Set around the period of the 2,000-year-old Qin dynasty, an epic tale about two former childhood buddies Ying and Gao who, now in their adulthood, have become entangled in manipulative power plays against one another--particularly since the former is a ruthless emporer needing to compose an anthem for the Qin dynasty's anticipated victory, and the latter is wily, talented court musician, with whom Ying's steel-cold daughter is in love.