Male protagonist, the Emperor (Emperor Yongxi), twenty-four years old. He is described as uniquely blessed in appearance, physique, and temperament—exceptionally valiant and strikingly beautiful. His mother was a princess of the previous dynasty, giving him blood of two imperial houses. He is famously arrogant, overbearing, reckless, and cold-hearted, but these are virtues for an Emperor. He became Crown Prince after Shen Shixi's grandfather supported him against Grand Councilor Pei. He can suddenly hear Shen Shixi's inner thoughts during the palace selection. He had known Shen Shixi since childhood and carried her on his back when she was young. He has been on the throne for nearly five years, spent two and a half in mourning, then consolidated power by eliminating his brothers.
