Warning: reading the list of characters is a semi-spoiler, as many do not appear in the first chapters. Read it before the chapters at your own risk.

  The list is updated through chapter 22.

  The characters' titles are real and were used at one time or another in the various Chinese dynasties. The only real invention is the Nei Wei, as female soldiers never existed in reality, but the title has been adapted with the most appropriate nomenclature, or so I believe at least.

  List of more or less important characters:

  Sun Wen – The protagonist, also called Zhāohuán Wen.

  Fei Xiang / Guifei Xiang – The protagonist's mother and the emperor's youngest consort. The rank of Fei refers to a normal consort and that of Guifei to a Chosen consort, who are only one rank below the Empress.

  Sun Hao – Emperor of the Tianjing Empire and father of the protagonist.

  Lianhua – First nanny (Runu) of the protagonist and then her Fei Yi. The title of Fei Yi would be something like a mixture of housekeeper, head maid, and administrator.

  Fei Yi Lingxi – The Fei Yi of the protagonist's mother.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Jiangjun Han Xin: Chief general of the empire's left army. He is the emperor's best friend, confidant, and drinking companion.

  Taijian Li Ming. – Chief eunuch of the empire and the emperor's right-hand man.

  Neingjun Liu Yan - General of all the female imperial guards and in charge of the internal guard of the imperial palace.

  Yushi Dafu Zhang Wei – Chief Director of the Yushitai.

  Xueshi / Jinshi Wenxue – Tutor to the imperial princess. He earns his second title in chapter 15.

  Jiaoliu Feng – Nei Wei army instructor who gives the protagonist physical therapy sessions and tutors her in martial arts classes.

  Taiyi Yulin – Court physician. He possesses Celestial Restoration Needles.

  Jiǎngshī Zhao Liang – Craftsman commissioned by the protagonist to make her chair.

  Nei Baihu Liang Xue – Commander of the 100 Nei Wei who escort the protagonist and her mother into exile.

  List of various titles:

  Fei Yi – Chief maid of the consort.

  Jiaoliu – Army instructor. Used for both men and women.

  Jin Wei – Male imperial guards.

  Nei Wei – Female imperial guards.

  Jin Shiwei and Nei Shiwei – Commander of 10 men.

  Jin Duwei and Nei Duwei – Commanders assigned as escorts to important figures with a variable number of men.

  Jin Baihu and Nei Baihu – Commander of 100 men.

  Neingjun – General of all female imperial guards.

  Jiangjun – General of all male imperial guards.

  Furen – Generally translated as “Lady,” this is a respectful and informal term used to address high-ranking women, including imperial consorts.

  Yushi – Imperial censors and bodyguards, responsible for investigating cases of corruption or events in the court, as well as protecting prominent members of the court. Its members are always secret. The institution that manages them is the Yushitai.

  Shangshu: Chamberlain. Responsible for the daily management of the court and the palace.