Liu Wan

Biodata

Background / History

Liu Family and Childhood

Liu Wan is the second of three children in the household of the Minister of Rites. Her mother teaches her to live honorably and maintains her childhood bedroom after her marriage, including leaving her favorite needlework scissors in place 8 21 46.

During a childhood palace visit, Liu Wan discovers a neglected boy being beaten by eunuchs near the Cold Palace. She follows him and sees his broken windows, inadequate clothing, and meager food. Unable to stop worrying about him, she later insists that her aunt and Consort Ling enter the palace with her. They find the boy nearly frozen to death; he is Xia Siheng, the future Ninth Prince 43 44.

Her late aunt, Lady Susu, is close to Consort Ling and leaves Liu Wan a Death-Exemption Token. She also tells Liu Wan to seek Consort Ling’s help if she ever encounters trouble 12 43.

The winter plum branch associated with that encounter becomes a lasting symbol of Liu Wan’s attachment to Xia Siheng. He had taken it from his birth mother’s palace and clung to it during the freezing night. Liu Wan plants a cutting after returning home and tends it for years. She later recognizes that Xie Jin’an’s proposal with winter plum blossoms appealed to feelings she had already buried for the childhood boy, and that she had treated Jin’an as his substitute 92 115 116.

Marriage and Household Service

Five years before the main events, Xie Jin’an asks for Liu Wan’s hand while holding winter plum blossoms and invoking the debt her father owes Marquis Jing’an for saving his life. Liu Wan agrees both to repay that kindness and to spare her father a difficult choice. Her inherited Death-Exemption Token helps rescue the endangered marquis household and gives the marquis an opportunity to seek military service to prove his innocence 9 12 17.

Liu Wan restores order to the residence’s businesses and domestic affairs, using her own dowry to cover financial shortfalls. The household’s stipend has been withheld while the marquis is away at war, leaving it heavily dependent on her management and funds 10 23 46.

After rescuing Old Madam Xie from a river in late autumn, Liu Wan catches a severe chill and is left frail. Xie Jin’an uses her health as an excuse to neglect her for years, while she takes medicine in hopes of conceiving. Three years before Wanwan’s birth, the old madam selects Zi Mu and Zi Xing for her to adopt 2 4.

During her early years in the Xie household, Liu Wan also rescues Xie Jinqian from the water. His mother has disappeared after suffering domestic abuse, and he questions why Liu Wan saved him and why he should continue living. Liu Wan explains that any conscientious person would have intervened. Her compassion becomes central to his attachment to her, although his later attempts to separate her from Xia Siheng endanger the very person he claims to protect 207 231 257 277.

When the residence later fails to pay its servants, Liu Wan reveals that she had contributed three thousand taels from her dowry specifically to fund six months of wages. The accountant confirms that the money was diverted without authorization. Her disclosure counters attempts by Xie Jinqiu and Xu Rourou to make her responsible for the resulting crisis 51.

Fate in the Original Novel

In the original storyline known to Xia Wanwan, Liu Wan’s newborn daughter is replaced with Xie Huaishan, the son of Xie Jin’an and Xu Rourou. Unaware of the substitution, Liu Wan raises him for sixteen years while exhausting herself managing the manor 1.

When Huaishan passes the examination opening his official career, he publicly welcomes his biological mother into the residence. Liu Wan dies of rage upon discovering the betrayal. Huaishan later frames her birth family for a princess’s murder, leading to the execution of the entire household 1.

Wanwan eventually learns that the supposed novel is actually a historical record written by her Grandmaster. Her transmigration was arranged to change that history and prepare her to confront Jiyan. Liu Wan’s original tragedy therefore belongs to the recorded future Wanwan is trying to avert, rather than merely to a fictional narrative 330.

Concealed Pregnancy and Wanwan’s Parentage

Mama Qing’s interrupted confession first gives Liu Wan reason to reconsider Wanwan’s parentage. She hints that Old Madam Xie has committed further wrongs against her and asks whether Wanwan resembles Xie Jin’an. Liu Wan later notices the resemblance between her daughter and Xia Siheng and resolves to question Mama Qing 91 92 115.

The concealed encounter occurred after Old Madam drugged Liu Wan and sent her to the Ninth Prince’s residence to obtain help for the Heir Apparent. Xia Siheng remembers their night together and secretly returning Liu Wan to the marquis household afterward. Liu Wan eventually learns the truth and understands that Xia Siheng is Wanwan’s biological father 116 127 132.

The revelation brings fear as well as understanding. Liu Wan worries that public knowledge would expose her to accusations of adultery and damage her daughter’s reputation. Xia Siheng later tells her that he has preserved evidence of that night, challenging her assumptions about her first marriage 127 152.

Divorce and Independent Household

Liu Wan’s wish to leave becomes an explicit demand for an amicable divorce. The Xie household refuses to honor its promise, and Madam Li insists that Liu Wan must either die or be cast out. When Madam Li attempts to strike her, Liu Wan’s divine protection throws her into a wall. Zhong Youyan stops further violence but has Liu Wan confined to her courtyard, leaving the divorce unresolved 90 91.

Rather than reveal Wanwan’s accomplishments as bargaining material, Liu Wan writes to her birth family. She fears that learning her daughter’s value would make the Xies even more determined to keep them. Pan Chun also confirms that the nanny involved in the infant substitution survived because she secretly protected her from the Heir Apparent’s attempt to silence her 54 91.

When the Xie family gathers to elevate Xu Rourou to Equal Wife, Liu Wan brings the Liu clan elders and her family to demand a divorce agreement. She leaves confinement with Qing Sheng’s help and publicly exposes the attempted replacement and murder of her newborn daughter, calling for witnesses when Jin’an denies responsibility 102.

Liu Wan subsequently obtains her divorce and returns to the Liu household. She entrusts Liu Shi with recovering her dowry rather than returning to the Xie residence herself. Her escape involves coordinated support from her family, Zi Mu, and Xia Siheng, including Zi Mu’s false claim to examination honors and Minister Liu’s feigned death 106 110 113.

Although Lady Liu wants her to remain at home, Liu Wan establishes a separate residence, fearing that her status as a divorced woman will bring trouble to her family. Her relatives escort her to the new home and celebrate her fresh start. At this stage she tells Xia Siheng that raising Wanwan is her priority and that she has no plans to remarry 110 112.

Marriage to Xia Siheng and Royal Household

Liu Wan gradually accepts Xia Siheng’s help with her children, her former household’s crimes, and her own safety. She agrees to let him secretly train Zi Xing, passes him information about the Golden Radiance Jewelry Shop’s suspicious shipments, and asks him to help expose the instructor who sabotaged Zi Xing’s education 112 115 132.

Their renewed relationship develops from guarded gratitude into mutual affection. The families discuss betrothal arrangements, and Liu Wan ultimately marries Xia Siheng. Before the wedding, she reassures Wanwan that marriage will not diminish either parent’s love for her 198 199 231 295.

As Princess Consort, Liu Wan agrees to enter Zi Mu and Zi Xing into the Liu family genealogy. She selects a courtyard at the Ninth Prince’s Residence suited to their respective studies and martial training. When servants invoke Ruyun’s authority to obstruct her decisions and mistreat Qing Sheng’s parents, Liu Wan chooses to investigate and establish her own authority rather than immediately appeal to her husband 302 304.

Learning more about Xia Siheng’s mother’s death, his traumatic childhood, and his years of tolerating a suspected spy deepens Liu Wan’s understanding of him. She vows to face the dangers surrounding his heritage and East Lin’s espionage at his side 309.

Shen Chuanlian and the Interrupted Adoption

Shen Chuanlian’s interest in a Lotus Knot Liu Wan made for Zi Mu draws him closer to her household. Liu Wan offers to make him a knot and select a jade pendant for him, then personally fastens the completed ornament at his waist. Her instinctive skill and immunity to baleful aura lead Gu Ming and Shen to identify her Lotus Sacred Body. Shen concludes that she is the mother who bore him a thousand years earlier 481 483 485.

During Wanwan’s Qilin-power crisis, Liu Wan risks an assassin’s blade to shield both her daughter and Shen. Her protection changes Shen’s resolve when he is tempted to seize Wanwan’s power. He saves Liu Wan from the attacker and explains how her blood can ease her daughter’s condition. Liu Wan later asks Yuanbao to treat him as well, acknowledging that the Demon God has saved them 504 507.

Liu Wan and Xia Siheng agree to take Shen into their family after he expresses a desire to abandon his past and begin anew. They plan to enter his name into the clan genealogy and hold a tea-offering ceremony 515.

The ceremony is interrupted when the Phoenix Feather Plume launches a fatal attack. Shen pushes Liu Wan away from the strike, but a transparent force changes its course toward her. Despite his attempt to intervene, the arrow pierces her chest. The adoption is therefore not shown reaching a completed, peaceful conclusion 522 525.

Near-Fatal Injury and Recovery

Liu Wan is initially believed dead after the Phoenix attack. Wanwan discovers that the Stabby Sword has reflected half the attack and released stored spiritual power to protect her mother’s heart meridians. Her Lotus Sacred Body, Wanwan’s healing, and medicine allow her to survive, although severe injury and blood loss leave her unconscious 523 525.

Consort Ling moves into Liu Wan’s room to help care for her. The Liu family, Imperial Physician Huang, and the Ninth Prince’s household maintain a month-long vigil. Wanwan secretly feeds her mother blood from her heart, while Yuanbao supplies Wanwan with spiritual power. Liu Wan’s improving complexion and eventual grasp of her daughter’s hand signal that she is recovering 526 531.

Liu Wan awakens after a month and reunites with Wanwan in tears. She reveals privately that she remained aware during her unconsciousness and knew what her daughter had sacrificed. Rather than confront Wanwan with that knowledge, she secretly adds her own blood to the child’s tonic to help heal her wound 534.

After receiving Xia Siheng’s campaign letter, Liu Wan tells Wanwan that Shen Chuanlian did not cause her injury: he tried to protect her from the Phoenix strike. Wanwan later destroys Yue Xuanji, who used the Phoenix power against Liu Wan, completing the revenge for her mother’s suffering 535 561.

Later Family Life

Before Xia Siheng’s military campaign, Liu Wan clings to him as he speaks of the possibility that he may not return and his hope of retiring to family life if he survives. During the campaign, she receives his letters with visible joy and shares the news with Wanwan 481 535.

In the finale’s later time period, Liu Wan is alive with her family. Ten-year-old Wanwan rests beside her while playing with her four-year-old younger brother. Zi Mu has become a regional governor assigned to assist Prince Hui in East Lin, while Zi Xing has earned appointment as a general through his achievements suppressing bandits 568.

Appearance

• Beautiful and gentle-looking: Wanwan repeatedly admires her mother’s beauty, and the Fifth Princess regards her as dignified and beautiful 1 5 9 12.
• Frail after illness: Her health remains weakened after the river rescue, and childbirth initially leaves her exhausted, unconscious, and pale-lipped 1 2.
• Slender fingers: She frequently offers Wanwan a finger to hold or taps the baby’s forehead while reassuring or correcting her 2 6 11.
• Dignified dress: Liu Wan favors elegant, restrained clothing. When offered Wanwan’s pink shovel for protection, she asks instead for something she can carry discreetly, ultimately wearing the Stabby Sword as a hairpin 457.
• Sacred constitution: Her exceptional beauty is one of the characteristics Shen Chuanlian associates with the Lotus Sacred Body 485.
• Composed public bearing: During Gu Ming’s attack, she stands upright before the imperial family and commoners, holding the gourd despite the surrounding danger 333 334.

Personality

Liu Wan begins as a gentle, charitable woman who has spent years enduring neglect to preserve the appearance of a harmonious marriage. Learning about the attempted infant swap and her husband’s longstanding affair changes her willingness to sacrifice herself for the Xie family. She retains her composure but becomes openly defiant, refusing demands that would harm her children or birth family 4 6 12 26 27.

Her maternal affection includes firm expectations. She wants her sons to become upright gentlemen rather than merely win examination honors, warns Zi Mu against compromising his integrity through household schemes, and quietly supports Zi Xing through drug withdrawal despite her disappointment in him 12 29 30.

She is cautious rather than indiscriminately vindictive. She investigates suspicious claims, advises Qing Da’s family to prioritize survival, and remains attentive to the social risks of private meetings with Xia Siheng. Her belief that Wanwan should value herself—even without others’ approval—also marks Liu Wan’s growing rejection of the household’s son preference 13 34 42 46 50.

Her courtesy increasingly becomes a strategic tool rather than an expression of submission. She agrees outwardly to seek Xu Rourou’s release while taking no action, secures a promise from Old Madam, and uses Jin’an’s professed remorse to redirect pressure away from herself. She also answers public accusations with financial records and witnesses instead of accepting her opponents’ emotional framing 51 81 84.

Liu Wan remains shaped by propriety and the fear of reputational harm, particularly after learning Wanwan’s parentage. Her initial rejection of remarriage reflects both her commitment to her children and the damage caused by her first marriage. Her eventual trust in Xia Siheng develops gradually, becoming an explicit willingness to share his burdens 112 127 132 309.

Her compassion extends beyond her own children. She makes offerings for an abused dead girl, shields Shen Chuanlian despite knowing he is the Demon God, and responds sympathetically to Princess Liuli’s abandonment. These actions do not make her indifferent to danger; rather, she distinguishes a person’s needs and protective acts from the frightening identities or circumstances surrounding them 219 504 507 518.

She also becomes more pragmatic about protecting her sons. Anticipating that Zi Mu will secretly pursue revenge against his birth mother’s killer, Liu Wan waits nearby to address any consequences while keeping her intervention hidden so it will not disrupt his examination preparations 464 467.

Abilities & Skills

Hearing Wanwan’s Thoughts

Liu Wan can hear her daughter’s inner voice, gaining access to warnings about concealed relationships, household plots, and the original novel’s future 1 6 12.

• Uses Wanwan’s warnings to prevent the infant substitution and recognize danger to the Fifth Princess 1 6 7.
• Learns of threats to Zi Xing, Qing Sheng, and the Liu family through the baby’s thoughts 24 28 47.
• Initially believes she is the only listener, then learns Zi Mu can hear Wanwan and suspects Zi Xing can as well 12.
• Can hear Wanwan’s supernatural commentary; in the early chapters she is not shown personally cultivating, controlling lightning, or subduing ghosts 17 44 46.
• Uses later revelations to evaluate Li Qian’s proposed marriage to Liu Shi and recognize the danger of Xie Jinqian’s sinister arts 232 257.
• Protects the secrecy of Wanwan’s unusual nature, explicitly warning Liu Shi not to spread information that could expose her to accusations involving evil spirits 59.

Household and Financial Management

Even Xie Jin’an recognizes Liu Wan as more capable than the relatives attempting to manipulate her. Her work restores order to the residence’s failing businesses and domestic affairs 10.

• Manages accounts, shops, servants, and household expenditure 10 16 23.
• Recognizes that surrendering management also frees her from responsibility for the residence’s enormous deficit 22 23.
• Withdraws her dowry support and intends to preserve her belongings for Wanwan 23 46.
• Helps audit the Fifth Princess’s extensive dowry and directs palace attendants during wedding preparations 46.
• Proves that three thousand taels intended for servants’ wages were diverted, using the accountant’s testimony to counter claims that the unpaid servants were her responsibility 51.
• Presides over Xie Jinqiu and Zhong Youyan’s wedding while the household’s senior women are unavailable or incapacitated 54.
• Delegates recovery of her dowry to Liu Shi after the divorce, protecting both her property interests and her personal safety 106.
• Plans suitable living arrangements for her sons and investigates obstruction by the Ninth Prince’s household staff 302 304.
• Organizes an orderly reception and meal during the Ruler of Eastern Lin’s visit despite his concealed contempt for her remarriage 489.

Social and Political Maneuvering

Liu Wan uses etiquette, public scrutiny, family connections, and imperial recognition to resist the Xie household without accepting its preferred explanations 5 8 10 26.

• Recasts Huaishan’s gathering as a banquet honoring Liu Ye and his impending royal marriage 5.
• Exposes the old madam’s insulting longevity lock before the full-month banquet guests 6.
• Refuses to legitimize Huaishan through adoption despite pressure over the imperial heirloom scandal 10.
• Invokes her imperial rank against Madam Li’s slander and attempted punishment 26.
• Avoids a forced meeting with Madam Zhong by claiming contagious illness and explicitly supporting the Zhong family’s decision 35.
• Cooperates promptly with evidence presented at court against the Xie household, allowing the emperor to act over the two bolts of Shu brocade 78.
• Uses apparent compliance and carefully displayed distress to counter pressure to rescue Xu Rourou 81 84.
• Mobilizes her family and clan elders in pursuit of a divorce agreement and publicly challenges Jin’an’s account of the infant substitution 102 113.
• Coordinates with Zhong Youyan and Xia Siheng over suspicious jewelry-shop shipments potentially involving Happy Powder and treason 132.
• Counters the Xie family’s public appeals to filial obligation by recalling their treatment of Wanwan and the attempted infant swap 154.
• Warns Xia Siheng that Xie Jinqian’s parentage investigation could threaten their marriage and make the First Prince a target 231.
• Arranges Yuanbao’s intervention in Liu Shi’s proposed match with Li Qian after learning she intends to use the marriage as protection from social judgment 232 234 236.

Education and Protective Leadership

Liu Wan teaches her adopted sons their first lessons and pays for their education at the dynasty’s best academy. She emphasizes judgment, honorable conduct, and responsibility over status alone 11 12 29.

• Uses a passage from The Analects to prompt Zi Mu’s confession about his interference in the pond scheme 11 12.
• Sends Qing Da and armed servants to retrieve Zi Xing without personally entering Madam Li’s reputational trap 28.
• Secretly supplies nourishing soup during Zi Xing’s recovery 30.
• Rewards loyal servants and warns Qing Sheng against accepting others’ food or entering the Third Master’s courtyard 21 24 30.
• Preserves the nanny involved in the birth-switch case as a potential source of evidence through Pan Chun’s intervention 54 102.
• Accepts Xia Siheng’s offer to train Zi Xing and later seeks exposure of the boy’s abusive former instructor 112 115 132.
• Helps arrange the removal of Zi Mu and Qing Sheng’s family from the Xie household 131 132.
• Grants both adopted boys the Liu surname and a permanent place in the Liu genealogy 302.
• Gives Zi Xing bracers incorporating ribbons from his birth parents before he leaves for Azure Cloud Temple, emphasizing his safety over worldly achievement 450.
• Seeks to limit Wanwan’s dangerous adventures after witnessing the consequences of spiritual-power overdraft 147.

Handicrafts and Lotus Knots

Liu Wan is skilled with her hands. She makes several carefully decorated paper outfits for the unnamed dead girl whom Wanwan wishes to comfort, contrasting with her daughter’s crooked attempts 219.

Her ability to tie Lotus Knots is instinctive rather than learned. Pan Chun confirms that she never formally studied the craft. This talent, together with her beauty and resistance to baleful aura, helps Shen Chuanlian recognize the Lotus Sacred Body and connect her to his former-life mother 481 485.

• Makes a Lotus Knot for Zi Mu’s jade pendant 481.
• Offers Shen Chuanlian a pendant and personally ties and fastens its cord 481 483.
• Prepares a Peace-Blessing Pendant for Wanwan, choosing it with her daughter’s safety and healthy growth in mind 483.

Legal Reform

Liu Wan proposes a law intended to provide greater protection for girls. The emperor reports that it has passed its first vote, although conservative opposition remains. The reform becomes part of the wider political work Xia Siheng is trying to complete alongside the investigations into East Lin’s agents 309 405.

Divine Blessing and Protection

Wanwan’s wish to her former master grants Liu Wan a personal blessing of safety and peace in all her lifetimes. This protection manifests when Madam Li attempts to slap her: light flashes from Liu Wan’s forehead and throws the attacker into a wall 86 91.

Liu Wan later explains that divine protection allowed her to fall from a cliff without injury. Nevertheless, the blessing is not absolute immunity against every supernatural attack; the redirected Phoenix strike severely wounds her and requires extensive intervention to save her life 287 522 525.

Lotus Sacred Body

Liu Wan possesses the rare Lotus Sacred Body, identified by Gu Ming and Shen Chuanlian through a combination of physical beauty, instinctive lotus-making, and resistance to baleful power. Shen states that only such a constitution could safely bear a child with his innate baleful nature, and he regards Liu Wan’s survival of Wanwan’s spiritually powerful pregnancy as further evidence 485.

• Resistance to baleful aura: Carries the gourd containing Gu Ming for several days without being harmed by its dense aura 351 485.
• Protective contact: Gu Ming observes that his evil spirits cannot approach children Liu Wan has touched 485.
• Maternal blood remedy: A drop of her blood eases Wanwan’s dangerous reaction to the Qilin’s power. Shen explains that the constitution’s sacred power is deeply attuned to motherhood 504 507.
• Exceptional endurance: Her body withstands more damage than an ordinary person’s, contributing to her survival after the Phoenix arrow pierces her chest 525.
• Reciprocal healing: After awakening, she secretly puts her blood into Wanwan’s tonic to help heal the wound caused by the child’s sacrifice 534.

The constitution does not establish that Liu Wan practices systematic cultivation or possesses the same offensive powers as Wanwan. Her principal demonstrated supernatural actions involve her innate body, divine protection, and magical objects 334 485 504 525.

Gourd Use and Supernatural Combat

Liu Wan uses Wanwan’s gourd against Gu Ming during his attack on Great Xia. She absorbs black energy that nearly strikes Xie Jin’an and stands before the assembled imperial family and commoners despite the guardian’s oppressive power 333.

When evil spirits surround her, Zhong Youyan helps rescue her while the Empress Dowager organizes protection and the emperor fights with the real Imperial Sword. Once secured, Liu Wan raises the gourd, binds Gu Ming, and absorbs him. His defeat destroys the attacking spirits and clears the dark clouds 334.

Power Progression

Equipment / Items

• Death-Exemption Token — Inherited from her aunt and brought into her marriage to help save Jing’an Marquis Manor. She later puts away the dimmed token alongside an unfamiliar green object Wanwan is holding 9 12 63.
• Aunt’s jade pendant — Originally a gift from Consort Ling; reminds Liu Wan of her family’s palace connection 14.
• Imperially Bestowed Gold-Edged Jade Pendant — Awarded alongside her Third-Rank Imperial Lady title for saving the Fifth Princess 13.
• Jade Headdress Set — A first-meeting gift from the Fifth Princess 5.
• Household keys and Matriarch’s Jade Pendant — Symbols of domestic authority that she surrenders to Madam Li, together with the account books 22 23.
• Imperial relief rewards — Gold, silver, jewels, brocades, and cloth credited to her birth family’s charitable efforts; she rejects demands to place them in the marquis household’s treasury 25 26.
• Two bolts of Shu brocade — Rare fabric with double-sided embroidery, given by Xia Zhao after her wedding; later presented as evidence during the palace confrontation with the Xie household 47 78.
• Moon-shaped mutton-fat jade — Delivered by Mama Qing on an unnamed person’s behalf. Said to have been found in Border City’s ruins and connected to the Xu family, it helps Liu Wan understand their historical ties to Marquis Jing’an 83.
• Recovered dowry — Property reclaimed from the Xie residence by Liu Shi, Qin Yan, and government runners after Liu Wan leaves the marriage 106.
• Gourd — Wanwan’s magical artifact, used by Liu Wan to absorb Gu Ming’s energy and capture him. She carries the imprisoned guardian without suffering harm from his baleful aura before he is handed to Wanwan 333 334 351 485.
• Stabby Sword — A hairpin-sized sword developed by Wanwan. It attacks people, ghosts, and evil spirits that touch Liu Wan, while allowing contact she initiates herself. It later reflects half the Phoenix rebirth attack and releases Wanwan’s stored spiritual power to protect Liu Wan’s heart meridians 457 525.
• Lotus-knotted pendants — Handmade protective or affectionate gifts for the children, including Zi Mu’s pendant, Wanwan’s Peace-Blessing Pendant, and Shen Chuanlian’s jade pendant 481 483.

Relationships

Family

• Wanwan / Xia Wanwan / Xie Wanwan — Daughter and closest source of hidden information. Liu Wan rescues her from the infant swap, defends her name, and protects her supernatural secrets from gossip. Their protection becomes reciprocal: Liu Wan’s blood eases Wanwan’s Qilin-power crisis, and Wanwan sacrifices heart’s blood to restore her mother after the Phoenix attack. Liu Wan remains aware of that sacrifice and secretly tries to heal her in return 1 5 46 504 531 534.
• Liu Zi Mu / Xie Zi Mu — Adopted eldest son. His gratitude makes him fiercely protective of her; she encourages his scholarly future while insisting he preserve his integrity. He accepts a dangerous arrangement with Xia Siheng to help secure her freedom, later requests the Liu surname, and is entered into her birth family’s genealogy. Liu Wan quietly anticipates his revenge against his birth mother’s killer and prepares to protect him from its consequences 12 27 30 106 302 467.
• Liu Zi Xing / Xie Zi Xing — Adopted younger son. Liu Wan intervenes when he is led into gambling and drug use, then combines discipline with concealed care during his recovery. She obtains Xia Siheng’s instruction for him, gives him a place in the Liu genealogy, and sends him to Azure Cloud Temple with bracers preserving his birth parents’ ribbons 28 29 30 112 302 450.
• Unnamed younger son — Liu Wan’s younger child in the finale’s time skip. He is four when ten-year-old Wanwan plays with him beside their mother 568.
• Minister Liu — Father, whose past debt to Marquis Jing’an influences her marriage. His household supports her relief proposal when the Xies refuse. He later participates in the effort to obtain her divorce and helps coordinate care after her near-fatal injury 9 12 21 24 102 113 525 531.
• Lady Liu — Mother and outspoken defender. She warns the Xies against mistreating Liu Wan and welcomes her home with her childhood room preserved. After the divorce she prioritizes Liu Wan’s safety and financial security; after the Phoenix attack she joins the vigil and nursing efforts 8 46 106 110 525 534.
• Liu Ye — Elder brother and Xia Zhao’s husband. He supports Liu Wan publicly and plants a winter plum tree in response to a childhood wish of hers. He explains her long attachment to the original plum cutting to Xia Siheng and insists that his sister remains worthy of the best things in life after her divorce 5 49 114 116.
• Liu Shi — Younger brother at the Court of Judicial Review. He follows her instructions to deny the Xies special consideration; she later investigates his proposed marriage to Li Duoduo. He helps reclaim her dowry, while Liu Wan subsequently intervenes in his proposed match with Li Qian after hearing Wanwan’s warning 21 50 106 232 234 236.
• Lady Susu — Late aunt, whose token and friendship with Consort Ling provide Liu Wan with lasting protection and connections 12 43.

Marital Household

• Xie Jin’an — Former husband and source of prolonged neglect and deception. Liu Wan learns that his relationship with Xu Rourou predates their marriage and stops acting as his unquestioning ally. His later apologies and repetition of the winter-plum proposal gesture fail to restore her trust, especially when he continues trying to rescue Xu. Liu Wan eventually exposes the infant-switch plot before the clans, obtains a divorce, and recovers her property 12 14 27 81 102 106 110.
• Old Madam Xie — Xie Jin’an’s grandmother, whom Liu Wan once saved from drowning. Her involvement in the infant scheme and plot against the Fifth Princess destroys Liu Wan’s loyalty to her. Liu Wan later learns that she also drugged her and sent her to Xia Siheng. The old madam’s coercion and refusal to permit an amicable divorce become further reasons for Liu Wan’s departure 2 13 91 116 127.
• Madam Li — Former mother-in-law. She favors Xu Rourou, abandons Liu Wan at the temple, seizes household management, and threatens punishment and divorce. When Liu Wan actually demands an amicable divorce, Madam Li refuses and attempts to slap her, triggering divine retaliation 17 22 26 90 91.
• Xu Rourou — Xie Jin’an’s mistress and Huaishan’s biological mother. Liu Wan restricts her status and punishes her challenges to household authority. She later refutes Xu’s public accusations over her father’s imprisonment and pretends to cooperate with demands for Xu’s release without actually seeking it 8 10 21 22 51 81 84.
• Xie Huaishan — The child intended to replace Wanwan. Liu Wan refuses to adopt him or make him a legitimate son through her name. When he later attempts to push Wanwan into a lake, she supports her daughter’s right to defend herself while discussing limits on retaliation 1 2 10 92.
• Xie Jinqiu — Fourth brother-in-law, used in the false account of Huaishan’s parentage. Liu Wan refuses to rescue his engagement from the consequences of that deception. She later confronts him over diverted wages and presides over his wedding to Zhong Youyan 10 34 35 51 54.
• Xie Jinqian — Former second brother-in-law whom Liu Wan rescued from drowning during her early marriage. His gratitude develops into an attachment that drives investigations into Wanwan’s parentage and dangerous schemes against Xia Siheng. Liu Wan recognizes his threat, but mourns his willingness to suffer while protecting her and tells him that her divine protection had already kept her safe 207 231 257 277 287.
• Marquis Jing’an — The elder whose past assistance to Minister Liu is invoked to secure Liu Wan’s first marriage. Even after the divorce, he expects her deference and help rescuing the eldest Xie son, treating her former marital ties as an obligation despite the household’s treatment of her 12 143.

Allies

• Xia Zhao, the Fifth Princess — Sister-in-law and royal supporter. Liu Wan saves her at the lotus pond and later helps prepare her wedding dowry. Xia Zhao continues supporting her after the divorce, giving Wanwan a large coral tree for Liu Wan’s new home 5 7 46 112.
• Xia Siheng, the Ninth Prince — Childhood rescuee, Wanwan’s biological father, and Liu Wan’s eventual second husband. Initially a recurring protector whom she treats with guarded formality, he helps with her divorce, her children’s safety, and investigations into the Xies. Their long-hidden childhood attachment becomes a renewed romance and marriage. Liu Wan comes to understand his trauma and chooses to share his political dangers, while he prioritizes her health over having further children and hopes to retire to family life after his campaign 41 42 44 46 116 127 132 295 309 450 481.
• Consort Ling — Her aunt’s friend, Xia Siheng’s adoptive mother, and later her mother-in-law. Liu Wan renews their connection and helps during the ghost attack on her chambers. Consort Ling treats her as family and personally moves into her room to care for her until she awakens from the Phoenix injury 43 44 46 73 526 534.
• Empress Dowager — Royal supporter who considers arranging Liu Wan’s remarriage to bring her and Wanwan into the imperial family. She later helps organize the defense that allows Liu Wan to defeat Gu Ming 40 112 334.
• Zhong Youyan — Initially the woman whose engagement to Xie Jinqiu Liu Wan cannot prevent, later a discreet ally within the Xie household. She halts the violent divorce confrontation, provides information about the jewelry shop, and physically rescues Liu Wan during Gu Ming’s attack, urging the women to fight together 39 91 132 334.
• Mama Qing — Messenger and increasingly important source of information. Liu Wan’s kindness moves her, while fear of being silenced encourages her to support Liu Wan and Xia Siheng. She provides the Xu family’s jade token, carries Liu Wan’s letter, and hints at the concealed encounter underlying Wanwan’s parentage 83 91 92 127.
• Pan Chun and Wang Xia — Trusted personal maids who carry messages, assist with the children, and help safeguard Liu Wan’s secrets. Pan Chun secretly saves the nanny connected to the birth-switch case, and both maids help nurse Liu Wan during her prolonged unconsciousness 1 21 46 54 531.
• Qing Da — Loyal steward whom Liu Wan protects from retaliation and appoints to manage her courtyard. His family remains part of her household, and she later investigates their mistreatment at the Ninth Prince’s Residence 18 21 302.
• Qing Sheng — Qing Da’s extraordinarily strong daughter. Liu Wan hires and protects her; Qing Sheng subsequently shields Liu Wan from hostile matrons and obstructive servants. Liu Wan also helps her family escape the Xie household and intervenes when they face further mistreatment in the royal residence 24 26 35 131 302.
• Yuanbao — Cat spirit and trusted supernatural protector. Liu Wan knows his identity, enlists him in her plan concerning Li Qian, and regards him as the powerful person she can trust during Wanwan’s Qilin crisis. He later secretly supplies Wanwan with spiritual power while she treats her mother 232 236 504 507 531.
• Shen Chuanlian / Jiyan — Demon God who concludes that Liu Wan is his mother from a previous life after recognizing her Lotus Sacred Body. Liu Wan treats him with warmth, risks herself to shield him, and agrees to take him into the family. His attempt to save her during the interrupted adoption is later clarified by Liu Wan herself, complicating Wanwan’s hostility toward him 481 483 485 504 507 515 522 535.
• Princess Liuli — Wanwan’s friend, whom Liu Wan regards sympathetically. Liuli opposes removing Wanwan’s Qilin power and later brings precious medicine, missing her own chance to leave with her father because she is concerned for Wanwan 504 518.
• Gu Ming — Demon God’s guardian whom Liu Wan captures with the gourd. She is later astonished to learn that the same feared enemy has become Wanwan’s underling. His observations help establish her Lotus Sacred Body 334 407 485.
• Xia Qianhui, the First Prince — A proposed remarriage candidate and later an ally whose safety Liu Wan considers when Xie Jinqian investigates Wanwan’s parentage. She recognizes that Wanwan’s use of “Daddy” may make him a target and warns Xia Siheng 112 231.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Notable Quotes

“Even if no one values her, she will value herself!” 13

“And behind you is your mother. Let me handle the affairs of the inner household.” 12

“Taking the wrong path isn’t frightening. What’s frightening is taking the wrong path and still refusing to repent.” 30

“I want a divorce! Husband, sorry for the trouble, but please write the Divorce Agreement!” 90

“Of course not. Mother and Father both love you most of all.” 295

“The one who hurt Mother wasn’t Shen Chuanlian!” 535