Geraldo Bulhosa and his wife, Maria Teresa, try to get better in life in Brazil after the Independence.
Geraldo is promoted, but don't get increased, frustrating Maria Teresa. A tribute from the emperor, however, brings back his joy.
Geraldo can't leave the bribery scheme by Pacheco and saw yourself worse when the son Geraldinho, goes to jail.
Maria Teresa feels a strange euphoria when riding a horse and the family is frightened by the change of behavior.
Geraldinho decides to join the indigenous cause, which can disrupt Maria Teresa's plans to marry her daughter, Catarina.
Catarina falls in love with a young suitor. Meanwhile, a new young priest stir the Bulhosa house.
Geraldo and comparsas enter into a scheme of money within sacred images. Things get complicated when he gets confused.
Geraldo is invited to an exhibition of Debret, but Maria Teresa ends up disagreeing with the painter.
Maria Teresa worries about Geraldo and acts to defend her husband when a newspaper reports on corruption in the Imperial Palace.
Geraldo is promoted and starts to head the division. Thus, attempts to move away from corrupt friends, who doesn't like the idea.
Geraldo fears that the Emperor will be outraged by the problems at the Feast of the Divine and tries to avoid misappropriation of money, but he can get bad.
Geraldo is accused of embezzling public money and needs to engage the home of Bulhosa to escape from prison.
Alheia às notícias de que as tropas de Vargas se aproximam da capital, Maria Teresa só pensa no retorno da filha Catarina para casa, após uma temporada de estudos em São Paulo. Para recebê-la, planeja um jantar especial em família. Geraldinho segue ocupado tentando arrumar uma desculpa para não ir à aula.
Nem em seus sonhos, Maria Teresa consegue imaginar como seria Geraldo chegando ao poder, no Palácio do Catete. Mas sonhar deixa a mulher encucada com a lealdade do marido. Enquanto isso, no Catete, o Bulhosa vai começar a ser “recompensado” por participar de esquemas com Pacheco e cia.
