of Xiao Cheng Xu's "death in battle" is leaked to court. Ming Yu is forced to marry Cheng Xu's third brother, Xiao Cheng Rui, in order to save Cheng Xu's brother Xiao Cheng Xuan. She enters the court and becomes trapped in the harem. Xiao Cheng Xu repeatedly makes great achievements to help Xiao Cheng Rui establish his rule as emperor and form a great country. But, his high merits creates jealousy in him. Cheng Xu also learns the truth behind the death of his mother and how his father took the throne. As a result, Cheng Xu becomes determined to usurp the throne and take his revenge. Before he could succeed, Xiao Cheng Rui's old illness relapses and he suddenly dies. He passes the throne to Ming Yu's son, Xiao Qi Yuan, to contain Xiao Cheng Xu and stabilize the courts. Xiao Cheng Xu is forced to support Xiao Qi Yuan, but he still desired to marry Helan Mingyu. At the same time, Qi Yuan gradually matures and becomes dissatisfied with Cheng Xu's control. He learns of his mother's affair with Xiao Cheng Xu under the instigation of others, and feels resentment towards the both of them. Helan Mingyu focuses on stabilizing the power of Da Sheng and strives to find a balance between Qi Yuan and Xiao Cheng Xu. Unexpectedly, Cheng Xu dies in battle, As for Qi Yuan, he falls deep into love with his concubine Dong Ruo Xuan and they die together. For the future of Da Sheng, Ming Yu once again steadily accompanies the little emperor who becomes enthroned.—C-Drama Love

The granddaughter of the esteemed Yonglin leader, Helan Mingyu (Zhao Han Ying Zi) grew up well in the country of Sheng. Honest and bright, she caught the eye of many young men, but it was the Ninth Prince, Xiao Cheng Xu (Cheng Yi), who eventually won her heart. Happy as they were, their love was fated for ruin. Determined to help his older brother, Xiao Cheng Rui (Han Dong) ascend the throne, Cheng Xu sets out for war, well aware that his victory on the battlefield would help solidify his brother's position as king. Leaving Mingyu behind, Cheng Xu departs, taking her heart with him. With Cheng Xu gone, Mingyu soon finds herself caught up in the tangled inner-workings of the palace. Learning that the fate of Cheng Xu's younger brother, Xiao Cheng Xuan (Zhao Wen Hao), is in her hands, Mingyu must act both quickly and prudently. To save Cheng Xuan, Mingyu does the unthinkable, making a sacrifice that will alter her life forever. With life as a permanent resident of the palace looming before her, Mingyu must learn to navigate the intricate inner workings of the palace; but the path she now walks is anything but easy. Finding herself the object of more than one man's desires, Mingyu is torn between the desires of her heart and the duties of her position. Understanding that the needs of both her family and her people outweigh her own, she must use her wisdom to bring peace to the palace and prosperity to the Great Sheng Nation. A story of love and destiny, the Promise of Chang'an is a 2020 historical romance drama directed by Yin Tao.—Rakuten Viki