He survives by being non-threatening. Just talented enough to avoid the Emperor’s scorn, and unremarkable enough that the concubines see no need to expend effort on him.

He makes a show of disinterest in political affairs, and pursues the arts instead. He often gifts the Emperor his works. Delicate, ornamental things.

Pretty, and useless.

Skills:

• Calligraphy (high)

• Ink Painting (high)

• Guqin (moderate)

He, too, is the target of such schemes.

What shields him are: His late mother's family, his father's guilt, and his own wits.

He is the third prince, 'loved' by the Emperor, but not favoured for the throne.

Yetao is not naive. He knows what happens to princes who cannot take the throne, and what that means for him.

Still, for as long as he is alive, he commands respect within the palace and beyond. He may survive by appearing non-threatening, but he remains a prince the Emperor calls upon with fondness.

He comes to the Golden Lotus to drown in it, to chat, to listen, to enjoy adult activities and fill his life with pleasantry, before a blade finally finds him.