In Imperial China, Hang Yun Xian wishes to become a doctress, though she is forbidden from studying medicine. However, she finds herself unable to hold back when others are at risk.
More people begin asking Yun Xian for help, making it difficult for her to abstain from dispensing medical advice. When one case goes awry, she must defend herself.
Madame Xu dies from complications related to mixing medicine, and Yun Xian is put on the hot seat for her role in advising medicinally. With outside help, she survives the trial. But there are consequences.
Yun Xian hasn't left her room in days and refuses to eat. A saving grace invites her to spend time at a retreat to get herself back on her feet. It's here that she is challenged emotionally by someone who seems to want her heart.
A major flood kills thousands of people, infecting thousands of others with cholera. Yun Xian's grandmother wants her snuck out of the Nunnery, but her father refuses to help open the gates. Instead, Yun Xian stays and leads a medical team helping to save those infected.
Zhu Qi Yu summons Yun Xian to the palace to treat his ailing mother. This stimulates an aggressive, angry response from Yun Xian's father. Zhu Qi Yu and Yun Xian keep bumping into each other, potentially leading to something more.
Yun Xian and Zhu Qi Zhen spend New Year's Eve together after Zhu Qi Zhen storms out of dinner after another dispute with his stepmother. Feelings begin to float between the two.
Qi Yu and Qi Zhen are beside themselves over Yun Xian's alleged death. Meanwhile, Yun Xian's floating body is retrieved by a few eccentric personalities.
As the opera troupe nears Yun Xian's hometown, she must decide if she will stay with them. Qi Zhen orders a controversial military attack while Empress Dowager is recovering.
Yun Xian is tasked with curing the unwell and ill-tempered Empress Dowager. Her bold treatments, however, may bring her punishment, rather than reward.
Yun Xian is ready to take her entrance exam. However, days of studying can't prepare her for the curveballs the imperial doctors want to throw her way.
Yun Xian is met with hostility once appointed to her new position. Later, she is met with a new medical challenge that threatens extreme punishment should she fail.
When Yun Xian has an accident, those around her begin to wonder about her mental stability. The battle begins between Yun Xian and Wang Mei Lin for Qi Yu, whether Yun Xian wants it or not.
Wang Mei Lin takes her hate for Yun Xian to another level and threatens her. This redirects Yun Xian's path, as she enlists in an inevitable situation.
Qi Yu leads his army to war, and Yun Xian helps save soldiers with the limited tools she has at her disposal. But things take a turn for the worse when it turns out that there's a mole inside the army.
Qi Yu must decide how to help Great Ming, and his brother, while left in charge. Qi Zhen resolves to die for failing his people, but soon learns shocking information.
When Esen's sister falls ill with rabies, Yun Xian must save her, or die along with her comrades. With another Oirat attack imminent, there is discussion of moving the capital.
Snow begins to fall, worsening the prisoners' already harsh environment. A major announcement in the capital pushes the future of the palace even further into question.
Recaptured, Yun Xian must make a devastating sacrifice to save Qi Zhen's life. Toa Bukha becomes jealous over Yun Xian and Qi Zhen's ambiguous relationship.
Yun Xian pretends to dote on Qi Yu in order to avoid trouble. She also becomes aware of Empress Dowager Sun's suspicious condition after examining her.
In the series finale, Qi Yu and Qi Zhen are back in good graces, but Qi Yu's health and Yun Xian's pregnancy leave the royal family's future uncertain.
