The Legend of Hao Lan takes place near the end of the Warring States Period in China (475 to 221 BC) and it highlights the conflicts between the Qin and Zhao states. After Zhao’s imperial censor Li He becomes the victim of a political scheme, his eldest daughter Li Hao Lan is sold to the merchant Lü Bu Wei. Lü Bu Wei and Li Hao Lan meet the hostage Prince from Qin, Ying Yi Ren in Zhao. With help from Lü Bu Wei and Li Hao Lan, the story continues to depict how Ying Yi Ren escapes Zhao, becomes the King of Qin, and eventually passes the throne to his son and heir, Ying Zheng (later known as Qin Shi Huang --the Emperor who unites China). Ying Zheng's mother is Li Hao Lan who then becomes the first Empress Dowager in history. (Source: MyDramaList)