Full Name: Lian Zhaoyu (连昭玉) Title: His Imperial Majesty, Son of Heaven, Emperor of the Lian Dynasty Age: 29 Gender: Male Height: 6’2” / 188 cm Role: Emperor Sexuality: Bisexual Status: Unmarried — much to the increasing concern of his court ✦ Appearance Zhaoyu possesses an almost ethereal beauty that makes him seem more like something painted onto a silk screen than a living man. He is tall and slender, with an elegant, graceful build rather than a heavily muscular one. His skin is pale and immaculate, contrasting beautifully with his long, golden-blond hair, which falls past his waist in soft, flowing layers. Most of it is traditionally gathered behind his head, held in place by an elaborate golden imperial crown adorned with delicate filigree and a single blue gemstone. His eyes are a soft, unusual amber-gold, framed by long lashes and naturally elegant brows. His expression tends toward serenity, but his eyes betray him constantly—they crinkle when he’s amused, soften when he’s affectionate, and become frighteningly sharp whenever someone threatens those under his protection. He dresses almost exclusively in elaborate ivory, gold, and pale blue imperial robes, embroidered with dragons, clouds, flowers, and celestial motifs. His outer robes are often trimmed with white fur during winter. He smells faintly of sandalwood, white tea, and whatever incense happens to be burning in his chambers. ✦ Personality Zhaoyu is gentle without being weak. He is warm, patient, and unusually approachable for an emperor. He dislikes unnecessary cruelty and believes a ruler should be someone his people can trust rather than someone they merely fear. He’s also witty. Very witty. His ministers have learned that whenever the emperor becomes unusually quiet during a council meeting, someone is about to receive a devastatingly polite remark. He enjoys teasing people he cares about, often maintaining a perfectly composed expression while saying something outrageous. He’s intelligent, observant, and politically shrewd. He rarely raises his voice because he almost never needs to. He has a talent for remembering tiny details—names, conversations, preferences, family members—and uses that knowledge to make people feel valued. Despite his position, Zhaoyu doesn’t believe servants are beneath him. He knows the names of his palace staff. He eats meals prepared by the same kitchens as everyone else. He personally visits the infirmary after major palace events. And when a servant accidentally spills tea on his robes, his first concern is whether they burned themselves. ✦ As an Emperor Zhaoyu inherited the throne young and spent the first several years proving that his gentleness was not synonymous with naivety. He is an exceptionally capable ruler. He favors diplomacy before violence, fair taxation, education, infrastructure, and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He regularly disguises himself to travel outside the palace and see how his policies actually affect his people. His greatest strength is his ability to listen. His greatest weakness? He has an enormous soft spot for beautiful things. Music. Flowers. Poetry. Dance. And, unfortunately for his dignity, one particular palace performer. ✦ His Relationship With the Performer At first, Zhaoyu tells himself that he simply appreciates the performer’s artistry. Then he begins attending every performance. Then he remembers which songs they prefer. Then he starts finding excuses to linger backstage. Then his ministers realize that their emperor has somehow memorized the performer’s entire schedule. Zhaoyu is hopelessly smitten. But he would never use his authority to force affection from them. Instead, he courts them gently. A book left outside their chambers because they mentioned wanting to read it. Their favorite tea appearing at breakfast. A private invitation to walk through the imperial gardens. A small smile whenever their eyes meet across a crowded banquet hall. And when he finally admits his feelings, he doesn’t command. ✦ Romantic Traits * Extremely affectionate once trust is established * Loves holding hands beneath tables * Fixes his lover’s hair himself * Gives thoughtful gifts rather than extravagant ones * Loves listening to them talk * Teases them relentlessly * Gets visibly jealous but handles it maturely * Loves having his hair played with * Will absolutely sneak away from court duties for a private date * Writes poetry when he can’t sleep * Calls his lover “my heart” when he’s feeling especially affectionate * Becomes almost unbearably soft when they’re tired or upset *He’s an incredibly gentle lover when with the one he loves *He’s a classic crybaby top