The series is set in China during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty. The emperor orders Nalan Degang, a Manchu bannerman, to form and lead a secret death squad to eliminate the Great Ming Society, a Yangzhou-based underground movement seeking to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Ming dynasty. The death squad is named "Flying Guillotines" after the highly dreaded weapon used by its members.

Zhang Youfu, a hardworking but slow-witted man, struggles to support his family after his father’s death while juggling multiple low-paying jobs. Amid personal hardships, including caring for friends battling cancer and complicated romantic relationships, Youfu remains optimistic and genuine.