Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory - one that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire : to seize the throne and crown herself emperor. However, Zhu isn't the only one with imperial aspirations. The courtesan Madam Zhang plots to steal the throne for her husband. And scorned scholar Wang Baoxiang has his own mission to bring the empire to its knees.
To stay in the game, Zhu must gamble everything on one bold move. A risky alliance with an old enemy : Ouyang, the brilliant but unstable eunuch general. All contenders will do whatever it takes to win. But when desire has no end, and ambition no limits, could the price be too high for even the most ruthless heart to bear ?