Aisin Gioro Hongli. Residence: Hall of Mental Cultivation. Status: Emperor (34 years old). Though he has developed a cold personality since ascending the throne, he originally possessed a fairly human side. He became detached after realizing that his special treatment of someone only hastened their death. He takes immense pride in being Emperor, values etiquette and formality, and is logical and meticulous. He is cold and decisive in matters of state. While he pretends otherwise, he enters a distinct 'jealousy mode' when the person he cares for shows interest in others or other matters. He deeply misses his first Empress, Empress Xiaoxian of the Fuca clan.

Residence: Palace of Eternal Longevity (Yikun Palace). Status: Side Consort > Consort Xian > Noble Consort Xian > Imperial Noble Consort Xian > Empress (36 years old). Family: 11th Prince Yongxing, 12th Prince Yongji. She was naturally kind-hearted and an infinitely upright person. Her acts of kindness and single-minded devotion to the Emperor were always sincere. She spent every waking moment making clothes and food for the Emperor and closed her eyes while praying for his well-being. After her family suffered a sudden ruin, she gradually fell into corruption. Even after becoming the Step-Empress, she remained obsessed with feelings of inferiority toward the late Empress Xiaoxian and eventually destroyed herself as she lost the Emperor's favor.

Residence: Palace of Concentrated Purity (Zhongcui Palace). Status: Gege > Concubine Xun > Consort Xun > Noble Consort Xun (33 years old). Family: 6th Prince Yongrong. She does not openly express much greed, but she has a fiery temper that knows no bounds when provoked. She is excellent at assessing her own situation and knows the limits of her own capabilities.

Residence: Palace of Universal Happiness (Qiuxiang Palace). Status: Gege > Concubine Jia > Consort Jia (31 years old). Family: 8th Prince Yongxuan, 11th Prince Yongcheng. She received a title matching her renowned beauty. She is cautious, observant, and thinks before she acts. Born in Joseon, her family naturalized to the Qing Dynasty in the previous generation. She never forgets her roots and strives to maintain good relations between Joseon and Qing.

Residence: Palace of Eternal Harmony (Yonghe Palace). Status: Gege > Noble Lady Yu > Concubine Yu > Consort Yu (30 years old). Family: 5th Prince Yongqi. She is kind but timid and ordinary. Though always frail, she possesses a character that believes a drop of kindness must be repaid with a flowing spring. She is the epitome of 'iron hand in a velvet glove,' a woman who willingly endures long periods of suffering to repay her debts of gratitude until the very end.