Episode 1
E1
Yang Ping's peaceful way of life abruptly ends when he is relocated and learns his entire life has been a lie. His best friend, Zhong Da, learns of Ping's departure and follows after him.
Episode 2
E2
Ping's new life at the palace fires up quickly as he's placed in situation he never thought possible.
Episode 3
E3
Ping begins interacting with officials and attendants as "the emperor," but even though he looks the part, can he act it?
Episode 4
E4
Eunuch Zhang wishes to take proper care of the late emperor's body, but it's a dangerous mission. Zhong Da meets with Yang Xiu.
Episode 5
E5
Ping refuses to push thoughts of his foster family from his mind. Zhong Da makes a deal.
Episode 6
E6
Ping and Fu Shou are relocated again. A chaotic battle looms in the near future, setting everyone on edge.
Episode 7
E7
The Cao family tends to Ping and Fu Shou, but they're not as hospitable as they seem. Zhong Da finds a way to see Ping in person.
Episode 8
E8
All four city gates are seized by the army of Western Liang. The ferocious action puts Consort Dong's pregnancy at risk.
Episode 9
E9
Ping's peaceful ways prove futile as sacrifices and wrongful deaths multiply. Unfortunately, this isn't the only thing he's been wrong about.
Episode 10
E10
Episode 11
E11
The ritual of the Green Emperor is held. Wang Yue seeks to avenge his fallen brother.
Episode 12
E12
Fu Shou questions Eunuch Leng's past. Meanwhile, Lady Bian calls Man Chong into question. Later, Libationer Guo Jia arrives in Xu Chang.
Episode 13
E13
Guo Jia meets with Ping after hearing others' suspicions. Ping devises a plan of his own, but not everyone is a fan of his ideas.
Episode 14
E14
Ping sneaks out of the palace to see Zhong Da. Deng Zhan goes to Wen County in search of a new portrait of Ping.
Episode 15
E15
Ping and Guo Jia continue their battle of wits. Zhong Da tells his brother and father about Ping's true fate.
Episode 16
E16
Ping and Fu Shou wait for Guo Jia to take action, afraid it could all be over. Two family members are reunited.
Episode 17
E17
Episode 18
E18
Guo Jia and Ping both visit the imprisoned Dong Cheng, and Guo Jia realizes not all is as he thought.
Episode 19
E19
Episode 20
E20
Guo Jia suggests a boys' day out with Ping. A third wheel tags along on the anonymous adventure.
Episode 21
E21
Ping and Fu Shou set out in disguise but quickly find themselves in a predicament. Zhong Da arrives in Ye City.
Episode 22
E22
Zhong Da must prove his innocence to the skeptical Duke Shen. Fu Shou still isn't convinced of Cao Pi's trustworthiness.
Episode 23
E23
Zhong Da continues to use Shen Rong to make his way to Tang Ying. Ping involves himself in a gathering of scholars in Ye City.
Episode 24
E24
Shen Rong takes an immediate disliking to Ping while Zhong Da plays dumb. Cao Pi meets a woman who quickly gets him into trouble.
Episode 25
E25
Zhong Da wants to help Ping and Fu Shou connect... physically. A familiar face unveils a deeper backstory and a new mission.
Episode 26
E26
The group lays out their infiltration plan. The least trusted member ends up with the biggest responsibility.
Episode 27
E27
Cao Pi is arrested and placed in Zhong Da's care, or lack thereof. Ping's honor and morals throw a wrench in the group's plans once again.
Episode 28
E28
Episode 29
E29
As he awaits his execution, Ping makes one final request. Zhong Da offers to help Cao Pi yet again.
Episode 30
E30
Cao Pi finally learns the truth, but is he truly ready for it? Yuan Shao feels confident with his plan to defeat Cao Cao, but he's unaware of Ping's motives.
Episode 31
E31
In order to save Tang Ying, someone else's life must be spared. Ping comes face to face with Cao Cao for the first time.
Episode 32
E32
Cao Cao grows increasingly suspicious of Zhong Da, while Zhong Da challenges Ping's actions. Cao Pi confronts his mother.
Episode 33
E33
Zhong Da brings a surprise guest back to Wen County, exciting some and frightening others. Cao Cao asks a dangerous question.
Episode 34
E34
Unable to shake a negative feeling, Cao Cao presents a murderous mission to a reluctant Guo Jia.
Episode 35
E35
Ping offers to accompany Cao Cao to the north to earn his trust. The Sima family awaits their fate as time runs out.
Episode 36
E36
A torrential rainstorm brings Cao Cao's army to a halt. Ping runs into a familiar face, but the chance meeting could change everything.
Episode 37
E37
With only 10 days to figure out his next move, Ping reaches out to Zhong Da for help. The time comes for Wang Yue's revenge.
Episode 38
E38
When tragedy suddenly strikes, everyone becomes weary, wondering who could be the mole among them. Guo Jia's condition worsens.
Episode 39
E39
Lulong faces a potential massacre when the Xianbei Tribe links up with the Wuhuan Tribe. Pan Yang offers his assistance.
Episode 40
E40
Episode 41
E41
The battle rages on as Ping and Zhong Da lead the soldiers. Unfortunately, the harmony between the two soon turns to dissonance once again.
Episode 42
E42
Cao Cao mourns Guo Jia, but will he collaborate with Ping as his trusted strategist recommended?
Episode 43
E43
Ping wishes to grant Cao Cao a powerful position. Will Cao Cao play fair or will it be a one-sided deal?
Episode 44
E44
Cao Cao must choose an heir, but will it be Cao Pi or Cao Zhi? A wedding ceremony is held, though the occasion is not joyous for all.
Episode 45
E45
As the Cao siblings act on their willfulness, the imperial family's future grows dimmer.
Episode 46
E46
With only a few days left to save Zhong Da, Ping comes to a polarizing decision.
Episode 47
E47
Grant Commandant Yang hosts a banquet in honor of his resignation, but he has more than just a party on his mind.
Episode 48
E48
When Cao Ren and his soldiers barge into the palace looking for an assassin, Fu Shou must protect Tang Ying at all costs.
Episode 49
E49
Cao Cao prepares for his move to Ye City as officials beg Ping to reconsider his decree. Cao Pi seeks Zhong Da's assistance.
Episode 50
E50
Ping and Fu Shou spend what could be their final moments together. Big plans are made for Cui Yan's gathering of scholars.
Episode 51
E51
Ping's morality begins to inspire some, but others take another step toward the darkness. Evidential letters lead Cao Cao to question Prefect Xun.
Episode 52
E52
Cao Cao's physical health rapidly depletes, but he offers one final solution to Ping to help bring an end to the turbulent times.
Episode 53
E53
Ping claims to have a cure for Cao Cao, but it's not as simple as mixing medicine. Zhong Da presents a strategy to put a stop to the seemingly unstoppable Guan Yu.
Episode 54
E54
In the final episode, Cao Pi leads his army to the capital. Will a war break out, or can the nation finally be unified?