Princess Agents (Chinese: 楚乔传, also known as "The Legend of Chu Qiao") is a Chinese tragic television series based on the novel written by Xiao Xiang Dong Er and directed by Wu Jinyuan. It stars Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin, Shawn Dou, Li Qin, Deng Lun, the drama was filmed in Hengdian World Studios and in Inner Mongolia which aired on various channels from 5 June 2017 to 1 August 2017.

The story is set during the Northern Wei dynasty, a period marked by political instability, kidnappings, and violent power struggles. Chu Qiao (also known as Jing Xiaoliu), a slave, is cast into a forest with other captives to be hunted for sport by aristocrats, including Yuwen Huai, Zhao Xifeng, Wei Shuye, Yan Xun, Prince of Northern Yan, and Yuan Song, the 13th Prince of Wei. Chu Qiao is the sole survivor.

She is subsequently assigned as a chamber maid to Yuwen Yue, where she undergoes rigorous training alongside her adopted siblings. During this period, she forms a close bond with Yan Xun. She later encounters Yuan Song and Xiao Ce, the Prince of Liang; both develop romantic feelings for her and support her, though she does not reciprocate their affections. Throughout these events, Yuwen Yue emerges as her primary protector and eventual romantic partner.

Political intrigue escalates when nobles of Western Wei, led by Yuwen Huai and Wei Shuyou, falsely accuse the Northern Yan royal family of treason. Acting on these accusations, the emperor orders the execution of Yan Xun’s relatives. Yan Xun and Chu Qiao are imprisoned, and the massacre of his family transforms Yan Xun into an ambitious and ruthless figure determined to seek revenge, initially with Chu Qiao’s support.

Chu Qiao is later promoted to archery instructor and transferred to the Xiaoqi Camp, where she encounters officers of the Xiuli Army of Northern Yan. Although Yan Xun initially views them as traitors, Chu Qiao persuades him to spare them. Yan Xun maintains lingering regard for Yuan Chun, his childhood companion. When the emperor orders their marriage as part of a plot to assassinate Yan Xun, Yan Xun anticipates the betrayal and launches a rebellion. Yuan Chun pleads unsuccessfully to save him, and their bond is ultimately severed.

After ascending the throne as king of Northern Yan, Yan Xun grows increasingly distrustful of Chu Qiao and distances himself from her while pursuing power through morally questionable means. Disillusioned, Chu Qiao withdraws from him and grows closer to Yuwen Yue, deepening their romantic relationship. Yan Xun eventually orders Yuwen Yue’s assassination, prompting Chu Qiao to formally sever ties with Yan Xun and oppose his campaign of revenge.

Chu Qiao later learns that she is the daughter of Luo He, leader of the Fengyun Order, an intelligence network opposed to slavery and feudal warfare. Trained from childhood in advanced combat techniques, including the Cold Ice skill, Chu Qiao had been forced into hiding after her mother’s assassination, during which she lost her memory and was sold into slavery. Mr. Wu later reveals that Luo He’s death resulted from internal betrayal linked to the Wei and Liang factions and offers Chu Qiao her mother’s former position, which she declines.

As conflict intensifies in the north, Yuwen Yue is lured into a military trap and isolated on a frozen lake. After resisting capture, he is gravely wounded when Yan Xun personally orders an attack. Chu Qiao attempts to reach him but is forcibly separated as the ice collapses. As Yuwen Yue sinks beneath the lake, he urges Chu Qiao to survive. The event devastates her and marks her transformation into a resolute and independent force.