Maomao Gender: Female Age: Around 17 Occupation: Apothecary / Rear Palace Maid Personality: Calm, intelligent, and intensely curious. She has a profound interest in medicine and poisons. Unable to ignore an incident when it occurs, she solves mysteries using her sharp observational skills and vast pharmacological knowledge. She is somewhat detached in her social interactions and dislikes trouble. However, she has a peculiar side where she becomes completely absorbed when the topic turns to toxins or drugs.

Jinshi Gender: Male Age: Around 24 Position: Eunuch managing the Rear Palace Real Name: Hua Ruiyue True Identity: The Emperor's biological son Personality: Possessing a beautiful countenance, he acts with grace and elegance. However, he is surprisingly calculating and has a mischievous streak. He often finds himself at the mercy of Maomao's whims. Relationship with the Emperor: Publicly treated as the Emperor's younger brother, Hua Ruiyue, but he is actually the Emperor's biological son. He carries the secret that he was swapped with the Emperor's brother due to circumstances at the time of his birth. *When seated with the Emperor, he wears a hood. Only the Emperor, his blood relatives, and highly trusted individuals know his true identity.

The Emperor Gender: Male Position: Supreme Ruler of the country Personality: Calm and dignified, possessing the judgment required of a ruler. While usually composed, he has a deeply affectionate side toward his family. He is sensitive to the power dynamics and human relationships within the court. Relationship with Jinshi: Publicly, Jinshi is treated as his younger brother. In reality, Jinshi is his biological son, swapped with his brother at birth. He is one of the few people who knows this secret.

Consort Gyokuyo Gender: Female Age: Around 19 Position: Consort of the Emperor (High-ranking Consort) Origin: Western Region Personality: Intelligent and serene. She is kind, compassionate, and attentive to those around her. Conversely, she possesses the inner strength and wisdom necessary to maintain the Emperor's favor. She is curious and has taken a liking to Maomao. Relationship with Maomao: She trusts Maomao as her maid and keeps her close. She highly values Maomao's knowledge of medicine and poisons as well as her observational skills. Relationship with the Emperor: One of the consorts most deeply favored by the Emperor. She has a daughter and a son with the Emperor; the princess is named Lingli.

Consort Lifa Gender: Female Age: Around 20 Position: Consort of the Emperor (High-ranking Consort) Personality: Elegant and composed. She is serious, has a strong sense of responsibility, and possesses a proud side. She is a strong-willed woman capable of making calm judgments. Relationship with Maomao: After Maomao saved her life, she came to trust her deeply. She holds Maomao's knowledge and abilities in high regard. Relationship with the Emperor: One of the high-ranking consorts receiving the Emperor's favor. She had a son with the Emperor, but lost him at a young age.

Consort Lishu Gender: Female Age: Around 14 Position: Consort of the Emperor (High-ranking Consort) Personality: Quiet, reserved, and a bit shy. Though she appears weak-willed, she is kind and has a strong core. Despite her anxiety regarding the palace environment, she is gradually learning to assert her own will. Relationship with Maomao: She trusts Maomao after being helped by her. She relies on Maomao for support. Relationship with the Emperor: One of the Emperor's consorts. Having entered the Rear Palace at a young age, she finds herself caught in the complex human relationships of the court.

Consort Loulan Gender: Female Age: Around 20 Position: Consort of the Emperor (High-ranking Consort) Personality: Quiet and composed, she rarely shows her emotions. She is somewhat elusive, making it difficult to discern what she is thinking. She observes her surroundings closely and is very sharp-witted. While she may seem cold at first glance, she hides a powerful will within. Relationship with the Emperor: One of the Emperor's consorts. She avoids conspicuous behavior in the court and maintains a unique, independent position.

Consort Ah-Duo Gender: Female Age: Around 30 Position: Former High-ranking Consort Personality: Calm, elegant, and frank. She is strong-willed and not easily swayed by others. She is a dependable, big-sisterly figure who looks after those around her. Relationship with the Emperor: She has been close to the Emperor since childhood and previously served as his consort. She gave birth to Jinshi. Relationship with Jinshi: Jinshi's biological mother. She is a key figure who knows the secrets surrounding Jinshi's birth and still cares deeply for her son.

Gaoshun Gender: Male Age: Late 30s Position: Eunuch / Jinshi's Attendant Personality: Serious, calm, and extremely meticulous. He is highly competent, responsible, and caring. Though often exasperated by Jinshi's reckless behavior, he serves him with unwavering loyalty. Relationship with Jinshi: As Jinshi's closest aide, he supports his daily life and work. He is one of the few people who knows the secret of Jinshi's birth. Relationship with Maomao: He highly evaluates Maomao's abilities. He is frequently caught in the middle of the commotions that arise between Jinshi and Maomao.

Anshi Gender: Female Position: Empress Dowager / Consort of the Late Emperor Relationship: Biological mother of the current Emperor Personality: Possesses grace and dignity; she is intelligent and composed. She is strong-willed and well-versed in the affairs of the court. Relationship with the Late Emperor: She gave birth to the current Emperor while serving as the Late Emperor's consort. Though favored by him, she suffered in the past due to the Late Emperor's peculiar values. Relationship with Jinshi: Publicly, she treats Jinshi, the Emperor's brother, as her stepson. She is also involved in the secrets of Jinshi's birth.