An Empress and the Warriors () is a 2008 Hong KongâÂÂChinese historical martial arts film directed by Ching Siu-tung, starring Donnie Yen, Kelly Chen, and Leon Lai. Set in ancient China during the Warring States period, the story follows a princess who is forced to step up to defend her kingdom from invasion after her father's death, with assistance from a loyal general and a hermit warrior whom she falls in love with.
During the Warring States period, war breaks out between the Yan and Zhao kingdoms. The king of Yan is killed in battle, so the throne is passed to his daughter, Princess Fei'er. Together with the loyal general Murong Xuehu, the princess steps up to lead her people to defend the kingdom.
Fei'er's treacherous cousin Huba, who has been eyeing the throne, plots to have her assassinated. Seriously injured, Fei'er is saved by Duan Lanquan, a hermit warrior, and falls in love with him while recovering under his care. She returns to her kingdom later to thwart a Zhao invasion and make peace with Zhao. After that, she announces that she is giving up the throne to be with Duan Lanquan, but promises to return to serve Yan if her kingdom needs her.
Huba seizes the chance to usurp the throne and sends his men to kill Fei'er. Duan Lanquan dies of poisoning while saving Fei'er; Murong Xuehu is also killed by Huba's forces. When Fei'er finally returns to confront Huba, the latter reveals that he is actually responsible for her father's death. Fei'er engages Huba in a one-on-one duel and eventually slays him; Huba's followers surrender and pledge allegiance to Fei'er, and peace is restored in Yan.