The sudden death of the young Shun-chi Emperor shocked the whole empire. The second prince Fuk-tsuen, was originally the successor for the throne, but Empress Dowager Hao-chong changed the successor to the third prince Yuen-yip, who subsequently becomes the Hong-hei Emperor. Angry with this, Fuk-tsuen dispatchs a spy, Nip Dor-po, and instructs him to gain Hong-hei's trust.
Characters
Steven Ma as Nip Dor-po — an imperial bodyguard. He is sent by Fuk-tsuen to spy on Hong-hei, becoming the emperor's personal bodyguard. As Dor-po spends more time with the emperor, he learns to appreciate the emperor's intelligence and his love for the country. Dor-po ultimately decides to help Hong-hei rebel against Fuk-tsuen. Ma says that Dor-po is the most complicated character he has come across. "I have to officially protect the three, but at the same time, the three are using me to deal with each other but Hao-chong wants me to die, wants me to die, and how can I find ways to save myself and Hong-hei?"
Kenneth Ma as Fuk-tsuen, the Second Imperial Prince — officially Prince Yu, Fuk-tsuen is the Shun-chi Emperor's second son. For many years, Fuk-tsuen has been plotting to usurp the throne from Hong-hei as he believes that the throne was rightfully his. He sends Dor-po to spy on Hong-hei, which subsequently leads to Fuk-tsuen's downfall. According to Ma, Fuk-tsuen isn't a villain but a tragic figure.
Selena Li as Cheuk Chi-ying / Princess Duen-man — adopted daughter of Cheuk Shu-tong and Dor-po's primary romantic interest.
Power Chan as the Hong-hei Emperor — The Shun-chi Emperor's third son. He ascends the throne with the help of his grandmother, angering Fuk-tsuen, who was originally the successor to the throne.
Ching Hor-wai as Grand Empress Dowager Hao-chong — Hong-hei and Fuk-tsuen's grandmother, who helps Hong-hei ascend the throne.
Mak Cheung-ching as Po-chai — Dor-po's superior.
Elaine Yiu as Man-kwan, the Imperial Noble Consort — Hong-hei's consort and Fuk-tsuen's true love.
KK Cheung as Cheuk Shu-tong — secretly part of a group anti-Qing rebels, he owns a large medicine company in the capital city.
Jack Wu as Ha-seen — Kwai-lun's older cousin who is also an imperial bodyguard. He personally works for Fuk-tsuen.
Tsui Wing as Sheung-ning, the Fifth Imperial Prince — officially Prince Kung, Sheung-ning is Shun-chi's fifth son.
Grace Wong as Ngan Yeung-suet, officially Consort Wai — Hong-hei's consort.
Christine Kuo as Kin-ching, Fifth Princess Consort — Sheung-ning's wife.
Stephen Wong as Nap-lan Sing-tak — Hong-hei's personal adviser and bodyguard.
Katy Kung as Fung Sheung-hei — Dor-po's younger cousin.
Fred Cheng as Yan-chak — an imperial bodyguard and Dor-po's good friend.
Rosanne Lui as Consort Sau — Shun-chi's consort and mother of Sheung-ning.
*Yvonne Ho portrays young Consort Sau.
Kwok Fung and Helen Ma as Nip Koon-yat and Ko Choi-king respectively, Dor-po's foster parents.
Sunny Chan makes a two-episode guest starring appearance as the Shun-chi Emperor, Kangxi's father and predecessor. Océane Zhu stars as Consort Tung-ngok, Shunzhi's favourite consort. Upset with his reign and devastated by the death of Tung-ngok, Shunzhi decided to become a Buddhist monk.
Ben Wong stars as Kei To-ting — Shunzhi's personal bodyguard.
Felix Lok stars as Kei Man-cheong — Dor-po's father. Lai Lok-yi makes a one episode guest starring appearance as the young Kei Man-cheong.
Natalie Tong as Kwai-lun, Second Princess Consort — Fuk-tsuen's wife. He marries her for her father's great military power.
The following is a table that includes a list of the total ratings points based on television viewership. "Viewers in millions" refers to the number of people, derived from TVB Jade ratings, in Hong Kong who watched the episode live. The peak number of viewers are in brackets.
