The emperor of Great Hao, father of Princess Yuan Zhen and many other children. He is a scholar type who dislikes governance but loves literary pursuits and elegance. He values old affections and treats his consorts with a degree of consideration. He dotes exceptionally on Yuan Zhen, allowing her to dress as luxuriously as she pleases despite censors’ remonstrances, and often calls her “My Yuan Yuan”. He is a romantic, having many women, but hates scheming, which is why he disliked Xiao Qi’s mother. He plans to hold a gathering at Jinming Pond to select husbands for his daughters of marriageable age, and has his eye on Song Pu for Yuan Zhen. He is relatively lenient but can be sensitive when his personal preferences are crossed, and he tries to manage palace politics while maintaining favor toward his beloved princess.
