Du Yizhen

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Du Yizhen (杜宜真)
Alias(es)	“The Shu Kingdom’s foremost noble lady” 1
Gender	Female 1
Affiliation	Du household; formerly the Shu Kingdom 1 2
Occupation/Role	Noblewoman; eldest legitimate daughter of Chancellor Du Heng 1
Status	Captive following Shu’s surrender, living in a guarded residence under Zhao Xuan’s protection 2 5
First Appearance	Chapter 1 1

Background / History

Life in Shu and the Kingdom’s Fall

Du Yizhen grew up cherished by her father and elder brothers. Her sheltered life revolved around books, poetry, flowers, and painting, leaving her unfamiliar with warfare and political intrigue. Her beauty and family standing earned her recognition as Shu’s foremost noble lady 1 2.

In autumn of the third year of Yongsheng, Great Qi’s army surrounded Shu’s capital. Du Heng told her that Shu would surrender and that senior officials’ families would be placed in Crown Prince Zhao Xuan’s custody. Unable to secure her release, he urged her to avoid defiance and prioritize survival. She recognized that escape was impossible because all four city gates were surrounded 1.

When Qi’s soldiers collected the Du household, Yizhen appeared in plain clothing and struggled to contain her tears. Zhao Xuan noticed her as he rode past, then ordered that the captured families be housed properly and not mistreated 1.

Captivity and Preferential Treatment

Yizhen was settled with other officials’ female relatives in a guarded residence in the capital’s southern district. Leaving without permission and private exchanges were forbidden. During Zhao Xuan’s inspection, her accidental eye contact and visibly genuine fear drew his attention, although she dismissed the encounter as routine 2.

The residence subsequently received better meals, ample charcoal, and gentler service than other residences. Zhao Xuan also sent Yizhen brocade, pastries, and a warm honey drink, instructing her to rest and recover. She appreciated the kindness but feared becoming entangled with the heir of the kingdom that had conquered hers 3.

Jealousy and the Private Summons

Su Wanrou and several other captives accused Yizhen of feigning weakness to obtain Zhao Xuan’s favor. Yizhen restrained Qinghe from arguing and refused to retaliate. Zhao Xuan’s decree against malicious gossip ended the harassment, leaving the other women wary of provoking her 4.

After several peaceful days, Zhao Xuan summoned her privately to the reception pavilion. He asked whether anyone had troubled her and told her to report future mistreatment directly to him rather than endure it silently. His reassurance moved her, and their sustained eye contact marked a shift toward mutual attraction 5.

Appearance

Yizhen has luminous, fair skin, delicate features, dark hair, and long lashes; her beauty remains conspicuous even without makeup or elaborate ornaments 1 2.

• Before Shu’s surrender: Wears a pale jade silk gown embroidered with magnolia sprays 1.
• When taken into custody: Changes into a moon-white gown and a simple bun without elaborate pearls or jewels 1.
• In the guarded residence: Wears a plain white dress and secures her hair with a single white jade hairpin 2.
• Visible nervousness: Trembling lashes and tear-reddened eyes repeatedly reveal the fear she tries to conceal 1 2.

Personality

Gentle, timid, and afraid of pain, Yizhen readily becomes tearful when distressed. Her fear is sincere rather than a calculated attempt to attract attention. She wants a quiet, safe life and has no ambition to gain power through Zhao Xuan’s favor 1 2.

Her restraint is deliberate, not simply helplessness. During Su Wanrou’s taunts, she understands that arguing could supply further accusations against her and chooses not to quarrel. Even after receiving protection, she remains modest and does not presume upon her privileged treatment 4 5.

Zhao Xuan’s kindness gradually awakens affection, but she remains conscious of their unequal positions. Gratitude and growing warmth coexist with anxiety about what his attention might mean for her future 3 5.

Abilities & Skills

Painting

• Paints small pictures of flowers and birds during her leisure time at the family residence 1.

Calligraphy and Literary Interests

• Reads regularly and practices calligraphy during captivity 5.
• Carefully copies characters from a calligraphy copybook, with Qinghe grinding ink beside her 5.
• Her upbringing includes poetry and books, but no martial arts or experience in political intrigue 1.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• White jade hairpin — Holds her simply arranged hair while she is escorted into captivity 2.
• Silk handkerchief — Clutches it while hearing news of Qi’s advance 1.
• Two bolts of soft brocade — Zhao Xuan’s gift to help protect her against the autumn cold 3.
• Pastries and warm honey drink — Sent with the brocade to nourish her health 3.
• Calligraphy copybook and brush — Used in her daily practice at the residence 5.

Relationships

• Du Heng — Father and chancellor of Shu. Loves her deeply but cannot prevent her captivity; advises caution and survival 1.
• Elder brothers — Doted on her throughout childhood and contributed to her sheltered upbringing 1 2.
• Qinghe — Maid and close companion. Comforts her, assists with calligraphy, and wants to defend her against gossip 1 4 5.
• Zhao Xuan — Great Qi’s crown prince, captor, and protector. Her unfeigned vulnerability draws his concern, while his repeated kindness gradually stirs her affection 2 3 5.
• Su Wanrou — Fellow captive and longstanding rival. Previously compared herself with Yizhen in beauty and family standing; later accuses her of manipulating Zhao Xuan through affected weakness 4.
• Lin Sui — Zhao Xuan’s guard, tasked with arranging protection so that the other women cannot bully her 3 4.

Notable Quotes

“Knowing our place and behaving ourselves is our best way forward.” 2

“Right and wrong have their own justice. If I do not quarrel, they can find no fault in me.” 4