Ashes to Crown

General's daughter Chu Zhao (played by Chen Duling), in order to escape the tragic fate of becoming a sacrificial pawn in Crown Prince Xiao Xun's quest for power, realizes that taking the initiative is the only way to change her destiny. In the twists and turns of resisting fate, she meets Xie Yanlai (played by Zhou Yiran), the illegitimate son of the Xie family, and brings light to his once gloomy and brooding life, helping him break free from the shackles of destiny. Xie Yanlai gradually rises from a low-ranking imperial guard to become the Great General who defends the nation. Together, Chu Zhao and Xie Yanlai thwart Xiao Xun's ambition and schemes. Just as she is about to flee from the troubled land, Chu Zhao witnesses the suffering of the people caught in the flames of war and resolutely returns to the city to support the young royal heir Xiao Yu in ascending the throne, staying until he comes of age to rule. However, Xiao Xun later invites foreign enemies to invade, willing to plunge the people into misery for his lust for power. Chu Zhao joins forces with Xie Yanlai to fiercely resist him, leading troops into bloody battles and ultimately eliminating both internal unrest and external threats facing Great Chu. In the end, Chu Zhao not only changes her own fate but also frees countless people of Great Chu from the chaos of war and displacement.