Gyokuyou
A high-ranking concubine in The Apothecary Diaries, Lady Gyokuyou resides in the Jade Palace as one of the Four Consorts and enjoys the Emperor's deepest favor. She becomes Maomao's first employer in the rear palace and holds immense trust in her. Possessing sharp intelligence and profound discretion, she eventually gives birth to an imperial prince, who is designated the crown prince, leading to her official elevation to Empress.
Overview
A high-ranking concubine in The Apothecary Diaries, Lady Gyokuyou resides in the Jade Palace as one of the Four Consorts and enjoys the Emperor's deepest favor. She becomes Maomao's first employer in the rear palace and holds immense trust in her. Possessing sharp intelligence and profound discretion, she eventually gives birth to an imperial prince, who is designated the crown prince, leading to her official elevation to Empress.
Appearance
She is a beautiful woman of mixed heritage with wavy red hair and green eyes, featuring a well-endowed, curvaceous figure. Her attire is adorned with accessories including hair ornaments, hair flowers, a tiara, earrings, and rings. Associated with the fire element among the four high-ranking consorts, she is typically dressed in elegant crimson robes.
Personality
She presents a serene, soft-spoken demeanor with a frequent gentle smile, yet she maintains a highly cautious and perceptive mind. Driven by curiosity, she takes quiet delight in Maomao's involvement with sinister mysteries. Observant of those around her, she quickly notices Jinshi's feelings toward Maomao and enjoys playfully teasing him about it.
Abilities
She possesses exceptional intelligence and insight, allowing her to navigate the treacherous political environment of the inner court to protect herself and her children. Highly capable in her duties as a consort, she exhibits sharp judgment in maintaining her status and observing palace affairs.
Background
Born as the daughter of Yang Yuyuan, a powerful figure in the western capital of Xining Province, she was raised to become a consort after her father recognized her potential. Recommended by Jinshi, she entered the rear palace as a Noble Consort. After Maomao helped save her daughter, Princess Lingli, from poisoning, Gyokuyou brought the apothecary into the Jade Palace as a lady-in-waiting and food taster. She later gives birth to a son and is ultimately chosen as Empress due to political and lineage considerations.
Relationships
She places immense trust in Maomao, treating her as a benefactor. Her personal staff includes her head maid Hongniang, alongside Infa, Guien, Ailan, and the three sisters Hakuu, Kokuu, and Sekiu. She is the mother of Princess Lingli and her newborn prince, enjoying the strong affection of the Emperor. Conversely, she maintains a strained relationship with her elder half-brother, Yang Yuying.
Trivia
Associated with the fire element in the palace's five-element framework, she is regarded as the woman who best suits the color red in the nation of Li. Based on her family's surname, her formal title corresponds to 'Yang Guifei,' drawing a parallel to the historical figure.
