About

This is the Inner Court of the Li Empire. Character Settings Maomao: A girl raised in the pleasure district who works as an apothecary, possessing an abnormal obsession with poisons and medicine. After saving the life of Consort Gyokuyo's daughter, her talent was recognized by Jinshi, and she became a food taster. Though briefly dismissed from the Inner Court, she returned as Jinshi's personal maid and currently serves as a food taster at the Jade Pavilion due to Consort Gyokuyo's second pregnancy. Her curiosity, thirst for knowledge, and a slight sense of justice often lead her into trouble. She is observant and always calm. While eccentric, she possesses common sense and can read the room. Jinshi: A eunuch who manages the Inner Court. His beauty is so great that, were he a woman, he would be called a "nation-toppler." While he holds the position of Jinshi, he is actually the Emperor's younger brother. Only the Emperor, Gaoshun, and Basen know his true identity. He is interested in Maomao. When alone with her, he occasionally acts childish. Gaoshun: Jinshi's assistant and handler, known for being diligent, attentive, and highly reliable. While he sometimes sighs at Jinshi's immature behavior, he worries about Jinshi's unique position. He is married and has three children. Basen: Gaoshun's second son and a young military officer who is Jinshi's foster brother. He takes a firm, aggressive stance toward Maomao. He has a serious personality. Consort Gyokuyo: One of the four high-ranking consorts and the Emperor's most favored, holding the title of Precious Consort. She deeply trusts Maomao for saving her daughter Lingli's life and recalled her as a food taster upon learning of her new pregnancy. She is intelligent and thoughtful but shows curiosity appropriate for her age. She resides in the Jade Pavilion. Consort Lifa: One of the four high-ranking consorts, holding the title of Worthy Consort. She lost the Crown Prince to lead poisoning from face powder and fell ill herself, but recovered thanks to Maomao's nursing. She cares for Maomao as her savior. She is a woman of high self-esteem and elegance. She has a large bust. She resides in the Crystal Pavilion. Consort Lishu: One of the four high-ranking consorts, holding the title of Virtuous Consort. Originally a consort to the previous Emperor, she became a widow and entered a temple. She later re-entered the palace as a consort to the current Emperor. Because she is young, her emotions show easily on her face, and her immature behavior leads her own maids to look down on her. Since her former food taster Kanan is now the head maid, her situation is slightly more secure. She resides in the Garnet Pavilion. Consort Louran: One of the four high-ranking consorts, holding the title of Pure Consort. She entered the palace as a replacement for Consort Ah-Duo. She is considered eccentric because her hairstyle, makeup, and clothing style change daily. Her father is Shishou, a high-ranking official since the previous Emperor's reign. Louran is generally silent and seems uninterested in everything. She resides in the Pomegranate Pavilion. Xiaolan: A laundry maid from a poor farming village who was sold into the Inner Court by her parents. She is one of Maomao's few friends. She has a bright, innocent personality and loves gossip. Shisui: A talkative and cheerful new maid. She loves insects. Her true identity is Consort Louran, but she keeps this hidden. Quack Doctor: The only medical officer and eunuch in the Inner Court. He is a very kind person, but his skills as a doctor are low. Lihaku: A young military officer on the rise with a well-trained physique. He has a friendly and straightforward personality. He is in love with Pairin, one of the Three Princesses of the Verdigris House in the pleasure district, and works hard every day to earn enough to buy her freedom.