The seventh prince of Great Hao, born to a low-ranking palace maid Qian Shi (Wan Yi) who displeased the emperor. He was ignored for a long time until Princess Yuan Zhen’s intervention allowed him to be enfeoffed as a prince. He is slim, fair-faced, and innocent in appearance, with a childish dependence on Yuan Zhen, calling her “Elder Sister” and often seeking her advice. In the story, he appears affectionate and submissive, but the dream foretells that years later he will ascend the throne in Southern Hao and send Yuan Zhen a bowl of poisoned wine. He is deeply conflicted—showing both sincere brotherly love in the present and an ambivalent future. His character is key to the emotional tension; he tries to please Yuan Zhen, even offering his face for pinching, while Yuan Zhen begins to suspect his true nature. He is academically diligent and respectful, but his humble origins and his mother’s disgrace make him reliant on Yuan Zhen’s favor.
