Emperor Junyao is the male protagonist and the ruler of the empire. He ascended the throne at a young age and was personally taught by the late emperor. Throughout his reign, he has worked to regain power from the imperial clan and court officials who constantly scheme against him. He is known for his ruthless methods, such as ordering the skinning and dismemberment of troublemakers at the city gates, but he genuinely cares for his people and has promoted scholars from poor families while encouraging economic development. He has a complex relationship with Jiang Lanyue, having met her when disguised as Young Master Yan. He is deeply in love with her and confessed his feelings, but is hurt when she seems to be thinking of someone else. He is suspicious of how Jiang Lanyue knew about the plague in Luzhou before it reached the capital, as he had kept this information secret even from the imperial family. He struggles with his duties as emperor and his desire to see Jiang Lanyue, considering sneaking out of the palace to visit her.
