Orphaned as a child, Liu E travels to the capital Kaifeng, and later catches the eye of Zhao Heng. Though she was a concubine, Liu E was perceptive to state affairs, and often discussed politics with Zhao Heng. This tradition continued when he became emperor in 997.

Liu E is crowned empress after adopting the son of a concubine (later Emperor Renzong), and serves as regent of the Song Dynasty during the last two years of her husband’s reign. Liu E would continue to rule until her death twelve years later in 1033.

　　本片根据历史记载及民间传说的徐福东渡的故事为出发点，讲诉了民国时期的探险家寻找传说中蓬莱岛上的徐福宝藏，并为了保护中华宝藏，消灭日本特务的故事。本片通过设定主角陈启龙因为反感军阀混战而离开军队，成为探险家，每次所得佣金皆分给伤残军人这一设定，以及宁愿同归于尽，也不能让中华宝藏流落敌手的重要情节，塑造了大义凛然、充满正能量的中国探险家的形象。片中的日本特务吉冈，夺取中国的宝藏为侵略行动服务，侵略者的罪恶行径昭然若揭。军阀之女金娜为帮助父亲摆脱日本人控制，四处搜寻财宝，最后与吉冈同归于尽，这一悲剧性的结尾也揭露了军阀混战其实是列强的代理人战争的历史事实。