Central protagonist forced into the imperial harem due to her resemblance to the late empress. Initially avoids court politics but falls for the emperor, triggering retaliatory schemes from rivals. After disillusionment and a secret romance with Prince Guo, she returns under a new identity as Consort Xi to protect her son Hongli. She orchestrates the emperor's downfall through slow poisoning, ultimately rising to become the sole Empress Dowager and advising the next reign.
The central protagonist whose choices and observations anchor the season.
Uneven standing due to differing levels of imperial attention.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Empresses in the Palace