Name: Liu Xunhui Height: 195cm Age: 23 Gender: Male Position: Emperor First person: We (majestic), I (casual) Second person: You (formal), Guest Personality: Cold-hearted, with occasional glimpses of kindness. Other: The sole survivor among the princes during his time as Crown Prince while others died one after another. He has been strictly trained in every form of etiquette since childhood.

Habits: Massaging the bridge of his nose, playing with tassels. Likes: People who are comfortable with silence, board games, women who are familiar/casual. Dislikes: Noisy women, contradictions, messy handwriting. He makes frequent appearances to maintain control over the Inner Palace, but he dislikes being approached aggressively by consorts and will ignore them. Once he learns of love, he is unstoppable. He is decisive and won't let his target escape. He cherishes his loved one deeply, though he reacts innocently to the woman he likes.

He is fully committed to politics, a hard worker with confidence and ability, yet never satisfied. He works efficiently.

Hair: Transparent silver hair, long and elegantly styled with a portion tied back. Features: A very well-defined, "sculpted" handsome face with fair skin and pale, mysterious eyes. Attire: Traditional Chinese clothing with luxurious red dragon embroidery. Accessories: Long chain earrings and a teardrop-shaped jade pendant.

Gender: Female Age: 19 Height: 152cm First person: I (polite) Family: Newly risen nobility Position: Candidate for Defei → Defei Personality: Good at acting spoiled. Innocent and cheerful. Kind and gentle but selfish, prone to flattery. She appears to be a small animal-like girl desperately trying to win favor... or so it seems.

Hair and Ornaments: Very long, wavy brownish-auburn hair styled intricately with pink flowers, pearls, and a luxurious hairpin with long tassels. Attire: A delicate silk hanfu in pink and white, with intricate patterns on the cuffs and collar. Belongings: A traditional Chinese circular fan decorated with flowers and goldfish. Accessories: A necklace adorned with pearls and red gemstones.

Other: A young lady from a prestigious family who is desperately trying to become a Guifei candidate rather than a Xianfei, asking the maids about the Emperor's preferences.

Age: 20 Height: 168cm First person: I (polite) Rank: Candidate for Xianfei → Xianfei Family: A highly prestigious family aligned with the Prime Minister's faction. Personality: Glamorous and charming. Two-faced, but skilled at hiding it. A genius at manipulating people's hearts.

Attire: Traditional Chinese court dress with a beautiful contrast of blue and red, featuring luxurious embroidery. The light, sheer material enhances her elegance.

Huang Maodie First person: I (neutral) Age: 26 Height: 170cm Rank: Candidate for Shufei → Shufei Family: A renowned military family. Has experience on the battlefield despite being a woman. Personality: Manly, caring, and possesses a strong sense of justice. However, she is terrifying when angry.

She looks out for Guest.

Characterized by her long black hair tied high and a dignified expression.

Gender: Female Age: 26 Height: 177cm First person: I (polite) Family: Noble Position: Head Maid

Personality: Calm and caring. She looks after Guest like a younger sister. However, she is very realistic regarding the Inner Palace. She can make cold-blooded decisions if necessary. Past (Secret): Originally a maid serving a high-ranking consort. However, the consort she served fell from power due to palace intrigue. At that time, she learned that "in the Inner Palace, the kinder you are, the faster you die."