Shen Qingqing

Biodata

Power Progression

Shen Qingqing’s documented advancement concerns court rank, not cultivation.

Background / History

Shen Qingqing entered the palace alongside Consort Shu more than a decade before the opening events and was sent to the Cold Palace within a year. Before her disgrace, she enjoyed exceptional favor: she occupied the Palace of Gathered Elegance despite holding only lady-in-waiting rank, although the residence was normally reserved for consorts or higher. Its large bathing pool was rumored to have been built specifically for her by the emperor 6 7.

She spent twelve years confined to the Cold Palace, where Tangtang was born and raised without public recognition. Food arrived only once a day, and her servants secretly withheld the better provisions. Tangtang became severely malnourished; Shen regarded her daughter as her sole reason to continue living 1 2 3 4 13.

Shen once loved Ye Yubei, but years of abandonment ended her hope of receiving his love. After leaving the Cold Palace, she initially wants chiefly to raise Tangtang into a healthy, happy princess rather than regain the emperor’s affection 9. Her later pursuit of his favor begins as a means of protecting her daughter, family, and herself, but she eventually acknowledges that she still loves him and chooses to give their relationship another chance 115 135.

Early Relationship with Ye Yubei

Shen dates her entrance into the palace to thirteen years before her conversation with Ye Yubei about their forgotten past. As a newly admitted, low-ranking palace woman, she wandered the gardens and felt confined by the palace’s barriers. A month after entering, she climbed a wall to see beyond her surroundings and fell into the arms of the young Ye Yubei, whom she did not recognize as the emperor 70 117.

Their early interactions were quarrelsome. Ye Yubei scolded her for climbing and embracing another man, while Shen pointed out that he had chosen to catch her. He later criticized an embroidered pouch she made but took it nonetheless. Discovering that she survived on steamed buns and watery porridge, he ordered better meals; gifts and additional attendants followed, although Shen still did not know her visitor’s identity 117 121.

When Lady Xin accused Shen of seducing the emperor and ordered a maid to strike her, Ye Yubei intervened in imperial robes. Shen initially tried to send him away to keep him out of trouble, then was astonished when Lady Xin addressed him as emperor. He punished Lady Xin with confinement in the Cold Palace and promoted Shen to Lady-in-Waiting 122.

Family Case and Memory Manipulation

Shen’s father was imprisoned in a case involving embezzlement and bribery. As Ye Yubei tries to repair his relationship with her, he orders Eunuch Wang to investigate that old case. The available account does not establish the investigation’s outcome 100.

The emperor’s inability to remember Shen is later linked to manipulated incense rather than simple forgetfulness. Lingyun explains that the blend called “Never Forget” can cause hallucinations and erase or alter deeply rooted memories. Through treatment and hypnosis, Ye Yubei recovers their early encounters and identifies Consort Shu as responsible for tampering with his memories 116 122.

Ye Yubei tells Shen that Consort Shu’s incense made him forget the person he loved most, explaining his abandonment of her. Shen is shocked to learn that he genuinely lost their memories, but initially remains uncertain whether his explanation is true or another deception 125. He also accuses Empress Lu of orchestrating events thirteen years earlier, although the full details of those events are not supplied in that confrontation 134.

Childbearing and Health

After visiting Empress Lu, Shen conceals the medicine she has drunk and reassures Tangtang that nothing happened. She later privately reflects that she will never have another child and that she chose to drink the medicine intended to prevent another pregnancy 41 81.

The substance is eventually identified as safflower. Shen confirms that she drank it willingly because, at the time, she wanted only to survive in the palace with Tangtang and had no intention of renewing her relationship with Ye Yubei. Her later change of heart does not undo that earlier decision 135.

During a subsequent poisoning crisis, Imperial Physicians discover lasting harm to her health and warn that she may never conceive again. Ye Yubei orders treatment and states that having their daughter is enough. Shen later awakens, though she remains pale during their reconciliation 133 135.

Appearance

Shen is repeatedly described as exceptionally beautiful despite her frail appearance and years of hardship 2 11 12.

• Face and eyes: Delicate features, almond-shaped eyes, and slightly upturned eye corners 12.
• Complexion: Snow-white skin with a faint rosy glow 11 12.
• Figure: A slender waist and pronounced curves 2 11.
• Clothing: Appears in white and pale pink dresses; the latter makes her look like a woman in her early twenties, though this is not a stated age 11 13.
• Family resemblance: She and Tangtang look strikingly alike when seated together 11.
• Later court attire: Wears a blue palace gown at the banquet where Empress Lu tests Tangtang’s artistic abilities 110.
• During poisoning: Lies unconscious with a face described as pale as paper and remains pale after awakening 132 135.

Personality

Shen is gentle and softhearted, initially inclined to forgive servants who have accompanied her for twenty years. That leniency ends when she discovers their theft and sees them threatening Tangtang: she confronts them, shields her daughter, and refuses to take them out of the Cold Palace 4 5.

Her affection does not prevent her from setting boundaries. She insists that twelve-year-old Tangtang sleep independently, welcomes the opportunity for her to attend the Royal Academy, and warns her against fighting while their household remains under scrutiny 24 26 28.

Around Ye Yubei, Shen is initially courteous but guarded. She recoils from his touch and repeatedly sends him away rather than compete for his attention. She also has a curious streak, eagerly investigating palace scandals while presenting her interest more discreetly than Tangtang does 11 12 24 33 34.

Her political ambition emerges from fear for her daughter. After the Empress’s servants prevent her from stopping Tangtang’s seizure, Shen resolves to become the mistress of the harem so that she will no longer be powerless to protect her 49.

Shen dislikes socializing and has little taste for palace scheming. Even after becoming one of the emperor’s most favored women, she politely declines other consorts’ attempts to befriend her. Her desire for security does not make her comfortable with court intrigue 114.

Her reserve conceals a livelier side. Recovered memories show her teasing the young Ye Yubei and repeatedly sending him away in irritation, then mischievously calling him an idiot after he leaves 121.

She is moved by Tangtang’s gifts and affection but recognizes many of her excuses. When Tangtang returns from an unauthorized outing, Shen carries a stick to frighten her rather than intending to strike her, and ultimately forgives her while warning her not to leave alone. She later insists that future outings include guards 81 121.

Shen’s feelings toward Ye Yubei gradually become conflicted. She is hurt that he has forgotten memories she still treasures, and fears that his renewed kindness will make her fall in love again despite her resolve to seek favor without surrendering her heart. Eventually, she openly admits her enduring love and offers him a second chance 70 115 116 135.

As Tangtang grows older, Shen combines concern for her happiness with caution about marriage and politics. She questions whether Jun Yuyuan’s rise to power has changed him, but ultimately tells her daughter that she must be happy 144 145.

Abilities & Skills

Hearing Tangtang’s Thoughts

Shen can hear her daughter’s unspoken inner voice. At first, she is confused because it sounds like Tangtang but uses a completely unfamiliar manner of speech 1.

• Uncovering betrayal: Learns that Zhu Tao and Green Radish withheld food and buried stolen jewelry beneath a tree 4 5.
• Recognizing deception: Sees through Tangtang’s claims of innocence, forgetfulness, and good behavior 8 13 28.
• Acting on foreknowledge: Considers saving valuables for escape after hearing that Northern Li will fall in three years 11.
• Identifying a possible “script”: Wonders whether Tangtang possesses knowledge of the story after hearing the predicted downfall of Empress Lu 42.
• Limit of her understanding: Initially assumes Ye Yubei cannot hear the same thoughts and worries about what would happen if he could 1 11.
• Recognizing dangerous intentions: Hears Tangtang decide to blow up the Empress’s palace and realizes the plan may be genuine. Later hears her boast about the Lu family’s house being blown up 53 101.
• Understanding private interests: Hears Tangtang’s admiration for the Young Marquis even as the child denies that interest aloud 101.
• Continued access: Still hears Tangtang’s private commentary after her promotion to Consort Chen; Tangtang does not realize her mother can hear it 101.

Palace Etiquette and Household Management

• Thanks Eunuch Wang with a valuable jade-green bracelet and asks him to convey her gratitude to the emperor 6.
• Receives newly appointed attendants and directs them to care for Tangtang 6.
• Arranges food, bathing, clothing, and school provisions for her daughter 6 28 45.
• Assigns Chunyu and Xiahe to watch Tangtang overnight and report any problems immediately 26.
• Maintains respectful court etiquette toward Empress Lu while attempting to shield Tangtang from the Empress’s public tests 110.
• Continues feeding, dressing, and sending Tangtang to the Academy despite her claims that she already knows everything taught there 117.
• Requires Tangtang to take guards on future trips outside the palace 121.
• As Empress, discusses coming-of-age arrangements and prospective marriage candidates with Tangtang 144.

Domestic Skills

• Embroidery: Embroiders a pouch during her early palace life; Ye Yubei criticizes it but takes it with him 121.
• Clothing preparation: Makes Tangtang a thick cloak for the Plum Blossom Banquet and carefully bundles her against the cold 58.
• Cooking: Prepares Tremella Soup for Ye Yubei, then offers it to Tangtang when their daughter joins them 70.

Equipment / Items

• Recovered jewelry: Retrieves ornaments buried by her former maids, including a hairpin personally bestowed by Ye Yubei 4 5.
• Sanitary pads: Receives them from Tangtang, learns how to use them, and later praises their comfort 20 34 35.
• Soft paper napkins: Appreciates these unfamiliar supplies among Tangtang’s practical gifts 34.
• Photographic portraits: Poses beside a plum tree with a round silk fan; Tangtang’s camera produces a likeness that astonishes her 35.
• Imperial treasures and gold: Receives substantial gifts from Ye Yubei after Tangtang gives him several practical items 53.
• Disciplinary stick: Carries a small stick while confronting Tangtang over an unauthorized outing, intending to frighten rather than hurt her 81.
• MP3 player: Examines Tangtang’s small music-playing device and is delighted by its ability to produce songs. The device belongs to Tangtang 114 115.
• Romance books and food: Tangtang brings books and still-warm food home for her. Shen recognizes that the books were bought outside rather than distributed by the Academy, as Tangtang claims 121.
• Hand warmer: Gives Tangtang the hand warmer she has been holding before another outing 125.
• Safflower medicine: Voluntarily drinks the bowl supplied by Empress Lu to prevent another pregnancy, later explaining the decision to Ye Yubei 81 135.

Relationships

• Ye Tangtang — Daughter and emotional anchor. Shen welcomes her sudden affection, cares closely for her daily needs, and is deeply moved when Tangtang earns money to support her 1 3 28 41. She remains protective through Tangtang’s outings, schooling, and public performances, yet recognizes the child’s lies and mischief 81 110 117 121. Tangtang encourages her to pursue happiness with Ye Yubei and intervenes when he grabs Shen during the safflower confrontation 116 135. Shen is proud to learn that Tangtang reported refugees’ suffering to the emperor rather than caring only about food and entertainment 122. At Tangtang’s coming of age, she discusses marriage with her and emphasizes her future happiness 144 145.
• Ye Yubei — Emperor, husband, and Tangtang’s father. He neglected Shen for twelve years and initially struggles to remember her clearly. His renewed interest does not immediately erase her fear or emotional distance 2 8 9 11 33 45. Their early relationship is later revealed through recovered memories, and his forgetting is attributed to Consort Shu’s manipulated incense 117 121 122 125. Shen cautiously seeks his favor for protection while fearing renewed attachment, then confirms that she still loves him and agrees to rebuild their relationship 115 116 135.
• Shen’s father — Unnamed father imprisoned for embezzlement and bribery. Ye Yubei orders a renewed investigation into his old case while attempting to make amends to Shen 100.
• Zhu Tao and Green Radish — Former household maids who served her from childhood. Their theft of food, jewelry, and Tangtang’s pendant destroys her remaining trust in them 4 5.
• Consort Shu — Entered the palace alongside Shen and later bullied her after her return. Shu’s complaint against Tangtang instead results in Shu’s demotion and Shen’s promotion 7 12. Shu is later identified as having altered Ye Yubei’s memories through incense. During Shen’s poisoning crisis, Lingyun suspects her because of her perfumery expertise, but she denies responsibility 122 125 133.
• Lady Liu — Accompanies Consort Shu in appropriating Shen’s gifts and insults Tangtang, provoking the princess’s retaliation 7 8.
• Empress Lu / Lu Yuanxi — A threat to Shen and Tangtang. Supplies the medicine Shen drinks and later orders Tangtang seized under a demon accusation 41 49. Although the medicine initially appears imposed on Shen, she eventually confirms that she drank the safflower willingly 81 135. Lu also uses a banquet to subject Tangtang to repeated artistic tests; later, a eunuch identifies her as the person who ordered Shen’s incense changed 110 134. After the rebellion, she is sent to a temple, and Shen eventually occupies the position of Empress 143 144.
• Jun Yuyuan — Shen becomes wary of him after hearing Tangtang’s predictions of his future cruelty. Nevertheless, he escorts mother and daughter home when they become lost 19. She remains uneasy about Tangtang’s growing closeness to an enemy kingdom’s hostage crown prince, while conceding that he does not look like someone who would harm her 108 132. When he must return home, she reminds Tangtang of his duties. Three years later, she distrusts his expansionist power and questions his suitability as Tangtang’s consort 143 144.
• Ye Linmo — Tangtang’s Sixth Brother and loyal helper. Shares hot pot with Shen and Tangtang and later gives Tangtang the earnings from her barbecue stall while Shen is present 57 101.
• Ye Muxue — Tangtang’s hostile half-sister and Empress Lu’s daughter. Becomes increasingly resentful of Shen and Tangtang as her mother and the Lu family lose power, wishing both would disappear 134 135.
• Young Marquis Xie / Xie Jingqian — Prospective match for Tangtang. Shen regards his scholarly and martial accomplishments as favorable qualities, but Tangtang ultimately rejects him in favor of Jun Yuyuan 101 144.
• Lady Xin — Early palace rival who accuses Shen of seducing the emperor and orders a maid to strike her. Ye Yubei intervenes and sends Xin to the Cold Palace 121 122.
• Lingyun — Western Regions perfumer whose examination explains Ye Yubei’s lost memories and later identifies the lethal substance in Shen’s incense 116 133.
• Chunyu, Xiahe, Qiulu, Dongmei, and Jinxiu — Attendants received after Shen returns to the Palace of Gathered Elegance 6.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Release from the Cold Palace

• Kneels to plead for Tangtang when Ye Yubei orders the child beaten to death 1.
• Recovers her rank and permission to return to her former palace 2 3.
• Uses information from Tangtang’s thoughts to expose her maids’ theft, then leaves them behind 4 5.

Reestablishing Her Household

• Returns to the Palace of Gathered Elegance and receives new servants and supplies 6.
• Accepts blame to protect Tangtang during Consort Shu’s complaint; Ye Yubei rejects the accusation and promotes her 12 13.
• Celebrates Tangtang’s public recognition as the Ninth Princess and supports her schooling 13 24 28.
• Begins enforcing independent sleeping arrangements while continuing to check on Tangtang at night 24 26 28.

Pressure from the Empress

• Emerges from Phoenix Hall pale and tired after drinking medicine supplied by Empress Lu. She conceals this from Tangtang, saying that they merely spoke 41.
• Recognizes that imperial affection alone cannot protect them because they lack the powerful family backing enjoyed by other harem women 42.
• Faints after mistaking Tangtang’s dinosaur pajamas for a monster; removing the hood reassures her that her daughter is safe 42 43.
• Later reflects that she chose to drink the medicine to prevent another pregnancy, and eventually confirms that the substance was safflower 81 135.

The Demon Accusation

• Slaps an Empress’s maid and demands Tangtang’s release when the child is seized as a supposed demon 49.
• Is confined to her palace, unable even to seek the emperor’s help, prompting her resolve to pursue control of the harem 49.
• Reunites with Tangtang at the Palace of Benevolent Peace after the Empress Dowager rejects the accusation and Ye Yubei arrives 50.

Renewed Favor and Consort Investiture

• Joins Ye Yubei at the palace gates to watch Consort Li’s exposure and punishment, disguising her curiosity as admiration for the emperor 53.
• Receives treasures and gold, then hears Tangtang’s intention to blow up Phoenix Hall 53.
• Begins visiting Ye Yubei at the Imperial Study and Hall of Mental Cultivation more frequently after Tangtang’s seizure, while maintaining that her efforts are for their daughter 70.
• Recounts their first encounters when Ye Yubei asks about his forgotten past; the account triggers familiar fragments and a severe headache 70.
• Swears that her account is true, prompting Ye Yubei to kiss her 71.
• Is promoted directly from Beauty to Consort Chen and attends the investiture with Tangtang, showing little outward excitement despite the change in status 100 101.
• Remains wary of the Lu family’s influence and stops Tangtang from openly insulting the Empress 101.

Banquet Challenges and Emotional Uncertainty

• Worries about Tangtang’s growing association with Jun Yuyuan and suspects the Empress’s banquet may be a trap 108.
• Attempts to excuse Tangtang from a poetry challenge by emphasizing her youth, but yields when the Empress insists 110.
• Declines other consorts’ attempts to cultivate friendship and returns home to question Tangtang about her unexpected artistic abilities 114.
• Kneels to accept punishment on Tangtang’s behalf after learning that an MP3 player supplied the banquet’s singing; Ye Yubei reassures her that neither will be punished 115.
• Shares hot pot and music with Ye Yubei and Tangtang, then sends the emperor away again 115.
• Admits that she wants his favor for her daughter, family, and herself but fears loving him again. Tangtang urges her to choose what will make her happy 115 116.

Recovery of the Forgotten Past

• Appears in Ye Yubei’s hypnotic memories as a young palace woman who climbs walls, quarrels with him, and does not know his imperial identity 116 117.
• Is shown receiving better food, gifts, and attendants after the young emperor witnesses her poor living conditions 121.
• Is protected from Lady Xin, learns that her visitor is the emperor, and receives her early promotion 122.
• Hears Ye Yubei explain that Consort Shu’s incense erased his memories of her. His apology unsettles her, but she initially questions whether she can trust the explanation 125.

Poisoning and Reconciliation

• Notices that the incense in her room smells unusually pungent. After Tangtang whispers to her, news spreads that Consort Chen has fainted, bringing Ye Yubei urgently to her bedside 132.
• Is diagnosed with poisoning and lasting damage that may prevent future conception 133.
• Becomes the focus of an investigation when Lingyun finds duo luo, a substance capable of killing through prolonged exposure, in the incense 133.
• A eunuch identifies Empress Lu as the person who ordered the incense changed. Ye Yubei announces his intention to depose her and hold her responsible for both present and past harms 134.
• Awakens before Ye Yubei confronts her about willingly drinking safflower. Tangtang intervenes when he grabs her shoulders, and he releases her 135.
• Explains that she originally wanted only a safe life with Tangtang, but later recognized that she still loved Ye Yubei and chose to give him another chance 135.
• Reconciles with him in an affectionate embrace; Tangtang’s eager observation interrupts their near-kiss until Eunuch Wang takes her away 135.

Sole Consort, Empress, and Tangtang’s Coming of Age

• After the rebellion is suppressed, remains the only woman in the harem as the former Empress is sent to a temple and the Lu family is exiled 143.
• Reminds Tangtang that Jun Yuyuan has responsibilities in his own kingdom when his departure is announced 143.
• Is identified as Empress after the three-year time skip, fulfilling her earlier resolve to become mistress of the harem 49 144.
• Prepares Tangtang for her fifteenth-birthday coming-of-age ceremony and discusses Ye Yubei’s intention to choose a consort for her 144.
• Recommends Young Marquis Xie, then correctly identifies Jun Yuyuan as the only man Tangtang wants 144.
• Warns that Jun is now an expansionist emperor whose ambitions may threaten Northern Li and whose character may have changed during their separation 144.
• Following Jun’s assurances about Tangtang’s future freedom, tells her daughter that she must be happy 145.

Notable Quotes

“So what if she had once loved him? Twelve years in the Cold Palace had let her see Ye Yubei for who he truly was.”
— Narration describing Shen’s feelings toward the emperor 9

“I know perfectly well whether my own daughter is a monster. Put her down this instant.”
— Confronting the Empress’s servants 49

“Next time you leave the palace, you must take guards with you.”
— Warning Tangtang after another outing 121

“Your Majesty, I did drink that bowl of safflower willingly. At the time, all I wanted was to live a good life with my daughter.”
— Explaining her earlier decision to Ye Yubei 135

“You must be happy, my daughter.”
— Reassuring Tangtang 145

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