In 1917, Yuan Shikai proclaims himself emperor, and General Cai E launches the National Protection Movement, ushering in a brief era of warlordism. Patriotic young man Zheng Shaoqing returns from studying abroad to discover his entire family brutally murdered. After extensive investigation, he links the incident to the powerful warlord Marshal Ma. Shaoqing disguises himself and infiltrates Marshal Ma's residence, seeking revenge for his parents. Thus begins a saga of love and hate.