In 1768, Daria Saltykova is set to be executed in Moscow, but Empress Catherine decides to grant a pardon for the murder and instead of execution, sentences her to life in prison. Meanwhile, a look back at Daria's childhood while living at a church begins to reveal her transformation into a serial killer.

Daria finds herself ensnared in a dangerous arrangement with her new husband. She is in love with his brother, but does not wish to disobey the demands of her father. Sensing her disappointment and poor attitude towards the marriage, her new husband vows to turn her life into a nightmare. Daria's only salvation comes from her secret affair with his brother.

Daria's father dies, and now she is the heiress to a huge fortune. But before he dies, Ivanov manages to tell his son-in-law about a terrible family secret, allowing him to blackmail his wife. Meanwhile, Sergei loses a colossal sum at cards and Daria saves him from embarrassment, but she receives betrayal instead of gratitude.

Daria is expecting a child and turns to the village healer for help. Instead of receiving money for her services, she asks for Daria's cross. Sergei, driven by his ambition and obedience to the will of the Saltykov family, is called to court. In St. Petersburg, Sergei draws the affection of Catherine. Afraid of gossip, she sends Sergei Saltykov abroad after giving birth to an heir.

Gleb's death begins to raise a lot of questions, and an investigation ensues. Saltykov's uncles do not believe it was an accident, and Daria inherits his large fortune. A battle for his riches ensues. Sergei Saltykov comes to Gleb's funeral, and Daria's feelings for him flare up once again.

After surviving an assassination attempt, Daria realizes that as a widow who inherited a large fortune, she will never be safe. Fortunately, she has managed to protect herself by stealing Catherine's letter.

Many high ranking nobles look to court Daria for her wealth, but Daria avoids their advances. Nastya is now Serezha's babysitter. To cheer up the pale and weak child, she introduces him to the noble Prince Tsitsianov. Unfortunately, the innocent prank turns into a nightmare. Daria, fearing for her son's safety, severely punishes Nastya, and entrusts her mother Avdotya to carry out the punishment.

Darya hosts a gathering as a peace offering. She invites her enemies, the Saltykovs' uncles, to the big party. Among the guests is Daria's oldest friend, Princess Bogdanova. She shared the latest news from the capital. Daria learns that Sergei has become the Empress's favorite. The growing resentment of her experiences returns.

Terrible rumors about the baroness from Troitsky reach her neighbors. Daria seeks solace in church. The local priest Stepan absolves her of her sins, but praying does not bring relief to Daria's soul. Meanwhile, Seryozha and Nastya are moved to the outhouse, the serfs are not allowed to leave the estate, and poor Fyokla, who blabbed about the baroness, faces a terrible punishment.

Daria decides to marry off the serfs. Aksinya is given to the hunchback Grishka, while to her favorite, the mute coachman Ivan, she chooses the tongue-deprived Fyokla to be his bride. The Hajduks refuse to listen and attack. The steward tries to protect the villagers, but they are outnumbered. Sergei is once again summoned by Catherine and appointed tutor to his own son.

The steward sees his drowned wife being taken out of the river in the morning. All those killed are ordered to be recorded as fugitives. The horrors on the estate leave him no choice. An investigator from Moscow arrives at Troitskoye. Avdotya shows him around the village, blaming the fires and the deaths of the serfs on them.

Daria's feelings, in spite of everything, are still strong: she is ready to forgive Sergei. She persuades him to run away, take his son and go abroad. Sergei is in disarray: Catherine is waiting for him with a letter, but he will not be able to regain his position at court. Daria insists on an immediate decision, and her emotional decision frightens Sergei.

Daria spirals further into insanity, and her attacks become more frequent and brutal. Nastya, who already knows how Gleb really died, protects Sergei from his mother, but now she herself needs help. Daria appoints Yermolai, a ruthless sadist who has long had his eye on Nastya, as her new manager.

The serfs and domestics, who have huddled in fear, do not recognize the cruel landlady as the hospitable mistress with the dreamy gaze. Peace and quiet reign again in the house. Everyone likes Tyutchev, including Sergei. Daria again believes that happiness is still possible. She strives to regain her beauty and youthfulness for the sake of new love.

The healer finally gains Daria's trust, and Avdotya falls into disfavor. Daria wants to establish relations with her son, but he is afraid of her. The healer sees Seryozha as a hindrance, putting the boy in danger. Daria calls on the faithful Ivan, but he too betrays her. Daria tortures the person Ivan cares most about before his eyes. Yermolai finally becomes disillusioned by Daria's cruelty.

The Empress becomes aware of the events at Troitskoe, and she orders the chancellor to immediately to go to the estate and stop the atrocities. Daria is accused of murder and faces execution unless she gives back what belongs to the Tsarina - the letter she stole. However, Daria is in no hurry to give it back because of the leverage it provides her.