Zhenshi

4. Role in Plot and Society:
   • Information Center: As a high-end brothel, the Copper House is a place where powerful officials, merchants, and aristocrats gather. This makes it an important hub for gathering information and spreading rumors, which is sometimes useful for Jinshi and Maomao in their investigations.
   • A Place for Lacan: Maomao's biological father, the strategist Lacan, is a frequent and peculiar visitor to the Copper House, where he meets Meimei to remember Fengmien through her. This is a very difficult and tragic part of the story.
   • Palace Contrast: The Copper House showcases a different aspect of life in the empire, contrasting with the more austere and formal world of the Imperial Palace. It has its own rules, its own hierarchy and its own tragedies.
   • Sanctuary and Home: For Maomao, despite all her responsibilities in the palace, the Copper House is always a home where she can return, where she will be accepted and cared for. She often visits him to help her "sisters" and Lumen with medical problems.

5. Atmosphere:
   • Despite its function, the Copper House is often depicted with a touch of melancholy and grace. The life of courtesans is full of both luxury and hidden sadness, strict rules and the inevitability of their profession.
   • It is full of history and memories, especially related to Fengmien and her influence on those who remain.

Here are the highlights about the Copper House:

1. Type of establishment and location:
   • It is one of the most prestigious and upscale brothels (courtesan houses) in the Flower District, an entertainment district located outside the Imperial Palace.
   • Unlike ordinary brothels, the Copper House specializes in highly educated and sophisticated courtesans who possess not only external beauty, but also talents in music, dance, calligraphy, poetry, the art of conversation and other exquisite arts.

2. Connection with Maomao:
   • The Copper House is home to Maomao. She grew up there under the tutelage of her adoptive father, the pharmacist Lumen (Maomao's adoptive father, who essentially adopted and raised her as his daughter) and older courtesans.
   • Maomao's biological mother, Fengmien, was the legendary and most famous courtesan of the Copper House, known for her beauty, intelligence, and tragic fate. It had a huge impact on the institution itself and its inhabitants.
   • The "Three Princesses" of the Copper House – Meimei, Pairin, and Joka – are the older courtesans and, in fact, Maomao's older sisters, who have taken care of her since she was a child. They were Fengmien's disciples.

3. "Three Princesses" / "Three Sisters":
   • Meimei: The oldest and wisest of the three. She is very perceptive, able to read people and give valuable advice. She has a special relationship with Lacan (Maomao's biological father).
   • Pairin: One of the most beautiful, known for her gentle disposition and talents. She has her own personal story related to love and waiting.
   • Joka: The youngest and most energetic of the three. She often shows more immediate emotions and care for Maomao.
   These three courtesans are not only doing their work, but they are also an important part of the Maomao family, supporting and caring for it.

6. Other Important Characters:
   • Lomeon (羅門 Roumen): Maomao's adoptive father, the former chief pharmacist of the Inner Palace. Wise, but mysterious.
   • Suirei (水蓮 Suiren): An old maid who serves Jinshi and Gaoshun, very loyal and influential in a certain circle.
   • Supreme General (或将軍 Wakan-shogun): Lihua's father and a very influential military figure.
   • Former Emperor: The father of the current Emperor and a figure whose decisions in the past have greatly influenced the fates of many characters, including Jinshi and Ado.

4. Maomao (猫猫 Maomao):
   • Role: Originally kidnapped and sold to the Inner Palace as an inferior servant, then becomes a poison taster for concubines, and later becomes the personal pharmacist of one of them. Her unique knowledge and deductive abilities make her indispensable.
   • Character: Cynical, pragmatic, extremely intelligent and logical. She has a deep knowledge of pharmacology, toxicology and medicine, inherited from her adoptive father. He is not interested in palace intrigues or men, preferring solitude and his research.

5. Imperial Consorts (Concubines of the highest rank):
   • Jade Palace (Gyokuyou / 玉葉妃):
   • Status: One of the Four Great Consorts, the youngest and most beloved by the Emperor at the beginning of the story. Mother of one of the princesses.
   • Personality: Beautiful, intelligent, kind-hearted, but also calculating. He appreciates Maomao and protects her. He strives to secure the future of his daughter.
   • Maomao: Serves as her personal taster and pharmacist.
   • Pearl Palace (Lihua / 里樹妃):
   • Status: One of the Four Great Consorts, the youngest. The daughter of a general, an influential figure.
   • Personality: Initially naïve and rather capricious, but gradually matures. She experienced a lot in the Inner Palace. He often becomes the object of intrigue because of his status.
   • Crystal Palace (Rifa / 梨花妃):
   • Status: One of the Four Great Consorts.
   • Character: Arrogant and proud. Initially, he suffers from an illness that Maomao helps to cure.
   • Magnificent Palace (Ah-Duo / 阿多妃):
   • Status: Former one of the Four Great Consorts, mother of the first prince who tragically died. Later she was sent to the "Distant Palace".
   • Character: Dignified, discreet and respected. Its past is closely linked to the history of the Imperial House and Jinshi.

📚 The Imperial

Court consists of two main parts:

1. The Outer Palace (Forbidden City):
   • This is the area where administrative buildings, offices of officials, dwellings of high courtiers, barracks of the guard and various outbuildings are located.
   • Access here is freer for outsiders (merchants, lower officials, servants) than to the Inner Palace.
   • State decisions are made here, official ceremonies are held, and mostly male officials and eunuchs live.

2. The Inner Palace (Kokyū / 後宮 - Harem):
   • The heart of the palace, where outside men are strictly forbidden to enter (except for the Emperor and eunuchs).
   • It is a huge complex where the Emperor, his concubines (Imperial Consorts), their children, as well as numerous handmaidens and lower eunuchs who provide for their lives, live.
   • Purpose: To provide the Emperor with heirs and serve him. Each concubine seeks to attract the attention of the Emperor in order to enhance her status and that of her family.
   • Main Areas of the Inner Palace:
   • Separate Concubine Palaces/Pavilions: Each high-ranking concubine has her own pavilion (e.g., Jade Palace, Pearl Palace), which is her home and residence for her maidservants. These pavilions are essentially mini-palaces within the Inner Palace, each with its own garden, kitchen, and service staff.
   • Central Halls: Places for general gatherings, ceremonies, or receptions where the Emperor may invite concubines.
   • Service Rooms: Kitchens, laundries, pantries, baths, dwellings of inferior maids and eunuchs.
   • Medical Facilities: A place where Maomao often spends time researching plants and preparing medicines.
   • Gardens and ponds: Scattered throughout the Inner Palace, they are used for walking, relaxing, and growing some plants.
   • Strict Hierarchy: Everyone in the Inner Palace is subject to a strict hierarchy, from the Emperor down to the youngest maid. The status of concubines is determined by their rank, which, in turn,

3. Plum Consort (梨花妃 / Rifa-hi)
   • Residence: Crystal Palace
   • Status: One of the Four Great Consorts.
   • Origins: Not as detailed as others, but she is also from a noble and influential family.
   • Personality: Initially shown as a proud, arrogant and domineering woman. She suffers greatly from an illness that made her infertile and nearly led to her death. Maomao helps her regain her health. After recovery, she softens a little, but still retains her haughty character. She appreciates her beauty and position very much.
   • Story role: Her illness is one of the central mysteries at the beginning of the story. Her recovery shows Maomao's effectiveness as a pharmacist.

4. Aduo Consort (阿多妃 / Ah-Duo-hi)
   • Residence: Originally the Jade Palace (or similar), but was later transferred to the "Far Palace".
   • Status: Was one of the Four Great Consorts, the mother of the first prince of the Emperor (who tragically died).
   • Origin: Comes from a family long associated with the Imperial House. Her past is very complex and tragic.
   • Character: A dignified, wise, calm and majestic woman. Despite her losses and lowering of status, she retains her inner strength and dignity. She has a soft but penetrating gaze.
   • Story Role: Her history and relationship with the Emperor, as well as her connection to the Jinshi, are key to understanding the many palace intrigues and mysteries of the past. She has been instrumental in uncovering some of the secrets surrounding Jinshi's origins and the events leading up to his current position. Her fall from a high position is also a reminder of the volatility of palace life

1. Jade Consort (玉葉妃 / Gyokuyou-hi)
   • Residence: Jade Palace
   • Status: One of the Four Great Consorts, she is the mother of the only living princess at that time (Princess Firebird, later Princess Linley).
   • Origins: Comes from an influential Western family with close ties to trade and politics. Her beauty and intelligence are appreciated by the Emperor.
   • Personality: Beautiful, intelligent, shrewd, and kind. She has a refined sense of humor, knows how to behave like a real court lady, but at the same time knows how to be decisive and calculating when it comes to protecting her daughter. She greatly appreciates Maomao for her intelligence and observation, and treats her with warmth.
   • Story role: She is Maomao's mistress and patroness. Intrigues often unfold around her and her child, which Maomao helps unravel.

2. Pear Consort (里樹妃 / Lihua-hi)
   • Residence: Pearl Palace.
   • Status: One of the Four Great Consorts, the youngest of all.
   • Origin: Daughter of the Supreme General, which gives her a high status due to her father's influence.
   • Personality: Initially very naïve, capricious and infantile due to her young age and too gentle upbringing. It is difficult for her to adapt to the harsh realities of the Inner Palace. It becomes the object of many conspiracies and diseases. After Maomao saves her from poisoning, she gradually begins to grow up and show more independence. She is quite trusting, but not angry.
   • Story role: Her illnesses and poisonings are often the first cases Maomao investigates. Maomao does not feel sympathy for her at first, but over time he begins to sympathize with her.

5. Role of Eunuchs: Male eunuchs are the only ones who can move freely around the Inner Palace. They perform administrative functions, supervise servants, transmit messages, and provide security. The most important of them is Jinshi, who essentially rules the entire Kokyu.
6. Isolation: Women who enter the Inner Palace tend to stay there for life, except for those who are released by the Emperor or sent to other palaces after the completion of their role (e.g., after the death of the Emperor or if they lose his favor and have no children).

📚 --- Chief Concubines (四夫人)

At the beginning of history, the main concubines with high status and influence are the so-called "Four Great Spouses". These are the most important women after the Empress (if one were appointed).

The Inner Palace is a vast and complex world, the heart of the Imperial Court, where outsiders, except for the Emperor himself and the eunuchs, are strictly forbidden to enter. It is a place where a hierarchy of women live, called to serve the Emperor and give birth to his heirs.

Structure and Functions:

1. Purpose of existence: The main purpose of the Inner Palace is to provide the Emperor with legitimate heirs and serve him as a source of pleasure and prestige. The more sons the Emperor has from various noble concubines, the stronger his power and influence.
2. Geography and architecture: This is not a single building, but a whole complex consisting of many separate pavilions, palaces, gardens, ponds, service rooms (kitchens, laundries, warehouses, medical centers, living quarters for lower maids and eunuchs). Each of the main pavilions (for example, Jade, Pearl, Crystal) is essentially a mini-palace with its own staff and a garden where one of the high-ranking concubines lives.
3. Strict Hierarchy: Everyone in the Inner Palace lives according to very strict rules and hierarchy.
   • The Emperor stands on the top.
   • It is followed by the Imperial Consorts (concubines), whose rank depends on their origin, family status, number and sex of children, and the Emperor's grace.
   • Next are the lower concubines, the ladies of the court, the maids (divided into many ranks), and finally the eunuchs, who manage the daily affairs and ensure the functioning of the palace.
4. Daily Life:
   • Luxury and Boredom: For high-ranking concubines, life in the Inner Palace is a life of isolation, surrounded by luxury, but also by deep boredom. Their days are filled with anticipation of the Emperor's visit, tea parties, walks in the garden, music, poetry, calligraphy and endless gossip.
   • Competition and Intrigue: Passions boil beneath the surface of luxury. Each concubine fights for the Emperor's attention to elevate her status and secure a future for herself and her family. This leads to constant intrigues, rivalries, conspiracy

1. Theatrical management of the Inner Palace: Although this is his main job, Jinshi treats it with such grace, attention to detail, and a certain artistry that it almost becomes a hobby. He loves to be the center of attention, effectively manage the complex bureaucratic machine of the harem and solve administrative problems with his inherent brilliance. He likes to maintain the image of an ideal, charming, and flawless eunuch, and he takes great pride in his ability to do so.

2. Teasing and watching Maomao: This is by far his most favorite and perhaps his main hobby. From the moment he met Maomao, he has shown great interest in her. He's constantly looking for ways to throw her off balance, get her to show emotion, ask her tough questions, and just observe her reactions. He takes great pleasure in seeing her embarrassed, irritated, or intrigued. Jinshi finds her unique mind and insensitivity to his charms extremely fascinating, and he spends a lot of time studying her behavior.

3. Solving riddles and intrigues: Although often associated with his duties as chief eunuch (maintaining order and security in the Inner Palace), Jinshi shows a genuine interest in uncovering secrets and intrigues. He has a sharp mind himself, but he especially enjoys working on it with Maomao. He takes pleasure in the intellectual challenge that palace incidents present and in the process of gathering evidence and logical reasoning.

4. Taking care of his appearance: Jinshi is extremely handsome, and he is well aware of it. He pays a lot of attention to his appearance in order to maintain his "perfect" image. This includes a neat hairstyle, impeccable clothing, and overall grooming. Although it is also part of his role, his pursuit of excellence in this aspect can be considered a kind of hobby or even an art.

5. Bullying Gaoshun (jokingly): He often jokes about his faithful servant Gaoshun or puts him in a mess

3. Childhood Features:
   • Isolation: Despite his high position and being surrounded by people, Jinshi probably experienced a sense of isolation. He could not openly express his true feelings or discuss his suspicions about his origins.
   • Constant disguise: He had to constantly play the role of a "flawless and seductive eunuch", hiding his inner identity and true strength. It required a lot of effort and self-control from a young age.
   • The Burden of Mystery: The weight of the mystery of his birth and the potentially dangerous consequences of uncovering it fell on his shoulders very early.
   • Special Relationship with Aduo: Even before he learned the truth, there was a deep, almost maternal bond between him and Aduo. She had always been especially tender and caring for him, which was an instinctive manifestation of her motherly love.
   • Extraordinary Beauty: Since childhood, Jinshi possessed an incredible beauty inherited from his mother. It was both a blessing (helping him charm and manipulate people) and a curse (attracting unwanted attention and preventing him from being taken seriously in some situations).

Influence on character:

A difficult and confusing childhood had a huge impact on the formation of Jinshi's personality. It made him shrewd, manipulative, but at the same time deeply lonely and seeking sincerity. His desire to "be an ordinary person", unencumbered by false titles and hidden bloodlines, can be traced throughout history. This also explains his strange but genuine infatuation with Maomao, who is the only one who does not succumb to his charms and sees through him.

Jinshi's childhood is one of the key intrigues and tragedies of the "Pharmacist's Monologue", closely related to the secrets of the Imperial Court. His childhood was far from ordinary for a man of his stature, as he grew up unaware of his true identity and origins.

Here are the main points that characterize Jinshi's childhood:

1. True Personality and Origin:
   • Not a Eunuch: First of all, it is important to understand that Jinshi is not a real eunuch. He bears this title and serves as the chief eunuch of the Inner Palace in order to have free access to the women of the harem and conduct investigations without arousing suspicion.
   • Son of the Predecessor Emperor and Aduo: In fact, Jinshi is the younger brother of the current Emperor, that is, the son of the former Emperor and his wife Aduo.
   • Reason for Cover-Up: His true lineage was concealed to prevent possible political intrigue and a struggle for the throne between the two sons of the same Emperor. At that time, Aduo had a stillborn baby at the same time as the birth of Jinshi (who was to be declared the son of the Emperor's sister). It was decided to replace the babies: Aduo's dead child was married to Jinshi, and Jinshi himself was secretly handed over to be raised by the Emperor's sister (who was Aduo's adoptive mother). Thus, he was officially recorded as the son of the princess (the Emperor's aunt). It was a complex operation designed to ensure the stability of the throne.

2. Upbringing in delusion:
   • Didn't know his parents: Jinshi grew up not knowing that Aduo was his biological mother and the current Emperor was his brother. He perceived Aduo as his "nanny" or "big sister", as she had become his wet nurse after his "downgrade" in status.
   • Gaoshun's Guardianship: From his earliest childhood, he was beside Gaoshun, his loyal servant and bodyguard, who knew the truth about his origins. Gaoshun was his main support and mentor.
   • Early "Appointment": Due to his unique position and the need to hide his true bloodline, Ji

5. Information and whistleblower network: Jinshi is always up to date. He has an extensive network of informants and confidants (the most important of which is Gaoshun) who provide him with important information. Knowledge is power, and Jinshi masterfully uses the information she gathers to make decisions and prevent problems.

6. Equanimity and self-control: Despite frequent internal irritation or agitation, Jinshi almost always maintains impeccable calm and self-control. He rarely shows his true emotions, which makes him unpredictable to opponents and allows him to play his role effectively.

7. Gaoshun (as an extension of his will): Although Gaoshun is a separate character, he is an integral part of Jinshi's "arsenal". Gaoshun is his loyal bodyguard, spy, assistant, and someone who does dirtier or physically dangerous work. Literally, if Jinshi needs physical means of protection or influence, it is provided by Gaoshun.

Here are his main "weapons":

1. Divine beauty and charisma: This is his most powerful and obvious "weapon". Jinshi is incredibly handsome, and he is great at using his appearance to charm, distract, calm down, or even intimidate people. His smile, look, mannerisms are all subtle tools that he uses to manipulate and get what he wants. It can make a person feel special or, conversely, uncomfortable, depending on the situation. His beauty is often the first thing people notice, and this allows him to control the first impression.

2. Sharp Mind and Insight: Behind his good looks lies an incredibly sharp and strategic mind. Jinshi is very observant, he is able to quickly analyze situations, recognize people's motives and anticipate their actions. He is a master of palace intrigue, politics and bureaucracy. He uses his insight to gather information, uncover secrets, and make decisions that serve his or the Emperor's goals.

3. Position and Influence: As the chief eunuch of the Inner Palace (even if he is not truly one), Jinshi wields immense power and influence. He has access to all corners of the harem, to information, to resources, and to the trust of many high-ranking officials, which allows him to initiate investigations, give orders, and influence the lives of the inhabitants of the Palace.

4. Mastery of manipulation and psychology: Jinshi is a virtuoso manipulator. He knows how to play on people's emotions, use their weaknesses and desires. He can be flattering, seductive, threatening, or innocent, depending on what is required to achieve his goal. He subtly feels the psychology of a person and uses it to control the situation.

6. The importance of clothing for the image

Zhenshi's costume is not just an element of the setting, but a visual extension of his personality:
• Strictness – minimum decoration, everything is subject to the rules.
• Discreetness – Dark, discreet fabrics help you stay in the shadows.
• Luxury without pretentiousness - the quality of the materials reveals its high rank, but nothing screams about it.
• Symbolism of trauma: His clothes always cover his body tightly, including his neck and wrists - this is a way to hide the scars and consequences of castration (eunuchs have marks on their bodies that he carefully conceals). Even in the heat, he does not appear with his arms exposed.

Thus, every element of Zhenshi's attire—from the embossed thread on his belt to the shape of his hat—contributes to the image of the ideal courtier: discreet, reliable, polite, yet dangerous. His appearance is an armor he removes only in the rarest and most vulnerable moments (for example, when alone with Maomao, but even then he is not completely exposed).

Sleeves: wide, but Zhenshi always keeps them gathered or holds them down when moving to avoid bumping into others. This gesture indicates control over every movement.
• Fabrics: predominantly heavy silk, brocade, or high-quality cotton. Even in everyday wear, he chooses materials that don't wrinkle or rustle—quietness and neatness are important to him.
• Color scheme: Avoids bright colors (red, yellow for the emperor, bright green for concubines). His palette is night shades of blue, gray, raven. Occasionally, you can see dark burgundy or brown, but never white (except for the collar), since white in eunuchs can be associated with deep mourning.

▎5. Special cases

• When on covert missions: Zhenshi may wear simple commoner clothing (short jacket and pants), but always in the same dark colors to blend into the night. However, even in this form, he remains impeccably neat.
• In an informal setting (for example, in his room): Home attire - a light, long, loose-fitting robe without a belt, with a wrap-around design, often made of dark blue cotton. In such cases, the hair is loose or gathered in a low ponytail, but he prefers to wear a hat even at home, as if it has become part of his skin.

3. Shoes

His shoes are always closed, flat-soled, made of black fabric or leather, without heels. They must be silent, as eunuchs are expected to appear unnoticed. His socks are white or dark, made of expensive cotton. They are impeccably clean: not a speck of dust or stain.

▎4. Details that reveal character

1. Official court attire (main image)

In his daily duties, Zhenshi wears a traditional Chinese chen robe—a long, wide-sleeved gown that conceals his figure and gives him a regal, almost ethereal appearance. The colors are often deep and rich, but not garish: navy blue, graphite, deep purple, or black with a subtle shimmer of silk. This reflects his cool, reserved character and reluctance to stand out, remaining in the shadows.

• Collar and cuffs: Contrasting piping—white, silver, or gold—is a must. It accentuates the neck and wrists, creating a clean, formal effect. Small patterns (clouds, dragons, ornaments) are often embroidered on the collar and cuffs, suggesting a connection to the inner court.
• Belt: The Zhenshi ties his robe with a wide cloth belt or sash, which fits tightly around the waist. The knot is neat, with no loose ends—a symbol of self-control and discipline. A small tassel with a jade or wooden decoration may be attached to the belt—the only acceptable detail, revealing his taste (often modest, but noble).
• Overcoat: On formal occasions, he wears a jian (a short knee-length robe) or duan (a sleeveless jacket) over the robe, a dark color without bright patterns, but with exquisite embroidery. This adds layers and visually increases the importance of the person.

▎2. Headwear

Zhenshi almost never appears without a headdress, which is an obligatory attribute of a court eunuch.
• Most often, this is a futou - a black hat with upward-curved "wings" (flat, rigid flaps on the sides). This version is made of high-quality black silk or velvet, very laconic, without precious decorations, which emphasizes its seriousness and asceticism.
• In more formal settings (at receptions with the Emperor), he can wear a hat with jade inserts or a thin gold rim, if allowed by his rank. But usually Zhenshi avoids excessive pomp, so as not to

11. Decisiveness and readiness to act

Zhenshi isn't one to wait for the world to change. If he sees a problem, he solves it, regardless of the means. He's capable of making cruel but necessary decisions, killing for a higher purpose, and denying his own desires in the name of duty. This determination is combined with patience: he can wait for years if the plan requires it.

▎12. Fear of rejection

Zhenshi's deepest fear isn't death or pain, but rejection. He's terrified that if people were to see the real him—with all his scars, weaknesses, and "flaws"—they'd recoil from him in disgust. Therefore, he prefers to push people away himself, not giving them the chance to hurt him. This fear explains his extreme reserve and reluctance to open up even to those who genuinely want to help.

In summary: Zhenshi is the image of a man forced to wear many masks: a polite eunuch, a cold-blooded strategist, a cynical mocker. But beneath all these layers lies a living, vulnerable soul, desperately seeking belonging and meaning in a world where he sees himself as nothing more than an instrument. His character is a constant struggle between duty and desire, reason and emotion, self-preservation and self-sacrifice. It is precisely this contradiction that makes him a truly vibrant and memorable character.

He is proud, but his pride is not arrogant. Zhenshi respects himself even in the humiliating position of a eunuch, refusing to allow anyone to degrade him. He does not tolerate slights, but responds to them not with anger, but with cold irony or subtle revenge. This inner strength makes him a dangerous enemy: he does not forget insults, but does not stoop to open hostility.

▎8. Self-sacrifice and self-destructive tendencies

He's too willing to sacrifice himself for others—both physically and emotionally. Zhenshi doesn't value his own life and health, allowing himself to burn out in service until he's completely exhausted. This isn't masochism, but an unconscious sense of guilt: he considers himself unworthy of happiness, because his past (and his eunuch physiology) make him "inferior" in his own eyes.

▎9. Irony and wit

Zhenshi's humor is subtle, witty, and often self-deprecating. He masterfully uses verbal jabs to throw opponents off balance or protect himself from too much contact. His jokes are a shield: they allow him to tell the truth under the guise of mockery and maintain his distance from others. This is especially evident in his dialogues with Maomao, where he plays the role of the "arrogant handsome man," parodying his position.

▎10. Internal conflict and vulnerability

His defining characteristic is a profound inner turmoil. He simultaneously accepts his position (eunuch, servant) and loathes it. He fears intimacy because he believes his "inferiority" makes him unworthy of love. His feelings for Maomao are a source of constant pain: he suppresses them, considering them impossible and inappropriate. This vulnerability is so deeply buried that it only surfaces in rare moments of weakness (for example, when he talks about his scars or past).

5. Deep loyalty and sense of duty

Despite his outward aloofness, Zhenshi is incredibly loyal to those he truly trusts. His loyalty isn't ostentatious; it's expressed in his actions: he's willing to risk his life for the Emperor (his master) and for Maomao (the only person truly close to him). He has a hyper-developed sense of duty: he does what he must, even if it causes him pain.

▎6. Ability to compassion (hidden)

Behind the cold mask hides a man who suffers from the pain of others. Zhenshi often helps the weak and defenseless, but does so secretly, without expecting gratitude. He is particularly sensitive to injustice and cruelty towards women and children—likely due to his own traumatic past. His compassion is expressed not in words, but in concrete actions, often risky ones.

▎7. Pride and self-respect

1. Exceptional intelligence and insight

Zhenshi is a genius of strategy and logic. He thinks several steps ahead, instantly deciphers the motives of those around him, and sees hidden connections where others see chaos. His analytical mind has been honed by years of eunuch service, where every word and gesture could cost lives. He doesn't simply solve problems—he anticipates the course of events and adapts them to his own needs, often in such a way that his intervention goes unnoticed.

▎2. Cold restraint and self-control

Zhenshi almost never shows true emotions. His face is a mask of polite indifference, and his voice is even and calm, even in crisis. He masterfully controls himself: he doesn't allow himself to show anger, fear, or surprise if they might betray his weakness. This restraint isn't a lack of emotion, but a defense developed over the years: a eunuch in the palace has no right to weakness.

▎3. ​​Manipulativeness and secrecy

He is acutely aware of his appearance (his "handsome face" is his weapon) and skillfully uses it for manipulation. Zhenshi often pretends to be more naive or weak than he actually is to lull his interlocutors into a false sense of security. He never fully reveals his own plans—even his allies only learn the truth after the fact. He is a living chess piece, but he plays his own game.

▎4. Pragmatic cynicism

Zhenshi doesn't believe in ideals or human kindness. He views the world with a sober eye, seeing self-interest or survival in every action. This makes him cynical: he readily sacrifices morality to achieve his goals and can exploit people without compunction if he deems it necessary. However, his cynicism is not born of malice, but rather the result of disillusionment with human nature after palace intrigues.

Physique

Zhenshi is tall and slender. He stands about 180 cm tall, but his narrow shoulders and long neck make him appear even taller. His figure is lithe and lean, with well-developed muscles but without bulk. His arms are long, with graceful fingers that look both aristocratic and strong. His waist is narrow, his body lines are smooth, without the sharp angularity of a youth, but at the same time, there is no feminine softness. His neck is long, with a noticeable Adam's apple, which betrays his male gender despite his overall androgynous appearance. His skin is just as flawless, fair, and hairless (a characteristic of a eunuch), but this is not visually emphasized.

Distinguishing features

• No facial hair – smooth skin, no stubble or beard.
• Light shadows sometimes appear under his eyes when he doesn't get enough sleep, which makes him look even more languid.
• In some arts he has a slight blush (rarely), but in general he is always collected and cold.
• The look may be deceptively innocent, but when expressing emotion, the eyebrows rise and a thin vertical wrinkle appears on the forehead.
• The ears are small, the lobes are narrow, with almost no noticeable shape.

Beyond his opulent butler's robes, we see a tall, handsome man with an androgynous, yet not effeminate, face—a perfect example of how Eastern aesthetics combines noble masculinity with an almost fairytale-like sophistication. He looks like a man who could be both a ruthless strategist and a dreamy poet, but his true appearance always leaves his interlocutor momentarily transfixed.

Face and features

Zhenshi has a perfect oval face with smooth yet defined lines. His skin is light porcelain, almost luminous, without a single flaw or wrinkle, making him appear younger than his years. His facial features are aristocratically refined but not fragile: his forehead is high and smooth, his cheekbones are slightly defined, and his chin is sharp and noble, yet not overly feminine due to its confident jawline.

His eyes are his most striking beauty weapon. They are large, almond-shaped, a deep, dark violet, with long, fluffy lashes that lend a mysterious haze to his gaze. His gaze is usually calm but penetrating, with a hint of mockery or icy calculation. His eyebrows are thin and arched, as befits a noble aristocrat, but their line is masculine enough to avoid the appearance of cloyingness.

His nose is straight and narrow, with a subtle hump that adds a determined quality to his face. His lips are medium-sized and clearly defined, with the upper lip slightly thinner than the lower; their natural color is a muted pink, but they always appear soft and well-groomed.

Hair

His long, mid-back hair is perfectly sleek, with a purple tint. It's pulled back into a low ponytail at the nape of his neck, with two long strands of hair left on the sides of his face, framing his cheekbones and sometimes covering his cheeks. His bangs—long and asymmetrical, partially covering his right eye? No, his eyes are usually open, but the strands often fall across his forehead. In any case, his hair is the most vibrant and noticeable detail of his look, adding both a masculine austerity and an almost divine aesthetic.