A thrilling and haunting account of historical events in the Trịnh clan in the late 18th century with the central conflict between lord Trịnh Sâm who was feeble and indecisive, and a cunning and manipulative concubine named Đặng Thị Huệ. Based on the novel of the same name by Nguyễn Huy Tưởng.

Lonely at old age, Định seeks solace in the companionship of a colleague who then moves in to live with him. Wary of an imminent marriage that will interfere with their inheritance, Định’s children scheme to break up his new relationship.