Sun Ruo Wei entire family is killed on the orders of the Yongle Emperor in 1402, though she escapes death after being secretly adopted by Sun Zhong. Sun Ruo Wei becomes the concubine of crown prince Zhu Zhan Ji by chance, and continues to investigate the truth behind her family’s death.

However, Sun Ruo Wei decides to abandon her revenge plans after realizing how dangerous it would be to destabilize the court for her own personal goals. Touched by Zhu Zhan Ji’s kindness, Sun Ruo Wei resolves to become a virtuous empress who can support him in times of hardship. Unfortunately, Zhu Zhan Ji passes away after a decade on the throne, and Sun Ruo Wei is honored as Empress Dowager once her 7-year-old Zhu Qi Zhen ascends the throne.

Set during the Tang Dynasty, a young and quiet swordsman name Baili Tusu is infected by the aura of an ancient demonic sword known as the Sword of Burning Solitude. Living with the dark energy, he grew up without family. Until one day, he meets a friendly girl Feng Qingxue along with a group of heroes, and together they wander the land to seek out destiny and bring balance to the world.

In the 1980s, Ma Jin grew up in Beijing with three friends who were like brothers. After an accident before high school graduation, they drifted apart, and Ma Jin left for abroad, disappearing for years. Now a vice president of a company, Ma Jin is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Facing death alone, he longs to mend old feuds and rebuild friendships. The four middle-aged friends reunite to start a business, rekindling both old bonds and Ma Jin’s hope for life.

The Story of a Noble Family (Chinese: 金粉世家) is a 2003 Chinese television series based on Zhang Henshui's novel Jinfen Shijia, directed by Li Dawei. The series was first broadcast in 2003 on China Central Television in mainland China.