For years, Chen Cao managed to balance the interests of the Communist Party and the promises made by his job. He was both a Chief Inspector of Special Investigations of the Shanghai Police Department and the deputy party secretary of the bureau. He was considered a potential rising star in the Party until, after one too many controversial cases that embarrassed powerful elements in the Party, Chen Cao found himself neutralized. Under the guise of a major promotion, a new position with a substantial title but no power, he's stripped of his job duties and isolated. That's still not enough, as it becomes increasingly clear that someone is attempting to set him up for public disgrace and possibly worse.

Chen Cao is technically in charge of the corruption case of a Red Prince - a powerful, high Party figure who embodies the ruthless ambition, greed, and corruption that is increasingly evident in the new China. This Red Prince has the kind of connections and power to deflect any attempts to bring him to justice. Now, with no power, few allies, and with his own reputation on the line, the former Inspector Chen is facing the most dangerous investigation of his life.