Mu Zhuo Hua --- Jing Tian
Mu Zhuo Hua, the illegitimate daughter of Jiangnan's wealthiest man, Mu Rong, is a mischievous and exceptionally clever individual. From a young age, Mu Zhuo Hua immersed herself in literature and aspired to become a female scholar. Taking advantage of her father's decision to take concubines, she escaped from marriage and traveled to Dingjing to participate in the imperial examinations. It was in Dingjing that she unexpectedly met Liu Yan, the Prince of Ding. The two supported each other, with Mu Zhuo Hua's resilience and intelligence providing invaluable assistance to Liu Yan. Simultaneously, with Liu Yan's support, she also achieved her own dreams.
Liu Yan --- Feng Shao Feng
Nan Chen Ding Wang. Liu Yan was renowned for his bravery and skill in warfare, and he was also credited as the hero who petitioned for the reestablishment of the women's grace examination. Despite his doubts about Mu Zhuo Hua's identity, he still respected her ambitious aspirations to pursue a career through the imperial examinations. He was willing to provide her with opportunities to showcase her talents and even tolerated her occasional "scheming" behavior. When Mu Zhuo Hua was forced to choose between fame and her emotions, Liu Yan stepped forward and willingly shouldered the ridicule of others, acknowledging himself as her "unofficial" partner, to ensure that she wouldn't give up her dreams for him.
Rou Jia Gong Zhu --- Wang Li Kun
At the age of 24, Liu Ju, the eldest daughter of Emperor Nan Chen, presents herself as dignified, kind-hearted, and caring for the world. However, beneath her surface lies a cunning, resolute, and ruthless nature. She shines brightly like the moon but possesses a deep and mysterious interior like an ancient well. From a young age, witnessing her mother's tragic death, she ceased to believe in the so-called emotions of the world. In her eyes, only power is trustworthy. Firmly convinced that in order to completely control her own destiny, she must ascend to the highest position, she believes in the principle of "victory or death" and remains unrepentant.
Liu Chen --- Zhou Yi Ran
At the age of 21, Liu Chen, the eldest legitimate son of Emperor Liu Ju of Nan Chen. He was a proud and unruly young man, with a spirited and lively temperament, yet he possessed the innocence of a child. Although Liu Chen missed out on love and the person he admired due to his youthful ignorance, he still sincerely wished her well, evoking both affection and empathy from others. It was not until the passing of Liu Ju that he had to shoulder the responsibility of the nation and mature into a wise and composed monarch. However, his pure and unwavering childlike heart never changed.
Shen Jing Hong --- Xu Hai Qiao
At the age of 21, Shen Jing Hong, the newly crowned top scholar of Nan Chen, was a talented individual with exceptional skills in both literature and martial arts. Despite his young age, his reputation had already spread throughout the capital. However, all he sought in his life was the heart of the princess. Wise as he was, he knew all too well that he was merely a pawn in the eyes of Rou Jia. Nevertheless, he willingly allowed himself to be used by her, just to be able to stay by her side. However, Shen Jing Hong also had his own principles. When he realized that Rou Jia's actions would bring harm to the people, he made the decision to betray the person he loved in order to uphold his own moral standards.
Zhi Jian --- Ye Sheng Jia
At the age of 20, Zhi Jian serves as Liu Yan's personal bodyguard and is also his elder brother. Zhi Jian's personality is completely opposite to his younger brother's. He is decisive, meticulous, and a super talkative person. However, his words never come from the heart, and his sword is not easily unsheathed. Once it is unsheathed, blood will be spilled. Due to their father's death in the Battle of Beiliang, his eyes were temporarily clouded by hatred. It was only after Zhi Mo got injured while saving him that he realized the importance of family over animosity.
Guo Ju Li --- Yang Zhi Wen
At the age of 17, Guo Ju Li serves as Mu Zhuo Hua's personal maid. She has grown up alongside Mu Zhuo Hua and they share a sister-like bond. Besides Mu Zhuo Hua, her greatest love is food, but no matter how much she eats, she never gains weight. It all turns into natural strength within her. Guo Ju Li has always been well-protected by Mu Zhuo Hua, so she approaches the world with curiosity and kindness. She is the type of person who is incredibly fortunate, always innocent, and free from worries.
Sun Yun Yun --- He Hong Shan
At the age of 20, Sun Yun Yun, the daughter of Duke Sun Ru of the Wei Kingdom. Sun Yun Yun came from a prestigious family and was known for her beauty and talent. She was gentle, elegant, and graceful. She had been in love with Liu Yan for many years and vowed to marry no one but him. However, Liu Yan was infatuated with Mu Zhuo Hua and had no romantic feelings for Sun Yun Yun. In an attempt to capture Liu Yan's attention, Sun Yun Yun deliberately imitated Mu Zhuo Hua's style of dress. Unfortunately, her actions only furthered the relationship between Liu Yan and Mu Zhuo Hua.
Zhi Mo --- Zhan Yu
At the age of 19, Zhi Mo serves as Liu Yan's personal bodyguard. He is silent and reserved, appearing cold on the outside but passionate within. He is fiercely loyal to his master and possesses exceptional martial arts skills. He has developed an affection for Guo Ju Li, Mu Zhuo Hua's personal maid, knowing that her greatest hobby is food. As a result, he often buys her food that she enjoys. Zhi Mo's father died in the Battle of Beiliang, and while he desires revenge, he does not hold onto obsession. Instead, he follows only Liu Yan's commands as his sole guiding principle for action.
Mu Rong --- Huang Hai Bing
At the age of 35, Mu Rong, the wealthiest man in Huai Zhou and the father of Mu Zhuo Hua. Mu Rong was known for his promiscuous lifestyle, having multiple wives and concubines. However, he was a business genius and had already become the wealthiest man in Huai Zhou at a young age. He believed that women should focus on virtue rather than talent and never paid much attention to Mu Zhuo Hua. Therefore, he didn't take it seriously when Mu Zhuo Hua ran away from home. However, later on, Mu Zhuo Hua challenged his preconceptions and shattered his beliefs.
Liu Ju --- Zheng Guo Lin
At the age of 40, Emperor Liu Ju, known as the Mingde Emperor of Nan Chen. When Liu Ju was sixteen years old, he accidentally fell into the water while trying to save Liu Yan, resulting in fragile health and frequent illnesses. He appeared gentle and accommodating on the surface, but internally he possessed strong determination and self-restraint. Recognizing the harm that the aristocracy posed to the country, he spent many years planning to reform the system of hereditary privileges, but ultimately failed to achieve it. On his deathbed, he entrusted this task to Liu Yan, firmly believing that the crown prince could fulfill his unfinished aspirations.
Zhou Tai Hou --- Shi Yue Ling
At the age of 55, Zhou Tai Hou is the mother of Emperor Liu Ju of Nan Chen. She was entrusted by the late emperor to raise Liu Yan and is deeply respected by him. However, her feelings towards Liu Yan are complex. While they maintain a loving and filial relationship on the surface, she is constantly wary that Liu Yan may become too ambitious and overshadow Liu Ju. Even though she is aware of Liu Ju's feelings for Liu Yan, she still commits a grave mistake with her own hands, burdening Liu Ju with a heavy load because of her actions.
