Eight years following the Emperor's death and the Nguyen clan's execution in a plot for power, former concubine Thuy Hoa has taken control of Dai Viet. Princess Ngoc Vinh is the last of her line, the only daughter of late concubine Lady Nguyen. Driven by revenge, she seeks the lost legendary crossbow to overthrow the Empress Dowager. But twisted lies and dark secrets plague Dai Viet at every turn; when it comes to the royal court, no one is as they appear. Only one thing is certain: the Empress must pay for her crimes. Blood debts can only be paid with blood.