The mini-series follows the history of the Roman Empire, from approximately the death of Marcellus (24/23 BC) to Claudius' own death in 54 AD. As Claudius narrates his life, we witness Augustus' attempts to find an heir, often foiled by his wife Livia who wants her son Tiberius to become emperor. We also see the conspiracy of Sejanus, the infamous reign of Caligula, and Claudius' own troubled period of rule.
清嘉庆帝在位四年有心勤政，无奈太上皇乾隆诸多干涉，新政难展。奸臣和珅知悉乾隆病危，巧计讹乾隆立下免死敕旨，广结群党，欲篡位自尊。嘉庆四面受敌，不由得想起既敬且畏的二兄永硕。喜爱摔跤，饮酒，好管闲事，四处云游的他，此时不知身在何方？其实乾隆十分喜爱永硕，曾有意将他立为皇储。但他不愿当皇帝，把皇位让给了弟弟嘉庆。乾隆很想看到永硕娶妻，嘉庆贴出皇榜为二哥招亲，闹得京城沸腾。此事引起一位神秘蒙面人的关注。
