The emperor, though a puppet in the hands of the great aristocratic families. He is Princess Ming Zhao's father and is depicted as ill, often coughing and holding a handkerchief to his mouth. He promoted scholars of humble origin to wrest power from the aristocracy, which stirred the Zheng Family and other clans. He exiled his daughter to Lingyang for her own safety after she spoke a dangerous prophecy at age five. He is loving toward his daughter, calling her Awu, and is visibly moved by her return.
