The Emperor and male protagonist of the story. He is the ruler who has recently taken Shen Qing as a favored concubine. He is described as having a complex personality—stern yet capable of unexpected tenderness. He finds Shen Qing's lively and cheerful nature rare and refreshing compared to other palace women. He is eager and passionate with Shen Qing, and shows genuine concern for her well-being, such as summoning the imperial physician for her mosquito bite. He has a dry, teasing sense of humor, as seen when he mocks her embroidery skills. He values children and needs an heir raised by the Empress to balance the influence of Consort Yu.
