漢武帝年少即位,政權實掌握在陳皇后及國舅手裏,武帝只得伺機行事。他思念孀居霸(灞)陵的親姊平陽,一日微服到訪公主。平陽一向傾慕騎奴衛青,特意安排其姊衛紫卿與武帝相見。武帝對紫卿一見傾心,旋即冊封她為衛夫人,並擢升衛青為侍衛郎,其後與二人雙雙回宮。時匈奴入侵漢土,衛青被薦為驃騎將軍,領軍對抗匈奴。陳皇后陰險善妒,她向竇太后進讒言,令衛夫人被貶冷宮。後皇后更欲謀害紫卿,幸衛青力抗匈奴成功凱旋歸來。他先假意投順皇后,設局佯裝殺姊,實際上紫卿藏匿于馬棚,後平安離宮並誕下一子。武帝以為紫卿已死,彷彿中夢會佳人。衛青贏得皇后信任,更因平匈奴戰功而逐步掌握兵權。最後漢帝得衛青襄助,廢除陳皇后,重新掌政並與紫卿重逢。
Meeting Lady Wei in a Dream
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty has come to the throne at a young age, though the actual power is held by Empress Chen and her brother. The emperor has to bide his time. Missing his sister Pingyang who lives as a widow in Baling, he pays her a visit in plain clothes. Because of Pingyang‘s love for Wei Qing, a husbandry serf for the mounted, she arranges a meeting between the serf’s sister Wei Ziqing and the emperor. The emperor is immediately taken with Wei Ziqing and soon makes her Lady Wei, promoting Wei Qing, her brother, to imperial bodyguard. After that, the emperor returns to his palace with the Weis.
When Huns invade China, Wei Qing is recommended to be a general leading troops against the enemy. A wicked and jealous woman, Empress Chen speaks ill of Lady Wei before Empress Dowager Dou, causing Lady Wei to be banished to the palace for disfavored imperial concubines. The empress eventually tries to murder Ziqing.
Fortunately, Wei Qing has returned, in triumph. Pretending to obey the empress’s wish to kill his sister, he hides her in a stable. Leaving the palace safe and sound, Lady Wei gives birth to a son. Thinking that she is dead, the emperor meets Lady Wei in a dream. Wei Qing has won the empress’s trust and has gradually taken control of the army due to his distinguished service in repelling the Hun invasion. Finally, with his help, the emperor deposes Empress Chen, regains control of the government, and reunites with Ziqing.