Wiki & Encyclopedia: Ming Dynasty Started With Caution

A refined, square-faced scholar and official at the Hanlin Academy, known for his integrity and strictly maintained, meager lifestyle, who deeply cares about his son's academic trajectory and reputation.

A cunning and pragmatic transmigrator in the Ming Dynasty who masks his modern insights behind the guise of a diligent student, while constantly managing his father's expectations to ensure their family's future stability.

A long-term attendant of the Yan family possessing a crafty, silver tongue; he claims to have mastered martial arts, though his competence is questionable.

The house steward of the Yan household, formerly a professional bodyguard who remains capable of handling domestic security issues.

A colleague and fellow official of Yan Kesong at the Hanlin Academy, who shares a close professional bond with him as they serve in the same rank and class of the imperial examinations.

A struggling book merchant with a scruffy appearance but a sharp, astute business mind, who manages his own small, failing printing house and recognizes potential in serialized literature.

A scholar and peer of Yan Kesong, involved in his social and administrative circle.

A distinguished scholar-official and the influential leader of the Chaling School, known for his composed demeanor even in the face of literary friction.

A high-ranking political minister of the Ming court, observant of the shifting cultural and literary undercurrents in the capital.

The Senior Cabinet Minister, known for his abrasive personality, short temper, and blunt honesty, who remains fiercely loyal to the Emperor.

The current emperor of the Ming Dynasty, characterized by his melancholic yet observant nature; he seeks stability in the court and attempts to mediate literary disputes among his ministers.

A Minister of the Ministry of Rites who considers himself a literary prodigy; he is highly vain, competitive, and constantly attempts to establish his own schools to rival Li Dongyang.

The Director of Ceremonial and a trusted eunuch serving the Hongzhi Emperor, often acting as his personal emissary for delicate, high-priority matters.

The Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who accompanies the Hongzhi Emperor on his secret excursions, tasked with maintaining security and guarding the Emperor's true identity.

The Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, whose mathematical understanding provides a frequent point of comparison and frustration for his father.

The deeply cherished wife of the Hongzhi Emperor; the only woman in the imperial harem, she is known for her frugal nature and her love for serialized literature.

The Minister of Personnel, renowned for his fearless and prolific impeachment of officials, widely feared by the entire civil and military court.

A construction foreman who leads a group of laborers renovating the Yan residence; he values steady, high-paying work and seeks favor with the household.

The mysterious and highly popular author of serialized novels like 'Dream Tower' and 'Judge Bao's Wrath', whose identity remains unknown to the public but is secretly Yan Kesong.

The protagonist of the popular novel series written by Yingkesong, known for dispensing justice.

The Minister of the Ministry of War, responsible for overseeing frontier defense and advising the Emperor on military conflicts involving Hami and the Tufan.

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, stationed in Ganzhou to manage the volatile border security and report on regional conflicts.

The captured Loyalist King of Hami, whose political status is a crucial bargaining chip for the Ming Dynasty's border policies.

A local tribal leader stationed near the Ganzhou border, identified by the imperial court as a potential pawn to stabilize Hami.

The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, a staunch critic who actively campaigns against the popular literature of Yingkesong in the name of morality.

An official of the Censorate known for his critical nature, who publicly joins the impeachment of Yingkesong to maintain his professional standing despite being a fan of the novels.