In the early 20th century, amidst the vast and ancient landscapes of China, a young boy named Puyi is unexpectedly thrust into prominence as the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. At the tender age of three, he is proclaimed the ruler of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, living within the secluded splendor of the Forbidden City. Surrounded by opulence and luxury unimaginable to the common man, Puyi's childhood is uniquely isolated, shaped by the strict protocols and ancient traditions of the imperial court. Despite being the nominal ruler of millions, his personal freedoms are virtually nonexistent, with every aspect of his life controlled and manipulated by the adults around him, including regents, teachers, and eunuchs serving in the palace.

As political tides turn and the world outside the Forbidden City undergoes radical changes, Puyi is faced with challenges that test his ability to adapt and survive. The intrusion of Western influences and internal pressures for reform mark the end of imperial rule in China, propelling the young emperor into a turbulent era characterized by revolution, war, and personal upheaval. Struggling to find his place in a country that no longer recognizes him as its sovereign, Puyi's journey from omnipotent emperor to ordinary citizen embodies the dramatic transformation of China itself, from a feudal empire to a modern state grappling with its identity amidst rapid change and societal upheaval.