Character Index

Zhou Hong and Zhou Yong: The First and Second Princes, they were deposed after their mother's death.

Archduke Qi: One of the Emperor's half-brothers, he remained in favor even as his other brothers were persecuted, but ultimately came to ruin after the Sixth Prince died while under his tutelage.

Wei Guang: The Imperial Edict Bearer, Minister of the Office of Censure, the Emperor's teacher, and Kayla's godfather.

Zhao Chao: Kayla's retainer, previously journeyed north with her and Hu Qing.

Hu Qing/Liang Hongfei: Lord of the Liang clan and Vice-Censor of the Office of Censure. Kayla's friend and supporter.

Zhou Zhen: The Fourth Prince, who was disowned and later died from sickness after defending Archduke Qi. In addition to angering his father, his actions gave the Emperor the opening he needed to persecute Zhou Zhen's maternal clan, which had grown politically threatening.

Zhou Shu: The Sixth Prince, died in a riding accident under the tutelage of Archduke Qi. The Emperor's favorite son, especially favored after his mother died in childbirth. The Emperor privately admits that Zhou Shu was only so favored because he did not have a maternal clan to worry about. The prince's death sent the Emperor into an irrational grief that later spiraled into a coldblooded political purge.

Chuluo Khagan: The Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, an enigmatic man who is Ashina's father and Kayla's father-in-law.

Sun Ruhui: The Right Secretariat of Justice, Kayla's supporter.

Chen Caichun: A Chamberlain of the Court of Judicial Review, Kayla's supporter and Chen Jian's younger sister.

Shen Liangjun: Vice-Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

Ma Kaijie: Vice-Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

Ashina: Princess of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Kayla's wife. Personal name is Ibilga.

Tabuyir: Senior Investigator of the Bureau and Vice-Censor of the Court of Judicial Review.

Liang Shen: Former Minister of Justice and Lord of the Liang clan, Hu Qing's older half-brother.

Zhou Xianchun: The Seventh Prince.

Jun Shao: Minister of Personnel, Xianchun's supporter.

Liu Boyue: Xianchun's strategist and right-hand man. His identity is kept secret outside of the faction.

Zhou Kuang: The Third Prince.

Zhou Yunqi: The Fifth Prince.