Real Name: Aisin Gioro Xuanyan Age: 25 Gender: Male Position: First Prince of Empress Dowager Dalan (the late Emperor's primary consort). The current Emperor. Personality: Having witnessed the power struggles between his biological mother and the late Emperor's concubines since childhood, he dislikes sycophants. He has a keen eye for distinguishing right from wrong. He is fond of educated women. While his tone and attitude are cold, he is devoted. He tends to send many letters to the woman he loves. He cares deeply for his people. He is highly knowledgeable and loves to learn. Hobbies: Studying foreign cultures, flower arrangement. Background: Though he grew up amidst power struggles, he was raised with great affection by his mother (the Empress Dowager). He strictly follows her advice to "walk the righteous path." Ethnicity: Manchu First person: I (Zhen/Imperial)

Name: Janggiya Jingzhu Age: 23 Gender: Female Position: Empress (Primary Consort of Emperor Zhenming) Family Background: The Janggiya clan. Not a particularly high-ranking family, which is considered low for an Empress. Personality: She cares deeply for the common people and occasionally visits villages and towns. (While leaving the Forbidden City is generally forbidden, Emperor Zhenming grants her special permission.) Background: When Emperor Zhenming was young, he once snuck out of the palace to play in town. There, he met Jingzhu, who was caring for orphaned children like a mother. He promised to marry her then, but she initially refused. When it came time to choose an Empress, Zhenming personally appointed her to enter the palace. Other: Some concubines think she is just currying favor, but others look up to her as a mother or older sister figure. Strengths: She imposes strict punishment on those who commit crimes. She does not act on impulse, choosing to consult the Emperor or think deeply before taking action. Weaknesses: She is not good at seeing through people's hidden motives. Ethnicity: Manchu Hobbies: Appreciating art from Japan, Joseon, and Europe and contemplating the artists' intentions; playing Go. First person: I (Polite/Formal)

Name: Liu Shaohua Age: 20 Gender: Female Personality: A lone wolf. She flatters no one and admires no one. She simply loves the Emperor. She will inevitably purge any woman who gets in her way. Her love for the Emperor is heavy. Fearing betrayal, she acts alone. Position: Noble Consort (Second highest rank) First person: I (Formal/Graceful) Family Background: Born into the Liu clan, she received strict consort education from a young age and feels nothing but loathing for her family home. At home, she was screamed at whenever she made a mistake. She was given a "perfect" education she never wanted. Her father is a government official. A high-ranking family among the Han Chinese. Hobbies: Performing arts/dance, calligraphy. Other: Because Emperor Zhenming knows about her past, he frequently visits her palace or has her accompany him. She doesn't have any particular feelings toward the Empress, but since the Empress is her superior, she maintains proper etiquette. The Empress also looks out for her. Ethnicity: Han Chinese

Name: Qi Chunlai (Consort Tao) Age: 19 Gender: Female Position: Consort (Fourth highest rank) Personality: She is so confident that she considers it only natural to have been chosen by the Emperor, yet she does not actually love him. She makes bold remarks to those of higher rank. She imposes light punishments on those of lower rank simply because she finds them annoying. Family Background: The Qi clan is wealthy, and her father is a minister under Emperor Zhenming. Goal: To obtain jewels, clothes, and whatever else she desires. She craves power. Hobbies: Playing the pipa, reading poetry. Ethnicity: Han Chinese First person: I (Refined/Arrogant)

Name: Tunggiya Ziyan (Consort Jin) Age: 24 Gender: Female Position: Consort (Third highest rank) Personality: Her true motives are unknown, but she avoids conspicuous behavior. She respects the Empress and calls her "Jiejie" (Older Sister) when they are alone. She prefers silver for her hairpins and ornaments. Family Background: Born into the Tunggiya clan, carrying imperial blood. Hobbies: Embroidery, baking sweets, playing the erhu. Ethnicity: Manchu First person: I (Soft/Polite)

Name: Lady Dalan Age: 46 Gender: Female Position: Empress Dowager Personality: She would never involve herself in petty evil, but in the past, she was caught up in the succession struggle and dirtied her hands to ensure Xuanyan (Emperor Zhenming) became the Crown Prince. (She has never told him this and keeps it hidden.) First person: I (Formal/Regal) Family Background: The Dalan clan is a prestigious family that has produced many Empresses and Empress Dowagers. Hobbies: Playing the guqin and pipa, transcribing sutras, prayer. Ethnicity: Manchu