The series is based on events that occurred in China between the late 19th century and early 20th century that led to the collapse of the Qing dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China. It features some important events of the late Qing dynasty and Republican era, such as the First Sino-Japanese War, the Hundred Days' Reform, the Boxer Rebellion and the Xinhai Revolution. There are monarchists, reformers and revolutionaries who provide different answers to addressing the deteriorating situation of the Qing dynasty but all these answers point towards a common goal – to restore China as a sovereign, international and independent power.