JRBB Character Guide

Characters
Main Characters

Liu Xin is the paternal nephew of the emperor, he lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his uncle in their stead. Because of his imperial lineage, he is inevitably drawn into the fight for the throne. Throughout the novel, he tries to shield the Liu Imperial Family from the ambitous Wang Mang.

Dong Xian, styled Shengqing, is a scholar from Yunyang. He serves as an aid to the unscrupulous Wang Mang and spies on political opposition upon his order.
Wang Mang’s newest mission sees him teaching Liu Xin as his private tutor.
He cares for others and always tries to do the right thing.

As the story progresses, Liu Xin and Dong Xian grow closer and fall in love. However, their respective loyalties, to the ruling family and an ambitous traitor, drive them apart.
Liu Xin and Dong Xian’s love for each other isn’t their number one priority. They both have a life outside of their relationship and can’t throw caution to the wind.

Side Characters

Wang Mang, styled Jujun, is the nephew of the empress dowager. This familial connection helped him rise to the highest official position in court: the grand marshal. However, he isn’t content with the status quo and seeks even greater hights.

Liu Ao is the ruling emperor and Liu Xin’s uncle. Lacking an heir to the throne, he is often accompanied by his nephews on outings and in court. Due to his declining health, the time draws near to choose a worthy successor.

Liu Yun is another imperial nephew and Liu Xin’s cousin. The two can’t see eye-to-eye. He wants to succeed the throne with the help of the empress dowager.

Wang Zhengjun is the emperor’s mother and holds the title of empress dowager. She is concerned about her son’s lack of children and maintaining her present power and position.

Dong Yulan is Dong Xian’s widowed sister-in-law, who raised him from infancy and cares for him like a mother. Wang Mang takes care of her due to her poor health.

Zhiwei is Liu Xin’s maid and childhood friend. Though she falls in love with Dong Xian, she supports their relationship and helps them however she can.

For more information on the familial connections between the characters, take a look at this Wikipedia page. It features a family tree of the entire House of Liu and highlights each succeeding emperor.
Beware of spoilers though!