Princess Zhao Taiping flees the palace to marry Li Dengke. Five years later, Li becomes the top scholar in the imperial exam. Mistaking that Zhao Taiping has an affair with Zhao Bing, he takes Zhao Bing hostage. When Li returns home, he is left bewildered by Zhao Taiping, who has regained her princess status, and Zhao Bing, the "lover" stuffed in a sack.On their wedding day, Li Dengke humiliates Zhao Bing, forcing him to sign a confession. Zhao Bing signs to protect his late wife's portrait, only to suffer worse abuse. As Princess Zhao Taiping arrives, Li spots a lock of her hair on Zhao Bing and questions his identity. Even when Wang Sheng scratches the Imperial Seal, the truth remains unproven.