It follows the Qin State during the late stages of the Warring States era. Ying Zheng, Lü Buwei, Li Si, Wang Jian and many formidable politicians work together to unite the six states under one rule. The Qin Empire becomes the first dynasty of Imperial China. The Qin State has achieved strategic dominance among the six states due to aggressive measures put forth by King Zhaoxiang. After the consecutive deaths of King Zhaoxiang and his successor King Xiaowen, the royal court was thrown into disputes over legitimacy. Lü Buwei (Duan Yihong), a powerful and influential merchant attempts to seize power by helping Ying Yiren (Xin Boqing), a prince in exile, to the throne. The eldest prince leaves the capital bringing the political unrest to a close. Qin strikes down the other states with the ambition to rule all the lands. However, the battle between Qin and Zhao proves to be difficult and deadly. After Ying Zheng (Zhang Luyi), a prince of Qin, and his mother Zhao Ji (Zhu Zhu) make their way home, Ying Zheng begins to exhibit the qualities of a ruler under the guidance of Lü Buwei. In order to seat her son on the throne, Zhao Ji and Lü Buwei join hands against Huayang Furen. Ying Zheng starts on a bloody path to becoming an emperor as he uses the people around him to secure power.