Yvette Locke, the daughter of a late general favored by the emperor, chooses not to live in the mansion granted to her. Instead, she and her mother, Willow Dunn, make a humble living through tailoring. When Roxie Wood, the daughter of a powerful minister, vents her resentment over a failed royal selection on Willow, Yvette seeks justice but is instead punished by corrupt officials. Refusing to give up, she appeals at the palace gates, only to be kidnapped by Roxie.