Gyokuyou

Gyokuyou is one of the emperor's four top-ranked consorts and holds the title of Precious Consort. She lives in the Jade Pavilion inside the rear palace, and she is the emperor's favorite. When the story begins, she has a baby daughter with him.

Her baby falls very sick at the same time as other royal children. A servant named Maomao sends a secret warning that the makeup the women use contains poison. Gyokuyou listens, and her daughter gets better. Deeply grateful, she takes Maomao into her own household as a lady-in-waiting and food taster, the person who checks meals for poison before they are eaten.

Gyokuyou is kind, smart, and loyal to those who help her. She keeps only a few ladies-in-waiting, because she knows the palace can be dangerous and she wants people she can truly trust around her. Her striking red hair and green eyes set her apart from the other women of the court. She works well with Jinshi and supports his and Maomao's efforts to solve problems in the palace. Later in the story she gives birth to a son, which raises her standing even higher.