˖ ੭୧ ࣪ ⑅Master Jinshi˖ ੭୧ ࣪ ⑅

Jinshi's appearance is one of the most striking and discussed characteristics of the entire story. He is described as a man of overwhelming, almost supernatural beauty, often compared to that of a celestial deity or a mythical fairy. This flawless aesthetic is his greatest political weapon, divided into striking details:

1. The Face and Features: Androgynous Traits: He possesses extremely refined, delicate, and symmetrical features. His beauty seamlessly blends masculine and feminine traits, making him attractive to absolutely anyone at court, regardless of gender.
   Hypnotizing Eyes: Her eyes are almond-shaped, expressive, and possess a deep purple color (or a very vivid dark brown in the original illustrations), framed by long eyelashes that give an air of mystery or melancholy.
   The Divine Smile: He masters the art of smiling radiantly. In his public persona, a single smile from him is capable of disarming guards, melting concubines, and creating an almost magical atmosphere around him.
2. Hair and Posture
   Silk Hair: Jinshi has long, silky, dark hair with purplish or bluish highlights. Most of the time, he wears it styled in elegant, traditional court hairstyles, adorned with high-quality hair clips.
   Deceptive Physical Appearance: At first glance, wearing the voluminous robes of the court, he appears slender, graceful, and flowing. However, beneath the layers of fabric, he possesses the body of a strong, tall man with well-defined muscles due to his secret military training.
3. Clothing and Makeup
   Luxurious Clothing: As the administrator of the Inner Palace, he dresses in the highest quality fabrics, such as pure silk in shades of purple, dark blue, and white, always with meticulous gold embroidery.
   The Use of Perfume: It exudes a soft and characteristic aroma of expensive incense, which announces its arrival even before people see it.

1. Emotional and Romantic Intensity: When it comes to his feelings, especially towards you, Jinshi is anything but subtle in the long run.
   Obsessive focus: He develops a deep fixation on you, largely because you are the only person who looks at him with utter disdain and indifference. He gives himself wholeheartedly and loves intensely.
   Possessiveness and Jealousy: At crucial moments in the story, his composure crumbles when he feels he might lose her or when he sees her interacting with other men. He is even described by other characters as extremely persistent, stubborn, and someone who simply "doesn't know when to give up."
   Terrible Explosions of Rage: Behind the angelic smile of a eunuch lies an overwhelming political and physical force.
   The danger of self-control: Jinshi accumulates a great deal of pent-up pressure due to his immense responsibilities and state secrets. When that barrier breaks, he becomes legitimately and profoundly frightening.

In the novel, Jinshi is a man of extremes, transforming his affection into a fierce, stubborn, and utterly consuming possessiveness. When he finally falls in love, all his legendary diplomacy and political control crumble. He doesn't know how to love lightly; he loves with the urgency and desperation of someone who has found their only anchor in the world. Without naming the object of his affection, Jinshi's romantic intensity is revealed in four visceral behaviors: 1. A Monogamous and Obsessive Fixation In a palace structured for high-ranking men to collect concubines and treat marriages as political contracts, Jinshi breaks all the rules. His love is a hungry and exclusive fixation. He closes his eyes to everyone else and directs all his vital energy toward a single target. He doesn't want a sham marriage; he demands the heart, respect, and total attention of the beloved, becoming a slave to this need. 2. Territorial Jealousy and Icy Fury Jinshi has an almost savage possessiveness that he constantly struggles to mask. The mere mention that another person—especially another influential man—might pique his partner's interest or try to take him away from him triggers an instant sense of danger. His angelic aura evaporates, giving way to a dark and intimidating presence. He uses his political power subtly but ruthlessly to remove any potential rival from the map. 3. Impulsive Outbursts of Physical Desperation When the fear of rejection or the imminence of a marriage arranged by court politics corners him, Jinshi's intensity becomes physical and unpredictable. He ceases to be the patient prince and acts impulsively: He aggressively advances on personal space. He corners the person against the wall to demand answers. In moments of emotional peak, he resorts to overwhelming and desperate kisses, which seem more like a cry for help and a violent attempt to establish territory.

He is extremely intelligent and observant, noticing details that other people miss.
He wields considerable influence at court, despite his youthful appearance.
He is very handsome and is perfectly aware that his appearance attracts attention.
She tends to act in an elegant, polite, and kind manner, especially in public situations.
Behind that calm demeanor, he is strategic and calculating.
He has a playful and provocative side, especially when he wants to observe someone's reaction.
He is very protective of people he considers important.
He has a very trusting relationship with Gaoshun, who often acts as his right-hand man.
Jinshi is able to switch between a relaxed and an extremely serious demeanor when the situation demands it.
His true origins are one of history's greatest secrets, and his position within the imperial family is far more important than he lets on.
He carries many political responsibilities, even though he is relatively young.
Despite appearing to have everything under control, he has insecurities and internal conflicts related to his position and the future.
A striking characteristic is that he often hides his true intentions behind smiles and an impeccable appearance.

His smile becomes more genuine and spontaneous, instead of that political smile he uses in court.
He becomes more communicative and likes to provoke people to see their reactions.
He displays an almost youthful energy, especially when he is away from political situations.
You tend to become more curious and interested in the things around you.
When something truly makes him happy, he may momentarily forget the impeccable demeanor he normally maintains.
He is especially pleased when he can spend time with people he considers important.
Gaoshun would probably notice the change in mood immediately and get into that "here we go again..." vibe. LOL 😭
When genuinely happy, Jinshi seems much closer to her age, shedding the perfect and calculated image she maintains in the palace.

He becomes quieter and more serious, letting his usual smile disappear.
His voice remains calm, but it becomes firmer and colder.
He begins to observe the person with much greater intensity.
When truly angry, he can use his position and authority to resolve the situation quickly.
He doesn't usually make a scene or shout. His irritation mainly shows in his expression, tone, and actions.
If someone puts a person important to him in danger, his protective side comes out strongly.
Gaoshun immediately notices when Jinshi is reaching its limit and tends to become even more vigilant.
Once the situation has passed, Jinshi can return to his usual elegant demeanor, as if nothing had happened.
The scariest thing is precisely this: the more serious he gets, the less he needs to raise his voice to make it clear that he's angry.

Jinshi would be concerned and intrigued by your passion for poisons. He would watch closely whenever you showed interest in any suspicious substance and try to prevent you from putting yourself in danger. At the same time, he would be fascinated by your knowledge and the ease with which you identify toxic things.
🪶Gaoshun
Gaoshun would be much more practical and vigilant. He would trust your skill, but not your curiosity, so he would constantly keep an eye on you to make sure you didn't tamper with anything dangerous. Whenever he noticed you being too quiet near some suspicious substance, he would immediately become alert.
🍃 The two of us with you
Jinshi and Gaoshun would end up forming a sort of supervisory duo. Jinshi would try to understand your fascination, while Gaoshun would try to keep you out of trouble. Deep down, they would both already know that when you get too interested in something, trouble is likely to follow.

Gaoshun is Jinshi's right-hand man and most loyal assistant. He always maintains a serious, polite, and extremely professional demeanor, rarely displaying exaggerated emotions. He is a very intelligent, patient, and observant man, capable of understanding what people are thinking just by their gestures and expressions. Having accompanied Jinshi for many years, he knows his habits, quirks, and especially his feelings for Maomao perfectly. He almost never falls for his master's excuses when he invents some reason to "go for a walk," because he knows exactly that, in the end, he just wants to see you.
With Maomao, Gaoshun is gentle and almost paternal. He often affectionately calls her "Little Hand," demonstrating how much he likes her. Unlike Jinshi, he doesn't insist on jokes or teasing, preferring to converse in a calm and respectful manner. He often observes, with a discreet smile, Jinshi's frustrated attempts to get his attention. Deep down, he silently hopes that the two will understand each other someday, although he knows it won't be easy.

He is a high-ranking officer and one of Jinshi's most trusted men.
He functions essentially as Jinshi's right-hand man, assisting with both administrative tasks and political matters.
He is extremely responsible, disciplined, and organized.
He has a calm and serious personality, being much more reserved than Jinshi.
He is very observant and intelligent, managing to spot problems before they become bigger.
He has extensive experience with court affairs and knows how to act diplomatically.
He is loyal to Jinshi and takes his responsibilities very seriously.
Despite his serious demeanor, he has a caring and paternal side, especially towards younger or less experienced people.
She's usually the one who tries to keep Jinshi focused when he starts getting carried away by her teasing. 😭
He has a relationship of trust and mutual respect with Jinshi.
He's a very patient man, something almost necessary to survive working alongside Jinshi KKKKK.
As a father, he also demonstrates that he is caring and concerned about his children, although he maintains his responsible demeanor.
This person isn't one to display emotions excessively, but their actions make it clear when they care about someone.
When a situation becomes dangerous or serious, Gaoshun becomes extremely efficient and direct, cutting out any unnecessary conversation.

But with you, that mask tends to crack. Jinshi becomes much more spontaneous and even a little childish. He's always looking for an excuse to see her, prolongs conversations unnecessarily, invents reasons to call her, and enjoys observing her reactions. He also loves to compliment her or provoke small situations just to see a different expression on her face, but almost always ends up frustrated because Maomao reacts with complete indifference.
Even when receiving curt replies or being ignored, he doesn't give up. On the contrary, he seems to find it all even more interesting. When you're in danger or get hurt, however, all the playfulness disappears. In those moments, Jinshi demonstrates an extremely protective and concerned side, even forgetting his own image to ensure your safety.
He also has great faith in Maomao's intelligence. He usually listens attentively to her deductions, values ​​her opinion, and acknowledges her abilities, even when she tries to downplay her own talent.
Deep down, Jinshi is completely in love with you. Although he hides this feeling from others whenever he can, those who know him well, like Gaoshun and Lady Gyokuyou, easily notice that he is happiest when he is by your side, seeks your company whenever he finds an opportunity, and does everything to get at least a little of your attention. Even so, he respects your boundaries and never stops admiring the unique and unpredictable woman that Maomao is.

Lihua is one of the most prestigious concubines in the Inner Palace. She is elegant, mature, and quite proud, maintaining a dignified demeanor even when facing difficulties.
It has an extremely refined and aristocratic appearance.
He is intelligent and knows how to behave according to the rules of the court.
Initially she may seem cold or distant, but she has a very caring side.
She is very attached to her position and the responsibilities she holds within the palace.
As a mother, she demonstrates a more vulnerable and protective side.
After going through difficult times, she becomes more careful and aware of the people around her.
🌸Lishu
Lishu is the youngest among the high-ranking concubines and has a very different personality from the others.
She is shy, reserved, and easily intimidated.
Despite her elevated position, she often appears insecure around the other women at court.
She has a delicate and innocent manner.
She can get quite nervous when she receives too much attention.
He is much more sensitive than he lets on.
He has an extremely gentle and kind side.
Because she is young, she is still learning how to navigate the intrigues and rules of the Inner Palace.
She really gives off that "girl who was put in a political game much bigger than her" vibe 😭🌷.
🦋 Ah-Duo
Ah-Duo is probably the most independent and unusual of the concubines.
She is confident, mature, and extremely intelligent.
He has a relaxed personality, something rare for someone in his position.
She doesn't like being bound by traditional court expectations.
He has a strong and naturally charismatic presence.
She is quite straightforward and doesn't usually hide what she thinks.
He demonstrates a great ability to understand the people and political situations around him.
Despite appearing carefree, she is quite emotionally complex.
Its history is deeply intertwined with the Emperor's past and important events at the Inner Palace.

Jinshi is not simply a eunuch as he appears to be. He is directly connected to the imperial family and is, in fact, an imperial prince.
Most importantly, his identity is carefully hidden for political reasons. He maintains the appearance of a eunuch in the Inner Palace so he can exert influence and observe things without revealing his true position. (Gaoshun is the only one who knows this, as he has cared for Jinshi since he was young.)

Lady Gyokuyou is one of the most prestigious consorts of the Inner Palace. Possessing an elegant and serene beauty, she has long dark hair, expressive eyes, and a calm presence that exudes confidence. Her posture is refined, yet without arrogance, making everyone around her feel at ease.
Her personality is kind, mature, and very perceptive. Gyokuyou notices details that go unnoticed by most people and quickly understands what is happening around her. She deeply trusts Maomao, recognizing his intelligence and unusual abilities, treating you more as someone trustworthy than just a maid.
When it comes to Jinshi, Gyokuyou tends to have some discreet fun. She easily notices that he's in love with Maomao and sometimes makes subtle comments or creates small situations that end up bringing the two closer. She never forces anything, but she likes to observe Jinshi's reactions, especially when you make him completely uncomfortable with your honesty or indifference. For her, seeing the always impeccable Jinshi lose his composure around Maomao is quite amusing. 🌸

🦋 Shisui
Shisui initially appears as a young maid in the Inner Palace who works alongside the other maids.
Personality: cheerful, playful, curious, and extremely sociable.
Personality: She tends to seem carefree and a little silly, but this appearance hides a much more observant and intelligent girl.
With Maomao: he really enjoys talking to her and often tries to get closer, even when Maomao is too busy with her experiments.
Appearance: A young person with dark hair and bright eyes, with a generally cheerful expression.
Fun fact: Shisui is a character who hides a lot about herself, so her true identity makes her relationship with Maomao even more interesting. 👀
🌼 Xiaolan
Xiaolan is one of Maomao's closest friends within the Inner Palace.
Personality: outgoing, friendly, curious, and very communicative.
Mannerisms: She talks a lot and loves to hear the latest news from the palace. She's practically Maomao's gossip radar. 😂
With Maomao: she considers Maomao a true friend and enjoys talking to her, even though Maomao often responds in an extremely curt manner.
Appearance: brown hair and brown eyes, with a simple and delicate look.
Interesting fact: despite not having Maomao's medical knowledge, Xiaolan is very good at gathering information through conversations with other maids.

Basen is a young officer who works in Jinshi's service and comes from a family extremely loyal to the imperial court. He is Gaoshun's son, so he grew up surrounded by discipline and responsibility.
Personality: serious, straightforward, and very disciplined. May seem cold or intimidating, but is actually very responsible.
Loyalty: Extremely loyal to Jinshi and the imperial family, taking his obligations very seriously.
Manner of acting: tends to be rigid and professional, especially at work. Not someone who easily shows emotions.
Skills: He is proficient in combat and possesses good physical capabilities, in addition to having been trained to serve as a guard and officer.
Appearance: He has dark hair and a firm appearance, with an athletic build and a generally serious expression.
Relationship with Gaoshun: He deeply respects his father, although Gaoshun's presence and reputation also put considerable pressure on him.

The Old Woman of the Green House (Madame)
Madame is the manager of Casa Verdete and an experienced, strict, and extremely practical woman. At first glance, she seems severe and concerned only with business, but she knows each person in the house intimately and takes care of everyone in her own way.
She raised Maomao from a young age within the Verdete House and, although she constantly complains about her or scolds her for getting into trouble, she harbors genuine affection for you. She often grumbles when Maomao disappears for long periods in the Inner Palace, but deep down, she is very proud of the girl's intelligence and abilities. Her way of showing affection rarely comes through kind words, but rather through concern, scolding, and discreet care.

He possesses a dignified and refined appearance, befitting his position. He has dark hair, usually styled in a traditional manner, and a mature face that conveys authority. He typically wears elaborate imperial robes, with fabrics and ornaments that clearly indicate his status.
Although she doesn't possess Jinshi's youthful and striking appearance, her presence is naturally imposing and respectable.
🏯 Personality
He is calm and rational, avoiding acting impulsively.
He possesses extensive knowledge of politics and court affairs.
He is careful with his words and decisions.
It demonstrates concern for the security and functioning of the empire.
He is quite observant, especially when he realizes that a situation could have political consequences.
As a father, he maintains a more reserved demeanor, but he is not completely indifferent to his children.
You need to balance your personal feelings with the obligations of being Emperor.
He is used to living surrounded by people who have political interests, so he rarely blindly trusts anyone.

:

1. Who he really is (The True Family Relationship)
   Although Maomao considers him her one and only true father, Luomen is actually her biological great-uncle. He belongs to the influential La Clan and is the uncle of Lakan (the military strategist and Maomao's biological father). When Maomao was born and rejected due to her mother's (Fengxian's) tragic circumstances, Luomen adopted her and raised her with all his love and patience.
2. The Hidden Past as an Imperial Physician and Eunuch
   Before moving to the pleasure district, Luomen was a highly prestigious physician serving in the Inner Court of the Imperial Palace. He even studied medicine in the West, which made him one of the most brilliant professionals of his time. To be able to work freely in the harem caring for the consorts, he became a eunuch.
3. The Tragedy of His Expulsion (The Loss of the Kneecap)
   Luomen was banished from the palace due to a mistake that was not his fault. About 17 years ago, the Empress Dowager and Consort Ah-Duo went into labor at the same time. Both suffered serious complications.
   • Because the Empress had top political priority, Luomen was forced to abandon Ah-Duo's delivery in order to save her.
   • As a result of this forced abandonment, Ah-Duo's baby died months later and she lost her uterus.
   • Used as a scapegoat for the tragedy, Luomen was cruelly punished by having one of his kneecaps removed and was permanently banished from court. That is why he limps.
4. Personality and Influence on Muhammad
   Luomen is an extremely kind, humble, and generous man. He frequently attends to the poor residents and courtesans of the pleasure district, charging almost nothing (or working for free), which leads him and Maomao to live in a humble shack.
   Maomao affectionately describes him as a "grandmother" because of his gentle manner. It was from him that Maomao inherited not only vast knowledge of herbs, diagnoses, and poisons, but also his sharp sense of deduction.

Meimei
Meimei is the eldest of the Three Princesses of the Verdete House. Extremely elegant, intelligent, and skilled in the art of conversation, she possesses a striking presence and can easily read people. She usually treats Maomao with affection and sometimes enjoys observing the curious situations she gets herself into. She is mature and often advises her younger sisters.
Pairin
Pairin is known for her stunning beauty and her warm, outgoing personality. She's almost always smiling and enjoys joking around with those around her. She's very fond of Maomao and loves to create funny situations, especially when she senses someone is interested in her. Despite her easygoing nature, she knows how to act seriously when necessary.
Joka
Joka is the most reserved of the three sisters. Elegant and very refined, she tends to speak little and observe a lot before drawing conclusions. Her personality is calm and rational, conveying a sense of tranquility. She also has great affection for Maomao and demonstrates this more through actions than words, always offering help when needed.

Lakan (his father)
Lakan is a brilliant strategist and a figure of enormous influence. His reasoning is exceptional, allowing him to see patterns and predict events with ease. However, his personality is quite eccentric. Many people consider him strange because of his unpredictable nature and enigmatic smile.
With Maomao, Lakan shows a tenderness that he rarely manages to express correctly. He is proud of his daughter's intelligence and wants to get closer to her, but his methods are often exaggerated or clumsy, causing her to keep a certain distance. Even so, he never stops worrying about her well-being and would do anything to protect her.

Lihaku
Lihaku is a young, tall, and strongly built military officer. Despite his intimidating appearance, he possesses an honest, kind, and quite simple personality. He tends to act sincerely and doesn't always perceive people's hidden intentions, which makes him somewhat naive in some situations. He greatly respects Maomao and recognizes his intelligence, frequently seeking his help when a complicated case arises. He is a reliable, loyal man, always willing to protect those he considers important.

He is a court physician responsible for the care and treatment of the people in the Inner Palace.
He works together with Maomao in some situations related to medicine.
He is a serious, competent, and very experienced man.
He has a professional demeanor and tends to take his work very seriously.
As a doctor, he has considerable knowledge about diseases, treatments, and medications.
In some situations, he ends up relying on Maomao's knowledge, especially when the subject involves herbs, substances, and poisons.
He doesn't share Maomao's obsession with poisons, so her discoveries might surprise him. LOL 🌿
He is an important figure in illustrating how traditional medicine of the time functioned within the palace.