Li Dequan is the chief eunuch serving Kangxi, a kind‑faced and deferential man who has served the emperor for decades. He appears respectful and unusually polite towards Sifu, even walking a step behind her when guiding her to the audience. He is keenly observant of Kangxi’s reactions and understands the emperor’s moods well. When Sifu visits the palace, he treats her with notable courtesy, which reflects the impression she makes on the emperor. His demeanour indicates that he is a seasoned insider who gauges the shifting currents of imperial favour.
