The current Emperor of Li is a secondary character in The Apothecary Diaries.
Appearance[]
The Emperor is a man in his 30’s with a slim well built body with a defined face. He has short black hair, pink eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard that compliments his kingly look. He has an expressionless face most of the time, but will sometimes show a faint smile. He wears a head wrap or a Chuijiao Putou on his head with a gold embellishment on it, with the two wing-like flaps going down to his back. For attire he wears a black Yuanlingpao with a gold dragon-looking design on the middle of it and a black belt with a dragon design on it, underneath he wears a white robe. The sleeves of the robe were long and flowing with the end of the robe loose and flowing.
Personality[]
The Emperor's main goal is to not be anything like his father and predecessor, who was held in the lowest regard possible. As the previous ruler was much more turbulent and manipulated, the Emperor strives for a peaceful rule without cowardice, but with willingness to listen the advice of capable and trustworthy people. He is reserved and rarely shows his true emotions in public because showing his true emotions can cause problems in court. However, in private around people he is close to, he is more laidback and willing to joke, much to Jinshi's dismay. Due to his abhorrent disgust towards his father's preference for little girls, he prefers women who are the exact opposite of his father's taste — well-endowed and clearly adult.
When he was still the Crown Prince, he decided on taking Ah-Duo as his sole consort. After she became unable to bear more children and the loss of her their son, his dream was no longer feasible. As such, the Emperor became incredibly pragmatic about his consorts by prioritizing their political usefulness over personal affection, causing many of his subordinates to see him as cruel. While he can be inconsiderate at times — such as asking Maomao to care for a consort while having an intimate meal with another — his actions are done to maintain balance in the Imperial Harem. He has showed benevolence towards consorts from troubled backgrounds, however. For example, he allowed a middle-ranking consort to stay in the rear palace even after her face became disfigured.[3]
Abilities[]
Influence: Being the Emperor, everyone in the country is at his disposal and he can do almost whatever he pleases with them. His power, however, is not absolute as he risks upsetting the balance of the various factions at court.
Intelligence: Unlike the Former Emperor, the current Emperor is not a fool. Instead, he possesses a very keen understanding of ruling a nation peacefully and prosperously, while navigating political dilemmas.
Trivia[]
- The Emperor was noted to have given the following orders and implemented reforms during his reign:
- Ordered the U Clan to send Lishu to the inner court as a high consort.
- Granted Anshi's request to establish an unofficial clinic run by court ladies.
- Granted Anshi's request to stop the practise of making eunuchs.
- Appointed Lakan as Grand Commandant.
- Granted Ah-Duo the Southern Imperial Villa as her residence.
- Granted Jinshi's request to build a literary school for palace ladies.
- Ordered the execution of all the members of the Shi Clan for the crime of rebellion, minus the children (in secret).
- Appointed Gyokuyou as Empress.
- Granted Jinshi's request to provide alimentary, medical and investigative aid to the Western capital during the locust plague.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Apothecary Diaries light novel: Volume 13, Chapter 5
- ↑ ANIME FREAKS (Abema TV) - アニメ「薬屋のひとりごと」声優・キャラクター一覧｜全キャスト96人を網羅 (in Japanese; in English: List of voice actors and characters for the anime "The Apothecary Diaries" | All 96 cast members
- ↑ The Apothecary Diaries light novel: Volume 3, Chapter 6
Feilong • Fengming • Fengxian • Fuyou ☆ Gaoshun • Guen/Quack Doctor • Guiyuan • Gyokuen • Gyokujun • Gyoku-ou • Gyokuyou
Haku-u • Hongniang • Hulan ☆ Jazgul • Jin • Jinshi • Joka • Junjie ☆ Kanan • King of Shaoh • Koku-u • Kokuyou • Kounen
Lahan • Lahan's Older Brother • Lakan • Lakou • Dr. Li • Lihaku • Lihua • Lingli • Lishu • Dr. Liu • Lo-en • Loulan • Luomen
Maamei • Madam • Maomao • Maomao, the Cat • Meimei ☆ Onsou • Oracle ☆ Pairin ☆ Rikuson
Sanfan • Sazen • Seki-u • Shenlü • Shenmei • Shikyou • Shin • Shishou • Shisui • Shrine Maiden of Shaoh • Suirei • Suirei's Mother • Suiren • Sotei
Taihou • Taomei • Tianyu ☆ Ujun • Ukyou • Uryuu ☆ Xiaohong • Xiaolan ☆ Yakou • Yao • Yinghua • Yinxing • Yo • Dr. You ☆ Zulin
Crown Prince • Emperor • Empress Regnant • Former Emperor • Imperial Brother