In 1160, Kiyomori is finally granted the long-sought rank which equals to that of an aristocrat, and many within the Taira family also enjoyed promotions. Meanwhile, Shigeko, Kiyomori's sister-in-law, is offered to marry Emperor Nijo, but flatly refuses it. One day, the former Emperor Go-Shirakawa, who is on bad terms with Nijo, sees Shigeko in the Imperial Court and falls for her at first sight. Before long, Shigeko becomes pregnant with Go-Shirakawa's child, which throws the Taira family into chaos.