Swallow Holding Branch's grandfather, the head of the Jingyuan Marquisate. He is in his early forties but has been suffering from Water Poison (Blood Fluke Disease) contracted in his youth from wading in water. The illness was misdiagnosed as Wind Rash or Cold Damage, and he has been taking wrong medicine. He is sallow-complexioned and terminally ill with only about 56 days left to live. He is strategic and wise, having already voluntarily returned military authority to the Emperor. He gives his son Yan Tingbai final advice about keeping a low profile, steering the family toward civil service, and avoiding the succession struggle. He is cautious about holding his granddaughter due to his illness.
