Characters
Names and ages (as of Volume 1)
Bai Lianhua - a young woman who was once a courtesan, but was chosen to become an imperial concubine. She suffers from frequent dreams which show her a past or a future that does not belong to her.
Age: 21 years old.
Mo Zuiyan- A mysterious young man born of noble blood in Feiyu. He became interested in Lianhua after seeing her perform in one of the Inner Palace's courtyards. He shares a clan name with Baiwen and they act like brothers.
Age: 26 years old.
Madam Feng - the Matron of Imperial Relations. She is in charge of selecting and training the imperial concubines, in order for the Emperor to choose a new Empress.
Age: 43 years old.
Yingtao - Lianhua's first friend in the Inner Palace and the main maidservant who was assigned to serve her. She is an avid reader and enjoys tea parties, gossip and has an extended interest in the concubine trials.
Age: 19 years old.
Commander Lao Hak - a commander in the imperial military working in subordination to General Yuan Pei. He experiences a chance encounter with Lianhua.
Age: 29 years old.
Xue Yèxing - a beautiful young man who likes to tease Lianhua and has natural charisma and charm. He tells many people that he's the Crown Prince. However, he also has a familial connection to Xue Yuejian, the Crown Prince.
Age: 24 years old.
Yuan Sui - a bold, scheming and beautiful concubine in training. She is arrogant and proud and a very good manipulator. She is the daughter of the famed military General Yuan Pei and his wife.
Age: 22 years old.
High Consort Huo Chiyu - the Honoured Consort of the Emperor. A kind yet shrewd woman from outside Feiyu who won the Emperor's favour. She is likened to a gentle flame and possesses a warm and discerning attitude.
Age: 23 years old.
High Consort Shi Shuiling - the Noble consort of the Emperor. A regal and level-headed woman hailing from a high ranking political family branch. She is likened to rain or calm river waters and is known to keep her cool under pressure.
Age: 27 years old.
High Consort Yun Meigui - the Pure consort of the Emperor. A young lady hailing from a good family who dedicates her time to study etiquette and poetry. She is an empathetic young lady and is likened to rosy clouds which appear during sunrise and she is very empathetic.
Age: 20 years old.
High Consort Gui Minyu - the Virtuous Consort of the Emperor. The oldest known high consort currently residing in the Inner Palace and one of the Emperor's closeted friends and allies. She is likened to plum blossoms and ripened fruit, is a gentle and matured woman with a fierce protective side.
Age: 38 years old.
Ailin - a maidservant who is assigned to Lianhua when she rises up a rank during her training. She takes a shine to Lianhua and her newfound affections cause friction between her and Yingtao.
Age: 19 years old.
Yun Jeifan - a low ranking concubine and a friend that Lianhua makes during their 6 months of training. A sweet and humble young woman from a merchant family and knows how to haggle prices and retrieve information.
Age: 22 years old.
Lan Jiayi - a quiet and studious young woman from a well off family background and a low ranking concubine. Although very shy, she has quite strong opinions and when motivated, she will speak her mind.
Age: 21 years old.
Mo Baiwen - the trusted aide and friend of Xue Yuejian, and the brother of "Mo Zuiyan", the nobleman who becomes interested in befriending Lianhua. He hails from a wealthy family and is mostly stoic, patient and dedicated to serving his master.
Age: 25 years old.
Xue Yuejian: the Crown Prince of Feiyu and the only son of the current Emperor and his long deceased wife, the late Empress. It is said that the Crown Prince shares a connection to the Founders of Feiyu and can command them if he wishes.
Crimson Rain: An enigmatic and handsome ghost with scholarly knowledge on art, history, culture, language and military strategy and diplomacy. Usually known to be dressed in crimson-red robes and silver accessories. Carries a cursed sword with a red eye embedded in the silver curved hilt. The master of the nationally loved Silver Spirit Butterflies.
Age: currently unknown.
Obsidian Moon: a mysterious and handsome ghost said to have hailed from the moon. Shrewd and intelligent, this ghost is usually dressed in deep blues, silver and lavender robes. The ghost is a skilled warrior and military general who is also competent at many things. The master of the Midnight Spirit Peafowl that live within the grounds of the Blood Moon Court.
Age: currently unknown.
Golden Dragon: the enigmatic, wise and powerful divine being that has watched over Feiyu for several generations. Carries encyclopaedic knowledge of many things, holds dominion over the earth and can shape-shift, the god is nationally worshipped and regarded as one of Feiyu's three founders alongside Crimson Rain and Obsidian Moon.
Age: 6000+
The Emperor: the revered and wise ruler of Feiyu. The oldest son of the Empress Dowager and her deceased husband, the former Emperor. He has 4 younger brothers, and his son is the Crown Prince.
Age: Late 40s-early 50s