In the mid-Ming Dynasty, court physician Li Heling and Jin Yiwei Yang Ao were sworn brothers. However, Yang Ao fell in love with Li Heling's fiancée, Nícháng, and as a result, falsely accused Heling of raping Consort Hui. To save Li Heling, Nícháng married Yang Ao instead. Knowing that Nícháng had married Yang Ao, Heling changed his name and moved to Yuancang County in Shanxi, where he opened a medical clinic under the pseudonym "Golden Beard."
Twelve years later, Golden Beard, by chance, joined forces with Liu Fuxing to solve a wrongful conviction case, arresting the so-called "Emotion Demon." While investigating a murder case involving a wealthy man, Golden Beard and Fuxing once again teamed up and discovered that the real culprit was the mistress of Fan Tai, an underling of Yang Ao. In order to atone for his sins, Fan Tai revealed the conspiracy behind Yang Ao's framing of Heling years ago.
Golden Beard went to the capital to clear his name, teaming up with Fuxing to confront Yang Ao, who had now become the "Great General of National Stabilization." Yang Ao threatened the Emperor with military force. To help Golden Beard, Nícháng devised a plan to divert Yang Ao's army of one million soldiers. Enraged, Yang Ao killed Nícháng.
Golden Beard confronted Yang Ao, and they engaged in a fierce battle. Using golden needles, Golden Beard found Yang Ao's weak point and defeated him, clearing his own wrongful accusation. Li Heling declined the position of Chief Court Physician, and Fuxing gave up the opportunity to marry a princess. Together, the two wandered through the江湖 (jianghu), helping the poor and needy.