Jade is a beautiful, rebellious, and intelligent daughter of a prominent family in late-1500s Joseon (present-day Korea). She explores the world with her life-long friend, Choi, who has been hopelessly in love with her for as long as he can remember. In the midst of an upcoming war with Japan, however, Jade meets a scholar, only to later find out his conflicting, true identity. Jade must choose between loyalty and love, a decision that inevitably leads to tragedy.