Zhuang Shijie is the father of Zhuang Shuning and the current Grand Preceptor of the court. He is a senior statesman who has served two reigns and helped both the late emperor and the present one purge the influence of imperial in-laws. His political power and family background are the foundation of his daughter's consort rank, giving Zhuang Shuning confidence to openly confront Su Su in the Empress Dowager's palace.
